Devil’s Pool (Livingstone Island): Swimming at the Edge of Victoria Falls

Devil’s Pool (Livingstone Island): Swimming at the Edge of Victoria Falls: History & Culture

Discover Devil’s Pool (Livingstone Island): Swimming at the Edge of Victoria Falls

Devil’s Pool is a natural infinity pool on the lip of Victoria Falls, on the Zambian side of the Zambezi. It is one of the most talked-about swims in Southern Africa, and it is only possible for part of the year. This guide covers what it is, when it is open, how the visit works, who can take part and how to reach it from Livingstone.

What Is Devil’s Pool?

Devil’s Pool sits right on the edge of Victoria Falls. You reach it from Livingstone Island, which lies in the middle of the Zambezi, immediately upstream of the falls and near the Zambian shore.

Between about September and December, low water creates an eddy with minimal current. That lets swimmers splash around in relative safety, right beside the drop.

The main attractions of the visit are:

• Devil’s Pool: the natural infinity pool on the lip of the falls.
• Livingstone Island: the viewpoint David Livingstone used in 1855.
• Victoria Falls: the famous falls themselves, seen from the island.

When Is Devil’s Pool Open?

The operator says Devil’s Pool is usually open from late August to late December. This is the low-water season, and it is the best time to plan a visit if swimming is the goal.

Dates are not fixed. Swimming depends on water levels and on the guides’ safety assessments. Sources also describe the season slightly differently. One puts the low-water window at about September to December, so treat the edges of the season with caution and confirm with the operator before you travel.

How the Visit Works

The experience is guided from start to finish:

• Go to the Livingstone Island Launch Site.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure.
• Take the boat transfer to the island. Life jackets are mandatory on the boat.
• Join the guided walk on the island.
• Swim at Devil’s Pool, if conditions allow.

The operator is Green Safaris. Its FAQ lists the booking contact as [email protected]. Check the current rates, departure times and what is included directly with the operator before you plan your day.

Who Can Take Part?

There are age and health rules, so check them before you commit:

• The minimum age to visit the island is 8.
• The minimum age to swim is 12.
• Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Parents or guardians sign waivers.
• Guests with conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes need a health assessment.

If anyone in your group has a medical condition, raise it with the operator well ahead of your trip rather than on the day.

The History of Livingstone Island

David Livingstone was the first European recorded to see the falls, on 16 November 1855. He viewed them from the island that now carries his name, and he named the falls after Queen Victoria.

The local name for the falls, meaning “the smoke that thunders”, is still in use today.

The nearby town of Livingstone was founded in 1905. It was the capital of Northern Rhodesia from 1911 to 1935, and it was the capital of Southern Province until 2011.

Getting to Devil’s Pool

Livingstone is the main Zambian access point to Victoria Falls. The town is in Southern Province and had a 2022 census population of 177,393.

It is served by Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport. There are domestic flights from Lusaka, and international links to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Mbombela and Nairobi.

From town, you head to the Livingstone Island Launch Site for your boat transfer. Allow for the 30-minute early arrival when you plan your morning.

What Else to See Nearby

If you have extra time in the area, these are worth adding:

• Victoria Falls itself.
• The Livingstone Museum.
• The Maramba Cultural Museum.
• The Victoria Falls Field Museum.

The Zimbabwe-side town of Victoria Falls is the other main hub for visitors to the falls.

Planning Tips

• Travel between late August and late December if you want to swim.
• Confirm current conditions with the operator, because the pool is only used when guides judge it safe.
• Check age limits and waiver requirements before you book for a family.
• Arrive at the launch site at least 30 minutes early.

Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.