no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Livingstone Island, a small island in the centre of the flow, was opened in 1995 to offer a unique, and truly mind-blowing picnic spot – right on the edge of the Falls.

Yet increasingly the real draw for many to the island has become the Devil’s Pool, a small lagoon, enclosed by rock, right on the lip of the 103m-high Falls, where a lucky (crazy) few, at the right time of year, can go for a dip. The pool is chest-deep and calm, so you don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you’ll want a good head for heights.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £115
Minimum age: 12
Age suitable: 12+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours

Getting there & doing it

The 2-hour tours include a short boat ride (8 minutes) to Livingstone Island, a tour of the island, and the chance to swim in Devil’s Pool. Capacity is limited, so book well ahead to avoid disappointment. All ages can go, but it’s obviously not suitable for toddlers.

If a swim in Devil’s Pool is high on your agenda, consider a stay at Tongabezi. The camp owns the Livingstone Island, and guests get private access to the pool.

When to do it

The island and pool are only accessible at low water – roughly August to December – and swimming is not always permitted if the river is deemed too high. Forget about doing it from January to June. The river will sweep you over the Falls faster than you can say ‘Dr. Livingstone, I presu…’

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Angel's Pool Livingstone Island

Angel's Pool Livingstone Island

Livingstone

The Devil's Swimming Pool and Livingstone Island Tour is an Exhilarating and Memorable Experience. This activity is only available from the ...

$171 | Rating 4.92 / 5 [13 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia

A five-star hotel with an unrivalled Falls location, luxury rooms and modern facilities… at a price.

Official star rating:

Ilala Lodge Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

Cosy boutique hotel with an authentic African feel, right on the doorstep of the Victoria Falls.

Official star rating:

Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)

A historic hotel – Victoria Falls’ grand dame – that combines classic charm with unrivalled location, steps from the Falls.

Official star rating:

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Modern safari-themed lodge offering easy access to the falls, and plenty of peace and quiet.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The world-famous Victoria Falls is also Africa’s adventure playground, offering an array of brilliant adrenalin-packed adventure activities plus Big Five safaris.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Victoria Falls Waterfall

Zimbabwe

This 108-metre-high waterfall on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, it’s impossible not to be awed and humbled by Mosi-Oa-Tunya, the ‘smoke that thunders’.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Lookout Cafe
Experience

Lookout Cafe

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

This popular cafe, running by the reliable Wild Horizons, has a unrivalled location on the edge of Batoka Gorge. The outdoor terrace has stunning views. They serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner often with local specialities on the menu, like game meats and crocodile.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel
Experience

Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia

With the spray rising downstream and the sun dipping below the Zambezi, enjoy the best sundowner G&T in Africa from the Kubu Bar at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Non-residents are welcome, and the views are worth the price tag.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12 | 2-3 hours

Website >
Overview >
The famous afternoon tea stand with sweet treats
Experience

Afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)

Dating back to 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel occupies a dramatic promontory above the Batoka Gorge. It’s a view best enjoyed over the decadent platters served for afternoon tea, a much-loved tradition.

Best for ages: 14+ | £15 | 1-2 hours

Website >
Overview >
Golf course next to the Zambezi river with hippos in the water
Experience

Golf at Elephant Hills

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the 18-hole Elephant Hills course upstream from the Falls is one of the wildest golf courses in Africa, and players will have to mind the antelope and crocodiles as carefully as the water hazards.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 2-4 hours

Website >
Overview >