Travel bucket list idea:

Swim in the Devil’s Pool

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia

Bucket List Experience

Man jumping into Devil's Pool right on the lip of the falls

Credit Shutterstock.com/cordelia bua

Last updated: 16 March, 2024

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.

Logistics

Price from: £115

Minimum age: 12

Age suitable: 13+

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…’

Who to go with: organised tours

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

Small-Group Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island Tour

Victoria Falls

• Swim in Livingston Island's famous pools at the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls • Explore Livingston Island on a guided tour and enjoy a specially prepared bush breakfast, lunch or high tea • Peer over the basalt edge of the pool and see the magnificent water torrent cascading over the falls • Take pictures over the edge of the largest expanse of falling water in the world • 100% safety record with a qualified guide being with you at all times Travel from your hotel in Victoria Falls via coach and after a safety briefing, your guide will take you to Livingstone Island by boat. Take in stunning views, swim in it's famous pool and explore Livingston Island before a tasty bush breakfast. Please note that if Devil's Pools is not available due to high water, Angels Pools will be visited instead.

Price: $199

Min age: 12

Rating 4.41 / 5 [70 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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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 Zambian side of Victoria Falls.

Price: $186

Min age: 10

Rating 4.82 / 5 [29 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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