If you ever find yourself in Zambia, in a small town called Livingstone, you’re probably there because of the world famous falls. Victoria Falls stretches along for 2km and can be visited from both Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. The waterfall was named after Queen Victoria by Scottish explorer David Livingstone. However, the locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya – the smoke that thunders. Because of its hight, heavy water steam raises and can be spotted from the distance.
It won’t be long until someone in your hotel will ask you if you already have, or if you’re planning on going swimming in Devils Pool.
Visiting Devil’s Pool
In fact, so-called Devils Pool has nothing evil about it, apart from its location. It’s situated on the edge of Victoria Falls on Zambia side and is more than 100m high. An ultimate infinity pool was created by thousands of years of erosion, however it’s not possible to visit all year round; you can only take a dip from August to January, when Zambezi river waters are running low and current is not too strong to push you over. From the first sight it might seem like if you jump in you’ll be pushed over the edge by running waters, but you won’t! The only thing stopping you from going over is a rock barrier that lies right on the edge of the falls. Devil’s Pool is death-defying feat that even the most casual of thrill seekers must add to their bucket list.
Swimming on the edge of one of the world’s largest waterfalls was most thrilling, insane, and awesome experience I’ve ever embarked on during our current trip around Africa. Pair that with Walking a Cheetah experience while in Livingstone and you have an ultimate unforgettable holiday.
Getting there though can be as adventurous as the pool itself. If you’re staying somewhere in central Livingstone, just like we did, it only takes a short taxi ride (10km) and costs around $6, or you can take a local chapa for $0.5o . Once you get there you have to pay $15 admission fee to enter the Victoria Falls. After walking for around, guide approached us asking if we wanted him to guide us through to Devil’s pool. We haggled a bit and agreed lower, $35 price. Note: this is an after hours tour, requiring to walk, instead of taking a boat, hence the much cheaper price.
We were told that it takes up to 20mim to reach the Devils pool and it wasn’t just any easy walk. First we had to cross large bit of river by walking on top of 30cm wide dam, with strong current washing our feet. After that, getting further consisted of swimming and walking through rocky river bed. You must be careful, as many injuries happen slipping down.
Our guide came with his friend who was also a photographer. Once we reached the pool, guide jumped in first, then he showed us where to jump in and where to stay once in the pool, while his friend took many pictures, just hanging on the edge of the pool. I guess he’s doing this since he was 10.
Pool was filled with little fishes that eat away your dead skin, giving weird biting sensation. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to spend in the pool (20min max) as it was getting dark and we could see a storm approaching too. In no time it started raining and it got really dark, making our way back even more complicated.
But we made it and I’m the living proof telling the legend!
Enjoyed reading about Devil’s Pool? Or planning on visiting? Share your experience bellow.
Custom daytime tour costs $70
After hours tour around $35
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