Devil’s Pool – Victoria Falls, Zambia

Devil’s Pool is near the edge of the Victoria Falls on Livingstone Island on the Zambian side. When the river flow is at a certain level, usually between September and December, a rock barrier forms an eddy with minimal current, allowing adventurous travelers to splash around in relative safety a few feet from the point where the water cascades over the falls.



By: cansuelter

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Africa / Waterfalls  

It is also known as The Smoke that Thunders, because over 500 million litres of water a minute cascade 2 km wide falls, causing a deafening and spectacular explosion of spray which can be seen 30 miles away.

Devil's Pool Devil's Pool

Getting to the Devil’s Pool

There is no way to go Devil’s Pool by yourself, it’s prohibited, but you can reach the pool with a guide by attending a tour. There are 2 easy tour routes to get Devil’s Pool. The expensive option is by boat, the cheaper one is by walking and swimming. I highly recommend the second option to have the chance to see the beautiful trekking route and different points of Zambezi River.

Price

It takes 15 minutes to go there by taxi and costs 10 dollars. There is no public transport vehicle to go there. Boat tour is 95 dollars and walking tour is 87 dollars.

Devil's Pool

Where to stay

If you are a backpacker just like me, I highly recommend 2 backpacker hostels. The first one is Jollyboys Backpackers which is often full and very enjoyable. The other one is a little far from the center (20 minutes walking) but has a beautiful vibe and mostly calm; Zinga backpackers. I’m not advising Livingstone Backpackers, they are mostly welcoming big volunteer groups that affects the general vibe of the hostel; it’s not easy to socialize.




How much time do you need there

You need at least half of the day, because you are not only spending time in the pool, but at the fabulous nature. You can see the details in my Zambia video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yioMUha26jE

 

Devil's Pool Devil's Pool

When is the best time to visit Devil’s Pool

The best season to go to Devil’s Pool is between September and December. The tour starts at the early morning. It’s always a very attractive touristy place and it’s hard to find a less crowded day or hour. You also most probably may not have the chance to experience to swim in the pool without season, if you don’t want to die. It’s very very dangerous wilt the high level of cascade.

What to do there

If you have a gopro or a waterproof camera, just go there with it to document your experience. If not, you can kindly ask your tourist guide to take some photos of you with your camera or phone. They are very helpfull. Don’t forget to see Livingstone Natural Park after the pool experience. There is a rock called ‘death rock’ because tourist were falling down from the rock while trying to take selfie, I took a selfie too and I’m still living, just be careful when you do it. And there is a fabulous bridge inside of the park that I highly recomment you to see also.

Devil's PoolDevil's Pool

What should you not do

Don’t give more than 95 dollars as I heard some tourists paid more than a hundred. No more extra costs included, if they say so, they are lying. And please remember that there are fishes at the pool which are not small and giving kind kisses to your legs. It’s totally safe, more like giggling.

Why should Devil’s Pool be on my bucket list?

It’s a one in a lifetime experience and there is no other place or way that you can do it. Swimming at the edge of the world’s largest waterfall makes you feel like the queen of the waterfall. Don’t think twice about it, just do it!




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