Devil's Pool
Devil's Pool
5
About
Devil's Pool is adjacent to the famous Livingstone Island situated on the edge of the Victoria Falls. Guests can choose to enjoy an exhilarating swim to the edge of the falls during their Livingstone Island visit. The Devil's Pool is usually open between mid-August and mid-January - depending on Zambezi water levels. Livingstone Island tours are accessible through Tongabezi Lodge.
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- Dorian GScarsdale, New York17 contributionsTerrifying and exhilarating!We saw the pool from across the falls at the Victoria Falls Park which is a must see when traveling to this area. I almost chickened out but was encouraged by my travel buddies to continue. The cost of the trip to Devil's pool is steep with an extra fee to cross the border into Zambia which is in addition to the visa required in advance but it is so worth it. It is very organized with towel service and water shoes if you don't have your own. We were a group of 6 and after walking across a shoulder deep pool we arrived on the rocks surrounding the pool. Our guides "Alpha Omega" and "Rhino" were very calm and explained things very carefully so we felt very safe. They take all the photos so you can focus on the experience. Afterwards, we went for the lunch tour and were amazed at the 3 course gourmet lunch served on Livingstone Island . The chef was even prepared for our vegan travelers!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 14, 2023
- Sarah SLeicester, United Kingdom81 contributionsJust do it!I’m no adrenaline junkie. In fact more middle aged arm chair dweller. Loved it! There was even an 80 year old doing it. Few reviews mention the fish! It’s like a foot spa-but for the entire body! Not at any point did I feel unsafe. The best advice I can give you is don’t look down until you have finished the fun! Food was great too. Only faff was crossing from Zimbabwe. But it’s one of life’s experiences!! Don’t miss it. Embrace it.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 27, 2023
- Clarissa K2 contributionsBucket List Goals with Green SafarisEven if you have to do just one thing on your visit to Zambia or Zimbabwe... Do this! The Devils Pool, Livingstone Island Experience is one of the most incredible and empowering experiences that you will ever do in your life. Green Safaris have created a unique experience that includes a boat ride, the private island visit with welcome drinks when you arrive , The Bucket List Experience of swimming , laying and enjoying being on top of the largest waterfall in the world as you take on Devils Pool and enjoy a delicious 3 course meal prepared by a private chef just for your group! There is no other way to do it than booking with Green Safaris and there is nothing more important than getting this off your bucket list! Ps. You even get pictures on the edge! #bestselfieever! You just have to! And if you are a bit scared...be rest assured you are in great hands. They are experienced and thoughtful. They help you and guide you, every step of the way.Visited November 2023Traveled on businessWritten December 3, 2023
- charliefromscratchDenver, Colorado4 contributionsOnce in a lifetime experience!Be prepared to do a bit of swimming in the current and put up with some rather aggressive small fish once you arrive in the Devil's Pool, but it's worth every minute of the adrenaline rush and all the tiny fish bites. The lifeguard did a great job of making us feel relatively safe despite swimming through fairly strong current and hanging off the edge of a waterfall. I'd recommend taking them up on their offer of water shoes if you don't have your own, as portions of the rocks on the way out are rather sharp.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 20, 2023
- Mrs PCanvey Island, United Kingdom28 contributionsNot for the faint heartedDevils pool is definitely one for adrenaline junkies! I wouldn’t recommend young children are taken on this experience. My daughter is 11 years old and the current is far too strong for anyone but a strong swimmer. The boat ride to Livingstone Island was great. The experience itself is unbelievable, and the gourmet lunch was incredible. Highly recommendVisited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 5, 2024
- Kerry JLondon, United Kingdom36 contributionsWow factorWow! What an experience. Just exceptional. There were moments where we weren't 100% sure if we were safe. But we were. The guides should take longer to explain things as they tended to rush through. And when your heart is racing as fast as mine was you want to make sure you really understand what is going on. So pleased we did it.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 28, 2024
- Robert B19 contributionsExhilarating Experience - A Must Do!I will be honest, I am not the one who booked this. I am usually the adrenaline junkie in the relationship, but I hate heights, so this was an activity I had avoided, but my wife went ahead and booked this excursion for our honeymoon. Despite my fears, I am so glad she did. The boat ride to Livingstone Island alone was worth the price of admission. From there, you either swim over or walk across the Zambezi to the rocks where the Devil's Pool is located. If you chicken out here, I would totally understand, I almost did, but even still the view would be worth it. However, I ended up jumping in and sat on the edge, and leaned over the edge as well. At no point did I feel unsafe, as the guides explain what to do and are with you the entire time. They knew how scared I was and made sure I felt safe! I can honestly say it was one of the coolest things I have ever done. After the dip in the pool, you'll be taken for a breakfast or lunch (depending on the time you go) which was absolutely delicious, a very pleasant surprise! All in all, if you are looking for a fun excursion to do in the Victoria Falls/Livingstone area, I cannot recommend this enough!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 16, 2024
- William PWorcestershire, United Kingdom52 contributionsAmazingI booked my trip when I got to my hotel, I found that this was much cheaper than booking before I travelled. I had to cross the border from my hotel to visit the Devil's pool. I had already crossed that same border into Zimbabwe that morning and then had to pay another £58 to get another Visa to enter Zambia (the visa's look good in my passport), to go to the Devil's Pool, make sure you buy a multiple entry visa, it is much cheaper if your hotel is in a different country. The speed boat ride to the pool is cool, make sure you have lots of space on your camera. They will lock up any valuables that you have before you get on the speed boat, they will also give you a big towel to dry yourself off with when you get out of the pool. Buy some beach shoe's off Amazon for £12, these will help you to walk over the stones under the water as you swim and make your way to the pool. Some very small fish will nibble on your feet when you are in the pool, it does not hurt, it adds to the experience. Enjoy yourself, scare yourself, look over the edge, it is so fantastic. I had food afterwards, which was fab. WilliamVisited October 2023Traveled soloWritten August 27, 2024
- Helen WWagga Wagga, Australia117 contributionsDO IT!!!!Oh my goodness!!!! What an experience!!!! If you are thinking of doing this one, DO IT! However, I feel you do need to be a reasonable swimmer as the current is quite strong as imagined. I felt completely safe the whole time. The breakfast/brunch was great also.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 5, 2024
- SMOOZALondon, United Kingdom402 contributionsFantastic experienceThis is definitely one of those "wow" things that you will always remember! I am not a good swimmer so I was not planning to go in .... but with some peer pressure and lots of encouragement from the guides I took the plunge (literally!). I would suggest using water shoes - you need to take a short walk in the water on the rocks until you get to the actual pool. This is not deep and you hold onto a rope so it's fairly easy. Then you all (usually around 10-12 people) wait on the rocks to the side while the guides take each group in ... They collect all the phones beforehand and they take the photos for you. The photos are great because you are in the pool with just your friends/family and the guides. I wasn't nervous or scared at any point ... I think the adrenalin just takes over. The guides are amazing and very careful. If you are worried, just let them know and they will look after you individually as they did with me! Lunch afterwards was a lovely way to end the experience.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Claire O
Bicester, UK830 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
In full transparency I did not do this activity. We took the boat to Livingstone Island and changed into our swimming costumes. Standing on the bank of the River it was absolutely freezing from the spray if the waterfall. The water level was really high and wading across was not an option. In parts we would have been out of our depth and even the strong swimmers in our group did not find it easy. We were left standing on the back for twenty minutes in the freezing cold whilst we waited for the rest of the group to come back. There was no safety briefing. In hindsight I wish I hadn’t signed up to do it. It’s not great value for money and whilst I found other reviews reassuring people need to be aware that the water levels do vary considerably depending on the time of year and August is when it’s at its highest. The food afterwards was very good.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeswinst
Arkansas5 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
Alex and the team at “Life On The Edge” were absolutely incredible. They provided the greatest experience while we were on holiday and literally held our hands through the entire process. Chef Linda provided us with a phenomenal meal and was so accommodating for a vegetarian in our group. This team pulled out all the stops and took photos that will last a lifetime. They were extremely professional and we never though twice about the dangerous experience because of how great they were, literally life on the edge.
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley A
1 contribution
Jan 2020
We had an AMAZING experience on a small group tour of Livingstone Island with Angel's or Devil's Pool. We booked through Tongabezi, the tour company with the only rights to run tours. It is a bit difficult to find the initial meeting point. If walking from the border, continue on the main road for awhile. It is a 15 minute walk past the Royal Livingstone Hotel (on that main road). On your left, you will see a sign that says "Life on the edge" and the boats/tents where the tour starts are there. Our guide said it is possible to arrange transportation from hotels or from the border with a company called Livingstone Adventures. The current was too strong for us to do Devil's Pool, but we did not feel our experience was cheapened by going to Angel's Pool instead. Per the guide, Devil's Pool usually closes in mid-January and Angel's Pool several weeks after that. We had a great time in the pool, got extremely close to the edge, and had beautiful views. The team said the views/photo opps from Angel's Pool are better than Devil's Pool because it is closer to more of the falls. The guides were extremely personable, knowledgeable, and I had no concerns about safety. We went for the lunch tour and the food was amazing. Highly recommend..
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charliefromscratch
Denver, CO4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Be prepared to do a bit of swimming in the current and put up with some rather aggressive small fish once you arrive in the Devil's Pool, but it's worth every minute of the adrenaline rush and all the tiny fish bites. The lifeguard did a great job of making us feel relatively safe despite swimming through fairly strong current and hanging off the edge of a waterfall. I'd recommend taking them up on their offer of water shoes if you don't have your own, as portions of the rocks on the way out are rather sharp.
Written December 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare B
Adelaide, Australia16 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
An amazing trip and well worth the money. You do need to be relatively fit, steady on your feet and a good/confident swimmer.
The guides are brilliant, making sure that you feel safe and help you at all times. They know the rock formations and water flow brilliantly. We took our go pro but also give them your camera/phone as they take amazing pictures of you on the edge.
The guides are brilliant, making sure that you feel safe and help you at all times. They know the rock formations and water flow brilliantly. We took our go pro but also give them your camera/phone as they take amazing pictures of you on the edge.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Schhel
Kigali, Rwanda191 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Did this in early January when the flow and current was quite strong. Unique expérience and really enjoyed it, including the cool boat ride and great views of the falls from the island. Staff was very good, but still, with the current it did not feel super safe. I’m really concerned for the guy taking the photos. He is standing right on the edge of the fall, Ankle deep in the water, wearing crocks. It is very risky as he focuses on taking photos with our phone. I don’t understand why they don’t give him a harness.
Like all activities in livingstone, it is pricey and they add a bowl of porridge to justify it.
Like all activities in livingstone, it is pricey and they add a bowl of porridge to justify it.
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carol p
Penang Island, Malaysia152 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
A must when you are visiting Victoria Falls.
The clamber down and up again is no problem for most people, even though I found it arduous. (I am 78) not recommend for a person with physical disability. Down at the pool, the force of the water descending to the pool from 'the smoke that thunders' - the African name for Victoria falls, is are inspiring.
The clamber down and up again is no problem for most people, even though I found it arduous. (I am 78) not recommend for a person with physical disability. Down at the pool, the force of the water descending to the pool from 'the smoke that thunders' - the African name for Victoria falls, is are inspiring.
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William P
Worcestershire, UK52 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I booked my trip when I got to my hotel, I found that this was much cheaper than booking before I travelled.
I had to cross the border from my hotel to visit the Devil's pool. I had already crossed that same border into Zimbabwe that morning and then had to pay another £58 to get another Visa to enter Zambia (the visa's look good in my passport), to go to the Devil's Pool, make sure you buy a multiple entry visa, it is much cheaper if your hotel is in a different country.
The speed boat ride to the pool is cool, make sure you have lots of space on your camera.
They will lock up any valuables that you have before you get on the speed boat, they will also give you a big towel to dry yourself off with when you get out of the pool.
Buy some beach shoe's off Amazon for £12, these will help you to walk over the stones under the water as you swim and make your way to the pool.
Some very small fish will nibble on your feet when you are in the pool, it does not hurt, it adds to the experience. Enjoy yourself, scare yourself, look over the edge, it is so fantastic.
I had food afterwards, which was fab.
William
I had to cross the border from my hotel to visit the Devil's pool. I had already crossed that same border into Zimbabwe that morning and then had to pay another £58 to get another Visa to enter Zambia (the visa's look good in my passport), to go to the Devil's Pool, make sure you buy a multiple entry visa, it is much cheaper if your hotel is in a different country.
The speed boat ride to the pool is cool, make sure you have lots of space on your camera.
They will lock up any valuables that you have before you get on the speed boat, they will also give you a big towel to dry yourself off with when you get out of the pool.
Buy some beach shoe's off Amazon for £12, these will help you to walk over the stones under the water as you swim and make your way to the pool.
Some very small fish will nibble on your feet when you are in the pool, it does not hurt, it adds to the experience. Enjoy yourself, scare yourself, look over the edge, it is so fantastic.
I had food afterwards, which was fab.
William
Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert B
19 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
I will be honest, I am not the one who booked this. I am usually the adrenaline junkie in the relationship, but I hate heights, so this was an activity I had avoided, but my wife went ahead and booked this excursion for our honeymoon. Despite my fears, I am so glad she did. The boat ride to Livingstone Island alone was worth the price of admission. From there, you either swim over or walk across the Zambezi to the rocks where the Devil's Pool is located. If you chicken out here, I would totally understand, I almost did, but even still the view would be worth it. However, I ended up jumping in and sat on the edge, and leaned over the edge as well. At no point did I feel unsafe, as the guides explain what to do and are with you the entire time. They knew how scared I was and made sure I felt safe! I can honestly say it was one of the coolest things I have ever done. After the dip in the pool, you'll be taken for a breakfast or lunch (depending on the time you go) which was absolutely delicious, a very pleasant surprise! All in all, if you are looking for a fun excursion to do in the Victoria Falls/Livingstone area, I cannot recommend this enough!
Written August 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erwin
Antwerp, Belgium2,960 contributions
Jan 2020
Rendez- vous point is at the banks of the Zambezi river, around 1.3 km from the Royal Livingstone hotel direction Livingstone town.
A speedboat is bringing you to the Island, there you will preparing yourself to go to the ‘edge’ Advisable is to have rubber waterproof shoes. Once ready you need to swim +/-20m to ‘another island’ where you will approach the devil’s pool.
There is time enough to enjoy and the ’guide’ will take as much as possible pictures for you.
This is an amazing experience, my mother of 72Y joined us , afraid but at the end satisfied.
Professional approach and very helpful staff!
At the end you get a nice breakfast
A speedboat is bringing you to the Island, there you will preparing yourself to go to the ‘edge’ Advisable is to have rubber waterproof shoes. Once ready you need to swim +/-20m to ‘another island’ where you will approach the devil’s pool.
There is time enough to enjoy and the ’guide’ will take as much as possible pictures for you.
This is an amazing experience, my mother of 72Y joined us , afraid but at the end satisfied.
Professional approach and very helpful staff!
At the end you get a nice breakfast
Written December 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am considering the 7:30 AM tour to Livingstone Island. Does anyone know if there is at that time already enough light to take good photos at devil's pool?
Written October 28, 2024
I am going to Victoria Falls in early November. Do you recommend the 7:30am or 9:00am Livingstone Island tour? I want to maximize my chance of seeing rainbows 🌈
Written September 11, 2024
What year did they begin official tours to Devil’s Pool?
Written June 26, 2023
What is the risk of Schistosomiasis / Bilharzia / freshwater parasites as a result of the Devil's Pool?
Written October 27, 2022
If you have to ask such a question…then you need to stay home.
Written October 30, 2022
Are water shoes needed to go to devils pool?
Written September 23, 2022
As a non-swimmer, is it possible to split in a same group and opt for Angel's Pool instead?
OR if I'm feeling like a daredevil, will I be fine if I just wore a lifejacket and go straight to Devil's Pool?
Written January 16, 2020
I was told by locals, that is currently no water at the Victoria falls. is it worthwhile to jump into the Devils Pool
Written October 17, 2019
Sorry for this late answer. We were also told so. We have no idea whether a dip in the pool is worth it then, neither whether it is still possible...
Written January 8, 2020
I'm going to Devil's pool in october. I can't swim very well and I'm scared to cross di the Zambesi River. How Deep Is the water? I have to swim or can i Walk in the River? Are there Ropes? Thanks!
Written September 18, 2019
Oh, you're going to be just fine. They have a section for the non-swimmers, a speedboat takes you close enough and you walk appx 3 mins. The great thing about the pool for non swimmers (which equally by the ledge) is you get great shots and videos since there are fewer people there! The water is really cold though, despite the sun and the beautiful rainbow. You're gonna love it!
Written September 19, 2019
I have been trying to book online but I can't because the website won't accept any of the phone numbers I've tried. I have tried numerous ones, including that of Tongabezi, along with the correct country code for each number I entered without success. I tried contacting both email addresses on the Tongabezi's website as well but nobody responded. Could someone please suggest a phone number that might work?
Written September 10, 2019
Also your hotel/hostel can book this ahead of time easily.
Written September 11, 2019
Alguém sabe me dizer como reservar o passeio na Devil's pool com antecedência? Alguma indicação de agência ou de onde comprar? Obrigada!
Written August 11, 2019
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