Why is the Devil’s Pool in Zambia a bucket list destination?

One of the primary reasons for visiting Zambia is to immerse yourself in the cooling waters of the Devil’s Pool – a natural infinity pool found at the very top of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. A major draw for the daring adventurer, time at the Devil’s Pool will have you embracing the thrills of being at the very edge of the world, surrounded by the might of Victoria Falls, which is nicknamed “the smoke that thunders.”

The boat ride to Livingstone Island

The appeal of Devil’s Pool commences at the point at which you are required to pay for a guided boat tour to Livingstone Island. Better yet, you will soon be navigating the waters of the Zambezi River, considered the 4th longest of its kind in Africa where a plethora of sights and sounds will be yours to take pleasure of. Witness stretches of tropical forests on either side, while sightings of crocodiles and hippos are also common. Given that you can only visit Devil’s Pool during the dry season in Zambia (August to January), owing to the low water levels that are conducive for swimming, as a traveller you place yourself in pole position to catch a glimpse of buffaloes and elephants drinking from the Zambezi as well.

Swimming in the Zambezi River

Once you make landfall at Livingstone Island, which is where the attraction is found, the next stage of your adventure will be the prospect of having to swim across the Zambezi River for around 10 minutes. While you will need to be a capable swimmer in order to be successful and importantly, make the most of your time at Devil’s Pool, nothing ought to deter you from getting in. As a caveat, the initial stretch will be against the current but fear not, your guide will always be near to assist you. The last part will be easier, since it will be down current. However, if your swimming skills aren’t up to scratch, then you will have to walk across in waist-deep water, while holding onto your guide.

Marvellous views

Once you get into the water, you will soon realise that you cannot stand up straight and in turn, will need to either choose to hang onto a rock or be near your guide. This is because Devil’s Pool reaches a depth of around 15 feet, that can challenge even the strongest of swimmers. The sensation of being a step away or a few strokes from the edge of one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world will surely ranks as a fond memory of your stay in Zambia. However, being at Devil’s Pool presents you a chance to capture a host of awe-inspiring scenery, that can range from deep ravines, gushing waters, lush foliage and rocky boulders; features that make up the beauty and wonder of Victoria Falls. What’s more? You can lie belly down at the very edge and have your guide take a multitude of pictures of you posing against white clouds of mist and dense thickets. 

Professional know-how

As one of the best things to do in Zambia, a visit to Devil’s Pool cannot be attempted alone and can only be scheduled by booking a tour of Livingstone Island through Green Safaris. Choosing a form of accommodation in the likes of Avani Victoria Falls Resort will be a smart choice en route to connecting with these professionals who know a thing or two about making it count in the wilds of Zambia. Aside from the boat ride to Livingstone Island, as a visitor, you will have access to two guides and be given a choice of three separate tour packages. The breakfast tour will incur a cost of around USD 105 per head, the lunch option will have you pocketing out USD 170 and the high tea option will see you paying USD 145 respectively.