You Won't Believe People Swim At This Pool Over A Waterfall

This Could Be You!

Dare To Swim In The Devil's Pool At Victoria Falls

This is not highly recommended for the faint of heart.  In fact we discourage people from going to the Devil's Pool but wanted to share this hair raising, death defying special nook of a secluded pool at the edge of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. 

In the heart of Africa is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls.  Believe it or not, you can actually swim up to the edge of the waterfall and not fall over!  Want to know how?  Then read on.

Victoria Falls is one of the largest and widest free drop waterfalls in the world.  Located in Southern Central Africa in the country of Zambia.  The waterfall sits in the middle of the Zambezi River.  Victoria Falls sits on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The waterfall has a width of 5,604 feet or 1,708 meter.  That is over 17 football fields in length!

Victoria Falls was discovered for the Europeans by David Livingston, a Scottish explorer and missionary, in November 16, 1855. He named in honor of Queen Victoria.  However, the Sotho indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means the "The Smoke That Thunders". 

The Devil's Pool is unique rock formation where the side currents reach but is surrounded by a protective cone of solid rock.  The rock barrier forms an eddy with minimal current.  This usually happens when the river flow is a certain level, usually between September and December.  

Warning:  Going to the Devil's Pool is not for the faint of heart.  Go at your own risk. Please prepare what you can and definitely go with the tour guide.

Victoria Falls - Don't Let The Peaceful Rainbow Fool You!

The rainbow laced picture above shows Victoria Falls from across the mountain on the other side.  

How to get there?

You have to go from the Zambian side.  The Zimbabwe side has a protective barrier.  Hire local tour guides that specializes in the Devil's Pool.  You can stay at Livingtone hotels such as the Royal livinstone Victoifa Falls Zambia Hotel which is a 5 star hotel.  Avani Victorial Falls Resort is a 4 star hotel that is friendlier on the budget. Both are only 0.5 miles away from Devil's Pool.  The most common is the Livingston Island Tour.  You don't have to go in Devil's Pool, you can be part of the group that goes there and just stay at the top of the rock outcrop.

You have to trek by foot at the Zambia river edge.  The guides set up ropes where you have to wade into the river.  The last portion has no rope you will need to swim or wade in waste deep water.  Yes, definitely bring your swimsuit.  

You Have To Cross The River Near The Waterfall To Get To There!

Once you get near Devil's Pool there is a rock outcrop that you can stand on.  The guide will help you in and help you out.  People can wade right up to the edge of the pool where you over look at 270 foot (90 meter) drop from the top of Victoria Falls!  No where else on Earth can you do this over the edge of a major waterfall, or any waterfall for that matter.

Here is a view from the rock outcrop we discussed overlooking Devil's Pool.

The Devil's Pool viewed from above

Victoria Falls has one of the highest water volume in the world.  Take a look at this photo.  The Devil's Pool is on the far right edge of the falls.

Look How Insane This Waterfall Volume Is!

Here is a view from the other side of Victoria Falls to show you the magnitude of the drop.  The Devil's Pool is at the the far left side of this photo.

The Devils' Pools Is Near The Left Side

Here is a picture from the Zimbabwe side showing tourists in the pool and on the rock outcrop behind the pool.  As you can see the gushing volume of water is just feet away on the left!

Look At Those People!

Has anyone ever fallen over Devil's Pool?

There has been one recorded case.  Back in Sunday, September 27, 2009, a tourist was stuck in Devil's Pool. One of the tour guides leapt in to assist the tourist to get them out safely.  Unfortunately for the tour guide, he slipped and fell over Victoria Falls.  Horrified tourists and guides saw this from both sides of the falls. 

Dangers:

Devil's Pool is a relatively calm pool of water at the edge of one of the largest waterfalls on Earth. So falling over is a risk.  If you pear over the edge, a tour guide can hold your feet.

You can slip on the rock outcrop above the pool and also cut yourself in the pool.  The rocks do have some jagged edges.

There are fish that bite in Devil's Pool!  Yes they can be quite a shock so just be prepared. They are not life threatening but don't overreact.

There are hippos and crocodiles at the Zambezi River. And yes do reside at the portion heading to Devil's Pool.  This is where you rely on the knowledge and skill of your tour guide.

Wading and swimming the last portion can be exhausting. You will have to do it again on the return trip.

Summary:

This is truly one of the most exhilarating life experiences one can do if you get the opportunity and choose to do so.  Don't say we did not warn you of the dangers.  If you make it there, it can be quite a Secluded Glen for that moment in time you hear the roaring Zambezi River going over Victoria Falls. Sometimes you can catch the glimpse of a rainbow.  The mist and the spray with the natural sounds around the falls is mystifying.  Good luck on your journey if you do partake.