Swimming on the Edge: My Devil’s Pool Experience at Victoria Falls

Me leaning over the edge of Victoria Falls

I first saw a photo of someone dangling over the edge of a massive waterfall, and I couldn’t believe it was real. The picture looked both terrifying and incredible—someone floating at the very brink of Victoria Falls, the “Smoke that Thunders.” The moment I learned this was possible at a place called Devil’s Pool, I knew I had to experience it for myself.

When I finally visited in September, I had the chance to turn that dream into reality—and it became one of the most unforgettable adventures of my travels through Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Arriving and Crossing the Border to visit Victoria Falls

On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, we purchased the KAZA UniVisa, which was incredibly convenient. For $50 USD, it allowed us to travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia without paying for separate visas each time. That pass made our Devil’s Pool day smooth and stress-free.

Small boat crossing the Zambezi River, spray from the falls in the distance

After a morning spent exploring the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls, we walked across the border into Zambia. Even from far away, the roar of the falls was unmistakable—deep, powerful, and constant. It was both intimidating and exciting, a reminder that we were heading toward one of the world’s most powerful natural wonders.

A short taxi ride took us to the boat launch, where we climbed aboard for the trip across the Zambezi. As the spray lifted into the sky, we spotted hippos in the water—a thrilling sight and a humbling reminder of the wildness of this river.

Viewing the Falls from Zambia

Panoramic view of Victoria Falls from the Zambian side, mist rising into the air

Landing on Livingstone Island felt like stepping into an explorer’s journal. Before heading to the pool, our guides led us along the island’s edge to take in the views. From here, we could see not only the Zambian side of Victoria Falls but also look back across the gorge toward the Zimbabwean side, where we had stood earlier in the day. The roar, the mist, and the sheer force of water plunging down were almost overwhelming.

Looking at Devil's Pool before jumping in

Approaching Devil’s Pool

From the island, our guides led us across shallow stretches of river and rocky paths. My group had the noon time slot, and since it was just us, the whole experience felt private and extra special. Standing at the pool before actually getting in, I felt the adrenaline building. The guides explained how the natural rock lip prevents the current from sweeping people over, which eased my nerves.

Swimming on the Edge of Devil's Pool

Then came the moment of truth. Sliding into the cool water was refreshing after the midday sun. The current tugged gently, just enough to remind me I was in the mighty Zambezi. Our guides carefully positioned us right at the edge, even holding our feet and legs as we leaned forward to peer over the 300-foot drop. It was both terrifying and exhilarating to see the world disappear beneath me in a thunder of mist and white water.

Me and our guide on the rock edge of Devil's Pool

The guides were incredible—not only keeping us safe but also capturing it all on camera. At one point, one of them walked casually along the slick rock edge, and while I was holding my breath nervously for him, he looked completely unfazed, as if it were just another day at the office.

Sharing the Experience with My Mom

What made this adventure even more special was that my mom came with us. She bravely climbed into Devil’s Pool too. While she chose not to lean directly over the edge, she got close enough to feel the spray and the power of the falls. Afterward, she kept saying with a mix of disbelief and pride, “I can’t believe I did that.” Watching her conquer that moment made the day even more memorable.

Lunch on Livingstone Island

Delicious sorbet as dessert

A plated three-course lunch featuring fresh vegetables

With our adrenaline still high, we returned to Livingstone Island for a well-earned three-course lunch. The food was fresh and flavorful, highlighting local ingredients—crisp vegetables, seasonal fruits, and beautifully prepared mains. Dessert was a chilled fruit sorbet, the perfect ending and exactly what I needed in the heat of the midday sun.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure

Looking back, the whole experience was the perfect balance of fear, excitement, and awe. Swimming in Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls is a true bucket-list adventure, one that I’ll never forget—not just because of the adrenaline, but because I got to share it with my family.

If you’re visiting Victoria Falls between late August and January, when the water levels are safe, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And if you can, get the KAZA UniVisa—it makes crossing borders seamless so you can enjoy the best of both Zimbabwe and Zambia in one trip.

Rainbow at Victoria Falls

Tips for Visiting Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls

If you’re planning to add this bucket-list adventure to your itinerary, here are some things I learned that will help make your experience smooth, safe, and unforgettable:

1. Best Time to Visit

• Devil’s Pool is only open from late August to early January, when the water levels are low enough to make swimming safe.

• The safest and most popular months are September through November.

  
  

2. Booking Your Tour

• Devil’s Pool can only be visited with a licensed operator. Tongabezi / Livingstone Island Tours run the excursions and include the boat transfer, guides, and meal.

• Time slots are usually morning, mid-morning, noon, and afternoon. If you want good lighting for photos, the noon slot works perfectly.

3. Visa Information

• Purchase the KAZA UniVisa on arrival (available at Victoria Falls and Livingstone airports).

• At $50 USD, it covers multiple entries into both Zimbabwe and Zambia, saving you from paying for separate visas.

  
  

4. Safety and Guides

• The guides are extremely experienced and keep you safe, even holding your feet and legs if you lean over the edge.

• While it feels daring, the rock lip at the pool’s edge acts as a barrier, so you won’t get swept over.

• Trust the guides and follow their instructions—they’ve done this countless times.

  
  

5. What to Bring

• Swimwear and a towel (a cover-up or dry clothes are handy for afterward).

• Water shoes or sandals with grip can help walking over rocks.

• Camera or phone (the guides are happy to take photos of you).

• Sunscreen and a hat for when you’re on Livingstone Island.

  
  

6. The Food Experience

• Tours include a three-course meal or breakfast, depending on your time slot.

• Expect fresh, locally inspired dishes and desserts like chilled fruit sorbet, which are a welcome treat after the adrenaline rush.

  
  

7. Who Can Go

• You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but basic swimming ability is recommended.

• If you’re nervous, you can still enjoy the adventure—like my mom, who joined us in the pool but chose not to lean over the edge.