The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Devil’s Pool in Zambia, Africa

Swimming on the edge of one of the world’s largest waterfalls is one of the most thrilling experiences, and one of the top three most exhilarating experiences that I have ever had in my life.

This guide will explain how I made it to devil’s pool from Zimbabwe and answer all of your questions about the experience. 

Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a waterfall located on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and one of the world’s top five largest waterfalls. It is twice the size of Niagara Falls. Victoria Falls is 1,708 meters wide, and 108 meters high. This article is about devil’s pool, but it is hard not to mention Victoria Falls first.

 

 

Devils Pool
Devil’s Pool This is an excursion that you do not want to miss. If you are going to Zimbabwe or Zambia, I highly suggest it. Devil’s pool is located within Victoria Falls in Zambia, Africa. It is a natural pool of water at the very top of the falls. It sits right on the edge of the massive waterfall. Although devil’s pool is a small area of Victoria Falls, it is the thrill of a lifetime. Devils Pool is open from late August to late December. 

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Zambia & Zimbabwe Border
It is important to mention the two countries that Victoria Falls is located in because many people come from Zimbabwe to get to devil’s pool in Zambia. The Zambia and Zimbabwe borders are located directly next to each other. They are like next-door neighbors. Many people that visit Zimbabwe often wonder about the logistics of how to get from Zimbabwe to Zambia. It is as easy as walking across the border of the two countries. I was determined to see devils pool, even as a solo female traveler.

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Here is a step by step guide detailing how I journeyed from Zimbabwe to devils pool in Zambia. Please note, it is important to get a multiple entry visa into Zimbabwe if you are returning after your trip. 

Step-By-Step Guide Crossing The Border From Zimbabwe to Zambia 
First
I took a shuttle from my hotel in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, to The Kingdom Hotel in Zimbabwe. I walked about 100 feet from the drop off point to Kingdom Hotel. I notified the reception area that I was there, and then I waited for my driver.
Second
A driver picked me up at Kingdom Hotel and took me to the Zimbabwe border.
Third
I went into the border control checkpoint to give them my passport so that I could cross over to Zambia. After about ten minutes, they stamped my passport, and I was off.
Fourth
I walked out of the border control office in Zimbabwe, walked next door, and entered the border control office in Zambia.
Fifth
The agents checked my passport, I paid a fee, and left the office.
Sixth
A different driver picked me up in Zambia, and took me to the meeting point for the excursion, Royal Livingston Hotel. 

IMG_0578A zebra walking by as I waited outside of The Kingdom Hotel. Yes, animals just walk by in Zambia. Don’t bother them, and they will not bother you.
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Our boat driver.

 

Easy breezy! I know the instructions may seem very basic, but I wanted to break it all the way down because I could not find instructions like this when I traveled. I had to wing it! Nothing like winging it on a different continent. 

The Experience
I opted for the afternoon tea package because I was doing a Victoria Falls tour on the Zimbabwe side that morning. Once I arrived at Livingston Hotel, I waited for the crew to gather everyone going on the excursion. There were about ten people that were apart of the group. We took a five-minute boat ride to Victoria Falls, and then we walked for about 10 minutes.

Once you arrive at Devils Pool, you swim in the Zambezi River until you get to the “pool” area. The swim is about 100 feet. I only recommend going if you are a strong swimmer. If you are a weak swimmer, the guides will assist you, but I would not recommend going if you cannot swim. Sorry to repeat that twice, but safety first. This excursion is worth paying someone to teach you how to swim.

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Once you are in the pool, you will be in awe. I am 5’7 and a half, and the water was a tad bit above my waist. It is a death-defying feat, and if you can make it in your lifetime, I strongly suggest going. If you are into jumping off buildings, sky diving, then handing off the edge of a waterfall should be on your bucket list. The guides allow you to lean over the edge. Some people even do backflips in the water. It may not look safe, but for the most part, it is. It looks a lot scarier than it is. The way the rocks are naturally formed, you are enclosed in the area, and you would have to exert effort to go over the cliff. With any type of thrill activity, there are risks. According to the guides and my research, there have never been any deaths. Was I terrified? Maybe a little, but that went away as I started to relax inside the pool.

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There are fish in the pool, and they will nibble at your feet. I was the only one that forgot my beach shoes, and I asked if anyone felt something in the water. I looked down, and to my surprise, fish were nibbling at my feet. That brings me to my next point, please bring beach shoes. Some of the rocks are sharp, and you can slip. 

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If you are going to splurge on an excursion, this is the one. It was money well spent, especially since you cannot go on your own. You must go through a tour company to venture to devil’s pool. We spent about 25 minutes in the pool so that everyone had time to enjoy the edge and take as many pictures as they wanted. There was no rush.

crazy

After the falls, we had lunch, and I journeyed back to my hotel in the same manner that I arrived at devil’s pool. The only difference is that I paid the driver at the border to take me all the way back to my hotel instead of catching a shuttle. Overall, it was an amazing experience. 

Devils Pool Visitation Packages:
Breezers
Departs at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 10:30 am
Breezers last for one hour and 30 minutes and costs $100. per person.
Lunch Hour
Departs at 12:30 pm, lasts for three hours, and costs $165. per person.
The Afternoon Tea
Departs at 3:30 pm, lasts for two hours, and costs $140. per person.
** Prices are subject to change at any time. Please contact a tour company for the most recent prices.

The Price includes:
Two guides
Five-minute boat ride
Welcome Drink
Welcome Meal
A Towel
Brief Tour
Swimming in Devils Pool

Things to Bring:
Beach Shoes
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Camera
Phone/Camera case

Booking
I booked my excursion through Tongabezi.
https://tongabezi.com/blog/walk-swim-and-eat-your-way-across-victoria-falls/

https://tongabezi.com/

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Here is a short video that I made of my experience at devil’s pool:

Have you been to devils pool? Is this something that you would do? If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.