Livingstone Island Devils Pool
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime to experience the stunning beauty of the mighty Victoria Falls from the unique perspective of the Devils Pool located on the rocky crop on the edge of the falls.
Visit Livingstone Island where David Livingstone first viewed the Victoria Falls in November 1855. The view of Victoria Falls from the west side of Livingstone Island is spectacular, and one can only imagine the thoughts of David Livingstone when he first saw the Falls.
Devils Pool is a deep natural pool on the edge of Victoria Falls, carved out by centuries of the powerful water flow over the Falls, swim to the edge of Victoria Falls and sit in Devils Pool which is a natural rock pool on a ledge right at the edge of the Falls from where you can peer over the 103 meter drop to the bottom of the gorge.
From $135.00
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Things to note
Minimum Numbers: 2 Guests
Maximum Numbers: 24
No Children 12 and under allowed in Devils Pool (Children 8 – 12 can wait on Livingstone Island)
No children U8 on any Livingstone Island experience
Dress:
Casual with bathing suit, perhaps a back pack to change on the Island
Advised to bring:
- Please be sure to bring your passport
- Sun Screen
- Hat
- Non slip shoes, the rocks can be sharp and slippery
- Camera
* Please note Devils pool is closed During High Water periods which is usually mid March to mid /end of July each year. (Angels pool may open earlier than this)
Low Season 01 January 2021 – 30 June 2021 ~ High Season 01 July – 31 December 2021
Livingstone Island Morning Breezer (1.5 hours ) – Low Season – $135 – High Season – $140
Morning Breezer 1
06h15 am – Shuttle departs Victoria Falls Hotels ($30 Shuttle not included in price) – Min of 2 Guests
07h15 am – Meet at the Departure Point
07h30 am – Depart for Livingstone Island
Morning Breezer 2
08h15 am – Shuttle departs Victoria Falls Hotels ($30 Shuttle not included in price) – Min of 2 Guests
08h45 am – Meet at the Departure Point
09h00 am – Depart for Livingstone Island
Morning Breezer 3
09h15 am – Shuttle departs Victoria Falls Hotels ($30 Shuttle not included in price) – Min of 2 Guests
10h15 am – Meet at the Departure Point
10h30 am – Depart for Livingstone Island
Livingstone Island Lunch – Low Season (2.5 hours) – $190 – High Season – $200.00
11h15 am – Shuttle departs Victoria Falls Hotels ($30 Shuttle not included in price) – Min of 2 Guests
12h15 pm – Meet at the Departure Point
12h30 pm – Depart for Livingstone Island
Livingstone Island High Tea (2 Hours) – $175 – High Season – $185
14h15 pm – Shuttle departs Victoria Falls Hotels ($30 Shuttle not included in price) – Min of 2 Guests
14h50 pm – Meet at the Departure Point
15h30 pm – Depart for Livingstone Island
Livingstone Island Devils Pool Overview
Please note that Livingstone Island is usually closed from the end of March until approximately the beginning August due to high water levels. This varies from season to season.
When the Zambezi River is in full flood, 10 million litres of water rush over the lip of Victoria Falls every minute, falling 108 metres into the roaring chasm below. Livingstone Island sits in the heart of the falls, on the brink of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Livingstone island is a short boat ride from the Livingstone Island Launch site on the mainland.
On arrival at Livingstone Island you are met by the staff with a traditional brew, and then a short tour to the East of the Island overlooking the Falls, with great views of the Horseshoe and Rainbow Falls. Morning trips often are greeted with spectacular rainbows with the sun shining through the mist.
Those who are brave enough can swim in Devil’s Pool – although this is dependent on water levels. From the Island you take a gentle upstream swim in a gentle current, with a safety rope attached (just in case) to rocky outcrop just above the pool, from where you can jump into the pool, for what has to be one of the most adrenalin pumping experience.
The Livingstone Island Tour concludes with a freshly prepared gourmet meal, breakfast, lunch or high tea, depending on the time of day. After this you will be taken by boat back to the launch site.
Due to the nature of Livingstone Island, the number of clients who may visit at one time is restricted to 24. In order to protect and preserve the natural habitat of the area, there are only 5 daily visits allowed to the island.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Package Includes
- Livingstone Island Morning Breezer Included: • Coffee • Soft drinks • Light snacks
- Livingstone Island Lunch Included: • Lunch • Soft drinks • Beer and wine
- Livingstone Island High Tea Included: • Tea & coffee • Light snacks • Soft drinks • Beer and wine
Package Exclusions
- Visa Costs
- Transfers from your lodge to the activity – This can be arranged on request at an extra cost
- US$30 return transfer fee to be paid in cash to the 3rd party transfer shuttle if you book this option.
FAQ's
Livingstone Island, Devils Pool
What is Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island?
Devils Pool is a deep natural pool on the edge of Victoria Falls, carved out by centuries of the powerful water flow over the Falls, swim to the edge of Victoria Falls and sit in Devils Pool which is a natural rock pool on a ledge right at the edge of the Falls from where you can peer over the 103 meter drop to the bottom of the gorge. Guests are able to safely swim, lounge at the lip, and lean over for breathtaking views.
When is Devil’s Pool open? Can I swim year-round?
No, the Devil’s Pool activity is seasonal. Depending on the annual rains in the region, it typically operates from mid‑August to January, when Zambezi water levels drop sufficiently. When the water levels rise and Devils Pool closes, Angel’s Pool may be available for a period after this, and access is closed around March to June during peak flood. When the pools are closed, it is still possible to do the Livingstone Island portion of the tour, but without the swimming.
How do I get to Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island?
Tours begin from the Livingstone Island Launch Site called “Dry Manzi” which is about 1.3 km upstream of Royal Livingstone Hotel. after checkin, you take a short guided boat ride to Livingstone Island, then a walk on the island before swimming (if conditions permit).
Are transfers to the activity included in the price?
Livingstone Island and Devils Pool activity does not include transfers.
If you are coming from the Zimbabwe side, a third-party return transfer can be booked; this costs US$30 per person, and a minimum of 2 guests are required. You can ask your operator to book this shuttle.
If you are staying in Livingstone, then the best way is to get your lodge to arrange a taxi to take you to the starting point which is the “Dry Manzi” jetty, upstream of Victoria Falls.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRPycuQa77nLj3qG8
How much does Devils Pool cost and what’s included?
Prices are seasonable and do vary by time slot:
Morning Breezer: cca US $135-$140 (1.5 hrs, tea/coffee & snacks)
Lunch: US $200–205 (2.5 hrs, buffet lunch & drinks)
High Tea: US $170–175 (2 hrs, tea, snacks & drinks)
All include the boat, guided tour, meal, and Devil’s Pool swim (if water is low).- Children between the age of 8 – 12 can visit the Island, but not swim, but pay the full price.
- The activity does not include transfers from your hotel. Guests from Zimbabwe can book the 3rd party shuttle, which is US$30 pp for a return transfer, payable in cash to the driver.
Are there age, fitness, or swimming requirements?
The minimum age to visit Livingstone Island: 8 years
Swimming in Devil’s Pool: 12 years and older only.
No strong fitness is required, and guides can assist weak swimmers and do provide a safety rope.
Is Devil’s Pool safe—what safety measures are in place?
Highly qualified and trained guides ensure that all safety requirements are strictly adhered to; the activity has a 100% safety record.
Swimmers are closely monitored and assisted with a safety rope. If conditions look unsafe, the guides may not allow swimming.
No private trips to Livingstone Island are allowed; you have to be part of an official tour.
How long is the total Devils Pool experience?
The Livingstone Island, Devils Pool Experience lasts between 1.5 – 2 hours including the transfers from Dry Manzi Jetty, which is the start and end point of the activity.
This does not include transfer times from your hotel or lodge.
Guests from Zimbabwe should allocate about 40 minutes each way for transfers, including border crossing.
What should I wear and bring?
Casual clothes with bathing suit under your clothes, perhaps a backpack to bring a change of clothes on the Island.
Non-slip shoes: the rocks can be slippery and sharp.
Sunscreen, hat, towel and camera.
There are lockers on the island to store your belongings.
Guests from Zimbabwe will be required to bring passports. Visa requirements may apply.
Can I visit from Zimbabwe? Is a visa needed?
Yes, guests from Zimbabwe can cross the border to do the Devil’s Pool activity. Depending on nationality, a visa may be required to enter Zambia and again to re-enter Zimbabwe. Usually the best visa to get is the Kaza Univisa, which allows visits between Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana for day trips.
The activity does not include transfers, but guests from Zimbabwe can book the 3rd party shuttle for return transfers from Victoria Falls.
Do I need to book Devil’s Pool in advance?
Absolutely, it is a very popular activity, and there are limited slots per tour. The tour is often booked out, so to avoid disappointment, it is highly advisable to book in advance.
You can book online with To Do Africa