Young woman sitting at the edge of Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia, Africa

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Devil's Pool

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One of the most thrilling experiences – not only at the falls but in all of Africa – is the hair-raising journey to Livingstone Island. Here you will bathe in Devil's Pool – nature’s ultimate infinity pool, set directly on the edge of the Victoria Falls. You can leap into the pool and then poke your head over the edge to get an extraordinary view of the 100m drop. Here also you'll see the plaque marking the spot where David Livingstone first sighted the falls.

You can only visit Livingstone Island as part of a tour, and swimming in Devil's Pool is only possible during the drier months, usually from the middle of August to mid January. Five trips depart daily by boat to Livingstone Island, from where you'll swim to Devil's Pools. When the water is low around October and November, you’re able to access it via walking across, but a guide is compulsory. Note that access to the island is closed from around March to May when the water levels are too high.

Prices start at US$90 which includes a full English Breakfast, US$158 for lunch or US$133 for high tea, including alcohol.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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View more attractions

Nearby Livingstone attractions

1. Victoria Falls National Park

0.15 MILES

Here on the Zimbabwe side of the falls you're in for a real treat. Some two-thirds of Victoria Falls are located here, including the main falls themselves…

3. Jafuta Heritage Centre

0.88 MILES

This impressive little museum details the cultural heritage of Zimbabwe's indigenous ethnic groups. There's good background information on the Shona,…

4. Snake Pit

1.06 MILES

Black mambas, spitting cobras and puff adders ain't things you want to come across in the wild, so fortunately they're all here to see behind the safety…

6. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

3.31 MILES

This park is divided into two sections: the Victoria Falls area and the wildlife sector. The latter is only 3km southwest of Livingstone, and most famous…

7. Zambezi National Park

3.53 MILES

Just 5km from the town centre is this vastly underrated national park, comprising 40km of Zambezi River frontage and a spread of wildlife-rich mopane …

8. Railway & Gateway Jewish Museum

4.26 MILES

While there are some beautiful 19th century locomotives to clamber onboard in the Railway Museum, the background information is a bit on the dry side. The…

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