In The Devil's Pool. Getting out of the Pool. I'm a pretty decent swimmer but I struggled somewhat trying to swim away from the ledge.
It's like a swimming on a treadmill. Singapore Airlines has a direct flight to Johannesburg. For the Devil's Pool itself, it's better and cheaper to be in Zambia. Fortunately, Singaporeans can cross the border of the two countries at no cost.
The Devil's Pool is accessible from the months of October to January where the water levels of the Zambezi are lower. In the months of February to September, the waters of the Zambezi are too strong and too high to be safe for swimming. October and November are the safest months to swim in the Devil's Pool because the water levels get higher as it approaches January.
Nope, you can lower yourself gingerly into the water. Many older folks do that, nothing to be embarrassed about. The Devils pool is more a mental, rather than physical challenge. Getting over your fear of entering the pool is the main thing. Again, I would highly suggest you are a competent swimmer nonetheless. In the past, when there was less regulation, you could find "unofficial guides" or even walk to the pool yourself.
Today, the "official way" is the only way. Last I checked; the current prices are:. The Livingstone Island tour includes the following:. One for safety, the other for photos.
Maybe even two months in advance. Apparently, there are TWO "official tours". The one above with food which is booked in advance, another "official tour" for impromptu visitors which costs more money, but all you get is a can of coke instead of a good breakfast.
However, if you're one of those impromptu non advance bookings, you should get your Devil's Pool tour from Zambia for sure. The entrance for the Devil's pool is in Zambia. This means, if you miss the "official tour" and you want to go for the "other official tour", you'll save on transport. I was a bit disappointed with my photos, but well, the experience was worth every cent of my tour price.
Ending Thoughts. The trip is hugely popular, and no-one has ever been swept over the Falls on these tours - in fact, no-one is known to have ever died at the Devil's Pool.
Before Tongabezi launched their Livingstone Island tours many tourists would undertake 'unofficial' and illegal trips along the crest line of the Falls, which at low water are bare for much of the length and gives access to the various dive and swim pools along the lip.
In a guide sadly died saving a tourist - however, this accident did not happen at the Devil's Pool as is often claimed in online news reports. The client slipped while leaping across a small water channel on the edge of the Falls and the guide saved him, and unfortunately in the process slipped into the water and was swept over the edge.
Be careful on these rocks! Yes, there are also hippos and crocodiles in the waters atop Victoria Falls. Guides do check for crocodiles before entering the water. Yet finding dangerous wildlife here is not outside the realm of possibility. These operate for seven months of the year, i.
June to December. They include an optional dip in the pool, but only when the Zambezi is low enough to swim there safely. This is usually from mid-August to the end of December, with access being most reliable in October and November when the flow is weakest. Be aware, however, that seasonal levels vary from one year to the next, depending on how much and when it rained further upstream.
The pool is closed to tourists when the flow is dangerously high, usually from 1 January to sometime in August, according to Safaribookings. These leave five times daily in season June to December. The 1. There is also a 2. The riverine scenery is most photogenic in the early morning or late afternoon, which ties in with the AM and PM departures.
Swimming is perhaps more pleasant in the heat of the day, which links with tours departing at 9 AM, AM, and PM. But you should ideally be able to swim. In both instances, experienced guides are there to instruct and, if necessary, assist. No problem! It is also advisable to arrange transport to the Zambian launch point. Most visitors to Zambia require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at the border.
The answer is a matter of opinion. This rock lip seemed thick and sturdy. You cross a portion of the Zambezi River by swimming partially up-current for the first half of the swim. For the latter half, you transition to swimming across and down current. There are guides that will instruct you.
This swim through the Zambezi takes place in what we estimate to be about 50 to meters from the edge of Victoria Falls. Weaker swimmers are accommodated by wading through the water.
Here, the water is about stomach-deep, depending on the water levels. Guides assist by holding hands, only if needed. If you are a fan of the King sport, especially Liverpool, you have definitely heard of the name Gerard Houllier. It stands almost midway across the mile-wide waterfall, close to Livingstone Island.
It is accessible only on guided boat tours operated by Tongabezi Safaris. These leave from a launch on the Zambian bank of the Zambezi upstream of the falls. But you should ideally be able to swim. In both instances, experienced guides are there to instruct and, if necessary, assist.
These operate for seven months of the year, i. June to December. They include an optional dip in the pool, but only when the Zambezi is low enough to swim there safely. This is usually from mid-August to end December, with access being most reliable in October and November, when the flow is weakest. Be aware, however, that seasonal levels vary from one year to the next, depending on how much and when it rained further upstream.
The pool is closed to tourists when the flow is dangerously high, usually from 1 January to sometime in August. Essentially, yes. A less obvious cause for concern is the hippos and crocs that lurk in the Zambezi upriver of the waterfall. On the whole, however, these creatures are too sensible to come close to the waterfall, and the guides will scan the water carefully before allowing guests in.
In , a South African tour guide fell to his death whilst rescuing a client who slipped in a channel above Victoria Falls. The boat ride to Livingstone Island traverses a wild stretch of the Zambezi hemmed in by lush tropical forests. There is some wildlife around, most conspicuously hippos and crocodiles, but you might also see elephants or buffaloes come to drink. The river supports a rich birdlife including the charismatic African fish eagle and a variety of herons, egrets, waders and waterfowl.
Livingstone Island, as its name suggests, is where the Scottish explorer David Livingstone became the first European to reach Victoria Falls. These leave five times daily in season June to December.
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