Victoria Falls and the 'Devil’s Pool': a destination you don’t know yet!

There is a place (that even we didn’t know existed until not long ago) that has to do with the Devil and waterfalls. Seriously: the Devil’s Pool, at Victoria Falls.

In this article, we’ll tell you what it is and why it attracts so many travelers every year.

Victoria Falls and the Devil’s Pool: what on earth is there to know (ha-ha-ha) if you haven’t been there yet

Devil’s Pool: where is it?

Located on the edge of Africa’s greatest natural spectacle, the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls is an indescribable place, and taking a dip in its waters is a breathtaking thrill (and one that can definitely make your heart race if you’re not ready!).

With 110 million liters of water per minute (yes, we counted them all!) plunging into a canyon 105 meters deep, there are few places in the world as astonishing and impressive as Victoria Falls.

It’s no coincidence that it is considered the largest curtain of falling water in the world and one of the 7 natural wonders. It attracts backpackers, honeymooning couples, solo explorers, and tour groups eager to discover this marvel of nature.

Whether you admire it from the viewpoints in the parks of Zambia or Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls will not disappoint you.

But if you want to get closer and feel the power of the falls without taking unnecessary risks, going down into the Devil’s Pool might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Here’s what the Devil’s Pool is: a natural pool right on the cliff’s edge, offering both an incredible panoramic view and the most thrilling experience at Victoria Falls. Because of thousands of years of erosion and tectonic plate movement in southern Africa, natural rock formations enclosed a section of the falls and allowed the pool to form.

Here, the current is minimal during the dry season, and people can jump into the water and even peer into the endless canyon below.

Read also: Ten things not to miss in Namibia

When to visit and how to access Victoria Falls (and make the most of the Devil’s Pool)

Because of the heavy rains between December and April, the Devil’s Pool is not accessible from January to June because the water level is too high and the pool is not safe (you could be swept over!).

If you visit Zambia in July and early August, it may happen that visits to the Devil’s Pool are not open yet. However, this can vary from year to year and is difficult to predict in advance.

For a safe visit that is virtually guaranteed, the best months are from August to December, when the water level is high enough that it feels like swimming at the edge of the world.

For visits during the driest months, from September to November, the water level at Victoria Falls can be so low that it is possible to see the bottom of the pool and even sit on the rock.

During the rainy season, travelers can also visit Angel’s Armchair, another natural pool on the edge of Victoria Falls. Although this pool is not as close to the edge as the Devil’s Pool, Angel’s Armchair can be visited for a longer period and offers an alternative for visitors who come to the falls when the Devil’s Pool is closed.

In any case, there are many other ways to spend your time at Victoria Falls.

For example, the Victoria Falls Bridge is home to one of the most scenic bungee jumps in the world, from a height of 111 meters. Other death-defying activities include gorge swinging, zip-lining, abseiling, and rafting.

For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, it is possible to take spectacular photos of the falls from breathtaking tourist viewpoints.

Devil’s Pool: is it a dangerous place to visit?

Jumping into the water just a few meters from the edge of the world’s largest waterfall may sound crazy (and who are we to say it isn’t), and there is no doubt that the experience is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.

Even in the low season, the currents are strong, so it’s best to be very confident in your swimming ability. That said, the Devil’s Pool is perfectly safe.

There have never been any fatalities, and there is a safety ledge to hold onto along the route to the pool itself. However, adrenaline lovers need not worry that the experience is calm: it is still incredibly exciting.

Read also: How to save money on the cost of your next safari

Conclusions

In this article, we’ve seen where Victoria Falls are located and why more and more travelers are deciding to visit the Devil’s Pool.

By the way, did you know that we’ve put together an amazing tour in Botswana and, guess what, one of the stops is the Devil’s Pool itself?

That’s right, you read that correctly. Check out this amazing trip to Botswana — you won’t regret it!