The Victoria falls which are also considered to be among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World are known to be of the marvelous beauty and spectacular scenery. Victoria falls falls are one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world situated on the Zambezi River, the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Although the actual spectacle of a waterfall is breathtaking, there is one more interesting adventure that attracts the adrenaline-seeking tourists at all ends of the world- the visit to Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls.
Devil Pool is a natural rock pool that is situated on the brink of the falls, and where Zambezi River drops over 355 feet (108 meters) down into the powerless gorge beneath. It is a very dangerous and at the same time thrilling location which gives visitors who bravely visit the place an opportunity to swim up to the falls edge and have the heartstopping moment of their lives. This is a detailed guide to the Devils Pool, what it entails to visit, the best time to visit, safety measures, and the reasons as to why the experience is a must-have in the itinerary of any adventure capitalist visiting Vic falls.
What is Devil’s Pool?
Devil Pool refers to a naturally occurring swimming pool that is situated on a lip of the Victoria falls waterfall. It stands on the Zambian side of the falls only a few miles away on the Zambezi River opposite Livingstone Island which is a small island. In the dry season, the water in the river recedes considerably and the rocks are left in view forming a secure natural pool where the visitors can swim to the very verge of the falls.
The pool formation is peculiar to the geological processes which took place in the course of millions of years which formed the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. The thickness of the rocks at the confines of the falls do not allow swimmers to be carried over the edge as it gives a relatively safe place to get a taste of being so near to the ever-thundering falls.
Devil’s Pool located at Victoria falls is a lifetime experience to many people since it provides a blend of natural beauty, the feeling of danger and ultimate thrill. It is as near the fellows as you can be without dropping over on the edge.
How to Get to Devil’s Pool
Although the Devil’s Pool is on the Zambian side of Victoria falls it is not so easy to access since it is not one of the places that can be easily accessed by the main areas of the tourist sites. The information regarding the trip to the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls is the following:
1. Livingstone Island
Devil’s Pool can be approached by the closest Island which is Livingstone Island located via a boat or small craft. Livingstone Island which is very close to Victoria falls is a favorite tourist destination where one gets a good view of the falls at a peculiar place. Some of the tour operators will provide a boat transfer to the island whereby the tourists are provided with a tour of the falls and a close view of the sights.
Upon arrival at Livingstone island, tourists will be taken to the limits of the falls where they can also be allowed to swim in the Devil pool. The whole experience is well handled by expert guides who make sure that the people involved are not in danger but in addition they get as near as possible to the fall.
2. Safety and Guide Services
When one arrives at Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls, it is not just a mere swim and safety is one of the concerns. Life jackets will be issued to you before you can get into the pool and a professional guide will make sure that you are well briefed on the safety measures. The guides are trained to go through the strong currents of the river their main aim being to make sure the visitors are aware of the dangers. Tourists are usually taken round the pool where they will be observed during their stay.
3. Swimming in the Pool
Upon arriving at Devil in the Pool, a water is clear and it may be calm and therefore provides people with the possibility to see stunning view and at the same time have a swim. The pool is at the very periphery of the falls and the fun is the fact that one can peep over the precipice by keeping safe in the water. The natural rock structure surrounding the pool does not allow the swimmers to be swept on the falls but it is also a very exciting process.
Swimming in Devil pool is usually followed by professional photographs by the guides who are able to capture the amazing scene when you are standing on the edge of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. These images are a constant reminder of how amazing a trip was.
At what Time of the year is it the best to Visit Devil s Pool?
The observation at the Devils Pool of the Victoria falls is a seasonal activity and one should only be able to swim in the pool during specific moments of the year. Zambezi River also has seasonal alterations in terms of water level and this influences the availability of the pool.
The Dry Season: May to October
Visiting Devil pool occurs timely during the dry season which is between May and October. In the period the water levels of the river Zambezi decrease thus exposing rocks that create a natural barrier that is safe against those who want to be carried away by the river. The pool is open and the experience of swimming on the very edges of the falls is one of the safest and exciting such experience ever.
August and September are regarded as the best months to visit Devil Pool because the water levels are minimal; therefore, sufficient to capture the rock formation and give a good supply of water going over falls.
The Wet Season: November-April.
The wet season is between November and April, and the wet season is marked with high water levels and so it cannot be possible to visit Devil Poool at Victoria falls during this season. Waters of the rainy season fill up the Zambezi river, and the waterfall velocity increases highly. The falls are very dangerous to the approach of the powerful current, and the pool is covered by the falling water.
Nevertheless, you cannot possibly swim in the Devils Pool during the wet season but the view of the falls during the season is also marvelous. The falls are strongest, and water pouring down the cliffs is an experience that can be remembered.
The Devil Pool: What to Expect on the Visit.
A trip to Victoria falls at Devil pool is an adventure and a blessing in itself as one can experience the adventure and also have the beauty of one of the most iconic natural features in the world. These are some of the things that you will find on your visit:
1. The Boat Ride
You start by boat in the mainland to Livingstone Island then you touro Devil’s Pool. The ride is a great experience as well being a scenic beauty view of the river and its surrounding area. Watch out to the wildlife on the road, as the Zambezi River hosts numerous creatures such as crocodiles, hippos and a large number of birds among others.
2. The Walk to the Edge
Upon the Livingstone, when you arrive there it will be shown you a road leading to the very edge of the falls. The guides will live up to this and make sure you walk on safely and assist you on the rocky grounds. There will be panoramic views of Victoria falls along the way with the mist emerging as a result of the tumbling water below.
3. Swimming in Devil Swimming Pool Thrill.
You will then be welcomed when it comes to Devil-s-Pool where a clear water surrounds you, and the sheer drop of Victoria Falls is a few feet away. Nothing is like swimming right at the brink of the falls, however there is certainly something very thrilling in being above the precipice and safely surrounded in the natural tourist rocks of the pool.
4. Photography and Memories
The guides are usually available to take the picture and sell professional pictures after the swim. These are an excellent souvenir and remind about your daring adventure at one of the most rare swimming places with the help of Earth.
5. Returning to the Mainland
Having spent certain time at the Devil Pool, you are going to take a boat back to the mainland, having remembered your outstanding experience. It is also through people who will have time to visit more of the Victoria falls as there are so many different perspectives of the falls besides the other numerous attractions that one can visit in the vicinity.
Safety Considerations
Trip to the Devil pool at the falls is one of the most unbelievable experiences but at the same time one should bear in mind that there are risks involved. The falls are a natural phenomenon, and the powers of nature may be unpredictable. The activity is however safe to the majority of healthy people who have right precautions. It’s essential to:
• Listen to the instructions of the guides: The guides are well trained and they are familiar with the area. All they say they mean you have to be safe at any time.
• Be in fair fitness: The walk down to the Devil Pool up and down rocks and a swim in a natural pool. The participants must undergo a good health and should be able to cope with the simple physical exercise.
• The wet season: The wet season (November to April) poses a risk of going to Devil’s Pool as indicated before because of the water levels.
Conclusion: Ultimate Thrill in Victoria falls.
One of the most unique experiences on African continent is visiting Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls which is quite thrilling and unique as well. You get to enjoy the experience of swimming along one of the biggest waterfalls in the Asia Pacific and that will be the adventure of a life time that you will never forget. Devil’s Pool has a beautiful nature, an exhilarating swim and safe surrounding when done with the help of professional guides, this provides an adventure that will not be forgotten as one will be able to enjoy the combination of the natural beauty, the buzz of adrenaline rush, and awe-inspiring sight in one thrilling package.
Thrill-seekers will want to go to Devil-s Pool at Victoria falls simply because they want to experience an all new experience at Victoria falls, and the nature lovers can visit this adventurous place to gain a totally new experience at Victoria falls.
