Devil’s Pool
Location: Livingstone Island, Victoria Falls, Zambia
Coordinates: 17°55′28″S 25°51′24″E
Phone: Not applicable
Hours: Accessible via guided tours only; typically open during the dry season from mid-August to mid-January. Tour times vary by operator.
Admission: Varies by tour company; for example, breakfast tours may start around $110 USD per person.
Website: Green Safaris – Livingstone Island
History
Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool located at the very edge of Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Carved over thousands of years by the powerful flow of the Zambezi River, the pool offers one of the most thrilling swimming experiences on Earth.
During the dry season (August to January), when water levels are lower, a rock barrier just below the surface prevents swimmers from being swept over the 100-meter (328-foot) drop. The pool is part of Livingstone Island, named after the explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who was the first European to document the falls in 1855.
Access is only possible through guided tours, ensuring safety and environmental conservation.
Thrill & Fear Factor
Though Devil’s Pool is not haunted, it is one of the most nerve-wracking and adrenaline-pumping experiences in the world. Here’s why:
- Sheer Drop: Swimmers get right up to the very edge of Victoria Falls, looking down at a staggering 100-meter (328-foot) vertical drop.
- Powerful Currents: The Zambezi River is unpredictable, and only a natural rock lip prevents swimmers from going over.
- Psychological Challenge: Even with a guide’s reassurance, getting into the pool requires overcoming fear and trust in nature’s barriers.
- Heart-Pounding Moments: As the water rushes past you, it feels as if you’re about to be swept away—making for one of the most extreme natural infinity pools on the planet.
Many visitors describe the experience as a mix of terror and exhilaration, saying it is more of a mental challenge than a physical one.
Personal Experiences
- “The moment I reached the edge, my heart stopped. The mist was rising, a rainbow formed in front of me, and below me was a drop that seemed endless.”
- “Even though I knew the rock barrier would stop me, my brain kept telling me I was about to fall. It was the most thrilling thing I’ve ever done!”
- “I’ve done skydiving and bungee jumping, but this was scarier in a different way—because it feels so unnatural to be that close to a waterfall’s edge.”
While the experience is not inherently dangerous when done with guides, it certainly isn’t for the faint of heart!
Paranormal Activity Rating: None – But Extreme Fear Factor!
Devil’s Pool isn’t haunted, but it is definitely one of the scariest natural experiences you can have. The combination of height, rushing water, and the illusion of falling makes it a bucket-list adventure for thrill-seekers.
For a visual perspective of the Devil’s Pool experience, you might find this video insightful:
Author: Scary Nights
This site is a place for us to connect over our shared love of the macabre. Here you'll find reviews, articles, top 10 lists, personal experiences, etc. I'm always looking for new and exciting scares, so feel free to reach out and share your own spooky stories and recommendations!
