Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island
Devil's Pool is a pool of rock at the lip of the falls on Livingstone Island, in the Zambezi above the drop. The island is on the Zambian side. A boat takes you across the river, and a guide leads you over the rocks. You swim only when the guides clear it.
Green Safaris runs the island tours. This guide is independent and does not sell them. Prices and times below are the operator's listed figures. Another seller may list different prices for the same tour, so compare before you pay.
Tours and prices
US dollars per person. Park fees are included in the boat tours, according to the operator.
| Tour | Departs | Green season | Peak season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breezer | 07:30, 09:00, 10:30 | $149 | $159 |
| Lunch | 12:30 | $199 | $209 |
| High tea | 15:30 | $189 | $199 |
| Walking tour | – | $100 plus $20 heritage fee | $100 plus $20 heritage fee |
Green season runs from 6 January to 30 June and 1 to 15 December. Peak season runs from 1 to 5 January, 1 July to 30 November and 16 to 31 December. The walking tour takes at most 6 guests and lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. The heritage fee is paid at the falls entrance.
Our picks: Devil's Pool tours
Two ways to reach the pool at the lip of the falls by boat from Livingstone Island.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Devil's Pool or Angel's Pool via Livingstone Island
Boat trip to Livingstone Island, a guide and a light breakfast, lunch or high tea. The listing shows nothing extra.
Check availability →
Livingstone Island tour with a Devil's Pool swim
Guides, return boat, a guided swim in Devil's Pool or Devil's Cataract Pool, an island walk and breakfast. The shuttle between Livingstone and Victoria Falls to check-in costs $20 cash per person.
Check availability →Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island tours
Boat and island tours at the falls, plus flights, rafting and cruises, with live prices and availability.
When Devil's Pool is open
The water decides, not the calendar.
The usual season
The operator says Devil's Pool is usually open from late August to late December. Angel's Pool is usually the open pool from January to late August. Walking tours run from 1 September to the end of December, and in August only if the water level allows.
January and May
Do not count on swimming in January. The island itself is open 11 to 12 months a year. The rate list shows May as closed unless water levels are exceptionally high, so ask when you book.
Status on the day
The operator can close the island or the pool at any time for safety reasons. If you can, book early in your trip so you have a spare day.
Water levels by month →Safety and rules
You get a briefing before the tour. Life jackets are required on the boat. Swimming happens only when the guides give clearance, and they supervise it. Weak swimmers can be refused.
Children pay the adult price. The island is open from 8 years and swimming from 12 years. Arrive at the launch site 30 minutes before departure. The operator assesses medical conditions in advance, so mention any when you book. Drones need a special written permit, which the booking does not include.
Health matters too. The German Foreign Office advises against swimming in fresh water in Zambia because of bilharzia. Ask a doctor about this before you swim in the river or the pool. A guided pool is not risk-free.
How to get there
The tour starts on the Zambian side.
From Livingstone
The launch site is in the Zambian falls area. Livingstone is the nearest town. Our Livingstone guide covers the town and the airport.
From Victoria Falls Town
Staying in Zimbabwe means crossing the border. Bring your passport, check the visa rules and ask the seller whether transfers from the Zimbabwe side are included. See the travel tips.
Which tour to choose
The tours differ in timing and in what is included.
Breezer
The Breezer has three morning departures, at 07:30, 09:00 and 10:30. It carries the lowest listed price of the boat tours.
Lunch and high tea
The lunch tour departs at 12:30 and the high tea tour at 15:30. Both cost more than the Breezer. Check the pool status when you book, because the water level affects every departure.
Walking tour
The walking tour takes at most 6 guests and lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. It runs from 1 September to the end of December. You pay $100 to the operator and a $20 heritage fee at the entrance to the falls.
Booking elsewhere
Resellers can list other prices. One agent lists the Breezer at $159 in the green season and $169 in the peak season, against $149 and $159 from the operator. Compare what is included before you choose.
Plan the rest of your trip
More of the falls.
Devil's Pool: frequently asked questions
When can you swim in Devil's Pool?
Usually from late August to late December, according to the operator. The water level decides, and the dates are not guaranteed.
How much does a Devil's Pool tour cost?
The operator lists a Breezer tour at $149 in the green season and $159 in the peak season. Lunch is $199 or $209 and high tea is $189 or $199. A walking tour costs $100 plus a $20 heritage fee.
Is Devil's Pool safe?
Guides brief you, supervise the swim and close the pool for safety when needed. Swimming is never risk-free, and weak swimmers can be refused. Follow the guides.
Can children visit Devil's Pool?
The island is open from 8 years and swimming from 12 years. Children pay the adult price.
Can I go without a tour?
Access is through the operator's tours. Book a tour and arrive 30 minutes before departure.