Swim with the Devil

Amidst the raging torrents of Victoria Falls is Devil’s Pool, a natural phenomenon in which those brave enough can stand inches from the edge as the Zambezi River suddenly drops 128m beneath them. What’s to stop these lunatics from being swept to their seemingly imminent deaths? Technically, nothing as there are no barriers preventing people from falling. However, during months where the river is at its lowest, a submerged rock wall just below the surface slows the current as it reaches the fringe of the fall. Hence, the only thing that would send you to a watery grave is a lack of balance rather than the force of the river.

The terrifying sense of impending death aside, this is the only place on the planet where you can experience a waterfall this magnificent while actually standing in it. If you’ve got the stones, snap a picture of the thundering waters and the rainbows they make from over precipice and you’ll be rewarded handsomely for your bravery. Victoria Falls approach the same levels of majesty as the Grand Canyon, and a tour of this natural wonder is not something which will be forgotten in a hurry.

The pool itself, as well as other highlights on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian side of the falls, can be rather difficult to locate. Guided tours are generally more favourable than trying to go it solo – so we recommend the ever-knowledgeable folk at Wild Horizons for these duties. Since they only charge $60 for a full waterfall tour it’s difficult to refuse, and they also offer activities such as white water rafting and bungee jumping (just in case swimming next to a 128m sheer drop doesn’t excite you enough).

Devil’s Pool is only safe during certain times of the year (the guides can advise you on this) but even still, ‘safe’ is a relative term when you’re dancing around at the lip of one of the world’s largest waterfalls. A few people have gone over the edge in recent years. Needless to say none lived to tell the tale, so do exercise a bit of caution…

Living is a beautiful thing.