Can I swim in Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Devil's Pool is adjacent to the famous Livingstone Island situated on the edge of the Victoria Falls. Guests can choose to enjoy an exhilarating swim to the edge of the falls during their Livingstone Island visit.



You can swim at the very edge of Victoria Falls, but only in specific, naturally formed rock pools and only during the low-water season (typically mid-August to mid-January). The most famous spot is Devil’s Pool, located on the Zambian side of the Livingstone Island. In 2026, access is strictly regulated by guided tours to ensure safety; a natural rock lip prevents swimmers from being swept over the 100-meter drop. When water levels are too high (February to July), these pools become death traps and are strictly closed to the public. Another option is Angel’s Pool, which usually opens earlier in the season when Devil’s Pool is still too dangerous. Visitors in 2026 must be at least 12 years old and have a moderate fitness level to navigate the rocky terrain and current. Swimming here is a high-adrenaline "bucket list" item, offering a terrifying yet exhilarating view directly over the precipice of one of the world's largest waterfalls.

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Water -- Tap water is generally considered safe, but it's worth asking first.

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The waterfall stands at an altitude of about 915 m above mean sea level (a.m.s.l.) and spans to about 1708 m wide with an average depth of 100 m and the deepest point being 108 m. Sprays from this giant waterfall can be seen from a distance of 30 km from the Lusaka road, Zambia and 50 km from Bulawayo road, Zimbabwe.

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No, you couldn't. That water is literally falling; there's no float to it (that is, you can't displace it and obtain any buoyancy thereby). It's accelerating downwards at a rate of 9.8M/sec/sec, and it's heavy stuff.

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The best time to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the region's summer rains, when you'll see the world's largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume.

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Approximately twice as wide and twice as deep as Niagara Falls, the waterfall spans the entire breadth of the Zambezi River at one of its widest points (more than 5,500 feet [1,700 metres]). At the falls, the river plunges over a sheer precipice to a maximum drop of 355 feet (108 metres).

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With scale, drama, power and beauty it is easy to see why The Victoria Falls has been accredited as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Such an awe-inspiring experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe one of our world's most precious areas of natural magnificence.

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Exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to crime and official harassment of U.S. citizens. Country Summary: Opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, theft, and smashing of car windows with intent to steal, is common. Violent crime, such as assault, carjacking, and home invasion, also occurs.

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  • Hepatitis A. Food & Water. Recommended for most travellers.
  • Hepatitis B. Blood & Body Fluids. Recommended for travellers to most regions.
  • Typhoid. Food & Water. Recommended for travellers to most regions.
  • Cholera. Food & Water. ...
  • Yellow Fever. Mosquito. ...
  • Rabies. Saliva of Infected Animals.


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Victoria Falls is generally a safe place to visit and is separate from Zimbabwe in a political sense, due to the country relying on it for its tourism. Social and political unrest is therefore kept at bay, roads are maintained, cash is usually accessible (check with us first), and the town is kept clean.

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Packing List
  • Quick Dry T-shirts - Chances are, you will break a sweat.
  • Active Shoes - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails and waterfalls. ...
  • Hat & Sunglasses - To keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.
  • Swimsuit - Great for when you need to take a dip.


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If experience and exploration is more up your alley, then head over to Victoria Falls where there will be plenty of animals roaming and you can spot big game animals and there are parks and game reserves to explore. However, if you prefer nature walks or birdwatching, then Iguazu may be more suited for you.

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We don't recommend visiting the Falls at the end of the dry winter season – October through November – when the water level is lowest, and the weather is very hot and humid.

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high all year round in the north, east and northwest of the country including the valley of Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, national parks Chizarira, Hwange, Gonarezhou and Mana. We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning, in combination with the use of malaria tablets.

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Most hotels in Victoria Falls are booked on a bed-and-breakfast basis. We would recommend a minimum stay of two nights and an ideal stay of three nights. If you want to experience everything this location has to offer and take part in various activities, you may even want to stay four nights or longer.

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