Swimming at the Edge of Victoria Falls

Swimming Victoria Falls
© fritz_da_kat

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Swimming at the edge of Africa’s Victoria Falls might seem like a daredevil fool hardy stunt.

But, during the months of September and December, you’ll see swimmers, even families with kids enjoying a dip, just inches from the edge. They’re hardly suicidal as these pics show, and the shallow pool they’re flailing about in is called Devil’s Pool. It’s a natural, relatively safe rock pool situated at the top of the falls.

On the Edge, Victoria Falls
© fritz_da_kat

This creates ideal conditions for swimming, if you’re prepared to make a short leap of faith. Swimming just two inches from the edge in the midst of the thunderous roar of water all around you can make for an exhilarating adrenaline rush, and the photo opps are incredible.

If the footage is anything to go by, this is one of those “51 things to do before you die” kind of must-tries, no?

As the author of this video notes: Seriously, who was the idiot who first jumped into the pool at the top of falls to see if it was safe?

  1. Seriously cool photo’s.

    Not sure if I would have the bottle to try it though.

    Makes swimming at La Mina Falls in the El Yunque rainforest here in Puerto Rico pretty tame :o)

  2. This is definately something to do before you die! It’d take some serious balls though

  3. I visited the falls in May with high water. I learned about this, but I couldn’t even imagine it standing at the falls. The volume and force so powerful it just seemed too impossible… But hey it looks incredible.

    Stay adventurous, Craig

  4. WOW! If you got the guts to do it, what an amazing experience. I think I’d pee my pants jumping in. Incidentally, how do they climb out against the force of the water?

    Great photos! Inspiring “to-do” list item. Thanks for sharing!

  5. the drop down that Falls is about 100metres. If you go down,that the last they world would ever hear of you .Livingstone is my Hometown so i know that place.

  6. I was so worried that I wouldn’t have time to do this as I had a jam packed trip to Africa planned.
    So glad I made time though. It was INCREDIBLE.
    Never have I had the feeling of being so pumped with adrenaline that you can’t even feel that the water is cold.
    The swim across the top of the falls to get to the pool was also scary and exciting at the same time. Every moment was totally worth it though.
    The guys there are very efficient and helpful. Everything is explained clearly and they take amazing photos on your camera for you.
    Oh and you get a really good breakfast afterwards if you do the morning one!

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