In short
- Devil's Pool opens during low water (mid-August to late December).
- Angel's Pool opens when water levels are slightly higher (January to August).
- Both are accessed via the same Livingstone Island boat tour.
In this article
Both pools sit on the edge of Victoria Falls. The tour operator decides which pool is safe to use based on the daily water volume. You will visit one or the other, never both.
What is the difference between Devil's Pool and Angel's Pool?
The main difference is the water level required for safe swimming. Devil's Pool requires low water, while Angel's Pool operates in slightly higher water.
Devil's Pool is the primary rock pool right on the 108-meter (355-foot) drop. Angel's Pool serves as an alternative location on the edge of the falls. The guides switch operations between the two pools as the river rises and falls throughout the year.
When is Devil's Pool open?
Devil's Pool operates for four to five months during the dry season, typically from mid-August to late December.
During these months, the river flow is low enough to safely enter the water. A submerged rock lip blocks swimmers from going over the drop. The pool reaches a depth of about 3 meters (10 feet).
When is Angel's Pool open?
Angel's Pool usually opens earlier in the year, from January to August.
Guides use this pool when the water is too high for Devil's Pool but still safe enough for a guided swim. It sits directly on the edge of the falls. If the river hits its peak flow of 500,000 cubic meters per minute, both pools close completely.
Do both pools use the same tour?
Yes, both pools are exclusively accessed via the guided boat tour to Livingstone Island.
You do not book a specific pool. You book a meal package, such as the Morning Breezer or Lunch. Official prices range from $149 to $209. After the 10-minute boat ride to the island, your guide will take you to whichever pool is currently active.
Can I choose between Devil's Pool and Angel's Pool?
No, you cannot choose which pool to swim in. The water level dictates the location on the day of your tour.
Green Safaris operates the tours and monitors safety daily. If you visit in October, you will swim in Devil's Pool. If you visit in June, you will likely swim in Angel's Pool. Both options require visitors to be at least 12 years old to enter the water.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a different ticket for Angel's Pool?
No. The standard Livingstone Island tour ticket covers whichever pool is open on the day of your visit.
Is Angel's Pool safe?
Yes. Guides only permit swimming in Angel's Pool when water levels are deemed safe. Guests must follow guide instructions at all times.
Are both pools open at the same time?
No. The transition from one pool to the other happens as the seasons change and water levels adjust. You will only visit one pool.
