SIDELINES //
Swimming at the Edge of Victoria Falls
by Shabana
© fritz_da_kat
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.
© 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?
Planning a trip? Be sure to check out these South Africa B&B's.
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February 12th, 2008
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
)
February 13th, 2008
I’d give it a go. I think.
Of course, it’s easy to say that from the comfort of a desk chair …
September 17th, 2008
Sure looks like you enjoyed it! Got to have guts to do that!
October 21st, 2008
hey u look hella crazy i would never do that man thats hella crazy
January 26th, 2009
I think my email and name say it all “_
January 31st, 2009
[...] should I say living on the edge. This photo is from here, along with an article about swimming in a rock pool, called Devil’s Pool, located at the top [...]
September 13th, 2009
Anyone ever calculate erosion? Lotto for the first diver airborne who sees pool collapse
April 7th, 2010
This is definately something to do before you die! It’d take some serious balls though
May 2nd, 2010
Probably the last thing you do before you die as well!
September 13th, 2010
That’s crazy! Iwould maybe gice it a go but it would be pretty tough for me to get close to the edge or watch people get close to the edge
December 13th, 2010
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
December 13th, 2010
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!
December 13th, 2010
So awesome! I’ve heard about this. You’d never get away with this in the Western world – looks pretty intense!
March 3rd, 2011
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.
April 21st, 2011
YEah I would have to have alot of guttss!!!!
May 16th, 2011
It’s the most breathtaking place I’ve eva been!!!
May 27th, 2011
the victoria falls is a wonderful place
October 4th, 2011
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!