Cataract Island: Zimbabwe’s Alternative to Devil’s Pool

Over a million tourists flock to Zimbabwe and Zambia every year to marvel at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Of those visitors, thousands embark on an adrenaline-pumping day trip where they can swim right up to the very edge of Victoria Falls in a special area of the Zambezi River called Devil’s Pool.

Even if you don’t immediately recognize the “Devil’s Pool” by name you’ve likely seen the photos or videos; the ones where dare-devil tourists swim through a rushing river right up to the drop-off edge of one of the largest and most iconic waterfalls in the entire world.

Whether you consider these people completely nuts or admirably adventurous, you may want to have this experience of a lifetime yourself. If so, there’s good news for you! A second opportunity to have an edge-of-the-falls experience has recently opened in Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe vs. Livingstone, Zambia

Devil’s Pool is located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls near Livingstone. Until recently, it’s been the only location on either side of Victoria Falls where visitors can have an adrenaline-pumping, edge-of-the-falls experience.

However, in 2023, a new and comparable experience began operation on Cataract Island in Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls. This new option provides an additional excursion opportunity and a better logistical experience for tourists staying in Zimbabwe.

Although visitors who base their trip in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe have always had the opportunity to cross the international border into Livingstone, Zambia to participate in the Devil’s Pool excursion, it typically requires a full day of commitment including all transportation and round-trip border crossings on either end of the 1.5-hour tour. Oftentimes, travelers simply didn’t have the time to dedicate a full day to the experience or would have to forgo other area activities or lodge amenities to do so.

With a new daredevil swimming option on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, adventurous visitors can now embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience on a half-day excursion instead of dedicating a full day to it. This ultimately saves time, money, and an extra visa fee to complete this bucket list experience.

Visiting Cataract Pools – What to Expect

In October 2023, I had the privilege of experiencing the magic of Cataract Island during a soft-opening visit while staying at the Victoria Falls River Lodge. This experience ranks as one of my top travel and life highlights. Despite my best efforts, I can’t find the words to accurately describe the feeling of being so close to such a phenomenal and awe-inspiring source of natural power and beauty.

The Cataract Pools excursion starts with a road transfer from your accommodation or meeting point to a private boat launch where you board a small river boat or pontoon for the short ride to Cataract Island, located in the middle of the Zambezi River.

After disembarking, you’ll explore a portion of the island on a guided tour to learn about and appreciate its unique geology and pristine environment. This section is considered the “new” area of Victoria Falls because it has undergone relatively recent geological evolution, including the formation of new gorges and changes to its water flow and features. Rest assured, “relatively new” in geological terms still means hundreds – if not thousands – of years since the last major change or movement.

Cataract Island is a part of Victoria Falls National Park, and has a relatively low tourist footprint since it typically floods during the rainy season. This helps keep its natural beauty and unique fauna in near-pristine condition and adds to its allure and charm. To protect the fragile ecosystem you’re visiting, please take care to only step on solid rock and not the delicate plant life as you explore the island.

The Edge of the Falls

As you near Victoria Falls, you’ll hear its powerful roar long before you get your first view of the rushing curtain of white water. Along your approach, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to admire and take photos of the falls from many scenic points and angles before settling into the area around the Cataract Pools, which is where you will spend most of your time.

Upon arrival at the pools, your guide will brief you on the area and point out the safe and unsafe areas, as well as the protocols for approaching the edge of Victoria Falls. Although this experience is generally quite safe, you must listen to your guide at all times and follow all the rules and cautions they communicate with you.

You’ll have about one hour at the Cataract Pools to enjoy them as you wish. Take in the unbelievable views looking out over Victoria Falls, wait for a passing rainbow to rise out of the mist, enjoy your carefully prepared picnic, and take a dip in one of the many shallow or deep pools situated around the edge of the falls. As there are multiple pool options, you can choose to swim or soak as close to or far from the edge as you feel comfortable.

Apprehension is a natural feeling when considering swimming up to the literal edge of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. However, once you’ve mustered enough courage, you can make your way to the closest pool on the very edge of Victoria Falls with your guide. After carefully lowering yourself into the water, you’ll feel the water rushing past you before it plunges 350 feet over the edge into the river below. Although the sheer proximity and visuals may seem overwhelmingly dangerous, you should feel quite secure in the pool since its perimeter is made of solid volcanic rock and is about chest height.

Once you’ve made it into the pool, the hard part is over. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline and the breathtaking views while you soak in this special experience. Don’t forget to hand your camera to your guide who can snap some photos and videos to capture this special moment forever.

As I’ve alluded to earlier, words can’t accurately describe this experience, and photos hardly do it justice. All I can say is that it’s a must-do for any adventurous souls visiting Victoria Falls.

Devils Pool or Cataract Island?

Since two edge-of-the-falls options now exist, which one should you choose? The answer is relatively simple: whichever one makes the most sense with your custom itinerary. Both experiences are comparable, and you truly can’t go wrong either way.

Both destinations – Devils Pool or Cataract Pools – provide very similar experiences in the sense that you’ll have a 1.5 to 2.5-hour tour to the edge of Victoria Falls with a guide, transportation, and a light meal included (usually breakfast, lunch, or high tea). You’ll have the opportunity to safely swim up to the very edge of Victoria Falls under the supervision of your guide and spend time hanging out and enjoying the views of this beautiful and unique setting before returning to Livingstone or Victoria Falls town.

If you’re interested in having an edge-of-the-falls experience while on your trip to Victoria Falls, please let your Vaya Destination Specialist know so they can appropriately consult and advise you on your itinerary timing and structure.

Please note that a visit to Cataract Pools or Devil’s Pool is subject to water levels and is only available during the dry months of July – January when water levels are low and safe enough to visit the island and the pools.

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