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Boity Thulo defies death at the Devil’s pool in Victoria Falls

Boity Thulo is excited after experiencing the Victoria Falls Devil’s Pool which was part of her wish list.

Devil’s Pool is located in the Zambezi River, which also acts as the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The businesswoman says she’s finally ticked off the list from her bucket as she’s always wanted to experience the pool which is blatantly a scary experience to many.

Boity further revealed to her 6.1 million followers that the event was a birthday gift to herself.

“One of, if not THE GREATEST experience of MY LIFE!!! Bucket list moment! On the edge of a wonder of Africa! God is Glorious! The perfect birthday gift,” she captioned post.

See videos below:

Boity Thulo says that last year she enjoyed the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls and this time she celebrated while she was in Zambia.

She also says the experience is a bit scary but thrilling.

The current is too strong to just try that on your own. The life guards are safely holding your legs. It puts you at ease, guys. Looks scarier than it actually is. Such an amazing experience. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Is Devil’s Pool Safe to Visit?

Essentially, yes. Minor accidents have occurred on the slippery rocks, but so far as we’re aware there have been no fatalities on any organised tour. Assuming you don’t actively court disaster, there is no significant risk of being swept over Victoria Falls. The short swim or wade across is also safe, provided you obey the guide’s instructions. A less obvious cause for concern is the hippos and crocs that lurk in the Zambezi upriver of the waterfall. On the whole, however, these creatures are too sensible to come close to the waterfall, and the guides will scan the water carefully before allowing guests in.

 

Has Anyone Died Going Over Victoria Falls at Devil’s Pool?

To the best of our knowledge, nobody has ever died going over Victoria Falls at Devil’s Pool. In 2009, a South African tour guide fell to his death whilst rescuing a client who slipped in a channel above Victoria Falls. However, this did not happen at Devil’s Pool, as initial reports suggested, but closer to the Zambian riverbank. No such incident has occurred since access to Devil’s Pool was restricted to Tongabezi Safaris’ guided tours. Indeed, as far as we know nobody has ever died for any reason at Devil’s Pool (unlike its namesake in Queensland, Australia, which has claimed several lives).

 

What Else Is There to See at Devil’s Pool?

The boat ride to Livingstone Island traverses a wild stretch of the Zambezi hemmed in by lush tropical forests. There is some wildlife around, most conspicuously hippos and crocodiles, but you might also see elephants or buffaloes come to drink. The river supports a rich birdlife including the charismatic African fish eagle and a variety of herons, egrets, waders and waterfowl. Livingstone Island, as its name suggests, is where the Scottish explorer David Livingstone became the first European to reach Victoria Falls. A plaque marks the exact spot where Livingstone stood in 1855, noting in his diary that ‘Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’.

 

When’s the Best Time of Day to Visit Devil’s Pool?

Visits to Devil’s Pool are restricted to boat tours to Livingstone Island operated by Tongabezi Safaris. These leave five times daily in season (June to December). The 1.5-hour ‘Livingstone Breezer’ tours leave at 7:30 AM, 9 AM and 10:30 AM. There is also a 2.5-hour Lunch Tour that departs at 12:30 PM and a 2-hour High Tea tour at 3:30 PM. The riverine scenery is most photogenic in the early morning or late afternoon, which ties in with the 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM departures. Swimming is perhaps more pleasant in the heat of the day, which links with tours departing at 9 AM, 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM.

 

How Much Does It Cost?

The 1.5-hour ‘Livingstone Breezer’ tours cost US$110 per person. Lunch Tours costs US$175 per person, and High Tea tours US$150 per person.

Can You Visit The Pool From the Zimbabwe Side of Victoria Falls?

No problem! Any tour operator or hotel on the Zimbabwe Side of Victoria Falls can book you onto a day tour to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool. It is also advisable to arrange transport to the Zambian launch point. Most visitors to Zambia require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at the border. Don’t forget your passport and leave in plenty of time to complete border formalities.

 

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