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Taking a swim in the Devil’s Pool
Home » Pics » Taking a swim in the Devil’s Pool
By Spooky | 166 CommentsLeave a Comment
Last updated: Monday, February 11, 2008
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If you’re ever in Zimbabwe, don’t miss the chance to take a swim in The Devil’s Pool, a small lagoon, enclosed by rocks, on the edge of one of the biggest, most beautiful waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls. Set on Livingstone Island, at a height of 103 meters, Devil’s Pool is definitely one of the most surreal locations on Earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments

166 comments
  1. ELBSeattle
    February 12, 2008

    Damn, just looking at this makes my palms sweat…

    Leave a reply
  2. Tomando un baño en la piscina del diablo
    February 12, 2008

    […] Tomando un baño en la piscina del diablowww.odditycentral.com/pics/taking-a-swim-in-the-devils-pool…. por kitsy hace pocos segundos […]

    Leave a reply
  3. roy smith
    February 12, 2008

    brill pic’s
    keep them coming
    will lookforwards to them soon.
    regard oy

    Leave a reply
  4. roy smith
    February 12, 2008

    great job done.
    bring more on

    Leave a reply
  5. JFargo
    February 12, 2008

    My heart flutters just looking at that. I could never imagine actually being that close to that waterfall, let-alone hanging over the edge like some of these people.

    Leave a reply
  6. kostas
    February 12, 2008

    Oh my god!!!!!!!!

    Leave a reply
  7. Matt Watson
    February 12, 2008

    Great collection - the latest National Geographic (I think) has a photo from this place - superb. Gives me vertigo just looking at them!

    Leave a reply
  8. akshat
    February 12, 2008

    can’t u accidentally ever fall off the lagoon? i mean people are right on the edge here cant the water pressure just drag u over??

    Leave a reply
  9. KrazyKorean
    February 12, 2008

    Wow that looks fun and krazy

    Leave a reply
  10. Muhammed Jihad
    February 12, 2008

    OH MY GOD MY TURBAN IS DIRTY!

    Leave a reply
  11. Osama bin Tuchis
    February 12, 2008

    These folks are bonkers, crazy, loony, over the hill, nuts, suicidal, ramalamadingdong long gone, lacking in brain cells, etc.

    How fuckin’ stupid can you get?

    Remember: George W. Bush is the worst president in US History. He makes Millard Fillmore look like a statesman. And among world leaders in history, having not killed more than 70,000 people, he’s only a piker. The Japanese, Germans and Russians, the Burmese, the Congolese, the Ugandans, etc. must take first precedence there.

    Always look both ways before crossing. Close cover before striking. Remember that coffee is served hot in these cups. Plastic bags are not toys and should not be used as condoms.

    Leave a reply
  12. katzes
    February 12, 2008

    that looks just devine

    Leave a reply
  13. becky nelson
    February 12, 2008

    it’s one thing putting yourself in danger, but bringing in your children is another thing!!

    Leave a reply
  14. Jess
    February 12, 2008

    That looks so amazing. I would love to do that!

    Leave a reply
  15. aija
    February 12, 2008

    I want to be there - so beatifull

    Leave a reply
  16. osama bin tuchis sux
    February 12, 2008

    nice comment bin tuchis.. i can tell you think highly of yourself. look a bit harder and you’ll see a rambling idiot that thinks witty one liners and political jabs prove intelligence. don’t forget your glasses, jackace.

    Leave a reply
  17. Mathias
    February 12, 2008

    Looks kind a dangerous to me. Any accidents happened over there?

    Leave a reply
  18. Eryn
    February 12, 2008

    I don’t think so!

    Leave a reply
  19. ruby
    February 12, 2008

    looks cool. but i dont think i would put my kids that close to it.

    Leave a reply
  20. DannyB
    February 12, 2008

    Cripes! Looks like a long way down…so beautiful though - must be alot of fun : )

    Leave a reply
  21. fish lover
    February 12, 2008

    that looks but i think there is something we aren’t seeing that makes it far less dangerous than it looks.

    Leave a reply
  22. daddydowse
    February 12, 2008

    What kind of idiot puts their children in that kind of danger! And you thought Michael Jackson was bad!!!!! Chamone!

    Leave a reply
  23. Kayla
    February 12, 2008

    Eeek! I’m not that brave!

    Leave a reply
  24. Truck
    February 12, 2008

    As cool as this may seem, the thing they do tell you about before they take your money is that there are parasites in the water. The parasites will swim in any way possible…cuts, eyes, even up your… :O

    Leave a reply
  25. Jeff
    February 12, 2008

    Holy crap, I’m dizzy already - are these people nuts?!!!

    Leave a reply
  26. bob clamtrout
    February 13, 2008

    that is so irresponsible to put your kids in something so dangerous.

    Leave a reply
  27. Frank Yee
    February 13, 2008

    Is this for real? Did Photoshop have a hand in the images?

    Leave a reply
  28. Luc V.
    February 13, 2008

    Great pictures. I think it’s not as dangerous as it looks. Take a look at picture #5 : it’s actually a silent pool at the side of the falls, where there is hardly any current. Between the pool and the void there’s about 1 meter of rock with only a minimal amount of water, upon which you can climb. See also photo #2 : the guy is standing on the edge, with no signs of currents around his legs.
    I’d love to go there, and I think I might take my children with me. If my wife allowed us, that is…

    Leave a reply
  29. Skyler
    February 13, 2008

    Nah, it’s real. My friend was in Zambia all summer and took a few trips to Vic Falls. She’s got a few pictures there.

    Leave a reply
  30. John W.
    February 13, 2008

    No, it’s not photoshopped, there’s a video floating around with people swimming in it.

    Leave a reply
  31. Paul
    February 13, 2008

    Vic Falls is a beautiful place; it’s worth reminding ourselves that there are no indigenous people to see here because they are poverty-stricken. If only the tourists shown were confident that their money was going to the locals rather than Harare politicians or overseas investors. That’s enough ranting!

    Leave a reply
  32. Phil
    February 13, 2008

    I cant believe I did not swim there when I was at the Vic Falls.. I did not know.. :(

    Leave a reply
  33. Cool Photos
    February 13, 2008

    totally awesome place!
    must feel amazing swimming there!

    Leave a reply
  34. bob
    February 13, 2008

    I wanna take a picture with me dangling my kid over the side holding onto his ankles

    Leave a reply
  35. maryann
    February 13, 2008

    I just wonder how many of these people are still alive.

    Leave a reply
  36. Ben
    February 14, 2008

    That’s completely insane! I must go there.

    Leave a reply
  37. Ben
    February 14, 2008

    People don’t seem to fall off the edge, I guess the ridge of the pool stops you from taking the plunge…

    Leave a reply
  38. J. Michael Wilbanks
    February 14, 2008

    Oh HELL no!

    Leave a reply
  39. Alex
    February 14, 2008

    This is really spectacular! I’d like to be there…

    Leave a reply
  40. diana
    February 14, 2008

    my goodness!!! look at these pictures…makes me feel going to toilet….hehhehe

    Leave a reply
  41. Claudia
    February 14, 2008

    This is so beautiful and amazing! I want to be there! I go to the rivers here in beautiful Southern Oregon in the summer and swim and snorkel, but this is just too amazing. I want to experience this, too!

    Leave a reply
  42. Claudia
    February 14, 2008

    This is to the person who posted the comment about there being parasites in the water…I have a news flash for you; there are parasites in all bodies of water. That is WHY you should always shower or rinse off when you are done swimming in any natural body of water. It is not that bad, as long as you remember to use the common sense that you should have been born with!

    Leave a reply
  43. anna lyee
    February 14, 2008

    wow thats amazing! i would be freaked out just looking at people in here!!

    Leave a reply
  44. phyuck
    February 14, 2008
    Leave a reply
  45. Magdelene
    February 14, 2008

    Those parents are nuts.
    Once, on a (really tall) mountain in Korea, i saw some guy holding his young child less than 0.5 m away from the edge just to take pictures. If he had slipped on the icy rock… 0.0

    Leave a reply
  46. Stefan
    February 14, 2008

    Phew, that’s amazing. I’m getting nervous just looking at the pictures.

    Leave a reply
  47. Jade Cox
    February 14, 2008

    omg can sum1 plz tell me where that is ?? xxxxxxxx

    Leave a reply
  48. Charlie
    February 14, 2008

    It’s probably not as dangerous as you’d think. I wonder what percentage of people who have leaned over the edge have fallen off; probably lower than that of fatalities due to car accidents.

    Leave a reply
  49. Ghiararda
    February 15, 2008

    Che figata! Senza parole!!!

    Leave a reply
  50. Tomatron
    February 15, 2008

    My sister did this while on Medical Elective in South Africa. She said it was the most surreal thing she’d done. The Photos she has are amazing. No one has ever fallen off the edge of the falls, you usually have someone holding your feet if you want to lean over the edge. If I ever get the chance, I’m certainly doing it and would subject my children to it too, if i eventually have any.

    Leave a reply
  51. jackie
    February 15, 2008

    WOW there gamer than i am

    Leave a reply
  52. Stu
    February 15, 2008

    Push the kid!

    Leave a reply
  53. Jon Allen
    February 15, 2008

    Awesome place. We went there on our honeymoon and
    stayed at the Victoria Falls hotel.
    I wish I’d known about it then, there was no
    information about it at the time.

    Leave a reply
  54. THEMAN
    February 15, 2008

    you americans are so fucking stupid, THE POOL IS SAFE you could swim your newborn baby in it AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN!1!!1 IT IS LIKE IN YOUR FANCY SWIM STADIUM !!11orwhateveryoushitheadscallit! STOP BEING SO PREJUDICED ABOUT THINGS THAT REALLY DONT MATTER A SHIT”!212!#!”3″!3″!#€#

    Leave a reply
  55. anniefrance
    February 15, 2008

    As they have to jump a long way to get in, I wonder how they get out…..?

    Leave a reply
  56. Smart @$$
    February 15, 2008

    Jade: RTFP!

    Leave a reply
  57. Bocumast
    February 15, 2008

    so cool. it does make you a little nervous to look at the photos. its says its in Zimbabwe.

    Leave a reply
  58. Hank
    February 15, 2008

    Jesus Christ - just looking at these pictures makes my taint tighten up…

    Leave a reply
  59. chrismac
    February 15, 2008

    looks good but i was wondering if anyone has went over… that would be a picture

    Leave a reply
  60. mohd ariff
    February 16, 2008

    That’s really taking the risk of their life. To be frank, no one there to do thats, only people with eternal strenght that could look & stand at height. And your courage proven that it’s ‘OK’ to be there.
    Thanks, it’s great shot.

    Leave a reply
  61. Muharrem
    February 16, 2008

    I like with devil dance :)
    perfect pic

    Leave a reply
  62. rprebel
    February 16, 2008

    That’s so cool. In all the tv specials about Victoria Falls (History channel etc) you’d think they would have talked about this.

    Leave a reply
  63. desoshade
    February 16, 2008

    crazy! i’d fall over the side!

    Leave a reply
  64. mark
    February 16, 2008

    This is almost as beautiful as the Hot Springs of NC.

    Leave a reply
  65. NorthCarolinaTouristGuide
    February 16, 2008

    If you think this is pretty you should visit Sliding Rock, in Brevard, NC. You slide down the water fall rocks but you better wear some thick pants. :)

    Leave a reply
  66. shawn
    February 16, 2008

    have there ever been an accident in that area?? it looks dangerous

    Leave a reply
  67. Nisaba
    February 17, 2008

    If you really had to suicide, what could be better than to come to a location like this, purify your mind, purify your body with a swim, and gently go over? Bloody marvellous - beats overdoses any time.

    Leave a reply
  68. negligencedetector
    February 17, 2008

    Those parents should have their children taken from them.

    Leave a reply
  69. Berry
    February 17, 2008

    Oh my God, what are they looking for? jeopardizing the kid life, I don’t care what will happen to the old guys, but the kid….

    Leave a reply
  70. Scorff
    February 17, 2008

    Hahaha, good fun to read comments from scared visitors of this page. Surely nothing happens to anyone, think the kid still has his life intact and maybe with a good experience too :)

    Leave a reply
  71. Amy
    February 17, 2008

    This looks absolutely terrifying! haha But beautiful though. I’ve got a severe phobia of heights so I could never do this. But WOW it’s gorgeous. Not sure i’d take my kids though.

    Leave a reply
  72. petnos
    February 17, 2008

    thats crazy and fantastic…

    Leave a reply
  73. Ren Ren
    February 17, 2008

    I wonder if anyone has ever fallen over??

    Leave a reply
  74. Amber
    February 17, 2008

    that is just nuts, i mean it’s real pretty and everything, but i would never go there or if i had kids take them anywhere near that. too dangerous!!

    Leave a reply
  75. randomguru
    February 18, 2008

    that. is. insane!

    but looks like a lot of fun too.

    Leave a reply
  76. Basir
    February 18, 2008

    See it

    Leave a reply
  77. Anne Sewell
    February 18, 2008

    Amazing and fun shots! :o) I am an ex Rhodie, but never had the pleasure of visiting this!

    Leave a reply
  78. John Kerry
    February 18, 2008

    This is amazing looking. I wonder if anyone has accidentally slipped off the edge or dropped a camera.

    Leave a reply
  79. ChrisA.
    February 18, 2008

    Just great !!!
    How is possible??
    Regards,
    Chris

    Leave a reply
  80. d
    February 18, 2008

    Fake.

    Leave a reply
  81. Dragon
    February 18, 2008

    Photoshop magic !!

    Leave a reply
  82. Jason Allen
    February 18, 2008

    “THEMAN” ….you are a complete dumbass. You know which people here are Americans? OK, which ones? What a stupid, third world, turd.

    Leave a reply
  83. Audri
    February 18, 2008

    I can feel the excitement and hear the rush of the falls in those pics. But having the kids so close? NO, NO, and NO. Child Protective Services could be called for that. A clear case of child endangerment.My son was hyperactive and would have escaped my arms in a heartbeat.

    Leave a reply
  84. Taylor Love
    February 19, 2008

    Why couldm’t u fall off, like was it slipperly?

    Leave a reply
  85. Sam Cronin
    February 19, 2008

    Damn… Take me there!

    Leave a reply
  86. HometownQuotes
    February 19, 2008

    Definitely not my type of fun.

    Leave a reply
  87. anon
    February 19, 2008

    old guy in speedo is old

    Leave a reply
  88. SAM Galpin
    February 19, 2008

    WOOOOOOOW! I would TOTALLY do that BUT.I would SOOOO be scared.!

    Leave a reply
  89. Rick
    February 20, 2008

    Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “Living on the edge”. Awesome pics!!

    Leave a reply
  90. James
    February 20, 2008

    wow these people are really dumb, but i can see why they’d do it - they have to feel so free…!

    okay i have GOT to do this im gettin a rush just thinkin about it!

    Leave a reply
  91. C4L
    February 20, 2008

    i AM goin there - hopefully soon - and im gonna do the same thing chick in number seven did…

    Leave a reply
  92. mark
    February 20, 2008

    you guys are crazy!!! noway I would go dipping. Marvelous view by the way…

    Leave a reply
  93. thedude
    February 20, 2008

    That is friggin sweet. That just made the list of things do before I die.

    Leave a reply
  94. BPF
    February 20, 2008

    WOW!!!! That is amazing… If I ever go to Zimbabwe that is a definite stop… however I doubt I’ll ever end up there being that I am not planning on becoming subject to the government in America and the microchips they put in passports *Sigh*

    Leave a reply
  95. Audra
    February 21, 2008

    I think these pics are incredible!!!! I cannot beleive peole criticise for taking children there…..parent DO have some sort of control you know….not like most of you freaks who are bashing the whole thing….maybe take a look at yourselves and ralize WHY YOU wouldnt take a child there….because YOU havent got control of yourself or your child…..keep your pessimistic opinions to your selves…….dumbasses!!!

    Leave a reply
  96. Katrín
    February 21, 2008

    I really don’t think it’s dangerous. People are aware of the danger so they wouldn’t do something stupid unless the had some fall back plan, like someone holding your ankles.

    And I agree with Audra, parents really do have some control over their children! And anyway, your parents go in and you’re not allowed to go in as well. This is a chance of a life time!
    Anyway, you can see the kid in the photo is aware of the danger there as well. Don’t overprotect kids!

    I would do it in a heartbeat.

    Leave a reply
  97. Una
    February 21, 2008

    wow that’s so cool. and the name… devil’s pool.. Anyone up for a swim?

    Leave a reply
  98. Alan returning from Zim
    February 21, 2008

    It is actually on the Zambian side of the falls and it is for real. I watched people do this from the Zimbabwe side two months ago and, honestly, it made my whole experience there very unpleasant. Even with guides, it is definitely NOT SAFE and is the kind of thing that you can only get away with in Africa because someone is making money; bribes, etc. somewhere. Maybe someday Zambia will root out its corruption and the Park Service will not allow people to endanger themselves, their children and the park. DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMENDED, if not from a safety view, at from an ethical one. And yeah, as a parent, it pisses me off too that someone gets off putting a kid on a ledge of anything for a picture.

    Leave a reply
  99. Katie
    February 21, 2008

    [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/cathyvice/vic-falls.jpg[/IMG]

    no photoshop - but I don’t blame you for thinking it is!

    Leave a reply
  100. Chris
    February 21, 2008

    I have no doubt the pool’s safe, just watch out for those Zanu-PF thugs. I hear Mugabe’s trying to forge another election over in ol’ Zimbabwe…

    Leave a reply
  101. mshuf7
    February 21, 2008

    I look at raising my child not only as a responsibility but also as a privilege. Not only am I to teach her to be careful in a dangerous world but I also must teach her to look outside her bubble of a world. I want her to see fantastic and wonderful things. I want her to experience fantastic and wonderful things. I want her to use some common sense! I would love to be able to show her this beautiful country. I would love for her to experience the falls. Those parents in the pictures are giving their children a beautiful memory that is going to be with them for the rest of their lives. It will change them in small ways and I believe that it will be in good ways. (Somehow I do not think they would have posted the pictures if there had been a terrible accident.)

    If my neighbor does not want to visit that pool I am not going to force him. If my neighbor does not want me to visit the falls or the pool, that is too bad. It is not up to him or you (those with fearful responses and fearful hearts) to hold others back from their freedoms. I may even chance losing my beloved camera to take a picture over the edge.

    Leave a reply
  102. Compre4Life
    February 21, 2008

    Oh my god, unbelievable!!!

    Leave a reply
  103. sarah
    February 21, 2008

    mentalists

    Leave a reply
  104. Bev
    February 21, 2008

    Wow! This looks like a great place to go if in Zimbabwe. It’s amazing that no one goes over the edge!
    Beautiful! I will have to put this on my list of things to do before I die!
    Thanks for sharing!

    Leave a reply
  105. jeremy
    February 21, 2008

    That is so cool i wish i could go there what a perfect place that would be to make love to your girlfreind or wife.

    Leave a reply
  106. sheryl
    February 22, 2008

    Hmmmm………I was always adventurous with my kids, taking them into caves, swimming with the sharks (dumb,dumb,dumb) swimming with dolphins, hunting, chaperoning a senior trip for 20 senior girls in Cancun (dumb,dumb,dumb) 17 mile canoe trips down the mighty Colorado River, Las Vegas strip when they turned 21…so I would probably let my adrenaline take over and enjoy this one with them..however I would probably have to have a cocktail afterwards! (or maybe a glass of wine in the swimming hole, now that would be nice!
    Ciao!

    Leave a reply
  107. deputtergjd3
    February 23, 2008

    If in the states they would build a McDon. and starbucks along side

    Leave a reply
  108. Aniruth
    February 24, 2008

    wow! i wish i could get a chance to do that

    Leave a reply