Due to its precarious location in the middle of the mighty Zambezi River and just upstream of Victoria Falls, Livingstone Island can only be visited on guided tours. These boat tours include round-trip transportation to the island in addition to a guided island tour that typically offers breakfast, lunch, or tea while learning about the history of the island. If the water levels are right, and you are feeling brave, you can add to the adventure by swimming in Devil’s Pool—a natural rock pool perched on the lip of the falls.
To visit Livingstone Island, book a tour that departs from the nearby town of Livingstone. Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.
Livingstone Island is typically only accessible between July and January when the water levels aren’t too high. Access to Devil’s Pool is even more restricted and October and November (typically the driest months) offer the best potential for a dip in the cliff-side pool. If Devil’s Pool is off-limits, you may be able to visit the alternative Angel’s Pool, which doesn’t require the water to be as low.
While Livingstone Island gives you the chance to see the waterfall from its rim, don’t stop there. For traditional Victoria Falls views, plan a trip to the viewpoints that look across at the falls and walk out on the Knife Edge Bridge. To see the falls from their base, hike down the trail to the Boiling Pots. For an aerial view of the natural wonder, treat yourself to a helicopter flight—known as “flight of the angels.”