Posted: August 21, 2018

Livingstone Island Tour

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On the edge of the Victoria Falls just before the 108 meter drop!

The Victoria Falls is among the most spectacular sights in all of Africa, and the best vantage point from which to witness is on a Livingstone Island Tour in Zambia. Follow in Dr David Livingstone’s footsteps as you tour the island, hear about its history, experience luxury dining, and soak up the sights. In certain seasons you can even swim in Angel or Devil’s Pool on the very edge of the waterfall. The Livingstone Island tour is offered 5 times on a daily basis. A twin-engine boat will take you on a thrilling journey through the fast-moving channels of the Zambezi River. On the island you will be given a guided tour, learning about its history from ancient times when it served as a sacrificial site to the present day and its World Heritage status.

The Devil’s Pool is an infinity pool like no other! One of the most astounding natural pools to be found anywhere, Devil’s Pool has a reputation for attracting thrill-seekers from the far corners of the earth. It offers daring swimmers the chance to experience the ultimate delight: peering over the brim of the largest curtain of falling water in the world. What is less well known is how effortless this life-changing adventure is. Just a short swim from Livingstone Island, Devil’s Pool is thrilling but completely safe. The Livingstone Island Tour has a 100% safety record and our guides will be with you at all times to offer a hand, share fun facts, or simply take photographic evidence to bring home to the family. Devil’s Pool is open during the drier months of the year, usually between mid August and mid January, when the Zambezi water levels are low enough for swimmers to take the plunge.

Angel’s Pool is the alternative option when the water is too high for the operator to use Devil’s Pool. Just as daring and exciting as Devil’s Pool this activity with get you up close and personal with the mighty Victoria Falls. Definitely a must for adrenaline seekers, and those who need new profile pictures for their social media accounts. This is something you will want to boast about! See more on Devils Pool.

The Best Vantage Point to See the Falls

The Experience

Your Livingstone tour begins on the river deck of the Royal Livingstone Hotel overlooking the Zambezi River. Early arrivals can relax and have a glass of wine before departing by boat for Livingstone Island. The guides will let you in on the incredible history of the island as you follow the footsteps of Dr David Livingstone all the way to the edge of the waterfall. Depending on water level of the river, prepare to be drenched in the spray from the Falls or watch a rainbow stretch across the open gorge. Those who wish can even take a dip in Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool, and everybody completes the experience with a 5-star gourmet meal prepared for you on the island itself.

Livingstone Island Tour Times

Follow in Dr David Livingstone’s footsteps as you tour the island, hear about its history, experience luxury dining, and soak up the sights. Swim in Angel or Devil’s Pool on the very edge of the waterfall.

7:30-9:00 Livingstone Breezer (inc. breakfast)
9:00-10:30 Livingstone Breezer (inc. breakfast)
10:30-12:00 Livingstone Breezer (inc. breakfast)
12:30-15:15 Lunch on Livingstone Island
15:30-17:30 High Tea

Livingstone Island Tours depart 5 time daily in groups of up to 24 people. From $105pp to $145 pp. Make sure you book this trip in advance.

What to Bring & Wear

Get all Livingstone Island Information & Make sure you book this trip in advance. We recommend you bring the following on a Livingstone Island Tour:

Sun block
Camera/Video Camera
Binoculars
Insect Repellent
Swimming gear (Seasonal: August-January)
Rafting shoes or trainers/sneakers
June to August – bring warm clothes (cold & windy).

The Loo with a View

Due to the unique nature of the Island only 24 guests may visit at one time and enjoy a choice of five island safaris that are indicated above. The Livingstone Island Tour includes a short guided tour, viewing the Falls, a light snack and depending on the time of year you can also swim in the Devil’s Pool or Angels Pool if you wish.

As you will be spending some time on the island it is important to have a loo. This is the world famous “loo with a view”, the only loo with a view over the western cataract of Victoria Falls.

History

It was only in November of 1855 that the Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone travelled down the Zambezi River to see for himself the spot that the indigenous people called Mosi oa Tunya, or The Smoke that Thunders.

Livingstone was so affected by the sight that he exclaimed in his notes, “It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” He went on to rename the Falls after his British queen, Victoria, but today the World Heritage List also recognises the original name, Mosi oa Tunya. The island from which Dr Livingstone first witnessed the Falls is the very same island you can visit today. A local heritage site, nothing on the island is permanent except for the David Livingstone Memorial Plaque.