A Livingstone Island Tour on Victoria Falls + A Dip In The Devil’s Swimming Pool

“So lovely, it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight” – David Livingstone

With many beautiful national parks in Zambia, another one to add to your list is Victoria Falls National Park. This is where you will also find Victoria Falls and Livingstone Island on the Zambezi River which is pictured below. We took to the Livingstone Island tour run by Tongabei Safaris. We got to visit via Livingstone Island Tour which comes with lunch and Livingstone Island high tea on Victoria Fall. I have shared a couple of posts on my trip to Africa, covering Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. In this post, I will be sharing my explorations of Livingstone Island on Victoria Falls, our dip into the Devil’s Pool on Victoria Falls and also cover Victoria Falls hotel accommodation options such as the amazing Royal Livingstone hotel.

Although the first known Europeans to visit Zambia were the Portuguese, it is thought that David Livingstone was the first Brit to explore the Zambezi River (and gaze upon the Victoria Falls), which gives life to Mosi-oa-Tunya. This translates to The Smoke that Thunders. You might know this as Victoria Falls, renamed by David Livingstone in 1855 in honor of Queen Victoria as he stood on what is now known as Livingstone Island. In high season you wouldn’t be able to stand here as it is completely submerged in sheets of water.

Most Zambians and Zimbabweans still use its original name and Zimbabwe went as far as officially renaming the falls back to “Mosi-oa-Tunya” last year. Also, contrary to what a lot of people are taught, David Livingstone DEFINITELY DID NOT discover Victoria Falls. Zambian’s already knew about Victoria Falls so they didn’t have to wait for a European person to come and discover what was already in their backyard. The fact that it already had a Zambian name tells you something.  As a Zambian, I find this insulting…but that’s a post for another time.

Getting up close and personal with Victoria Falls is the only way to experience it. To do this you have to get on the Livingstone Island for the ultimate experience of The Smoke that Thunders. Not many Victoria Falls hotel options offer tours or access to Livingstone Island. As we were staying at Tongabezi who manage the island we booked in for a little afternoon adventure to take a dip in the Devil’s Pool. If you are a lover of adventure, a dip into the Devils swimming pool. Before the Devil’s Pool, which I will be telling you about in the next post, we had a tour of the falls with a touch of history on the local people and how David Livingstone was introduced to the falls by the people lived on the land.

Exploring Livingstone Island can only be done during Victoria Falls dry season. You dont necessarily need to visit only in the dry season but for this tour and Victoria Falls Pool(Devil’s  Pool), you can only do these activities when the water levels on Victoria Falls are low and safe enough for the activity. If you can see the falls in both high and low season then I would definitely recommend it, but even more so if you can get on the island for a close and personal encounter. I will share a list of Victoria Fall hotels options below with close proximity to Victoria Falls. Having not been around here since childhood it was great to bring my boyfriend here to witness this beautiful natural wonder. Even better, that he was crazy enough to dive into the devil’s pool with me. Below are my shots of experiencing the Smoke That Thunders. This is another experience offered by only a handful of Victoria Falls hotel accommodations near the waterfall.

Livingstone has many places to choose from and covering every budget from backpackers budget to luxe accommodation. From camping, glamping, luxury tents, lodges and hotels but in the main town, on the Zambezi and near and with views of Victoria Falls. Three that I have personally experienced are below. You can also read about my stay at Tongabezi here.

Maramba River Lodge offers 3 different types of accommodation; luxury tents, chalets and camping sites. The surroundings overlook the river where you can spot elephants, hippos and crocodiles which come to find on the river right by lounging decks. 

Among the most luxurious Victoria Falls hotel options. This place offers an indulgent experience that transports one to a bygone Victorian-era Africa. Beautiful surroundings where you can see the Smoke That Thunders; Victoria Falls, from the lounging decks and from the pool but if I had to choose, I would do Tonagbezi as there is a certain exclusivity about the place and that fact that you have privacy in your own little lodge with private views of the river and from your lodge terrace you can see wildlife. The hotel grounds here also have wildlife that roams the grounds such as Zebra and impalas.  Whether you are staying at the Royal Livingstone Hotel or not you cannot leave the town without trying out the afternoon tea served in the tea room at The Royal Livingstone, its thought to be a must-do when at the Victoria Falls.

For more Victoria Falls hotel option check out this list of hotels in Livingstone with close proximity to Victoria Falls. Some with a view of Victoria Falls mist all views of the Zambezi. If you want to see Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side then check out this list of Victoria Falls hotel options from the Zimbabwean side.