Livingstone Island Tour
Livingstone Island Tour
4.5
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Livingstone Island is perched on the edge of the Victoria Falls in the very midst of this thundering mass of water. Your visit begins with a thrilling ride through the channels of the Zambezi. You will then be taken on a guided exploration of the island, a protected World Heritage Site. If you're feeling brave, you can even take a heart-stopping peek over the island's edge to the churning mass below in the famous Devil's Pool. Finally, you will be treated to an incredible meal before our boats take you back to reality. (Swimming activities depend on water levels. Children must be over 12 years old to swim. Strong swimmers only).
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Livingstone Island Tour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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16Bonnie
Parker, CO304 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We had a great day at Livingstone Island! We were given a lengthy safety briefing, life jackets, and rubber shoes (which we were so glad we had once we walked through the slippery mud!) and were ready to go. We took a very fast boat ride towards the falls in the fast-moving Zambezi River. Our two guides brought us to the edge of Victoria Falls. Holding hands as a group, we stepped down into the chilly water. It was actually a bit frightening! We climbed around near the edge of the falls and just took in the magnificent view, complete with gorgeous rainbows! Our two guides took SO many photos and videos of us! It was a very exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Our guides were very respectful, helpful, and I actually felt safe even though we were hanging over the largest waterfall!!!After we explored two locations near the falls and got our share of views and photos, we were seated in a nice little cabana area for a gourmet, multi-course lunch. The service was great, and the food was very good. It was truly an adrenaline rush!
The only issue we experienced had nothing to do with our guides. We were with a family of five who were incredibly slow. We stood around before and after the boat ride just waiting on them. If we could have gotten started without them, it would have been a little better. They were nice enough, but they really shortened our experience. The guides finally got impatient as well, and we were able to start off and let them catch up. It was, overall, a wonderful day and I highly recommend it if you’re into an adrenaline rush and an adventure!
The only issue we experienced had nothing to do with our guides. We were with a family of five who were incredibly slow. We stood around before and after the boat ride just waiting on them. If we could have gotten started without them, it would have been a little better. They were nice enough, but they really shortened our experience. The guides finally got impatient as well, and we were able to start off and let them catch up. It was, overall, a wonderful day and I highly recommend it if you’re into an adrenaline rush and an adventure!
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our activity on the Edge. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the thrill! We greatly appreciate the feedback and are sorry that your tour was delayed due to another family.
Our team will ensure that our supervisors are on hand in the future to arrange other guides so as to send guests ahead if there is a delay.
Thank you again for your feedback.
Warm regards
The Livingstone Island Team
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
28victoriae
Copenhagen, Denmark12 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The Angel's Pool part itself was amazing and definately a 5-star experience. However, the tour is extremely rushed. We had less than 7 minutes to eat a full meal and were rushed through the whole island which seems very unfair when you pay a skyhigh amount of money to go. You should AT LEAST be given time to eat you food as this does not cost them anything. Further, we did not have time to take pictures on the island - only the obligatory few photos in the pool did we get and these were taken in a few seconds due to the rushing by the guides. It seems like a pure money machine for them - they don't care whether you have a good time or not. This makes it a "cross-it-off-the-list-thing" more than an enjoyable experience. The price is completely out of range with the experience and what you get. It is monopoly when it is worst.
Also: The whole thing is rather irrationally designed. They will insist you take off you clothes before you have a long conversation with the cook about the food options and before you are given a million instructions: This is completely unnecessary as it is extremely cold to stand there in the cold and wet surroundings. Also you will be taken to one of the photo stops without your clothes on so you can stand there for 10 minutes freezing in the cold. After this you will return to where you took off your clothes before you go to the pool so it does not make sense to take off the clothes already before the photo stop. This is certainly not though through.
If you just want to cross the destination off you list you will get what you want but don't expect time to enjoy.
Also: The whole thing is rather irrationally designed. They will insist you take off you clothes before you have a long conversation with the cook about the food options and before you are given a million instructions: This is completely unnecessary as it is extremely cold to stand there in the cold and wet surroundings. Also you will be taken to one of the photo stops without your clothes on so you can stand there for 10 minutes freezing in the cold. After this you will return to where you took off your clothes before you go to the pool so it does not make sense to take off the clothes already before the photo stop. This is certainly not though through.
If you just want to cross the destination off you list you will get what you want but don't expect time to enjoy.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there
Thank you for your feedback, and we really appreciate your constructive criticism. Whilst each of our activities is over 1hr 30 mins, with our lunch slot taking 2 hrs 30 mins and our High Tea slot being 2hrs, we understand that when other guests are late on arrival or cause a delay during the activity itself, this can impact your experience.
Please note that safety is our number one priority, which is why we have a 100% safety record since inception. This is also why we require that guests arrive at least 45-minutes early for our safety briefings. However, we will also look into other ways to avoid this issue, as we fully understand the frustration.
The order of events once on the island — such as changing before the tour itself — was actually implemented as a solution to save time without minimising safety. We have not had feedback about the cold, as it is usually so very warm in Zambia! We will be sure to consider this in more depth, and hopefully, if you next return in winter, we will have a process in place to keep you more comfortable. We apologise again for any inconvenience and value your feedback as it is vital to our operation.
Warm regards
The Livingstone Island Team
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Florentin H
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
It was a great and impressive experience with nice food friendly and flexible guides and chefs.
Also they brought us back to ur Hotel when our shuttle not came to pick us up. All of them were friendly and aware of our safeness.
All in All an great Trip with beautiful view combinated with an once in a lifetime experience swimming on the edge of the Victoria falls.
Also they brought us back to ur Hotel when our shuttle not came to pick us up. All of them were friendly and aware of our safeness.
All in All an great Trip with beautiful view combinated with an once in a lifetime experience swimming on the edge of the Victoria falls.
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there
Thank you very much for the lovely feedback. We are thrilled to you enjoyed your Livingstone Island excursion. We feel very much motivated by such response, and we will continue with the excellent service.
We look forward to welcoming you back to our island above the Falls.
Warm regards
The Livingstone Island Team
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MumbaiRiders
Mumbai, India1 671 contributions
Sep 2022
.During the dry season of Victoria Falls the "Devils Pool" swim is the most sought after tourist attraction as this swim can be done only when the Zambezi river is in low flow which usually starts from mid-August.In fact i had planned my South East Africa safari with the sole purpose of having a dip in the World's only infinity pool, "DEVIL'S POOL".
"Tongabazi" the tour company conducts 5 batches of tours to "DEVIL'S POOL" in a day with 24 tourists in each batch.A roaring monetary gold mine and they hold the complete rights of conducting this tour to the edge of "Victoria Falls" in the World's only infinity swimming pool.6 of us tourists were accommodated in a small speedboat and finally at 0845 hrs we left Livingstone City to head for Livingstone Island on the Zambezi river.It was a treacherous motorboat ride avoiding submerged and exposed rocks and again luck favoured us as the Main falls mist had a strong rainbow formation that was indescribable. First time in my life saw a Rainbow at ground level.We finally arrived on Livingstone Island after a 10 minutes boat ride that seemed like extreme sports rafting seeing the rocks jutting out of the water.On alighting on Livingstone Island we tourists were told to put our valuables in a sealed box next to a portable campsite.Next we changed into our swimming costumes and began the final walk cum swim to "Devil's Pool".The current of the Zambezi heading towards the waterfalls was strong and our guide helped us wade through the slippery rocks.We finally arrived at "Devil's Pool" which was a small circular pool right on the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls. Each of us tourists was made to swim across to the edge of the pool to be photographed for memories of a lifetime. After the dip we were given a breakfast on Livingstone Island and finally returned back to Livingstone by speedboat.
"Tongabazi" the tour company conducts 5 batches of tours to "DEVIL'S POOL" in a day with 24 tourists in each batch.A roaring monetary gold mine and they hold the complete rights of conducting this tour to the edge of "Victoria Falls" in the World's only infinity swimming pool.6 of us tourists were accommodated in a small speedboat and finally at 0845 hrs we left Livingstone City to head for Livingstone Island on the Zambezi river.It was a treacherous motorboat ride avoiding submerged and exposed rocks and again luck favoured us as the Main falls mist had a strong rainbow formation that was indescribable. First time in my life saw a Rainbow at ground level.We finally arrived on Livingstone Island after a 10 minutes boat ride that seemed like extreme sports rafting seeing the rocks jutting out of the water.On alighting on Livingstone Island we tourists were told to put our valuables in a sealed box next to a portable campsite.Next we changed into our swimming costumes and began the final walk cum swim to "Devil's Pool".The current of the Zambezi heading towards the waterfalls was strong and our guide helped us wade through the slippery rocks.We finally arrived at "Devil's Pool" which was a small circular pool right on the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls. Each of us tourists was made to swim across to the edge of the pool to be photographed for memories of a lifetime. After the dip we were given a breakfast on Livingstone Island and finally returned back to Livingstone by speedboat.
Written 15 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morag T
Teddington, UK99 contributions
Jul 2022
This was a very efficient and well organised trip. You get a speed boat over to the island, there is the opportunity to change when you get there but it’s easier if you wear your custom under your clothes. You are then walked out to the pool where you get a couple of opportunities to have your photo taken either sitting on lying on the edge of the falls. I personally didn’t find it scary but others in our group did. We then had a lunch which you have with everyone else on the group. Lunch was good and massive and it was a sociable affair. Then get the boat back. Definitely recommend as an alternative to seeing the falls from lower down.
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samm E
85 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Incredible experience and included way more that we expected. We went on a wonderful boat tour, followed by stunning views of the waterfall from above, then a swim in Devil’s pool (which was exhilarating and terrifying being along the world’s largest waterfall’s edge- wow what an experience) and our guide took hundreds of photos for our group! Followed by a delicious multi-course meal including vegan meals and other options for special diets. Best food I’ve ever had. Incredible overall experience.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl B
7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
This tour was the highlight of our trip to Victoria Falls for me. You start off in a short boat tour to Livingstone Island and take some photos next to the falls. Then you get into the cold water for a swim to Devil's Pool. Our guides always made us feel safe and took the best care of us. It is heart racing, exhilarating and our group bonded and cheered for each other. If you can, DEFINITELY choose the swim with the lunch. The lunch was the BEST MEAL I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! The chef can give NYC Michelin star chefs a run for their money. They are willing to accommodate any dietary restrictions and you will leave with your stomach bursting full of delectable food.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lina333
Tampa, FL326 contributions
Jul 2022
the only reason to visit the island is to do Angel's Pool/Devil's Pool. Devil's Pool was still closed so we did Angel's pool. tour includes meal, breakfast for us since we did the 9am tour. We happened to be the only people of the tour which was awesome. The guides are very careful and guide you to the safest places. you hand them your phone and the rest is history. you will have a lifetime of memories on film!!. The water was cold in July but the adrenaline definitely helped.
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeneralShamu
New York City, NY1 058 contributions
Jul 2022
This tour was absolutely mesmerizing. We did the lunch on island tour and are so glad we did - you don't go for the food but the quality was top notch food wise.
In terms of the island itself, every group gets a guide to take them around the edge of the waterfall. David was ours and he was excellent in all regards around safety and giving people courage to safely approach the edge of the falls.
Towel provided.
MUST bring a swimsuit and ideally, slip resistant water shoes. Doable barefoot just not as enjoyable.
In terms of the island itself, every group gets a guide to take them around the edge of the waterfall. David was ours and he was excellent in all regards around safety and giving people courage to safely approach the edge of the falls.
Towel provided.
MUST bring a swimsuit and ideally, slip resistant water shoes. Doable barefoot just not as enjoyable.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh A
Baltimore, MD64 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The trip to Livingstone Island is a MUST! This experience will last a lifetime. The guides who take you to the island are wonderful and do such a great job with their guests. The food you have for lunch is incredible and if you have the chance to swim in the angels pool you will have stories and pictures that will leave people speechless. I can’t thank our guides O’Brien and Eustace enough for all the amazing pictures and the ability to make us feel calm while standing at the top of Vic Falls. This experience is probably not for everyone, but we did see an 80 year old woman join the tour and she appeared to have a great time. If you do one activity while visiting Zimbabwe and Zambia you need to visit Livingstone Island.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevan17
New York City, NY31 contributions
What is the best time of day to do this tour in early August?
Trish S
Sydney30 contributions
If you're staying on Zim side then tours tend to start early to allow for getting across the border and formalities done.
We left our hotel around 8am and after playing in the pools were served breakfast on LI. We still then had more than half a day to enjoy other attractions in Zambia.
If staying on Zambia side then there's not really a best time of day.
Hope this helps!
Ryan R
Kaysville, UT1 141 contributions
Can you tell me if the tour and Angels Pool is available in late July? I've read the water is too high then but have seen some reviews of people that have done it in July. Just trying to plan for our upcoming trip. Thanks!
356JudyS
Edinburgh, UK27 contributions
I think you swim in Angel's pool when the water is very high (as it was when we were there last June) and Devil's pool when the water is low. Fantastic place really recommend the day.
Is there a lot of hilly walking to get from hotel to Devil Pool?
Tongabezi
Livingstone, Zambia11 contributions
Not at all! You can actually only walk to Livingstone Island at very specific times of the year, and only with official Tongabezi guides, because it's right in the middle of the waterfall. It's far more likely that you would be driven from Tongabezi Lodge to the Royal Livingstone Hotel where a boat would pick you up and take you to Livingstone Island. If you are there at the right time of year you could then swim in the Devil's Pool. I hope this helps.
134isabela2010
Linköping, Sweden33 contributions
Hello Mahriah,
We want to visit the Angel´s pool next july, but we can´t find too much information regarding prices and suggestions of tours. Could you please share us your experience and any tip will be well received.
Regards,
Isabel
Mahriah
Seattle, WA35 contributions
Hi! The tour is called “Livingstone Island Tour.” The price varies depending upon what time of day your tour is. Can’t remember exactly what I paid. There is only one tour as it’s owned by the hotel, so it doesn’t really matter who you by the tour from. The tour website only talks about Devils Pool, but it will be Angels Pool if you go in July.
Peggy A
Farmington Hills, MI16 contributions
Does anyone have any idea what the water temperature is in Angel's pool the beginning of July?
Christina H
Redondo Beach, CA62 contributions
Hi! My husband and I went to Angel's Pool in early July of 2016. I wouldn't know the exact temperature... but I had no issues :) though I was excited and wasn't going to let it stop me haha, I recall my husband grimacing and taking his time getting in so it was at least somewhat cold, but he's a bit sensitive to cold water in my opinion. The tour guides loan you these great, huge, warm panchos though so I encourage you to not let cold water stop you if possible, that was the coolest part of the trip for us!! But also, be warned that it may not be accessible at that time. It depends on the water levels, they don't allow folks to go to Angel's Pool if the water level is still too high for safety. We were told we might not be able to visit it in early July, but it ended up working out for us. You can email the tour operator as the date approaches for updates.
Sujoy M
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India7 contributions
I will be visiting Livingstone Zambia in Dec 3rd week. If I book the Devil's pool activity then is the view of victoria falls from Livingstone Island better than Zimbabwe side view. I will prefer to do 1 activity ethier Livigstone island with DevIL Pool or visit Zimabawe side of VC for view
The view of Victoria falls in Zimbabwe is at the devils pool if you spend money to go to Livingstone island devils pool there is no need to go to Zimbabwe to see the falls...feel free to contact me for more information
Regareds
William Chibwe
Manager
RenaeG76
Melbourne, Australia162 contributions
I know there are 5 time options but when is the best time of the day to do this tour? Thanks in advance
Chris P
Shanghai, China4 925 contributions
Yep! Not sure if there is a best time. We did "high tea" - late afternoon, which was excellent, as well as the high tea. I think it depends on how much spray you want to see and the angle of the sun, followed by cost. We did not feel rushed at all
gwenny50
Livonia, NY
I will fly into Zimbabwe from South Africa this September. Can I get a univisa at Zimbabwe airport at Hat time so I can travel to Livingston island tour in Zambia? Thank you for your help.
US WILLCH TRAVEL AND TOURS Get in touch with us we will organise this trip for you and you wont regret visiting Zambia, we can organise transport to pick you from your hotel up to the borrder our driver will pick you up and drive you the island, drive you back after the activitie.
Reanetta V
9 contributions
how many hour is the whole tour trip?
muddyrts
Rockville Centre, NY881 contributions
Reanetta,
Pmichalski answer is spot on. We did breakfast. It was by far the best breakfast I had the whole 2 weeks in Livingstone.
DO NOT MISS THIS TOUR.!!!!!!
It is worth every penny. A huge highlite of trip and my wife and I still talk about the breakfast.!!!!
jpro1990
Pinellas Park, FL46 contributions
I'm worried about how much swimming is involved to get to the Devil's Pool. I'm barely a fluent doggy paddler. Is this something I could feasibly do?
pioneertraveller
Australia3 210 contributions
Good Day Jpro 1990
When I was there the Devils's pool was close, and I only did the Angel's Pool, it did not required us to swimming to get to the pool, just walking to the pool. But the path to the pool, is slippery, rocky and muddy, so you just have to be careful. Safe travel where ever you go. Have fun.