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The scariest swimming pool EVER

by Meg Massie (RSS feed) on Nov 13th 2008 at 8:30AM

Acrophobia is described as an uncontrollable, irrational, and often crippling fear of heights. I'm not sure if this concept has an opposite -- acrophilia, maybe? Love of heights? -- but that's how I'd describe anyone brave (crazy?) enough to go for a dip at the Devil's Pool.

The Devil's Pool is a natural swimming hole surrounded by just-below-the-surface rocks at the top of Africa's Victoria Falls, right at the edge of the 108-meter falls on the Zambezi River. When I say right at the edge, I don't mean near the edge, or sort of close to the falls, or in the grass next to the falls -- I mean it is on the edge of the falls.

Just looking at pictures of the tourists who've gone there makes me a bit light headed. I know myself well enough to know that I could never, ever get in that water -- but the photos from those braver than I are absolutely stunning. No, these aren't photoshopped. It's allegedly very safe, but I can't help but think that those who scoot out over the edge for a once-in-a-lifetime photograph are really pushing their luck.

Are you brave enough to dive in?

Gallery: Swimming in the Devil's Pool

Filed under: Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Willy Nov 13th 2008 10:27AM

I've been here. During the rainy season, the Zambezi can really chug along, making this dangerous. But during dry season (roughly April-November), it's common to see folks wading through here. I've never sat in the water here, though I have stomped through it. There's a cool mini-island upcurrent a bit, great for photos.

Willy Nov 13th 2008 10:27AM

Oh, and technically, this is 100% on the Zambia side.

Brenda SFO Nov 13th 2008 11:41PM

Just looking at those photos gave me the "willies." But then again, I can't walk across the Golden Gate Bridge without getting the "willies". Although I can scuba dive in waters where the Great White lives - go figure! I guess it's a height thing with me. I'm an adventureous type and love Africa, but I'd have to pass on that African experience. I'd do it if I wouldn't faint though!