Based at the top of The Victoria Falls, this is the island where David Livingstone first saw ‘The Falls’, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya ‘The smoke that thunders’. A short boat ride is taken from The Royal Livingstone over to the island where you walk across the top of The Falls with an opportunity to stand in shallow water, 2 inches (literally) from where the water gushes over the edge, and swim in Devil’s Pool, a reasonable current-free pool a couple of feet from the top, close enough to lean over the sheer rugged edge. This makes fantastic photo opportunities with a permanent rainbow from the mist of the falls behind you. Livingstone Island itself opens during July when the water levels and currents drop to make the transport safe. Does this sound inviting? Duncan our Acacia driver/leader shares his story…
Last time I visited Livingstone, Zambia on our southbound trip we organised a trip for a bunch of our passengers to visit Livingstone Island. This is a small island located at the top of the world famous ‘Victoria Falls’.
I had heard from other people who had been there before that it was a worthwhile trip, so I decided to go and take a look for myself.
As with most of our activities in Livingstone, this was booked through Safari Par Excellence at the Waterfront campsite. It cost about $40US per person.
After taking cabs to the falls entrance we were met by our guide, Steve. He explained that we would be walking to the island as the water flow was very low at this time of year- we were there in September, which sees some of the lowest water levels on the Zambezi River.
As we set off on our walk we passed by our first viewpoint of Vic Falls. Even after seeing the falls several times it is still an impressive sight. For those seeing them for the first time (all of the passengers) it is a real jaw dropper. I love seeing the look on peoples’ faces when they realise they are looking at one of the true highlights of their whole trip. As David Livingstone said of Vic Falls:
“The most beautiful sight I have seen in Africa”
So after the obligatory photo stop we started to walk across the top of the falls towards the island. With our guide Steve, we made our way across the rocky surfaces, sometimes wading through knee deep water, following a well used route, about 100 metres upstream from where the falls drop off. With the low water levels and Steve’s excellent knowledge of the area, we made it over to the island in no time.
We made another photo stop as we arrived at the island where Steve told us about the fault which created Vic Falls, David Livingstone’s visit to the island and some other interesting facts, such as how many Elephants, Hippos and Crocodiles get washed over the falls during the rainy season each year!
So after a quick drinks break it was time for the exciting part of the day- a dip in Devil’s Pool. We swam across to a group of rocks and then one by one we jumped into the pool and lined up on the rock ledge- right on the edge of the 80 metre high waterfall! The ledge we were sitting on hardly had any water flowing over it so it is very safe to sit there, but quite a rush. We then took turns at lying on our bellies and putting our heads over the edge of the falls- with Steve securing our legs-just in case. From this position you get a great view of the water crashing down below you from the falls just to the side.
After a few more photos from different points around the island it was time to head back.
With all the other activities on offer in Livingstone- Bungy Jumping, Scenic Flights, White Water Rafting- Livingstone Island gets overlooked by some people. Leaning over the falls was one of the coolest things I’ve done in a long time. Keep it in mind when you get to Zambia.
Written by: Duncan Clarke – Acacia Driver/Tour Leader
