Would you sit at the edge of a waterfall?
How about lying down?
As dangerous as this looks,
no matter how close people get,
something always seems to stop them
from falling over the edge.
If you want to learn the secrets of this
mysterious wonder of the world,
then prepare to take the plunge.
The spectacular Victoria Falls
is on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
At the upper edge of this mighty waterfall
is a small spot
where some daredevils swim.
It's known as the Devil's Pool.
And if you're not careful,
you could end up at the bottom
of one of the world's largest waterfalls.
Approximately 1 million tourists
visit Victoria Falls every year.
But most visitors don't dare
swim in the Devil's Pool.
If you're up for the challenge,
this is what you'd need to do
to swim there and live to tell the tale.
You can only swim in the Devil's Pool
from June to December.
And the best months to dive in
are October and November
when the river's flow is weaker.
Consider getting
the recommended vaccines
to travel to Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Once you're there,
keep your passport safely with you
in case you need to cross the border.
Pack a bathing suit and sunscreen.
A sealed waterproof bag is essential
to keep your phone and passport dry.
It's dangerous and almost impossible
to get to the Devil's Pool alone.
Take taxis in town
to avoid animals that could be dangerous.
You'll need to ride a boat
to Livingstone Island
and pay for certified guides
to take you to the pool.
Follow the guides' instructions,
and don't wander around.
Don't cross the border ilegally
to Zimbawe and Zambia,
or you could get arrested.
Now you have to cross a river
to get to Devil's Pool.
The guides will throw rocks in the river.
This is to make sure
there aren't any crocodiles
or hippos waiting to attack
and possibly kill you.
Next,
you'll face a 50-100 m (164-328 ft) swim
through the Zambezi River
to get to the Devil's Pool.
If you're not a strong swimmer,
you can form a chain by holding hands
with the guide and other visitors.
If the hand-holding chain breaks,
don't panic.
The water is shallow
and only stomach-deep.
So you may stand up
and slowly wade through the water.
You'll sit on the wet rocks
above Devil's Pool and wait your turn
to go in.
Then lower yourself from the rocks,
and let go.
This 1.5 m (5 ft) leap
is often the most terrifying part
of the trip.
If you choose to lean over the Devil’s Pool
and stare down at the water
falling below you,
make sure that the guides
are holding your ankles.
Remember, getting close
to the edge of the pool is risky
even though the rock lip is sturdy.
The plunge from the Pool is 108 m (354 ft).
After about ten minutes,
you'll have to swim back across the pool
to the rocks and climb up.
Some people got minor injuries
from slipping on the rocks,
although there are no reports of anyone
falling from the Devil's Pool.
You survived swimming on the edge
of the Victoria Waterfalls.
But some waterfalls
would not spare your life
if you got that close.
They find people at the bottom
of the Niagara River every year.
Why are the Niagara Falls so deadly?
Find out next here.