Cataract Island Pools
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cataract Island Pools worth booking?
Cataract Island Pools is a 2-hour experience in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from $250 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $250 per person
A fully guided experience including a short boat trip across the calm waters of the channel to Cataract Island. Once disembarked, a guided tour of the Island follows, including time to explore the new section of Victoria Falls that is busy forming. The first of its kind on the Zimbabwean side.
What you get
About this experience
A fully guided experience including a short boat trip across the calm waters of the channel to Cataract Island. Once disembarked, a guided tour of the Island follows, including time to explore the new section of Victoria Falls that is busy forming. The first of its kind on the Zimbabwean side.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
Not included
- All Fees and Taxes
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Amulonga Travel and Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Cataract Island Pools. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Victoria Falls Experience. Forget Devil’s Pool!
I don’t understand why anyone would do Devil’s Pool when this option seems so superior in every way. It’s a little more expensive but you don’t have to cross into Zambia so the entire experience only takes a couple hours. It starts with an exhilarating boat road down the Zambezi rapids above the falls, a guided tour of Cataract Island with exceptional views of the falls, and then the actual water experience which lasted about 30 min. You start with a natural pool right above the falls just as with the Devil’s Pool but without the crowd. It was just my brother and I. Then, if you dare you can tether into the rock at the falls edge and sit between two of the rushing falls with your feet hanging over the edge and a view straight down while the two guides take pictures with your phone. My brother is an engineer and I am a physician and we are both in our 60’s. Never felt in danger! How is this not more popular? So exhilarating! Zoom in on the photos to see us sitting on the edge. Incredible experience all the way around. We then completed the experience with a fantastic optional lunch at a lodge right on the Zambezi River.
via Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime experience
Incredible experience. Worth every cent. A great boat ride, sighting hippos, followed by a short walk to the pool. I felt completely relaxed and secure wearing a harness, with my feet hanging over the falls. Tom and Ross were incredible, making us feel safe, taking photos, plus educating us on the falls and flora and fauna of the area. A once in a lifetime time experience. Well run, well organised. Small group, without any time pressure, the alternative in Zambia looked crowded. Don’t be nervous, just do it.
via Tripadvisor
A tour that should not be missed.
Was easily the highlight of our Vic Falls experience. This tour is a hidden gem in Zim, and outshines its competing neighbour by miles. Booking process was easy and communication direct with the operator via WhatsApp was responsive and very informative. Tour groups are small, max 12. The safari truck pickup was prompt and a very comfortable drive to the river where we were met by Tom and Ross, locals who have been enjoying the Zim Falls since they were kids. The boat ride to the falls was thrilling with birds and wildlife pointed out along the way. Its a very easy walk from the boat to the pool and the location is just magical. Whilst the tour states 1.5 hours, we never felt rushed and everyone one had time and opportunity to soak in the magic of the location. Tom has an added bonus for those feeling more adventurous - i will keep that one a surprise and you will have to take the tour to see! ;) My photos dont really do it justice, but attached is a little video we made. This is not a cheap activity, but wow! the service and experience far exceeds similar options at Vic Falls. Thank you so much for a great adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience
What an amazing experience!!!Cataract Pools on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls was thrilling and one of our best adventures. Tom" and "Ross" had great knowledge of the area, attention to safety, and made us feel entirely comfortable. Thank you Tom for the expert photographs of us on the falls edge. The scenic boat ride to Cataract Island, with the rainbows was amazing.
via Tripadvisor
Cataract Pool Vic Fall out of this world. Amazing
What an amazing experience, the highlight of my week. I am not an adrenaline junky but I loved every minute of this. Tom is very knowledgeable and very friendly having lived in Zim all his life. He knows nature like the back of his hand. He does not take risks and you feel very safe and comfortable looking over the edge of the falls. It's just amazing. This is not as popular as Devils Pool which which makes it more enjoyable as you can take your time. The groups are no bigger than 6 and there is no rush.
Response from the operator: That sounds absolutely incredible! 🌊 It’s great to hear you had such an unforgettable experience. Tom sounds like the perfect guide — knowledgeable, patient, and deeply connected to the land. I love that this activity offers a more intimate, less crowded alternative to Devil’s Pool while still delivering that breathtaking thrill. Thanks for sharing — it’s definitely going on my must-do list next time I’m at the Falls! 👏🇿🇼
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Amulonga Travel and Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.8.
See everything Amulonga Travel and Tours runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cataract Island Pools: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Victoria Falls.
How much does Cataract Island Pools cost?
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Prices start at $250 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Victoria Falls usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cataract Island Pools take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Victoria Falls is not rushed.
Is Cataract Island Pools worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Victoria Falls, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cataract Island Pools?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cataract Island Pools suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cataract Island Pools?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Victoria Falls can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Victoria Falls and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cataract Island Pools start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Victoria Falls within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Victoria Falls?
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On Outty we rank every Victoria Falls experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Tour of the Falls (Zimbabwe side), Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia: Guided Tour of the Falls from Both Sides. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Victoria Falls?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Cataract Island Pools?
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Included: Bottled water. Not included: All Fees and Taxes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cataract Island Pools include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 25 listed pickup locations in and around Victoria Falls. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Cataract Island Pools offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cataract Island Pools?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Cataract Island Pools wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cataract Island Pools if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Cataract Island Pools?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The views and photo stops come up again and again. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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