April 28, 2008

Africa & Mideast | Zambia

A Dip With the Devil

By Nicole Cotroneo

Come on in — the water’s fine. At the world's most dangerous pool.

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You’re wading in a natural infinity pool at the precipice of Victoria Falls. And only a narrow rock ledge separates you from half a billion liters of water surging toward a 360-foot plunge. Welcome to the Devil’s Swimming Pool in Zambia, the newly-crowned adventure capital of southern Africa. Adrenaline junkies have long flocked to test their mettle at the falls, which is also home to one of the world’s highest bungee jumps. But as political unrest continues to shake Zimbabwe (which shares Victoria), peaceful Zambia has emerged as the destination of choice for experiencing the so-called “Smoke that Thunders.”

For more sober dispositions there’s now Toka Leya, Wilderness Safaris’ newest eco-bush camp opening Thursday. Just seven miles up the Zambezi River from the falls, a dozen en-suite tents huddle beneath a jackalberry canopy along the riverbank. When you’re not taking a dip in the camp’s own swimming pool, or canoeing the Zambezi, go on a game drive through the surrounding Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park –- this UNESCO Heritage area is home to the only rhinos in Zambia.