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Africa’s most unforgettable natural pools
Forget infinity pools and luxury resorts – Africa’s wild natural swimming spots promise something far richer: a chance to plunge straight into landscapes carved by nature itself.
From the adrenaline of teetering on the lip of Victoria Falls to the serenity of Lake Malawi’s tropical waters, these unforgettable swims are as much about connection as they are about cooling off. Here are Africa’s most breathtaking natural pools worth a dip.
Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
Visitors at the Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls/Royal Mayhem/Wikimedia Commons
If there’s one wild swim that tops bucket lists, it’s this. Perched on the edge of the world’s largest waterfall, Devil’s Pool is the ultimate daredevil plunge. During the dry season (roughly August to January), water levels drop low enough for guides to lead thrill-seekers to the natural rock pool right on the waterfall’s lip. The rush? Peering over a 100-metre drop while the Zambezi surges beneath you.
Lake Malawi (Malawi)
Lake Malawi/Yoni Lerner/Wikimedia Commons
Dubbed the “Lake of Stars,” Lake Malawi is the opposite of adrenaline: a gentle, glassy expanse perfect for slow swims and floating afternoons. Its clear, warm waters teem with over 1,000 species of tropical fish, making it feel more like snorkelling in an aquarium than swimming in a lake. Whether you’re dipping in off a rustic beach lodge or joining locals in lakeside villages, the experience is both tranquil and culturally rich.
Blue Nile Falls plunge pools (Ethiopia)
Blue Niles Falls/A.Savin, FAL, via Wikimedia Commons
Known locally as Tis Issat (“the water that smokes”), the Blue Nile Falls roar to life during the rainy season, creating a dramatic cascade that feeds a series of pools at its base. While the main torrents are too fierce for safe swimming, the calmer downstream basins offer a wild, refreshing dip against a backdrop of spray, mist, and rainbow arcs. For Ethiopians, the falls are not just natural wonders but places steeped in legend and spirituality.
Drakensberg Rock Pools (South Africa)
Royal Natal National Park Cascades/User: (WT-shared) NJR ZA at wts wikivoyage
The Drakensberg mountains aren’t only for hiking. After hours on scenic trails, reward yourself with a plunge into one of the many icy mountain pools and waterfalls hidden in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular spots include the Mahai Pools and Cascades in Royal Natal National Park. The water is crisp year-round, the perfect contrast to summer heat and weary legs.
Bom Bom Island Pools, São Tomé & Príncipe
Palm-fringed Praia de Coco is favoured by swimmers at Bom Bom Island Resort/David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada/Wikimedia Commons
On the remote twin islands of São Tomé & Príncipe, volcanic rock formations create tidal pools and sheltered lagoons fringed by rainforest. Swimming here feels otherworldly – a blend of tropical seclusion and raw geology. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, with coral reefs and dolphins often spotted nearby, making it an off-the-beaten-track paradise for adventurous travellers.
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