Family Travel in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers incredible opportunities for families to bond over wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. With careful planning and the right choices, a family safari can create lifelong memories for children and adults alike.Why Zimbabwe for Family Travel?
Educational Value
Living classroom for wildlife, ecology, and African culture
Adventure Together
Shared experiences that bring families closer
Safe Environment
Family-friendly country with welcoming people
Malaria-Free Options
Some destinations are malaria-free year-round
Short Drives
Kid-friendly distances between attractions
Cultural Connections
Opportunities to meet local children and families
Age Considerations
What Age is Best for Safari?
- Under 6 Years
- 6-12 Years
- Teenagers
Considerations:
- Many lodges have minimum age restrictions (usually 6-7 years)
- Shorter attention spans for game drives
- Need more flexible schedules
- Safety concerns around wildlife
- Private lodges with no age restrictions
- Fenced camps
- Family suites with private vehicles
- Victoria Falls town activities
Family-Friendly Destinations
Victoria Falls
The Ultimate Family Playground
Why It’s Perfect for Families:
- Variety of activities for all ages
- Developed infrastructure
- Medical facilities available
- Short activity durations
- Malaria-free in winter months
- Falls viewing (raincoats provided for spray)
- Elephant interactions
- Crocodile farm tours
- Snake park visits
- Zambezi River cruises
- Cultural village experiences
- Adventure activities for older kids
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (family rooms)
- Ilala Lodge (central location)
- Victoria Falls Hotel (historic charm)
Hwange National Park
Family Safari Paradise
Family Safari Paradise
Why Hwange Works for Families:
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Variety of accommodation options
- Some camps accept young children
- Private concessions available
- Educational programs
- Elephant’s Eye: Accepts all ages, family chalets
- Gwango Heritage Resort: Affordable family option
- Somalisa Expeditions: Children’s program
- The Hide: Family-friendly with pool
- Swimming pools at some lodges
- Shorter game drives available
- Child-specific activities
- Family guides trained for children
Eastern Highlands
Adventure and Relaxation
Perfect for Active Families:
- Hiking opportunities for various fitness levels
- Cooler climate comfortable for children
- Malaria-free region
- Scenic beauty and waterfalls
- Pony trekking in Nyanga
- Trout fishing
- Easy nature walks
- Tea estate tours
- Botanical gardens
- Swimming in mountain pools
- Troutbeck Resort (family cottages)
- Pine Tree Inn (playground)
- Leopard Rock Hotel (golf and activities)
Lake Kariba
Houseboat Adventures
Houseboat Adventures
Unique Family Experience:
- Rent a houseboat for exclusive family use
- Flexibility in schedules
- Swimming (in designated safe areas)
- Fishing opportunities
- Wildlife viewing from the boat
- Self-catered houseboats
- Fully staffed vessels
- Various sizes for different family groups
- Combined with shore accommodations
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Types of Family Lodging
- Family Suites
- Private Houses
- Camping
Features:
- Inter-connecting rooms
- Shared living spaces
- Private entrances
- Extra beds for children
- Often separate from main lodge
- Privacy for families
- Children can be louder
- Flexible meal times
- Safe outdoor space
Top Family-Friendly Properties
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
- Family rooms with bunk beds
- Kids’ activity program
- Child-friendly meal options
- Swimming pool
- Waterhole viewing
- Vulture feeding experience
Elephant's Eye (Hwange)
- Accepts children of all ages
- Family tents available
- Flexible meal times
- Child-safe environment
- Special children’s activities
- Understanding staff
Troutbeck Resort
- Family cottages
- Kids’ playground
- Pony rides
- Trout fishing
- Indoor games room
- Babysitting services
Bumi Hills (Kariba)
- Family suites
- Swimming pool
- Water activities
- Flexible dining
- Children’s menu
- Educational programs
Activities for Different Ages
Age-Appropriate Adventures
Toddlers (2-5 years)
Toddlers (2-5 years)
Suitable Activities:
- Short game drives (1-2 hours)
- Lodge waterhole viewing
- Swimming pool time
- Nature walks around lodge
- Animal tracking games
- Craft activities
- Plan around nap times
- Bring snacks and entertainment
- Choose lodges with flexibility
- Consider private vehicle
Young Children (6-11 years)
Young Children (6-11 years)
Engaging Activities:
- Full game drives
- Junior ranger programs
- Bush skills learning
- Cultural village visits
- Crocodile farm tours
- River cruises
- Easy hiking trails
- Wildlife identification
- Tracking lessons
- Conservation talks
- Star gazing
Tweens & Teens (12+ years)
Tweens & Teens (12+ years)
Adventure Options:
- Canoeing (supervised)
- Mountain biking
- Rock climbing
- White water rafting (15+)
- Walking safaris (16+)
- Photography workshops
- Conservation activities
- Give photography challenges
- Involve in trip planning
- Connect with conservation projects
- Allow some independence
Planning Your Family Safari
Essential Preparation
1
Choose the Right Season
- May to September: Cooler, less malaria risk
- Avoid extreme heat of October
- Consider school holidays
- Book well in advance for peak times
2
Select Appropriate Destinations
- Mix wildlife and activities
- Consider malaria-free areas
- Limit long transfers
- Include pool time
3
Book Family-Friendly Lodges
- Verify age policies
- Request family rooms
- Confirm meal flexibility
- Ask about children’s programs
4
Prepare the Kids
- Show wildlife documentaries
- Read African stories
- Learn animal names
- Discuss expectations
5
Health Preparations
- Consult pediatrician
- Update vaccinations
- Malaria prevention if needed
- Pack first aid kit
Health & Safety for Families
Keeping Kids Healthy
Medical Preparations:
- Consult a travel medicine specialist 6-8 weeks before travel
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
- Discuss malaria prophylaxis with your doctor
- Consider travel insurance with pediatric coverage
- Pack comprehensive first aid kit
Family Medical Kit
Essential Items for Kids
Medications:
- Fever reducers (acetaminophen/ibuprofen)
- Antihistamines
- Anti-nausea medication
- Rehydration salts
- Prescription medications (extra supply)
- Malaria prophylaxis (if prescribed)
- Bandages and plasters
- Antiseptic cream
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Insect bite relief
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Familiar snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Tissues
Safety Guidelines
- Wildlife Safety
- Sun Protection
- Water Safety
- Never leave children unattended
- Escort required after dark at lodges
- Stay in vehicle during game drives
- Follow guide instructions immediately
- Teach children animal safety rules
- Keep tent/room zipped closed
What to Pack for Family Safari
Kid-Specific Packing List
Clothing
Clothing
- Neutral colors for game drives
- Layers for temperature changes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for lodge
- Swim suits
- Rain jacket
- Warm fleece for morning drives
- Extra changes (kids get dirty!)
Safari Gear
Safari Gear
- Child-sized binoculars
- Camera (disposable or digital)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Small daypack
- Water bottle
- Safari journal
- Pencils and colors
- Wildlife identification books
Entertainment
Entertainment
- Books and e-readers
- Travel games
- Activity books
- Downloaded movies/shows
- Headphones
- Small toys (quiet ones)
- Art supplies
- Star chart for evening
Keeping Kids Engaged
Safari Activities for Children
Educational Games
- Wildlife bingo
- Animal tracking
- Bird counting competitions
- Photography challenges
- Safari journal keeping
- Species checklists
Lodge Activities
- Nature crafts
- Cookie baking
- Beading with staff
- Story time
- Junior ranger programs
- Conservation projects
Managing Expectations
Reality Check for Families:
- Animals don’t perform on cue
- Some drives may have few sightings
- Weather can affect plans
- Flexibility is essential
- Focus on the overall experience
- Celebrate small discoveries
Budget Considerations
Family Safari Costs
- Budget Options
- Mid-Range
- Luxury Family
$200-400 per family per day
- Self-catering accommodations
- National park lodges
- Camping where suitable
- Self-drive options
- Public areas of Victoria Falls
- Travel in green season
- Book family rooms vs multiple
- Self-cater some meals
- Use group transfers
Sample Family Itineraries
Classic Family Safari (7-8 days)
1
Day 1-2: Victoria Falls
- Arrive and settle in
- Falls viewing
- Craft market visit
- Sunset cruise
2
Day 3-5: Hwange National Park
- Transfer to family-friendly lodge
- Game drives
- Lodge activities
- Bush dinner experience
3
Day 6-7: Return to Victoria Falls
- Morning activities
- Transfer back
- Adventure activities for older kids
- Departure
Eastern Highlands Family Adventure (5-6 days)
Day 1-2: Nyanga
- Troutbeck Resort base
- Pony trekking
- Waterfall hikes
- Fishing
- Leopard Rock or White Horse Inn
- Botanical gardens
- Easy nature walks
- Golf for older kids
- City experience
- Shopping for souvenirs
- Departure
Tips from Family Travel Experts
Making It Memorable
Before You Go
Before You Go
- Involve kids in planning
- Create anticipation with books/movies
- Let each child pack a small bag
- Discuss cultural differences
- Set behavior expectations
- Promise souvenirs within budget
During Your Trip
During Your Trip
- Let kids navigate with maps
- Rotate “photographer of the day”
- Encourage journaling
- Allow downtime
- Be flexible with plans
- Celebrate discoveries
Creating Connections
Creating Connections
- Visit local schools (arranged properly)
- Bring items to donate
- Learn basic greetings
- Encourage cultural exchange
- Support local crafts
- Share meals with staff
Common Concerns Addressed
Is it safe to take kids on safari?
Is it safe to take kids on safari?
Absolutely! Choose appropriate accommodations, follow safety rules, and listen to guides. Thousands of families safely enjoy Zimbabwe safaris annually.
What if my child gets sick?
What if my child gets sick?
Major tourist areas have medical facilities. Lodges have first aid training. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Most issues are minor and manageable.
Will my picky eater find food?
Will my picky eater find food?
Yes! Most lodges accommodate children’s preferences. Familiar foods like pasta, chicken, and fruits are widely available. Communicate needs in advance.
Are long drives manageable with kids?
Are long drives manageable with kids?
Plan routes with breaks. Choose destinations with shorter transfers. Private vehicles allow flexibility. Bring entertainment and snacks.
Booking Your Family Adventure
Let Zimbabwe Travel Information Plan Your Family Safari
Our family travel specialists understand the unique needs of traveling with children:We Offer:
- Age-appropriate itinerary planning
- Family room arrangements
- Activity recommendations
- Private guide matching
- 24/7 support during travel
- Email: families@travel-info.co.zw
- WhatsApp: +263 774 111061
- Visit: Zimbabwe’s Tuckshop for family packages
Final Thoughts
A family safari in Zimbabwe can be one of the most bonding and educational experiences you’ll ever share. With proper planning, flexibility, and the right expectations, your African adventure will create stories your children will tell for a lifetime.Remember: The best family safari is one that balances everyone’s interests. Don’t try to do too much – quality time together in Africa’s wilderness is the real treasure.
Ready to start planning? Check out our Sample Itineraries for more family-friendly ideas and Budget Travel tips for families.