​

Group Travel in Zimbabwe

Traveling to Zimbabwe as a group - whether family, friends, or organized tour - creates shared memories while offering significant cost savings. From multi-generational family safaris to adventure trips with friends, Zimbabwe’s flexibility and value make it ideal for group travel.

​

Benefits of Group Travel

Cost Advantages:

• Safari Vehicles: Split 4-8 ways (huge saving)
• Private Guides: Cost shared among group
• Accommodation: Group rates at many lodges
• Self-Drive: One vehicle, split fuel costs
• Activities: Group discounts often 10-20%
• Food: Bulk shopping and shared meals

Practical Benefits:

• Safety in numbers
• Help with luggage and logistics
• Share driving (self-drive safaris)
• Someone always has what you forgot
• Split planning responsibilities
• More fun and laughter

Social Advantages:

• Shared excitement over wildlife sightings
• Group photos and memories
• Support for nervous travelers
• Built-in travel companions
• No feeling left out
• Stories to reminisce about forever

​

Group Types & Considerations

​

Friends Groups (4-8 people)

Best For:

• Adventure activities together
• Flexible itineraries
• Mix of interests
• Budget-conscious travel

Recommendations:

• Rent safari vehicle and split costs
• Book group safaris from Victoria Falls
• Mix dorms and private rooms
• Coordinate but allow individual choices

Potential Issues:

• Different budgets (discuss upfront)
• Varying fitness levels (plan accordingly)
• Decision-making (designate organizer)
• Always-together vs. alone time (build in both)

​

Multi-Generational Family (6-12 people)

Best For:

• Family reunions
• Milestone celebrations
• Creating family memories
• Introducing grandchildren to Africa

Recommendations:

• Choose family-friendly lodges
• Mix activities (something for each age)
• Private vehicles essential (flexibility for kids)
• Book adjacent rooms or family suites
• Consider exclusive-use lodges (6-12 people)

Challenges:

• Wide age ranges (toddlers to grandparents)
• Different mobility levels
• Varying interests
• Keeping everyone happy

Solutions:

• Flexible scheduling
• Optional activities
• Rest days built in
• Activities by age group
• Patient guides experienced with families

​

Extended Family Reunions (12-20+ people)

Best For:

• Major family milestones
• Once-in-a-decade gatherings
• Multi-family celebrations

Recommendations:

• Exclusive-use lodges (rent entire property)
• Large houses near Victoria Falls
• Multiple adjacent rooms at hotels
• Coordinated but independent activities
• Group dinners, individual days

Logistics:

• Start planning 12+ months ahead
• Designate family organizer
• Use group booking agents
• Coordinate flights early
• Consider pre/post trip flexibility

​

Corporate/Team Groups (8-30 people)

Best For:

• Team building
• Corporate retreats
• Incentive travel
• Board meetings + leisure

Recommendations:

• Victoria Falls for activities
• Team-building focused itineraries
• Mix work and play
• Professional coordination essential

See: Business Travel Guide for corporate details

​

Organized Group Tours (10-40 people)

Best For:

• Solo travelers joining group
• Fixed itineraries
• All-inclusive packages
• Guided throughout

Options:

• Overland truck safaris
• Small group tours (10-16 people)
• Age-specific groups (18-39s, 40+, 50+)
• Activity-focused (photography, birding)

​

Cost Savings Breakdown

Example: 4 Friends vs. Solo Travel Total Daily Savings: $100-150 per person in group of 4 Over 10 Days: $1,000-1,500 saved per person!

​

Group-Friendly Destinations

Victoria Falls:

• Endless group activities
• Range of accommodation sizes
• Group discounts on activities
• Easy logistics
• Something for everyone

Hwange National Park:

• Group safaris from Victoria Falls
• Large safari vehicles available
• Multiple lodges for big groups
• Self-drive friendly for groups

Lake Kariba:

• Houseboats perfect for groups
• Rent entire boat (6-12 people)
• Privacy and togetherness
• Unique group experience

Eastern Highlands:

• Self-catering cottages for groups
• Group hikes
• Affordable for large families
• Beautiful, safe, easy

National Parks Camps:

• Self-catering for groups
• Large campsites
• Kitchen facilities
• Very budget-friendly

​

Group Accommodation Options

Exclusive-Use Lodges:

• Rent entire lodge (typically 6-12 people)
• Own guide, vehicle, staff
• Complete privacy
• Custom scheduling
• Often best value for groups 8+
• Cost: $3,000-8,000 total per night (whole lodge)

Family Suites:

• 2-3 bedrooms, shared living space
• Sleeps 4-8 people
• Common in mid-range lodges
• More affordable than separate rooms

Self-Catering Houses:

• Victoria Falls area has large rentals
• 4-8 bedroom houses available
• Full kitchens, pools, BBQ areas
• Flexible for large groups
• Cost: $200-800/night whole house

Adjacent Rooms:

• Book block of rooms at hotels
• Coordination easier
• Group dinners possible
• Each couple has privacy

Hostels (Mixed Groups):

• Book private rooms for couples
• Dorms for singles
• Common areas for gathering
• Budget-friendly

​

Planning Group Trips

12-18 Months Before:

• Confirm who’s definitely going
• Set budget range
• Choose dates
• Assign planning coordinator

6-12 Months Before:

• Book flights (coordinate arrival times)
• Reserve accommodation (especially exclusive-use)
• Hire vehicles if self-driving
• Book major activities

3-6 Months Before:

• Finalize itinerary details
• Book remaining activities
• Arrange insurance
• Coordinate packing
• Create group chat

1-3 Months Before:

• Confirm all bookings
• Share final itinerary with everyone
• Assign responsibilities (driving, cooking, etc.)
• Buy group supplies
• Final payments

1 Week Before:

• Weather check
• Last-minute coordination
• Emergency contacts shared
• Documents checked

​

Managing Group Dynamics

Decision Making:

• Designate organizer/leader
• Major decisions by group vote
• Daily flexibility within framework
• Accept you can’t please everyone always

Budget Differences:

• Discuss honestly upfront
• Core itinerary affordable for all
• Optional splurges for those wanting
• Split shared costs equally
• Individual activities paid separately

Varying Interests:

• Mandatory group activities (few)
• Optional activities (many)
• Free time built in
• Allow subgroups to split off
• Reconvene for dinners

Personality Conflicts:

• Space when needed
• Humor and patience
• Focus on shared goals
• Remember it’s temporary
• Private accommodations help

Age Ranges:

• Activities suitable for all
• Age-appropriate alternatives
• Flexibility for energy levels
• Rest days for older/young
• Teens may need their own space

​

Group Activities in Zimbabwe

Perfect for Groups:

• White Water Rafting: Rafts hold 6-8, multiple rafts for bigger groups
• Sunset Cruises: Boats accommodate 20-50 people
• Game Drives: Safari vehicles fit 6-10
• Walking Safaris: Groups of 6-8 ideal
• Canoeing: Multiple canoes, group experience
• Gorge Activities: Bungee, swing, zip-line simultaneously
• Cultural Tours: Villages welcome groups
• Helicopter Flights: Multiple flights coordinated

Group Discounts: Most activities offer 10-20% discount for groups of 6+

​

Sample Group Itineraries

Friends Adventure (8 Days, 6 People):

• Days 1-3: Victoria Falls (hostel private rooms, group activities)
• Days 4-6: Hwange self-drive safari (split vehicle and camping costs)
• Days 7-8: Bulawayo and Matobo (group lodge booking)
• Cost: $1,000-1,500 per person

Family Reunion (10 Days, 12 People):

• Days 1-3: Victoria Falls (large rental house)
• Days 4-7: Hwange exclusive-use lodge (whole family together)
• Days 8-10: Lake Kariba houseboat (rent 2 boats)
• Cost: $2,500-4,000 per person

Multi-Gen Family (7 Days, 8 People):

• Days 1-2: Harare (family hotel rooms)
• Days 3-5: Eastern Highlands (self-catering cottage, all ages comfortable)
• Days 6-7: Great Zimbabwe and return
• Cost: $800-1,400 per person

​

Tips for Successful Group Travel

✅ Do:

• Communicate expectations upfront
• Build in flexibility
• Assign a coordinator
• Share costs transparently
• Allow alone time
• Be patient and flexible
• Laugh at mishaps
• Take group photos
• Respect different budgets
• Plan but stay flexible

❌ Don’t:

• Overschedule every minute
• Expect everyone together 24/7
• Make all decisions by committee
• Assume budget means same thing to everyone
• Force activities on reluctant participants
• Forget to confirm bookings for large groups
• Leave planning to last minute
• Ignore personality conflicts
• Forget trip is about togetherness

​

Group Travel FAQs

Q: How many is too many for a group trip? A: 6-12 is ideal. Under 6, limited savings. Over 12, logistics challenging. For 12+, consider splitting into sub-groups with flexible coordination. Q: Should we all be together constantly? A: No! Build in group activities (dinners, major experiences) but allow free time and optional activities. Everyone needs space sometimes. Q: How do we handle different budgets? A: Core itinerary affordable for all, optional upgrades for those wanting. Split shared costs (vehicle, guide) equally. Individual choices (accommodation upgrades, activities) paid separately. Q: What if someone can’t afford the trip? A: Be sensitive. Consider: lower-cost alternative itinerary, payment plans, group helping with some costs (birthday/special occasion), or accepting smaller group. Q: How far in advance for large groups? A: 6-12 months minimum for groups of 8+. Exclusive-use lodges and large accommodations book early. Flights also cheaper when booked far ahead.

---

Ready to Plan Your Group Adventure? Contact Us - Group bookings and coordination assistance More Planning Resources:

• Family Travel Guide
• Budget Travel
• Safari Planning
• Sample Itineraries

---

Group travel in Zimbabwe creates memories and bonds that last forever - while saving money and maximizing fun! Last updated: January 2025