Zimbabwe is re-emerging, after years of political turmoil, into one of the top safari destinations in Africa. With small, intimate camps and lodges, fantastic wildlife and no crowds, it makes a wonderful destination for a family safari.

The guides in Zimbabwe are some of the best in Africa; meticulously trained they know their areas and local wildlife like the back of their hand. Their complete passion and unrivalled knowledge is contagious and will capture the hearts of you and the younger family members as soon as you meet them. 

Home to vast herds of elephant and buffalo, Hwange National Park is world renowned for its size and variety of landscapes, from granite outcrops and sandy desert to grass and woodlands. The wildlife here is spectacular and will easily engage young safari goers, with giraffe, zebra and a variety of predators and birds. Somalisa Safari Camp has a separate smaller camp, just away from the main camp, and can be rented on an exclusive basis for your family with your own private vehicle and guide.

Mana Pools on the banks of the magnificent Zambezi River is home to massive concentrations of hippo and crocodiles. Mana means ‘four’ in Shona and is in reference to the permanent pools within the conservation area. Whilst other water sources dry up during the dry season, these pools remain attracting a myriad of wildlife and some wonderful opportunities for families to explore. Similar to Hwange, accommodation here is intimate and luxurious camps such as Kanga Bushcamp can be exclusively rented out for your family.

Accommodation on a family safari in Zimbabwe isn’t just in small camps; there are some wonderfully authentic lodges, such as Big Cave in Matobo Hills. Blending seamlessly with its surroundings, this lodge has a wonderful swimming pool and a range of activities such as mountain biking and visits to local schools and villages. 

Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side is spectacular for families; impress the kids by seemingly jumping off the edge of the falls (when actually you are just diving into the Devil’s Swimming Pool!), visit crafts markets or head to the crocodile farm where you may be able to get some snaps holding a baby crocodile in your arms. This is a wonderful area to engage the whole family, walk with or ride elephant, experience micro-lighting or an exhilarating helicopter ride for a fascinating view of the Falls.