Enjoy family safari holidays in Zimbabwe
Our most recent reviews of Family safaris in Zimbabwe
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our Zimbabwe travellers whose trips we tailored towards family safaris. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our Zimbabwe safari holidays here.
Best camps & lodges for Family safaris in Zimbabwe
The Elephant Camp
Set in a private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, The Elephant Camp is just a short distance from the famous waterfall. They offer a thrilling interaction with elephants, allowing children (aged 7+) to have a wonderful close wildlife encounter on a family safari.
Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands offers family accommodation within easy reach of the Victoria Falls. The camp offers varied activities to help keep children entertained, and opportunities for younger children to boat and fish on the river - something not possible in the larger national parks.
Somalisa Acacia
With no age limit, child-friendly activities and private vehicles for families, the atmosphere at Somalisa Acacia is relaxed and family friendly making it a perfect destination for a family safari in Zimbabwe – especially for those who still want a touch of luxury.
Batonka Guest Lodge
With an attractive pool, safe gardens and interleading rooms, Batonka Guest Lodge is a good family-friendly option in Victoria Falls. As a plus, its relatively small size and relaxed atmosphere mean that even those with small children won’t feel out of place here.
Victoria Falls Suites
About 15 minutes’ drive from the iconic Falls, Victoria Falls Safari Suites offers plenty of private space in its suites, perfect for children. The large range of activities here should also help to keep the whole family entertained on your Zimbabwe safari.
The Hide
Tom's Little Hide and The Private Hide can be booked exclusively for families with children of all ages. This is one of Zimbabwe's best family safari options, with comfortable family rooms, private and flexible activities, and a private hosting team.
Nyamatusi Mahogany
With no age limit and child-friendly activities, Nyamatusi Mahogany is one of Zimbabwe's most family-friendly camps. For a family safari in a remote wildlife area with a relaxed atmosphere and more than a touch of luxury, it would be hard to beat.
Bomani Tented Lodge
Just outside Hwange, Bomani Tented Lodge offers family-friendly rooms and the unique Elephant Express rail experience – a fun adventure for all. With exciting wildlife and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s ideal for a family safari in Zimbabwe.
Changa Safari Camp
Set in a private concession on the eastern side of Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, Changa Safari Camp welcomes families with children from 12, and offers varied activities such as fishing and boating trips, and board games in the main area.
Amalinda Lodge
The Amalinda Homstead, a 3-bedroom private villa, was home to Amalinda's owners, the Stead's, when they had young children. Now available to book this is a fantastic option for a family safari with flexible activities and privacy.
Ruckomechi Camp
Ruckomechi is one of the few camps in the Mana Pools area with a family room and swimming pool. An array of activities makes for a varied stay on a family safari in Zimbabwe, albeit one best enjoyed with older children.
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge is the only camp in the Hwange area that is fenced. This, combined with family rooms and a babysitting service, makes the lodge one of the best options for a family safari in Zimbabwe with younger children.
Our collection of family safari holidays across Africa
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Where to see wildlife species in Zimbabwe
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,725 sightings from 4,602 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,400 sightings from 5,109 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,306 sightings from 3,919 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,064 sightings from 3,368 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,493 sightings from 4,940 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
625 sightings from 1,437 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,658 sightings from 4,862 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
761 sightings from 2,534 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
3,137 sightings from 3,787 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,775 sightings from 3,606 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,338 sightings from 5,063 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,270 sightings from 3,669 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
69% SUCCESS
1,628 sightings from 2,368 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
608 sightings from 2,470 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
592 sightings from 2,483 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
3,047 sightings from 4,518 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,718 sightings from 5,615 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
83 sightings from 4,045 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
70 sightings from 4,085 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
297 sightings from 1,908 observations
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