Family Days Out in Zimbabwe
Family travel in Zimbabwe works best when you match each outing to your children’s ages and keep drives short. Here is what suits each age group.
Under 6
Children under 6 get into the Victoria Falls rainforest free, and the paved footpaths are the gentlest introduction to the falls. The spray is heavy, so pack a change of clothes and waterproof jackets, and hold small hands near viewpoints, where barriers can be low or missing. A picnic and some birdwatching at Lake Chivero Recreational Park, about 30 to 40 km west of Harare, makes an easy outing, but nobody should paddle or swim in the water.
Malaria is present across the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange and Kariba areas, so speak to a doctor early about protection for young children.
Ages 6 to 11
Rainforest entry is half price for children under 12, and the Zambezi National Park levy is also half price for this age group. Game drives from Victoria Falls give children a first look at wild animals in their own habitat. The Bulawayo Railway Museum shows steam and other locomotives, and Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare has open grounds for exploring. Hours and fees at both vary, so check before you go.
Great Zimbabwe works for this age if the walkers are willing. The Hill Complex involves steep climbs on uneven granite and stone steps, so pace the day and carry water.
The Wild Horizons canopy tour has 9 zip-lines across the Batoka Gorge. Operators give different minimum ages, so ask directly about your child’s age.
Ages 12 and over
Teenagers can try several activities that have age rules:
- Rafting: The minimum age is 15, and the climb out of the gorge is about 250 m.
- Devil’s Pool: Children under 10 cannot join and under 12 cannot swim in the pools. The pool is on the Zambian side, so you need Zambian entry.
- Matobo rhino tracking: Guides lead walks on foot at dawn across uneven granite, and walkers need to stay quiet and follow instructions.
- Domboshava: A hill walk north of Harare with San paintings in a cave near the top.
Lodges and wildlife
Many Hwange lodges welcome families, though age limits for game drives differ. Ask each lodge before booking. Animal contact is not a family attraction here. Do not book elephant rides, lion walks or cub petting.
Everyday tips
- Use bottled or filtered water, because tap water is not safe.
- Prices are in US dollars, so carry small notes.
- Avoid night drives outside towns, and do not walk around Victoria Falls town after dark.
Read more: Activities in Zimbabwe and Group activities .
Check the UK government advice and ZimParks . Browse family tours on Viator .