Wild Zimbabwe, A Family Safari
A Wildlife Safari For Families and Friends: Zimbabwe’s Best Wildlife and Nature Destinations
There are moments in family life that become part of the story you tell forever. The first time a child sees an elephant up close. In the morning, a grandmother watches lions move through the golden grass. The evening, the whole family sits on the deck of a boat as the Zambezi turns copper, and nobody reaches for their phone. Zimbabwe has a particular gift for producing these moments — and this journey is designed to deliver them in abundance, moving through some of southern Africa’s most extraordinary wild spaces with the kind of seamless, expertly guided logistics that let every generation simply be present and enjoy.
This is not a compromise safari — a watered-down version of an adult journey with children reluctantly accommodated. It is a journey that works precisely because Africa’s greatest spectacles require no translation. The thunder of Victoria Falls needs no explanation. The sight of a breeding herd of elephants moving through the dust of Hwange needs no guidebook. The bush has a way of meeting every member of the family exactly where they are — and the guides who bring this journey to life understand that a twelve-year-old asking questions and a sixty-five-year-old watching in silence are both having the experience of their lives.
Experience The Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Quick Summary
| Day 1 | Arrive Victoria Falls & settle in at The Palm River Hotel | The Palm River Hotel |
| Day 2 | Victoria Falls highlights: guided Falls tour, Lookout Café lunch & sunset cruise | The Palm River Hotel |
| Day 3 | Fly to Hwange & arrive at Verney’s Camp | Verney’s Camp |
| Day 4 | Safari days at Verney’s Camp | Verney’s Camp |
| Day 5 | Another day in Hwange’s wilderness | Verney’s Camp |
| Day 6 | Fly onward to Fothergill | Fothergill |
| Day 7 | Exploring from Fothergill | Fothergill |
| Day 8 | Another day in the wild | Fothergill |
| Day 9 | Fly to Kavinga Safari Camp | Kavinga Safari Camp |
| Day 10 | Safari immersion at Kavinga | Kavinga Safari Camp |
| Day 11 | Final full day on safari | Kavinga Safari Camp |
| Day 12 | Depart for Harare |
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Victoria Falls & Settle in at The Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls Palm River
Arrive into Victoria Falls International Airport and transfer by road to The Palm River Hotel. The hotel sits directly on the Zambezi and the river announces itself immediately broad, unhurried, and full of life. For younger travellers arriving in Africa for the first time, this first glimpse of the river is often the moment it becomes real. Check in, let everyone find their feet, and spend the afternoon at the water’s edge. There is no better way to begin.
- Accommodation: The Palm River Hotel
Day 2: Victoria Falls highlights: Guided Falls Tour, Lookout Café Lunch & Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls Highlights
The Falls need to be walked, felt, and heard — and a guided tour this morning does all three, weaving in the geology, the local Tonga name Mosi-oa-Tunya — the smoke that thunders — and the stories that make this one of the natural world’s great spectacles genuinely meaningful rather than merely spectacular. Entrance fees included. For children and teenagers, the sheer physical drama of the Falls — the spray, the sound, the scale — tends to produce a wide-eyed silence that parents remember for a long time.
Lunch at The Lookout Café above the gorge, with those extraordinary views, before the afternoon cools and the family boards the Zambezi sunset cruise together. Hippos surface beside the boat. Fish eagles call from the trees. The light turns the river gold. It is one of those shared family experiences that requires no embellishment in the retelling — it tells itself. Food included; drinks excluded. River usage fees included.
- Accommodation: The Palm River Hotel
- Meals: B
Day 3: Fly to Hwange & Arrive at Verney’s Camp
Fly to Hwange & Arrive at Verney’s Camp
After breakfast, transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for the scheduled light aircraft flight to Verney’s Camp. For most children and many adults, a flight in a small bush plane over the Zimbabwean wilderness is a highlight in itself, the landscape unfolding below in a way that no road journey can replicate.
On arrival at Verney’s Camp, settle in and head straight out for the first game drive. Hwange is one of Africa’s great elephant landscapes, and first sightings here tend to be generous. The guides at Verney’s are exceptional at reading both the bush and their guests, drawing younger travellers in, answering questions with genuine enthusiasm, and calibrating the pace of the day to keep every generation engaged.
- Accommodation: Verney’s Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Safari days at Verney’s Camp
Safari at Verney’s Camp
The family rhythm of a safari day is one of its great pleasures, the early alarm that nobody minds because the bush is already awake and calling, the drive out into the morning light, the mid-morning return to camp for breakfast and a rest, the afternoon activity as the heat softens.
Hwange delivers the full cast: elephants in numbers, predators if the timing is right, and the smaller details, the birds, the tracks, the termite mounds, the behaviour that the best guides use to bring the whole ecosystem to life for curious young minds. Evening sundowners in the bush, dinner under the stars, and the sounds of Africa drifting through camp as everyone falls asleep. Repeat.
- Accommodation: Verney’s Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Another Day in Hwange’s Wilderness
Hwange Wildlife
A second full day in Hwange allows the family to settle into the bush properly, to stop arriving and simply be here. Children who were wide-eyed and slightly overwhelmed on day one are now spotting animals before the guide, asking to know the difference between a white and black rhino track, and making up names for the warthog family that visits camp each morning.
This is the quiet magic of a safari with young people, the speed at which they absorb, adapt, and fall completely in love with the wild. Early activity, a relaxed midday back at camp, and a golden afternoon drive as the light does what African light does best.
- Accommodation: Verney’s Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Fly Onward to Fothergill
Fly To Fothergill
A scheduled light aircraft flight from Verney’s Camp to Fothergill, another bush flight, another landscape unfolding from above. Fothergill sits on the shores of Lake Kariba, and the shift from the dry Hwange woodlands to the vast open water of the lake is immediate and striking.
A completely different atmosphere, a completely different set of wildlife possibilities, and for a family that has just spent two nights in the bush, the arrival at Fothergill with the lake stretching to the horizon tends to produce another of those collective moments of genuine awe.
- Accommodation: Fothergill
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Exploring from Fothergill
Exploring Fothergill
Fothergill offers a different safari experience, game drives through the surrounding bush, but also the possibility of time on the water, birdlife of extraordinary variety, and the dramatic scenery of Kariba’s drowned forests and wide skies.
For families, the change of pace and scenery here is perfectly timed, new landscapes keep younger travellers engaged, and the camp’s atmosphere invites the kind of relaxed, unhurried time together that busy family life rarely allows. Let the day unfold on its own terms.
- Accommodation: Fothergill
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Another Great Day in The Wild
A Great Day in The Wild
A second day at Fothergill to go deeper, to follow the wildlife patterns that are beginning to feel familiar, to take the opportunities as they present themselves, and to enjoy the particular pleasure of a family that has found its safari rhythm.
By now, the early mornings are not an effort but an anticipation, the game drives are conversations as much as sightings, and the evenings around the fire have become the best part of the day. Africa has a way of doing this to families, slowing everything down and bringing everyone closer together.
- Accommodation: Fothergill
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Fly to Kavinga Safari Camp
Kavinga Safari Camp
After breakfast, board the scheduled light aircraft for the flight to Kavinga Safari Camp, the final and often the most beloved chapter of the journey.
There is a point on a safari of this length where everything clicks, where the family is fully present, fully attuned to the bush, and fully aware that what is happening around them is extraordinary. Kavinga tends to be where that happens.
Arrive, settle in, and head out for the first activity in this spectacular final wilderness.
- Accommodation: Kavinga Safari Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Safari Immersion at Kavinga
Kavinga Safari Camp Safari
Prime safari days, early light, attentive guides, and a family that by now knows how to read the bush well enough to feel the difference between a morning that is going to deliver and one that asks for patience. Both are valuable.
Both are part of the story. Kavinga’s landscape rewards those who have arrived here having already spent time in the wild, the eyes are sharper, the attention is deeper, and the sightings mean more because there is now a context for them.
- Accommodation: Kavinga Safari Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Final Day On Safari at Kavinga Camp
Final Day of Safari at Kavinga Camp
- Accommodation: Kavinga Safari Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Depart To Harare for Flights
Departure Day
Last breakfast in the bush.
The camp staff who have looked after the family over these days gather to say goodbye in the way that African camps do, warmly, genuinely, and with the particular grace that makes leaving harder than it should be.
Transfer to Harare International Airport for onward international connections. The journey home begins, but so does the conversation about coming back.
- Accommodation: N/A
- Meals: B
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Accommodation on This Tour
Accommodation overview: Where you will be staying on this tour.
The Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Nestled along the serene banks of the Zambezi River, the Palm River Hotel offers a luxurious retreat just 4 kilometers upstream from the majestic Victoria Falls.
This 5-star hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with the timeless charm of its surroundings. Guests can choose from 73 elegantly appointed rooms, including Deluxe Rooms, Suites, and a private Villa, each with a private balcony offering stunning river or garden views. The hotel's design draws inspiration from Queenslander architecture, featuring high ceilings and expansive verandas that invite the outdoors in.
Dining at the Palm River Hotel is a delightful experience, with an à la carte restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced cuisine in both indoor and al fresco settings. Guests can unwind by the 34-meter infinity pool overlooking the river, indulge in spa treatments, or embark on exclusive river cruises from the hotel's private jetty. Committed to sustainability, the hotel employs eco-friendly practices such as solar power usage and on-site vegetable gardens.
Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, the Palm River Hotel provides an idyllic base to explore the wonders of Victoria Falls and the rich wildlife of the Zambezi region.
Verney's Camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Verney's Camp, nestled in a secluded private concession within Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, offers an authentic safari experience that seamlessly blends classic charm with modern comforts.
Overlooking a bustling waterhole frequented by Hwange's renowned elephant herds, the camp offers guests unparalleled wildlife-viewing opportunities right from their tents.
The camp features ten spacious canvas tents, including two family units, each thoughtfully positioned under the shade of teak trees to ensure privacy and tranquillity. Every tent boasts an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, and a private veranda that offers sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
Guests can indulge in a variety of activities, such as morning and evening game drives, guided walking safaris, and birdwatching excursions, all led by experienced guides.
The camp's commitment to sustainability is evident through its use of solar power and eco-friendly practices, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. With its combination of luxury, exclusivity, and proximity to abundant wildlife, Verney's Camp promises an unforgettable African safari adventure.
Fothergill
Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Kariba within Zimbabwe's Matusadona National Park, Fothergill offers a unique blend of luxury and wilderness.
The camp comprises two distinct yet interconnected areas: the Lake Suites and the Island Suites. Guests can choose from five spacious luxury suites and two family suites in the Lake Suites, or opt for the three exclusive Island Suites, which can be booked individually or combined for larger groups.
Each suite is thoughtfully designed with natural hues and materials that harmonise with the surrounding landscape, accented by vibrant African colors that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.
The camp's public areas provide Wi-Fi connectivity, inviting lounges, dining spaces, and swimming pools, ensuring comfort amidst the wild.
Culinary experiences at Fothergill are crafted with passion, offering freshly prepared meals served in various picturesque locations around the camp, along the lake's edge, or even within Matusadona National Park.
Activities abound, including game drives, guided walking safaris, fishing excursions, and boat tours, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.
Fothergill's commitment to conservation and community engagement ensures a sustainable and enriching safari experience for all visitors.
Kavinga Safari Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Kavinga Safari Camp provides a secluded and exclusive safari experience on a private concession at the southern border of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park.
The camp is strategically perched on a cliff, offering stunning vistas over the Ruckomechi riverbed and the majestic Zambezi Escarpment.
Housing eight semi-tented rooms that blend comfort and privacy, each comes equipped with two beds, an en-suite bathroom, and a personal verandah with panoramic views of the sunrise across the Zambezi Valley floor.
Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in diverse activities such as game drives, walking and night safaris, as well as bird watching.
The camp's standout feature is its underground photographic hide, modeled like a termite mound, which allows a 180-degree view of the wildlife-rich waterhole.
The communal dining and lounge area is designed with two decks to maximize scenic views across the riverbed and surrounding wilderness.
Dedicated guides and staff ensure an immersive and exceptional safari experience for guests looking to explore the natural beauty of Mana Pools.
Price Includes
Fully inclusive of internal flights, accommodation, scheduled wildlife viewing activities, all meals as stated, and laundry services.
This is a sample itinerary – POA, depending on your type of accommodation and time of year. One of our African Specialists can tailor this itinerary to your needs. We look forward to being of service to you.
Price Excludes
International flights
Visa fees
Optional Activities
Personal expenses
Premium drinks
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
All items not listed as specifically included
All rates are based on current taxes, fees, and costs. We reserve the right to change our rates without prior notice if base fees, taxes, and expenses change.
Why African Signature
Curated Destinations
The Right Place We don’t do "everywhere." We focus on the corners of Africa where the fences are down and the wildlife is still truly wild. From the floodplains of the Zambezi to the dry pans of the Kalahari, we only send you to regions where the land is vast enough to get lost in and the sightings are worth the journey.
Tailored Experiences
The Ground Level Safari isn't just about sitting in a vehicle. It’s about the crunch of grass under your boots on a walking safari, the silent glide of a boat through a reed bed, or the patience of sitting at a waterhole for three hours. We design your days around the rhythm of the animals, not the schedule of a hotel.
Sustainable Stewardship
The Real Impact Travel here has to mean something. We partner with people who are actually on the front lines—the ones running anti-poaching units, protecting habitat, and ensuring local communities see the value in keeping these lions and elephants alive. Your trip is what keeps those boots on the ground.
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
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Connect with an Africa Specialist to discuss this Signature Experience.
Travel Insurance
Protect your investment and don’t forget Travel Insurance! This is mandatory for all our bookings.
In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation with repatriation of remains. 24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveller with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents and much more.
Why Buy a Travel Insurance Plan? Because Travel Mishaps Occur Every Day! No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for:
If a family member gets sick. If your baggage is lost. If your trip is delayed. Your passport is lost or stolen. If the weather prevents your travel. You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury – your health insurance may not be valid overseas, and medical evacuations can be really expensive. If you miss a flight connection (- e.g. only 80% of US flights arrive on time) You don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Sometimes, even expert travellers need a little help.
Whilst we will provide you with a Temporary Membership to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Evacuation scheme in Tanzania, this has to have a corresponding international insurance to cover hospital and emergency cover when you land at the nearest available medical facility.
Please be sure that the travel insurance that you have is right for you!
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If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our concierge in the bottom right corner. They will assist you or put you in contact with one of our African Specialists.
