Zimbabwe provides a classic safari experience distinguished by its dramatic landscapes, high concentrations of wildlife, and significant archaeological history. Situated on a high plateau between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, the country enjoys a temperate climate that is generally comfortable for children, particularly during the dry winter months from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its peak.
The centerpiece of any family trip is Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya). The town surrounding the falls serves as an adventure hub where warthogs often graze on hotel lawns. Families can walk the paved paths through the rainforest to see the main cataract, prepared to get soaked by the spray. For a calmer perspective, sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi River allow children to safely spot hippos and crocodiles from the deck. In the evenings, the Boma Dinner and Drum Show offers an interactive cultural experience where kids can try traditional foods and participate in drumming circles.
A short drive south leads to Hwange National Park, renowned for hosting one of the world's largest elephant populations. The park is accessible and offers excellent game viewing from vehicles, allowing families to see lions, giraffes, and painted dogs without the need for strenuous trekking. Further afield, the Matobo Hills offer a prehistoric landscape of balancing granite boulders that children will enjoy climbing. This area is also a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, and guided drives here can include visits to caves adorned with ancient San rock art.
For a history lesson brought to life, the Great Zimbabwe ruins in the southeast reveal the largest medieval stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Walking through the narrow, high-walled passageways of the Great Enclosure offers a tangible connection to the region's past empires.
Practical considerations are vital for a smooth journey. Zimbabwe is a malaria zone, so families must consult a doctor for prophylaxis before travel. The economic situation requires travelers to be self-sufficient with currency; cash is king. Families should bring ample US Dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) as change is rarely available, and international credit cards are often not accepted or subject to connection failures. While the country is generally safe for tourists, it is advisable to use organized transfers rather than self-driving, avoid political gatherings, and stay informed on local developments.
Explore Regions
6 Regions
Eastern Highlands (Nyanga, Chimanimani)
Misty mountains and forest adventures 🌲⛰️
Great Zimbabwe & Masvingo
Ancient legends and lakeside rhinos 🏰🦏
Harare & Central
City culture and sanctuary encounters 🏙️🐘
Hwange National Park
The kingdom of giants 🐘🦁
Mana Pools & Zambezi Valley
Wild river adventures for the brave 🛶⛺
Victoria Falls & Western Zimbabwe
Thundering water and family fun 🌈💦
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Activities & Best Times
Adventure & Nature
ExcellentHiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's premier wilderness areas for walking safaris and river-based wildlife viewing. The current 'good' rating significantly understates its international significance. It should be rated 'excellent' to match its world-class status.
A world-class hiking and wilderness destination featuring Africa's second-highest waterfall and dramatic mountain peaks with well-developed trail infrastructure. Peak season occurs during the dry, clear winter months when trail conditions are optimal and mountain visibility is highest.
A world-class destination featuring the iconic Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park, offering exceptional wildlife immersion and natural spectacle. The dry winter months provide ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and trail exploration, while heavy summer rains can obscure views and hamper accessibility.
City & Cultural
Very GoodUrban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
A significant hub for contemporary African art and Shona sculpture with major galleries and the National Museum of Human Sciences. The mild, dry winter months allow for comfortable exploration of the city's historic monuments and sculpture parks.
The UNESCO-listed Great Zimbabwe National Monument is a world-class archaeological site representing the pinnacle of Southern African medieval culture. Visiting is best in the cool, dry winter months (May-August) to avoid the intense summer heat and seasonal rains that make the stone ruins slippery.
Offers a unique blend of high-altitude botanical gardens and colonial-era heritage sites that provide a sophisticated cultural contrast to the surrounding wilderness. The mild, dry periods of spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the gardens and historic monuments.
Sports & Active
Very GoodSport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Features internationally recognized infrastructure for high-adventure sports including bungee jumping, canopy tours, and gorge activities. These activities are most reliable during the dry season when conditions are stable and visibility for aerial and gorge-based sports is optimal.
Offers established hiking and walking infrastructure at sites like Domboshava Rock and Chinhoyi. The cool, dry winter months provide ideal temperatures for active outdoor pursuits compared to the humid, rainy summer period.
The region features established hiking and cycling routes, particularly the Hill Complex and shoreline trails which utilize the rugged terrain for active exploration. Peak activity is limited to the cooler winter months as October's heat and the subsequent summer rains make strenuous outdoor exertion difficult.
Festivals & Seasonal
GoodEvents, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The Victoria Falls Carnival is described as 'annual' and the Lunar Rainbow is a 'unique' phenomenon. These warrant a 'good' rating rather than 'marginal' - they represent genuine seasonal draws with international appeal.
Home to the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), a major multi-disciplinary cultural event that draws global talent. Outside the primary festival window in late April/early May, cultural events are smaller in scale.
Road Trips & Scenic
GoodScenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The starting point for iconic drives toward the Eastern Highlands or Lake Kariba, offering scenic highveld landscapes and well-defined corridors. Heavy summer rains can make rural road conditions challenging, making the core dry season safer for touring.
Features celebrated game-viewing routes such as the Ten Mile Drive and scenic tracks between camps. Best visited in the dry winter months (Jun-Sep) when unpaved roads are most reliable; summer rains (Nov-Mar) often result in muddy, impassable conditions.
Celebrated for its dramatic mountain passes and scenic loops, particularly the Vumba Mountain Drive, which offers spectacular viewpoints and lush scenery. Peak travel is essential during the dry season to avoid dangerous mountain mists and slippery road conditions during heavy rainfall.
Educational & Exploratory
GoodLearning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Painted Dog Conservation Visitor Centre is described as 'internationally significant' in the notes. A marginal rating understates this. Should be upgraded to 'good' to reflect the quality of educational programming.
Provides high-quality learning experiences focused on painted dog conservation and the engineering history of the Victoria Falls Bridge. Facilities are best visited during the dry months when visitor centers are easily accessible and outdoor conservation activities are in full operation.
Theme Park & Entertainment
MarginalAmusement parks, family entertainment venues
Features regional-standard amusement and water parks like Longchen Plaza which provide local family entertainment. These outdoor venues are best visited during the dry, sunny months to ensure all rides and aquatic facilities are operational.
The Mutarazi Falls Skywalk and Skyline provides an internationally recognized high-adrenaline attraction, though the region lacks a broader cluster of theme park venues. Operations are weather-dependent, favoring the dry winter months for safety and the clearest panoramic views.
Relaxation & Wellness
MarginalSpa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Airports & Flight Routes
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Climate & Weather
Eastern Highlands (Nyanga, Chimanimani)
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Great Zimbabwe & Masvingo
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Harare & Central
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Hwange National Park
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Mana Pools & Zambezi Valley
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Victoria Falls & Western Zimbabwe
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Travel Advisory
The strong majority of international agencies recommend exercising elevated caution in Zimbabwe. This consensus is driven by significant concerns regarding street crime, the potential for political demonstrations to turn violent, and an unstable economic environment that impacts the reliability of basic services.
Safety Topics
Traveller Advice (3 groups)
Foreign media workers and journalists may face increased scrutiny or official harassment. Ensure all accreditation is properly obtained before attempting to report or film.
Female travellers should avoid walking alone at night and remain vigilant in isolated areas or when using public transport. Dressing conservatively is recommended to respect local norms.
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalised and can lead to imprisonment. Social intolerance is common, and public displays of affection may attract negative attention or legal consequences.