Zimbabwe as a family: Nature, safaris and cultural discoveries
Between the granite formations of Matopos and the torrential waters of Victoria, a family exploration of wild Zimbabwe.
Duration
10 days
From
€4,290/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Family, Couple, senior
The spirit of travel
This 10-day trip to Zimbabwe invites you to discover the best of the country as a family, between pristine nature, cultural encounters and UNESCO World Heritage sites. From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, passing through the Matopos Mountains and Hwange National Park, you explore contrasting regions, accompanied by attentive and experienced local teams.
The itinerary alternates between safaris, cultural discoveries and relaxation moments in lodges located in the heart of nature. A progressive immersion, rhythmic and adapted to a family trip.
If you wish to experience a balanced mix between exploration and family time, this Zimbabwe circuit opens the doors to an engaging and authentic country.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Johannesburg!
After arriving at your international flights to Johannesburg, your driver-guide welcomes you at the airport. You are then transferred to your guesthouse, located in a pleasant neighborhood of the city, where you can enjoy a quiet dinner.
Check-in to a double room at the Lucky Bean Guesthouse 4* in Double or Twin room.
Included
Transfer from OR Tambo International Airport to Melville
Accommodation in double or twin room at Lucky Bean Guesthouse 4*
Not included
Meals and beverages
Excursions and activities
International flights
From Bulawayo to the Matopos Mountains
Johannesburg → Bulawayo
Bulawayo → Matopos
Upon your arrival at Bulawayo airport, you are welcomed before crossing this town with its simple charm, then taking the road to your lodge, located in the heart of the Matopos National Park.
You settle in for the next four nights in a double room, with an open view over the Matopos Mountains.
The rest of the afternoon invites relaxation, particularly around the swimming pool built on the rock, in a setting conducive to disconnection.
At the end of the day, you share a sunset aperitif to enjoy the view from the lodge. The surroundings lend themselves to walks, with the possibility of spotting rock paintings along the way: keep your eyes peeled.
Dinner is served under the starry sky, before ending the evening around the fire, to the rhythm of Matopos stories and legends. You then retire to your room fairly early: tomorrow's day promises to be rich in discoveries.
Included
Transfer from Bulawayo to Matopos
Dinner
Accommodation in double and twin cottages at Matobo Hills Lodge
Not included
Beverages
Guide gratuity
Activities not mentioned
International flights
Zimbabwe entry visa (30 USD)
Matopos National Park
After breakfast, you set off with your ranger to reach the heart of the Matopos National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Two park rangers then accompany you for a memorable experience: white rhino tracking on foot. The approach is conducted in respect of the natural environment, with a particular sense of emotion when you consider that the species is severely threatened by poaching.
You then return to the lodge for lunch, or enjoy a picnic in the park, depending on the day's schedule.
In the afternoon, you set out again through the characteristic landscapes of Matopos, a region recognized for its concentration of San rock paintings in Southern Africa. You discover caves whose walls are covered with scenes illustrating hunting, as well as rites and traditions of the Bushmen tribe.
Throughout the visit, granite boulders shape landscapes that stimulate the imagination for both children and adults.
At the end of the day, return to the lodge, then dinner under the starlit sky.
Included
All meals
Accommodation in cottages at Matobo Hills Lodge
Rhino tracking
Visit to caves with rock paintings
Not included
Beverages
Guide gratuity
Park fees (15 USD per day and per person)
Rhino tracking fee (20 USD per person to be paid on site
Ndebele Culture and Discovery of Matopos Surroundings
After breakfast, you depart with your guide to the outside of the Matopos National Park for a day dedicated to Ndebele culture.
The Ndebeles, descendants of the Zulus who came from South Africa at the end of the 19th century, hold an important place in the history and identity of the region. You visit a village as well as a cultural centre that presents the customs and traditions of this community.
A picnic is planned during the day or at the lodge, depending on how the day is organized.
The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation or, if you wish, to visiting Silozwane Cave, known for the panorama it offers. Around the lodge, several marked trails also allow you to enjoy family walks, at your own pace.
At the end of the day, you dine at the lodge.
Included
All meals
Ndebele village cultural visit
Day hike in Matopos
Cottage accommodation at Matobo Hills Lodge
Not included
Beverages
Guide gratuity
Route to Hwange Park
Matopos → Parc National de Hwange
After an early breakfast, you take the road by vehicle towards the Hwange National Park. The journey, approximately five hours, crosses several Ndebele villages, offering an insight into local life.
Upon arrival, lunch awaits you at the camp, before you settle in for the next three nights in double tents and twin beds.
The Camp Silwane enjoys a privileged location, between the park and the Mopane forest, where many animals regularly come to graze near the camp.
Your stay is on full board and includes two safaris per day in an open 4x4 in the concession, to explore the surroundings and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Included
All meals and drinks
Vehicle transfer
Two daily safaris in open 4x4
Accommodation in tents at Camp Silwane
Park fees and conservation taxes
Not included
Gratuity for the guide and staff
Safaris in Hwange National Park
These two days are dedicated to discovering Hwange National Park. After early morning breakfasts, you set off on safaris in the park, with picnic lunches planned in the wilderness.
Hwange is recognized for its rich wildlife and flora. The park is home to over 450 bird species and more than 120 mammal species. The sandy tracks you follow, particularly in the northwestern part of the country, are explained by the proximity of Kalahari National Park.
During your stay, your mobile camp provides you with a chef and a server, so you can dedicate yourself fully to safaris. Everything is included during these days, allowing you to peacefully enjoy your immersion in the park.
Included
All meals and beverages
Vehicle and 4x4 transfers in the park
Safaris in open 4x4 or on foot
Tent accommodation at Camp Silwane
Park fees and conservation fees
Not included
Tips for guide and staff
From the Plains of Hwange to Victoria Falls
Parc National de Hwange → Chutes Victoria
After breakfast, you head towards Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe. The journey takes approximately three hours and unfolds landscapes dotted with Ndebele villages and baobab trees along the road.
A picnic lunch is planned during the journey.
Upon arrival, you settle in for two nights at Lokuthula Lodge, in a family cottage comprising two bedrooms, located on the same property as Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
At 4:00 PM, you are transferred for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi. The evening continues with a dinner cruise on the river.
Included
Transfer by 4x4 then by air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in 2-bedroom cottage at Lokuthula Lodge
Breakfasts and dinners (picnic lunches included)
Not included
Lunches other than picnic
Beverages
Activities not mentioned
Victoria Falls Guided Tour
After breakfast, you are transferred to Victoria Falls Park for a guided tour of approximately two hours. This discovery allows you to explore the site and appreciate its different viewpoints in the company of your guide.
At the end of the tour, you have lunch at LookOut Café, before being transferred back to Lokuthula Lodge.
The afternoon is dedicated to rest at the lodge.
In the evening, you dine at The Boma restaurant, to share a pleasant moment with your family before the end of your stay.
Included
Visit to the Falls
Dinner at The Boma
All meals excluding beverages at LookOut Café
Accommodation in a 2-bedroom cottage at Lokuthula Lodge
Not included
Activities not mentioned
Tips for guides
See you soon in Zimbabwe!
After breakfast, you are transferred to Victoria Falls Airport.
Depending on your preferences, you have the option of flying over Victoria Falls by helicopter, for one last perspective on the site.
You then take your return flight to France.
Your family trip to Zimbabwe ends here.
Included
Breakfast
Transfer Lokuthula Lodge – Victoria Falls Airport
Transfer from Johannesburg Airport to your 3* guesthouse
Not included
Lunches, dinners and drinks
Excursions and activities
International flights
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Museum and monument entries not mentioned
- Travel Insurance
- International flights
- Zimbabwe visa fees 30 USD
Included
- Meals throughout the stay from Day 1 to Day 10, with drinks included in Hwange, in accordance with the meals described in the day-by-day itinerary.
- All airport transfers – accommodation / activities mentioned in the program.
- The vehicle transfer on the Bulawayo – Matopos – Hwange – Victoria Falls Airport – town route.
- Accommodation in 3 and 4-star lodges throughout the trip.
- The activities mentioned in this quote, at a rate of 2 to 3 activities per day depending on the accommodations offered.
- National park fees, except at Matopos (to be paid on site for your 3 nights at Matobo Hills Lodge).
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Zimbabwe for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Zimbabwe, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must in principle be in possession of a visa to enter Zimbabwe. This can be obtained in several ways:
on arrival at the main entry points (Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls and Beit Bridge border posts, in particular),
online, via the official Univisa Zimbabwe portal before departure.
The tourist visa is generally issued for a stay of up to 30 days, renewable once on site for an equivalent period with the Zimbabwean immigration services, up to a maximum of 90 days in total.
The visa fee is set in US dollars (USD). The authorities may request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation reservation.
UNIVISA (Kaza UniVisa)
Zimbabwe participates in the KAZA UniVisa programme, a joint scheme with Zambia allowing travelers to move freely between these two countries for the same visa fee. This visa is particularly suited to travelers wishing to visit Victoria Falls from both banks.
It is available on arrival at Harare Airport, Victoria Falls Airport and the Kazungula border post.
Health
No vaccination is compulsory to enter Zimbabwe, except in the event of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case presentation of a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on entry.
The following vaccinations are however strongly recommended:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
tetanus-diphtheria-poliomyelitis (up to date),
rabies (depending on planned activities).
Zimbabwe is a country with a high risk of malaria in the majority of regions, particularly in rural areas, national parks and lowlands. Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
Zimbabwe applies strict rules concerning travel by minors. When a child travels without one or both parents, it is strongly recommended to have a parental authorization letter, ideally accompanied by a copy of the child's birth certificate(s) and the parents' identity documents. These documents may be requested by the authorities on entry and exit from the territory.
In certain European countries, an authorization to leave the territory may also be required in accordance with the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Zimbabwe in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim filing procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, obtainable on arrival (in cash) or online (e-visa). A regional pass (USD 50) also allows you to travel across bordering countries to visit certain cross-border sites. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Before booking, consult the embassy or consulate of your country of residence in the destination to learn the exact visa fees and conditions applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality custom trip, budget between €230 and €400 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, safaris and activities. International flights (€900-1,300 return) are additional. Zimbabwe offers exceptional parks (Hwange, Mana Pools) and Victoria Falls.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Victoria Falls
Bespoke Southern Adventures Creator, based in Chutes Victoria
A successful safari begins with genuine listening. The more we understand how you travel, the more we can create an experience that's just right, seamless, and deeply memorable.
— Aurélia
