Family safari in Zimbabwe
Tour Introduction
This family safari in Zimbabwe uses Victoria Falls for access into Hwange and then onto the shores of Lake Kariba.
The core 9-night safari includes Victoria Falls for an initial tame exposure. An intense game viewing and educational experience follows in Hwange National Park. The safari ends with “down time” at Lake Kariba in the middle Zambezi Valley.
The first stop in Victoria Falls allows enough time to explore locally. There’s no shortage of activities here. The upper Zambezi stretch runs past Zambezi National Park for a taste of wildlife experiences to come. Cruises on the Zambezi are a must. Especially for the sunsets and some moments to reflect on the change from home. Birding is always good and resident game in town includes warthog, zebra and baboons. Occasional elephant are also seen in the residential area in the dry season from June to October.
But the really wild action starts in Hwange. This is where big game meets some of Africa’s best safari guides. The ideal way to expose youngsters to the massive array of wild things on safari. Not just big game either – birds, bugs and more. Conservation, communities and culture underpin many of the lessons learned. Game conditions are intense. Birding is also superb with loads of bio-diversity. The bush is positively alive.
The final stage of the safari moves to Lake Kariba. This is a tame environment by comparison with Hwange but it still offers a huge range of learning opportunities. There’s still lots of wildlife but also more conservation and cultural exposure. If anything became a little frenetic on the trip, this is also the place to settle back and relax a bit.
This family safari in Zimbabwe ends with a return to Victoria Falls. Then back home.
Full Itinerary
You'll be met at the airport and shown where to pick up your luggage after clearing Customs and Immigration. Hop on the scheduled road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport to Victoria Falls Hotel.
Check in and start exploring....
Many optional activities are available in Victoria Falls:
• Tour of the Falls (or you could go it alone using the well-signposted path)
• Sunset or sunrise cruises on the river
• Game drives to the nearby Zambezi National Park
• Horse riding
• Elephant interaction with orphaned elephants
• Numerous adrenalin activities: white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swing
• Helicopter and light plane flights above the Falls
• Meeting the locals
• Arts and crafts market, shopping
Arrange next day's activities at the hotel concierge.
Overnight Victoria Falls Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Staying at Victoria Falls Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Continue to explore Victoria Falls for a full day.
Overnight Victoria Falls Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Staying at Victoria Falls Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Explore Victoria Falls for another full day.
Overnight Victoria Falls Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Staying at Victoria Falls Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Depart from Victoria Falls Hotel on the scheduled road transfer to Victoria Falls Airport.
Your scheduled small plane charter flight to Hwange National Park is just 40 minutes.
From the air, you might be able to spot some wildlife below on landing. A driver and game viewing vehicle will be waiting for you at the airstrip to take you to Davison’s Camp.
Overnight on a fully inclusive basis with two full game viewing activities per day.
Staying at Davison's. Includes All Meals.
Explore Hwange from Davison's camp including two full game viewing activities.
Overnight Davison's on an all inclusive basis.
Staying at Davison's. Includes All Meals.
Explore Hwange from Davison's camp including two full game viewing activities.
Overnight Davison's on an all inclusive basis.
Staying at Davison's. Includes All Meals.
Transfer from Davison's to join a scheduled small plane charter flight to Bumi Hills airstrip. (90 minutes)
Road transfer from the Bumi airstrip to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge (5 minutes).
Plan to take advantage of the full suite of activities: Morning and afternoon Game Drives, Walking Safaris (guides are armed when, walking), Bird Watching, Catch and release fishing, Sunrise and sunset cruises, Game viewing by boat & Cultural Tours.
Overnight Bumi Hills Safari Lodge on an all inclusive basis.
Staying at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Take advantage of activities on offer and overnight on an all inclusive basis.
Staying at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Take advantage of activities on offer and overnight on an all inclusive basis.
Staying at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Check out of Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.
Transfer to Bumi Hills airstrip to connect to your scheduled air transfer to Victoria Falls. End safari.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Victoria Falls Hotel
Overview
Established 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel is set in Zimababwe’s Victoria Falls National Park with a private path leading to the falls. Overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge and gorge, it is one of the most famous hotels in Africa and is renowned for its colonial elegance and charm.
The suites and rooms are well appointed, cool and comfortable and are furnished in traditional Edwardian style with every modern amenity including air conditioning, satellite television, mini-bars in suites, complimentary early morning tea/coffee, direct dial telephone, personal safe, 24-hour room service, bathrobes, hairdryer, and umbrellas for guests’ personal use.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
The suites and rooms are well appointed, cool and comfortable and are furnished in traditional Edwardian style with every modern amenity including air conditioning, satellite television, mini-bars in suites, complimentary early morning tea/coffee, direct dial telephone, personal safe, 24-hour room service, bathrobes, hairdryer, and umbrellas for guests' personal use. Large swimming pool, bar and a number of restaurants.
Optional Activities
Guided tours of the falls, sunset cruises, helicopter overflight, bungee jumping, white water rafting, high tea on the front lawn.
Davison’s
Overview
Davisons is a classic safari camp in the Wilderness Safaris Hwange collection.
The Meru-style tented camp is hidden within the treeline of a grove of Rosewood trees. Alongside a spacious lounge and dining area an expansive deck and open campfire invites evenings of storytelling and stargazing.
A small upper deck offers prime game watching around the waterhole through the day. The communal area includes a plunge pool for relaxation in the heat of the day.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Davisons is a classic safari camp in the Wilderness Safaris Hwange collection. The Meru-style tented camp is hidden within the treeline of a grove of Rosewood trees.
Camp consists of 9 airy accommodation units including a family suite. All rooms overlook an open plain with a popular waterhole. Rustic African décor sets a relaxed tone throughout this small and understated camp.
Local Wildlife
Elephant, giraffe and hippo are regular visitors to Ostrich Pan, the Davisons waterhole
Lion are regularly spotted and leopard are resident, more often heard than seen
Roan, sable, zebra and wildebeest are spotted regularly
Large herds of buffalo visit seasonally
This part of Hwange is home to over 400 avian species
Optional Activities
Day and night game drives within the private concession
Walking trails and guided nature walks
Village visits to engage with the local community and its school
Visits to the local Scorpion Anti-Poaching Unit (subject to availability)
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Overview
Bumi commands spectacular views over Lake Kariba, then beyond to the Zambezi escarpment. True wide screen Africa!
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is situated on an extensive private conservation area on the edge of Matusadona National Park. This is a place to relax in comfort and wind down from more frenetic safari activities in Mana Pools, Hwange or further afield.
The lodge has 10 suites along the Bumi hillside. All air-conditioned with private viewing decks plus amenities expected from a small hotel in the bush. Including Spa, Pool, Gym and a Games Room. Separately the lodge offers the private 2-bedroomed Baobab Villa which includes a private butler, safari guide and dedicated safari vehicle.
Bumi’s wildlife activities take place on foot or on game drives within the private conservation area. Water-based activities on Lake Kariba and on the shores of Matusadona National Park are generally very rewarding. Catch-and-release fishing is especially good towards the end of the traditional safari season. Birding can be especially good in the green season. Visits to the local Chalala and Mola communities and across the lake to Kariba town add special interest from Bumi.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Offers a restful break with 10 suites plus the private 2-bedroomed Baobab Villa.
Bumi includes all the amenities that one would expect from a "small hotel in the bush" - all air-conditioned with private viewing decks perched above Lake Kariba.
The complex includes a Spa, Pool, Gym and a Games Room.
Local Wildlife
Game viewing by pontoon along the Matusadona shoreline is especially good in the dry season from July to mid-November.
Birding can be especially good in the green season.
Catch-and-release fishing is especially good in March/April and then again in October/November
Optional Activities
Visits to the local Chalala and Mola communities offer genuine insight into local Tonga culture
Picnics on Starvation Island
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Best Visited:
July to October
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Liz Ferreira
Area Specialist
This sample family safari makes proper use of both wild, game-rich spots and child friendly areas in the company of some of Africa’s top professional guides. It also combines intense game viewing with a variety of light adventures and relaxation.
Under proper supervision, the African bush can be a thrilling playground for youngsters. Activities like brief game drives are geared to shorter attention spans. Whilst learning about little bugs and bigger beasts can capture young imaginations in fun, yet informative ways. If that wasn’t enough, tracking animals and identifying their spoor can fire the learning experience, whilst child-tailored survival skills will often feel more like a game.
It’s important to get your timing right. And if your dates aren’t ideal then we’ll advise on more appropriate destinations and alternate options. It’s easy to plan a family safari – there’re just a few key elements that you have to get spot of for and extraordinarily memorable family experience.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
