Zimbabwe
Where to stay in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is home to a particularly enticing selection of family-friendly accommodation. They have been ‘doing’ safari for years here, and the quality of lodges and tented camps reflects this. Tents are always of a high standard with proper beds, en suite bathrooms and canvas walls that let you fall asleep to the sounds of the bush.
Lodges tend to be built around a shared space for meals and sundowners, with a boma (camp fire) where you can unwind in the evening after the day’s sightings. Many properties also have pools for the kids to cool off in during the hottest part of the day. Families wanting something wilder should ask us about the traditional seasonal camps, which strip things back further, right down to outdoor bucket showers.
Whenever possible we will suggest that you stay in private concessions near the main national parks. Unlike in public areas, guides can go off-road here and out after dark, tracking the leopards and hyenas that are more active once the sun’s gone down.
Family-friendly hotels in Zimbabwe
From safari camps to Victoria Falls, here are a few of our favourite places to stay in Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls River Lodge, Victoria Falls
Set on the banks of the Zambezi River, this hotel combines safari adventure with effortless luxury. Spacious tented suites and island villas offer front-row views of the river, while game drives and sunset cruises reveal the rich wildlife of the surroundings. Evenings end relaxing on the deck as hippos call from the water below.
Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park
We rate this as one of the best safari camps in Zimbabwe, and it’s the setting that does it. The waterhole out front draws a steady stream of visitors, so there’s always something to see without leaving camp. Add expert guides and excellent game drives for a small, personal camp feel. We’d recommend it for families with older children in particular.
528 Vic Falls, Victoria Falls
Just a short drive from the falls, we love this boutique guesthouse for families. The gardens are lush, the pool is a welcome relief after a day of exploring, and the staff couldn’t do more to make guests feel at home. Add comfortable rooms and excellent food, and it’s easy to see why families love to stay here.
Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge, Hwange
With a suite that sits on its own raised deck overlooking Hwange National Park, families enjoy the space here, with two en suite bedrooms under one canvas roof. Settle in to enjoy an armchair safari as elephants amble past the waterhole, then head out to meet rhino at one of the sanctuaries, before taking a dip in the suite’s private splash pool.
Why book with Stubborn Mule?
With such a great range of family-friendly accommodation on offer in Zimbabwe, you are somewhat spoilt for choice. We will discuss with you what will suit you and your children and then use our in-depth knowledge of each and every camp to make sure that we match the right one to you and your family. We’ll take into account your budget, how old your children are (and whether they need to be in connecting rooms), and the time of year that you are travelling to make sure that you get the most out of your holiday.
Zimbabwe in pictures
