Family Album

Exploring Zambia and Zimbabwe as a family: a wild and exclusive journey

Between luxury lodges and impressive landscapes, the trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe revealed the power of extraordinary family experiences

By Claudine Blanco

Traveling as a family has always been synonymous with creating unforgettable memories. But what if that journey goes beyond the conventional and takes us into a deep immersion in wildlife, filled with adventure, culture, and beautiful landscapes?

Patricia and Ari shared what it was like to live this experience in Zambia and Zimbabwe with their 10-year-old son Benjamin, and they guarantee it was exactly that: an encounter with wild nature and majestic natural beauty, full of African discoveries.

Zimbabwe: exclusive safari at Hwange National Park

Their first stop was Zimbabwe, where an truly exclusive safari experience awaited them at Hwange National Park, the country’s largest natural reserve, covering approximately 14,600 km² and home to more than 40,000 elephants, along with lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo.

The excitement of arriving at Linkwasha

To reach the heart of Hwange, the family boarded a small plane that flew over Zimbabwe’s vast savanna. The view was of a golden immensity dotted with solitary trees and traces of small roads winding through the landscape. Landing on an airstrip in the middle of the savanna already indicated they were about to experience something truly wild and authentic.

The chosen lodge was Linkwasha Camp, a jewel from Wilderness, a company renowned for its luxury safari experiences combined with a strong commitment to environmental and social conservation. Wilderness actively works to protect wildlife and sustainably develop local communities, promoting environmental education and supporting conservation initiatives, such as protecting elephants and rhinos from illegal hunting.

Linkwasha Camp is located in one of the most remote and untouched regions of Hwange National Park, offering an authentic and exclusive experience. The accommodations are elegant and integrated into the landscape, with spacious and comfortable tents that guarantee panoramic views of the African plains. The lodge provides an immersive nature experience, with outdoor dining under the stars, an observation deck for wildlife viewing, and a pool to relax between safaris.

The service is impeccable, with specialized guides who share knowledge about the region’s fauna and conservation efforts. In addition to traditional morning and evening safaris, Linkwasha offers the experience of sleeping in a treehouse for a unique and immersive wildlife experience. Guests can also witness the incredible movement of elephants that frequently visit areas near the camp.

The magic of the first safari and the lion encounter

Patricia told us that their son, a pre-teen full of expectations, was about to experience his first safari. Every detail sparked his curiosity, from the mysterious sounds of the savanna to the tracks in the earth. But there was one animal at the top of his wish list: the lion.

And then it happened. In the middle of the afternoon, as the sun began to set, they spotted a majestic lioness resting in the shade of a tree. A few meters ahead, a cub slowly walked toward the car, accompanied by other cubs and females.

“It was an unforgettable moment! The excitement on our son’s face when he spotted his first lion, or rather, his first pride of lions in the wild, was one of the greatest rewards of the trip,” said Patricia. “My husband and I had done safaris before he was born, and now that he’s 10 years old, we wanted him to have that same safari experience that was so meaningful to us, but we couldn’t have imagined it would be even more special,” she added.

The drive through Zimbabwe roads to the Zambian border

At the end of their stay in Hwange, they made the return journey by car, traveling dirt roads and crossing small villages along the way. This journey allowed them to observe more of the country’s reality, passing through local villages, children going to school, and rural workers following their routines. It was a moment of reflection and learning, especially for their son, who could see how different life can be around the world, said Ari.

After completing immigration at the impressive natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the family, who could already hear the thunderous sound of cascading water, was eager to experience their next adventure.

Zambia: the enchantment of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River

This time they stayed at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort, a hotel that combines comfort and sophistication with exclusive access to the Victoria Falls walkways, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This title was granted due to its impressive size – 1.7 km wide and 108 meters high – and its unique magnitude, with such an intense volume of water that its mist can be seen from kilometers away.

The spectacular sunset on the Zambezi River

One excursion they highly recommend is the Zambezi River cruise. Ari said it was a magical moment of the trip. As the boat glided through the golden waters, hippos emerged peacefully, and crocodiles lurked on the banks, creating a natural spectacle.

“This was an experience that will forever be etched in our memory, not just for the visual spectacle, but for the feeling of family connection, sharing a rare moment, and appreciating the simplicity and beauty of the natural world,” said Ari.

The Victoria Falls helicopter flight with rainbow views

For the family, without a doubt, the most thrilling and unforgettable experience of the trip was the helicopter flight over Victoria Falls.

“From above, we could contemplate the grandeur of this natural wonder, with its mist rising to the sky and the canyons formed by the course of the Zambezi River. As the helicopter made gentle turns over the waterfalls, we spotted a rainbow, creating an impressive visual spectacle. The sensation of seeing this natural phenomenon from the sky, with the magnitude of the falls below us, was indescribable and one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip,” Patricia recounted.

A memorable encounter with elephants

One of the most special moments for Benjamin was the visit to an elephant conservation reserve, where they learned more about the preservation and rescue work for these savanna giants. The family had the opportunity to walk alongside them, observing their intelligence and social interaction up close. “The highlight of the experience was being able to touch the elephants and feed them,” Benjamin shared.

Best time to visit? Reflections on climate change and travel impact

The trip took place in January, at the peak of the rainy season, when they say it’s more difficult to spot animals scattered across the savanna. However, contrary to expectations, due to the scarcity of rainfall on the planet, they had no difficulty spotting animals at all. Patricia told us that the savanna was green and full of life, with an abundance of birds and a landscape full of energy. The Zambezi River also wasn’t as full, providing a beautiful experience.

These climate changes make us reflect on how they are directly impacting travel experiences. For those who still don’t believe in the future impact of this, traveling gives us the real dimension of natural resource scarcity and the transformations our planet is undergoing. This is an essential topic to discuss with teenage children, who are discovering the world and understanding this new generation’s responsibility to care for people and the planet.

For families who choose to travel to Zambia and Zimbabwe in July, this means experiencing the dry season. During this period, vegetation becomes sparser and animals concentrate around the few available water sources, making safaris even more exciting as wildlife is more easily spotted. At Victoria Falls, the water flow may be lower, providing clearer visibility of the waterfall’s rock formations.

If your family seeks a trip beyond the obvious, mixing adventure, culture, and a touch of luxury, Zambia and Zimbabwe are destinations that promise transformative experiences. After all, traveling isn’t just about discovering new places, but also about broadening horizons and creating memories that will last forever.

How to book

Viajar com Crianças was the travel agency responsible for organizing Patricia, Ari, and Benjamin’s trip. Besides specializing in family trips to Africa, their purpose is to take families to discover the world while strengthening bonds and promoting a socio-environmental perspective for future generations.

Always providing the best experiences for families across various age groups and at the finest hotels, they offer special rates with the hotels mentioned in the itinerary.

Visit the Viajar com Crianças or Viajar com Adolescentes websites for more information on how to organize a customized family trip there.

If you prefer to organize your trip directly, you can also use our affiliate programs or make reservations directly with the hotels.

The best luxury hotels in Zambia and Zimbabwe for families

In Zimbabwe

Linkwasha Camp, by Wilderness, can be booked directly through the company’s website: www.wildernessdestinations.com

In Zambia

These are some of the best options because they’re just meters from the walkways:

Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara – A five-star hotel on the banks of the Zambezi River, offering spectacular views of Victoria Falls and refined service.
Avani Victoria Falls Resort – Perfect for families, with a relaxed atmosphere and exclusive access to Victoria Falls.