Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks are the perfect pair to include in wildlife-focused Zimbabwe family holidays. Hwange is the country’s largest and oldest national park, boasting the largest elephant population on the continent, along with more than 400 bird species. Visit during the dry season (from July to October) and rumble through the park in a 4x4 with an expert guide, introducing little ones to the resident gentle giants along the way. Mana Pools has achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status, thanks to its rich diversity of ecosystems and variety of animal occupants. Another draw of the park (which makes it a particularly unique experience) is the ability to wander around the wildlife-filled wilderness on foot, without a guide.
The country’s wonders extend well beyond the animal kingdom and Zimbabwe family holidays can also include visits to Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. Nicknamed ‘the smoke that thunders’, the Falls are listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. While it isn’t the widest nor highest waterfall in the world, it can claim the title of the world’s largest sheet of falling water, plunging over 350ft into the Batoka Gorge below. This makes for some awe-inspiring viewing opportunities via helicopter and a memorable activity for the whole family.