Zimbabwe is the best choice if you live in the UK and are planning a memorable trip with your family. There is the biggest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls; there is a herd of elephants in the Hwange National Park; and the people there are so warm and welcoming.
In this guide, you can plan your trip to Zimbabwe from the UK: everything step-by-step, like flights, visa, health, weather, famous places, and budget-friendly options.
Is Zimbabwe a Good Place for a Family Trip?
For tourists who want to experience something adventurous and unique with their families, Zimbabwe is an ideal place for them. As a family, they can experience wildlife, history and peace together. As compared to other African countries, safaris are usually cheaper, and local guides treat children well. In terms of safety, Victoria Falls and major national parks are usually safe.
Review updated advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before you go, because the situation can change. According to the children, kids older than six enjoy the safari a lot.
Some lodges have family-friendly options for little kids, but most Safari camps have age limits; that’s why asking before booking is important. Air Zimbabwe has started direct London to Harare flights.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
The best time depends on tourists, when they can plan a trip with their family from the UK and what they want to experience.
Most tourists say May to October is the best time to visit Zimbabwe because it is the dry season, and you can easily see lions and zebras. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, and you can experience the best wildlife viewing because all animals gather around rivers and water holes. For hiking lovers, this is also the best time. The skies are also clear, and the temperature is pleasant.
Entry Requirements: Visa and Documents
UK passport holders need a visa for Zimbabwe. You can apply through an online e-visa or can get a visa on arrival at the Airport, but applying online saves time. Visa fees and rules change, so before your journey, confirm them from the official Zimbabwe immigration website or UK Government travel advice. If you want to explore Zambia with Victoria Falls, then know about KAZA UNIVISA. Air Zimbabwe Direct Flights from London Gatwick are the best options to consider.
This is a combined visa which is applicable for both Zimbabwe and Zambia, and makes the journey easy for both countries. Some general instructions for passports are that your visa should be valid for six months, and it should also have some pages.
If you are only a parent travelling with kids, or kids are travelling with relatives, then keep parents’ consent letters and birth certificates in your documents. This did not cause any issues at the border.
Health, Vaccinations and Travel Insurance
Consult with your general physician or travel clinic at least six to eight weeks before embarking on the journey.
NHS Fit for Travel and TravelHealthPro websites show updated vaccination advice. Usually, they focus on vaccinations, like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus, but doctors will give advice according to your kids’ health and age. There could be a risk of Malaria in some places in Zimbabwe, like Victoria Falls and Hwange.
That’s why, consult a doctor because Malaria tablets depend on kids weight and age. Use mosquito repellent, mosquito nets, and wear full clothes. Taking travel insurance is important. Choose a family policy which includes medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip cancellation and Safari activities. Hospitals can be far away in remote National Park; that’s why you should not ignore evacuation cover.
Best Places for Family
Matobo Hills
Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe is the most fascinating destination. It is a beautiful mixture of natural beauty, wildlife, and history. It is located near Bulawayo. The Matobo Hills have great cultural and spiritual importance.
It is home to ancient San rock art paintings. The hills are also considered a divine place in local beliefs. The Matobo Hills are also best for wildlife lovers. Travellers can experience both black and white rhinos in the Matobo Hills.
Nyanga National Park
Nyanga National Park is located in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. It is considered the country’s most scenic and peaceful destination.
This place consists of rolling hills, pine forests, and wide-open landscapes. This place is very different from Savannah Safari Parks. Mount Nyangi is also located in this park. This place also features the amazing Mutarazi Falls, which is the country’s tallest waterfall.
Hwange National Park
There is the largest herd of elephants in Hwange National Park, and this is also the biggest park in Zimbabwe. There are family-friendly lodges that offer many activities for kids.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
These are the ruins of a historical city, from which the country’s name was derived. This is the best opportunity for kids.
UK to Zimbabwe Flight Time
An average direct flight from the UK takes almost ten hours and thirty minutes. The overall air distance is almost 8280 km. The most common travel route is connecting flights, which take almost thirteen to fourteen hours.
Travelling on Ethiopian Airlines or Kenya Airways takes less time, at almost fourteen hours. If the layover time is long, like via Dubai, Doha, or Qatar Airways, then the average time will be eighteen hours to twenty hours. Usually, flights from London to Harare include just one stopover, with popular connections.
Conclusion
In the end, planning a trip to Zimbabwe from the UK with family, with proper planning, can become a lifetime memory. Best planning, choosing the right season, and choosing a safari package according to your needs make your trip more comfortable and memorable.
Zimbabwe is an ideal place for a safari; if you are thinking about a safari trip with kids, then you must consider this amazing retreat. Before starting the journey, confirm visa fees, flight routes, and safety advice from official websites, because things get changed.
