Matabeleland North with Kids

This is a checklist for parents. Work through it before booking, and again on arrival.

Before you book

  • Talk to a doctor about malaria prevention for each child. The risk covers the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange and Binga, all year.
  • Check age limits. Rafting starts at 15. Devil’s Pool, which is in Zambia, takes children aged 10 and up, but swimming is for 12 and over.
  • Ask operators about child rules for bungee, swings and helicopter flights, because they differ.
  • Pack hats, sun cream and water bottles. September to November often tops 35 C.

At the rainforest

Children under 6 enter free and ages 6 to 11 pay half of the adult fee, which is about US$58 for international visitors. The ticket allows one entry. The trail runs beside the gorge, and edges at spots such as Danger Point are not fenced. Keep small hands in yours, ban running, and stay off the rocks. Spray makes everything slippery, so shoes need a good tread. Bring dry clothes for the walk back.

At Dete

Painted Dog Conservation is the family favourite. It is free, welcomes donations, and takes up to about 2 hours. Hours are about 08:00 to 17:00. Explain to children that this is a rescue and conservation centre, not a zoo.

At the crocodile farm

The farm is about 5 km out of town, beside Zambezi National Park. It has feeding times, a snake park and a curio shop, and a commercial purpose. Prices are about US$20 for adults and US$10 for children. Stay behind the barriers.

Wildlife rules

Choose game drives in Zambezi National Park or Hwange. Avoid elephant rides, lion walks and cub petting.

Water rules

Rivers, Lake Kariba and dams hold crocodiles and hippos, and bilharzia lives in still fresh water. Children swim only in lodge pools that are treated.

Packing list for the day

  • Water bottles and a hat for each child, because the sun and heat build quickly.
  • Shoes with grip for wet rainforest stone.
  • A dry change of clothes and a light rain layer.
  • Repellent for evenings and early mornings.
  • Small US dollar notes and some cash for gate fees, since card machines can fail.

Evenings

Plan to be back at your lodge by dark in Victoria Falls, since elephants and buffalo walk the streets.

Read more: Animal activities and Attraction tours .

Planning a family tour? Search Viator family listings for Matabeleland North . For the national advice page, see UK FCDO travel advice .