Destination: Zambia

From safaris and game watching, to the stunning Victoria Falls and the magnificence of the Zambezi River, the kids will never complain of being bored. And the activities on offer are just as adult friendly as they are designed for children. The best time to visit here is from June onwards, when the rains of the December to May period have dried out and the game sightings are becoming more frequent.

Things to do in Zambia with Children

Kids will be delighted when they go on safari, so it stands to reason that this activity is one of the most popular in Zambia, and the best destination in the Kafue National Park. It is the second largest National Park in the World and covers an area the same size as Wales! Within the park visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a jeep safari and view some of the world’s biggest cats and other wild game. They also run horse safari’s which is a great way to cut across the outback in a more exhilarating fashion, but while there isn’t an age limit specified for this trip, riders are expected to be proficient on horseback.

For a safari with a difference, children will be eager to head just north of the Victoria Falls and have fun in a kayak on the Zambezi River. This part of the river flows through some uninterrupted landscape where game come to drink, and it was also the route taken by Dr Livingstone as he hunted for the falls themselves.

Whitewater rafting is another thrilling adventure that kids will be keen to enjoy. There are numerous locations throughout Zambia, but most companies operate at the base of the Victoria Falls. The best time to enjoy this experience is from September to October when the waters are at their safest while still remaining rapid, and most operators indicate a minimum age of 12 years although this does vary.

The Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage just west of Chingola is a world renowned sanctuary for orphaned and sick animals, although it is best known as a chimpanzee habitat. The sanctuary isn’t a tourist attraction, so there aren’t any gates, entrance times or ticket fees, but the owners do welcome visitors who are genuinely interested in their animals to stay overnight in their campsite for a nominal fee and the money spent is used in caring for the creatures. Kids will be entertained and interested in their own private nature reserve, and probably learn a thing or two as well.

Back off the beaten track and kids will be excited by a visit to Adventure City. This theme park is filled with water slides, swimming pools and fountains, as well as trampolines and sand pits. There is a supervised play area for younger children so that adults can get a break, and a short distance away is an adult only bar area. Adventure City also hosts paintballing events for older children and adults.

The Lusaka National Museum is a great way for children to learn a little more about the area, and as well as the interesting artwork that makes up much of the displays, there is a fascinating exhibit dedicated to witchcraft that will really get them going.

Recommended family friendly holidays in Zambia

Zambezi Sun is excellently located adjacent to Victoria Falls offering you unlimited access. The hotel boasts a swimming pool, entertainment area and children's playground as well as a Kids' club closeby the hotel. More details...

Spurge
Just a short drive from Victoria Fall is the Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, with its 14 luxurious tree houses on the Zambezi River. There are also two luxurious houses available, complete with private chef, ideal for family groups. More details...

Recommended eco friendly family holiday / adventure family holiday in Zambia

Join other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 to experience timeless views of Africa, Victoria Falls, one of the World's great spectacles, elephant herds , the Okavango waterways by houseboat and much much more on this tremendous Botswana and Zambia family holiday. Enquire about this holiday.