Traveling with Kids to Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, offers an extraordinary experience for travelers of all ages. When Traveling with Kids to Victoria Falls, it’s crucial to prepare adequately to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable adventure. This guide provides everything you need to know about traveling with kids to Victoria Falls.

1. Choose the Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (May to October): This is the best time to visit Victoria Falls with kids. The weather is mild, and the water levels are lower, making the trails less slippery and more accessible. Wildlife viewing is also excellent during this time.
Avoid the Peak Spray Season (February to May): During the high-water season, the spray from the falls is intense, which can limit visibility and make paths slippery.

2. Select Family-Friendly Accommodations

Family Rooms and Amenities: Look for lodges or hotels that offer family rooms and child-friendly amenities such as swimming pools, play areas, and babysitting services.
Proximity to the Falls: Staying close to the falls minimizes travel time and allows for easier access to attractions and activities.
Recommended Family-Friendly Lodges:
- Avani Victoria Falls Resort (Zambia): Offers family rooms, a kids’ club, and direct access to the falls.
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (Zimbabwe): Provides spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and various family-friendly activities.

3. Plan Engaging Activities for Kids

Guided Tours: Participate in a guided tour of Victoria Falls to learn about its history, geology, and wildlife. Guides can tailor the tour to be engaging and informative for children.
Wildlife Safaris: Both Zambia and Zimbabwe offer excellent safari opportunities where kids can see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other animals up close.
Victoria Falls Bridge Tour: For older kids, the Victoria Falls Bridge tour offers an exciting exploration of the bridge’s history and construction, with the added thrill of standing at the border between two countries.
Sunset Cruises: A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River provides a relaxing way to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

4. Safety Tips for Traveling with Kids to Victoria Falls

Stay on Designated Paths: The paths around Victoria Falls can be uneven and slippery, especially near the spray zones. Always stay on designated paths and hold young children’s hands.
Wear Appropriate Footwear: Ensure everyone wears sturdy, non-slip shoes to navigate the terrain safely.
Hydrate and Protect from the Sun: Carry plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly. Hats and lightweight, breathable clothing are also essential.
Keep a Safe Distance from Wildlife: While seeing wildlife is a highlight, it’s important to keep a safe distance and never feed the animals.

5. Health Precautions

Vaccinations: Consult with your doctor about necessary vaccinations and health precautions before traveling. Ensure everyone is up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with essentials such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings.

6. Crossing Borders

KAZA Univisa: If you plan to visit both sides of Victoria Falls, consider the KAZA Univisa, which allows entry into both Zambia and Zimbabwe and day trips to Botswana. It simplifies border crossings and saves money.
Required Documents: Make sure you have all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, and proof of onward travel.

7. Dining Options for Families

Family-Friendly Restaurants: Look for restaurants that offer kid-friendly menus and high chairs. Many lodges and hotels provide excellent dining options suitable for children.
Local Cuisine: Encourage kids to try local dishes, but also ensure there are familiar options available.

8. Packing Essentials for Kids

Comfortable Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. Include layers for cooler evenings.
Swimwear: Bring swimwear for the hotel pool or water activities.
Entertainment: Pack books, games, and electronic devices to keep kids entertained during downtime.
Strollers and Carriers: A lightweight stroller or baby carrier can be useful for younger children, especially when exploring the falls and surrounding areas.

9. Educational Opportunities

Nature and Wildlife Education: Use the trip as an opportunity to teach kids about nature, wildlife, and conservation. Many lodges and tour companies offer educational programs for children.
Cultural Experiences: Introduce children to the local culture by visiting villages, markets, and cultural centers. Engaging with local communities can be a rewarding experience for the whole family.

10. Why Choose Nextgen Safaris for Your Family Adventure?

Nextgen Safaris specializes in creating tailored, family-friendly tours to Victoria Falls. Our experienced guides are trained to engage children and make the trip enjoyable for all ages. We take care of all the details, from securing family-friendly accommodations to planning activities that cater to the interests and needs of each family member.

With Nextgen Safaris, you can relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that every aspect of your family adventure is carefully curated for safety, comfort, and fun.

Plan Your Family Trip to Victoria Falls with Nextgen Safaris

Traveling with kids to Victoria Falls can be a magical and enriching experience. By following these tips and choosing a reputable tour company like Nextgen Safaris, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey for the entire family. Contact us today to start planning your dream family vacation to Victoria Falls.

Traveling with Kids to Victoria Falls Conclusion

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about traveling with kids to Victoria Falls, from the best time to visit and family-friendly accommodations to safety tips and engaging activities. With Nextgen Safaris, your family adventure to Victoria Falls will be a seamless and memorable experience.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All visitors to Victoria Falls must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. The Government of Tanzania has rolled out an online Visa application portal accessible on internet. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Respective Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE: English

TIME: GMT +3

CLIMATE: Southern Africa climate is predominantly tropical. The long rains are from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to January. The hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August.

VOLTAGE: 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY: Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency. However, US$ older than 2009 are only accepted

CLOTHING: Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER: You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH: Southern Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray. The hotels provide mosquito repellent sachets as part of the room’s amenities in all our locations.

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure Imbasa is notified prior to travel so that the respective Hotels and Lodges are informed

GRATUITIES: As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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