If the family enjoy off-the-beaten-track adventures with high quality comfort, Zimbabwe offers a memorable combination of experiences and warm East African hospitality. Flying into Victoria Falls Airport the excitement begins with exploration of the Falls crested in mist and rainbows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Adrenaline peaks with an organised visit to Devils Pool, a deep natural pool created by erosion over thousands of years, making a natural rock barrier on the very edge of the Falls where you can lie down and look in awe down 100 metres of water torrents flowing close by.
 

Since Mugabe’s rule, Zimbabwe is a fragile economy, but extremely safe tourist destination and visitors are flocking back to sample its raw and unspoilt beauty. Responsible tourism is a priority. From Victoria Falls, head southeast by private transfer across majestic open bushland to Bulaweyo and on to Matobo National Park which is also a World Heritage Site. The park has a timeless landscape of precariously balanced granite rocks with dense woodland and is considered the spiritual home of Zimbabwe where black eagles, black and white rhino, antelope and leopard can be seen. It’s worth considering an exhilarating guided bush walk to bring the family even closer in touch with nature. There are several thatched luxury family safari lodges with private gardens in the surrounding area to choose from.
 

Alternatively, head 250km northeast from Victoria Falls for a contrasting experience at Kariba Lake, the world’s largest man-made reservoir in the Zambezi valley bordered on the south by Matusadona National Park where a variety of herds gather at sundown. It’s one of the few places still possible to see the ‘Big 5’ - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and the endangered rhino. Walking safaris, game drives as well as small luxury houseboats allow you to explore all the fascinating wildlife and profound beauty of this evolving country.