Day 1
Arrival in Zimbabwe
If you can arrive directly at Victoria Falls, then that’s the preferred option. Our best option was to fly in and out of Johannesburg, as there’s a direct flight from Atlanta. We booked a separate connecting flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls for the first part of the trip.
Avani Victoria Falls Resort – Zambia
We spent 4 nights at Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone on the Zambian site. As all of our activities were on a Zambian site, this made things easier and cheaper in terms of visas.
Avani Victoria Falls Resort – Zambia
Day 2-7
Zambia
We didn’t pre-book any activities and decided what we wanted to do upon arrival through Avani. You absolutely don’t have to book everything beforehand, there were plenty of spots available. Our kids enjoyed the hotel a lot, because the animals were walking everywhere so even hanging out at the property was an attraction. The zebras were coming to the pool frequently, which was insanely cool.
We did a game drive with the kids, we booked a dinner at the conjoined Royal Livingstone Hotel when an elephant decided to accompany us almost to the table. Another night we had a Boma dinner at the property, which is known in the area and the kids danced and got their faces painted.
You can walk to the falls through the hotel’s entrance, so we did some hiking with the kids. As the kids were not old enough for some activities and enjoyed the on-site kids club, my husband and I were able to visit Devil’s Pool while they were cared for and played.
Day 8-9
Botswana
You can absolutely take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, but I personally thought that a 3-hour drive both ways, a game drive, and a river cruise in one day was just too much for the little kids as it would have been a 14-hour long day. This is why I booked a lodge directly in Botswana for 2 nights, which was perfect.
The border crossing between Zambia and Botswana was quick, but remember that you must carry kids’ birth certificates with you – otherwise, they won’t let you in!
The morning after we arrived, we did an early morning game drive and relaxed at the pool in the afternoon by the pool and watched the monkeys and warthogs.
Chobe Marina Lodge
We booked a shuttle from Avani to our next lodge: Chobe Marina Lodge in Kasane. We left around 11 am and arrived at our lodge directly at lunch. The lodge was all-inclusive in terms of meals and included one free activity a day. The day we arrived we opted for an afternoon cruise that lasted until sunset.
Chobe Marina Lodge
Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa – South Africa
We booked another shuttle from the lodge in Botswana to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe. We had enough time to explore the town of Victoria Falls as our flight got delayed. Upon arrival in Johannesburg around 4 pm we rented a car and started driving north to our next lodge.
Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa – South Africa
Day 9-10
South Africa
You don’t have to rent a car, and the lodge can arrange a shuttle from the airport, but as we arrived late we would need to spend the night at the airport again, which didn’t seem appealing. Instead, we drove at our own pace and spent the night at the beautiful family-run lodge about 45 minutes from the Welgevonden Game Reserve gate where we could arrive on time at 11 am.
Driving in South Africa is very easy and safe unless you drive at night. You can leave the rental car at the safe and guarded location at the main gate, so you don’t have to worry about it getting stolen or broken into.
Day 11-14
South Africa
The property of the Mhondoro Safari Lodge is absolutely beautiful and has limited villas. The highlight is of course a main pool where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot elephants coming to drink. Every day we debated whether to have another game drive or stay in and wait to see what animals can come visit us by the pool.
We had our ranger who was engaging and understanding of the kids’ needs and the little ones were eager to do a 5 am drive for the whole 3 hours – that’s how good it was. We would have breakfast afterward and send the kids to a little on-site preschool where they could socialize with local kids while we had time to relax for a bit.
After lunch, the ranger would offer an activity for the kids, such as cookie making or fishing, and we would either stay by the pool or have another game drive until dinner (I’d say we alternated the days). The property also offered a Boma dinner for everyone, which was a little late for the kids, but we set them up with some chairs to sleep on after eating.
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa – South Africa
Our final stop was Mhondoro Safari Lodge, which was an absolute highlight. It’s probably the best luxury hotel we’ve ever stayed at with the kids, as it catered perfectly to adults and children simultaneously. My kids want to move in permanently, so we will be returning there soon.
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa – South Africa