Africa

Zimbabwe & Zambia Ancient Pathways

15 Days. From NZD $3,522pp.
Details

Overview

Experience the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe! Embark on thrilling adventures like canoeing in the Lower Zambezi or game drives in Hwange National Park. Uncover the country's rich history with guided walks through the Zimbabwe Ruins and Matobos. Explore nature's wonders on guided walks in Nyangani Mountain and Chimanimani.

Limited participation:

On our camping safaris we will require some participation during the tour. This includes putting up and taking down your tent (your trusty guides are never to far away to lend a helping hand), packing and unpacking the vehicle and a some help with the meals on the tour. The guides do all of the provisioning, meal planning and cooking, but a bit of help with preparation before and cleaning up after the meal is always appreciated. Our guides are phenomenal “bush chefs” and you will be amazed at the variety of the meals they will present to you. They are also well trained in catering for special diets.

For a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!

Itinerary Highlights

  • Victoria Falls
  • Lower Zambezi – canoeing
  • Nyanga - guided walk
  • Chimanimani – guided walk
  • Zimbabwe Ruins – guided walk
  • Matobos – game drive and guided walk
  • Hwange National Park - game drive

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Livingstone/Victoria Falls
  • Day 2: Kafue River
  • Day 3 - 4: Lower Zambezi Canoeing
  • Day 5: Chinhoyi
  • Day 6 - 7: Nyanga National Park
  • Day 8 - 9: Chimanimani National Park
  • Day 10: Great Zimbabwe Monuments
  • Day 11 - 12: Matopos
  • Day 13 -14: Hwange National Park
  • Day 15: Victoria Falls - Tour Ends

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Livingstone/Victoria Falls

Our journey begins with the incredible views as the mighty Zambezi River plunges 110 meters over the Victoria Falls. We spend the afternoon exploring the mile wide waterfall and the surrounding rainforest that is created by the spray. We settle into camp in the late afternoon with the guides briefing before having dinner (own expense) at a local restaurant. Optional activity of a flight over the falls or a sunset river cruise may be possible (own expense).

Day 2: Kafue River

We pack up camp and depart Livingstone for the long drive across southern Zambia to our camp on the Kafue River. We pass small villages, and the rolling landscape offers interesting views before we drop down into the lower Zambezi River valley. We spend the late afternoon in preparation for our canoeing expedition down the lower Zambezi River.

Day 3 - 4: Lower Zambezi Canoeing

True adventure begins. This morning we pack our canoes and head out onto the Zambezi River. Home of the tribal mythical god – Nyami Nyami. The River is lined with small villages and diverse scenery. For the entire day birdwatching and photographic opportunities abound. We paddle with the river
current and take time to enjoy the calm and serenity, new views are offered as the river snakes its way through the valley, and the sound of the African fish eagle can be heard as it calls from the tree tops. We stop for a rest and lunch on the banks of the river before heading out again for the afternoon.

Our camp is wild on the riverbank in the heart of untamed Africa. The following morning we canoe further downstream into a wildlife rich area with opportunities of seeing hippos, elephants and other wildlife. Before we are collected by motorboat and make our way back to the starting campsite.

Day 5: Chinhoyi

We cross into Zimbabwe at the Chirundu border post and traverse the Hurungwe Safari area to our next stop at Chinhoyi Caves. Crystal clear, cobalt blue water lies at the bottom of the “pool of the fallen”. The extensive system of caves and tunnels were used as a place of safety for Mashona tribesman against the Matabele raiders.

Day 6 - 7: Nyanga National Park

We spend two days exploring Nyanga Mountain National Park. The park offers breath taking vistas and diverse landscapes with Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest point at 2592m above sea level. As we explore its trails, you’ll encounter lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes. The air is crisp, and the sounds of nature surround us, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The variety of ecosystems and climate in the area make it a birders haven. Interesting birdlife includes the Blue Swallows in summer and Wattled Cranes breed in the area during the winter months, and a variety of raptors.

Day 8 - 9: Chimanimani National Park

In the morning we walk through Honda Valley before we make our way to Chimanimani National Park, were we make camp for the next two nights. The scent of wildflowers fills the air as you explore the winding trails, immersing yourself in nature's beauty.

On day 9, we embark on a full day walk in Chimanimani National Park. The park offers breath taking landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Afro-Montane forests are home to 74 species of endemic birds, eland, bushbuck and blue duiker.

Day 10: Great Zimbabwe Monuments

Dating back to the 11th century, Great Zimbabwe was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. These are some of the oldest stone structures in Southern Africa. The remnants of a civilization of up to 20,000 people surviving on trade in gold, cattle and crops. The word Zimbabwe means “houses of
stone”. The complex drystone walls and ruins leave archeological clues as to the lifestyle of the people of the area. We explore this national monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot with a guided walk through the hill complex and valley ruins.

Day 11 - 12: Matopos

Bulawayo is our next destination and the Matobos National Park. Arriving in the late afternoon, we set up camp on the outskirts of the park. We spend the following day exploring the park.

Matobos National Parks’ giant granite boulder landscapes, ancient rock art and surrounding wildlife make this a highlight of the tour. We embark on an open game drive into the reserve, where we take a guided walk to get closer to nature and hopefully track the endangered white rhino. After lunch we
learn about the bushman paintings that adorn some of the rock overhangs. We visit the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave and enjoy the magnificent sights from World’s View.

We return to our camp in the late afternoon and enjoy a sundowner and evening around the campfire.

Day 13 -14: Hwange National Park

One of the most famous wildlife reserves in Southern Africa, Hwange National Park, the biggest game reserve in Zimbabwe, is our next stop. We camp on a wildlife concession bordering the park and spend the following full day in search of big game on an open vehicle game drive.

Proclaimed in 1928 this reserve forms an important conservation area along the Zimbabwe and Botswana Border. Photographic opportunities abound, as we search for the large herds of elephant, buffalo and plains game that inhabit the park. Great birdwatching with 420 species recorded in the park, and if we are lucky, we might spot some of the elusive predators. The waterholes also offer good opportunities as the wildlife comes down to drink. We stop for a rest and lunch at a picnic site in the park before enjoying the afternoons sightings. We head back to camp in the late afternoon for our final night around the campfire.

Day 15: Victoria Falls - Tour Ends

On our final day we have a short transfer from our last camping site to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where the tour ends around lunchtime.

DatesFromSpecial Offer
22 Mar 2025 - 05 Apr 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
12 Apr 2025 - 26 Apr 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
07 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
19 Jul 2025 - 02 Aug 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
16 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
13 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
04 Oct 2025 - 18 Oct 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
01 Nov 2025 - 15 Nov 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
29 Nov 2025 - 13 Dec 2025NZD$3522ppContact us
28 Mar 2026 - 11 Apr 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!
18 Apr 2026 - 02 May 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!
06 Jun 2026 - 20 Jun 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!
18 Jul 2026 - 01 Aug 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!
15 Aug 2026 - 29 Aug 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!
13 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!
03 Oct 2026 - 17 Oct 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!
31 Oct 2026 - 14 Nov 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!
28 Nov 2026 - 12 Dec 2026NZD$3522ppFor a limited time only, book 2026 at 2025 prices!

** Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.

** Single supplements may apply

Suggested Accommodation
CityAccommodation
Livingstone Campsite or similar
Kafue National Park Campsite or similar
Lower Zambezi National Park Campsite or similar
Chinhoyi Campsite or similar
Nyanga National Park Campsite or similar
Chimanimani National Park Campsite or similar
Great Zimbabwe Monument Campsite or similar
Matobo National Park Campsite or similar
Hwange National Park Campsite or similar

Whats included?

  • Accommodation with private facilities
  • Hotel taxes
  • Entrance fees
  • Tours with English speaking guides
  • Transfers
  • Meals as specified

What’s not included?

  • International Airfares
  • Internal airfares
  • Airport entrance/departure taxes
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Additional hotel nights
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Travel Protection Plan
  • Compulsory local payment of US$300 pp collected by the tour leader on departure.
  • Gratuities
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Notes

*Local Payment

A local payment of US$300.00 per person is required on this safari.  This will be collected by your tour leader at the start of the tour. The local payment forms part of your overall tour cost, and must be taken into consideration when booking your safari. It will be used by your tour leaders to pay for some of the operational costs incurred on safari.

  • Limited participation:
    On our camping safaris we will require some participation during the tour. This includes putting up and taking down your tent (your trusty guides are never to far away to lend a helping hand), packing and unpacking the vehicle and a some help with the meals on the tour. The guides do all of the provisioning, meal planning and cooking, but a bit of help with preparation before and cleaning up after the meal is always appreciated. Our guides are phenomenal “bush chefs” and you will be amazed at the variety of the meals they will present to you. They are also well trained in catering for special diets.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

You may also like…

Zimbabwe & Zambia Ancient Pathways

15 Days. From NZD $3,522pp.