9 Days of Untamed Luxury: My Zambia Safari Itinerary

Hello, fellow travelers! I had an amazing adventure, exploring the different regions in Zambia with Africa Roam, a luxury African destination management company. Rouhet Ooshuizen, Founder of Africa Roam lives in South Africa. With years of industry experience, she is hands-on with every itinerary.

Ever since my first visit to Africa, I caught the Africa bug! The moment I first set foot in Africa, I was captivated. It's a place of magic, peace, and profound grounding—from witnessing animals in their natural habitat to the breathtaking sunsets and starlit nights Having now traveled to 11 countries and experienced safaris in six, I've gained the deep knowledge of both national parks and private game reserves that only comes from being there. I don’t just book a trip; I craft your personalized Africa story. You gain an adventure tailored to your interests, guided professionally at every turn, so you can simply focus on the wonder.

Day 1 & 2: Arrival & Into the Bush

🍳 JNB Comfort: Kicked off the trip with a great stay at the Intercontinental in Johannesburg, complete with the luxury of included breakfast room service!

✈️ Travel Day: Flew into Mfuwe Airport and transferred to our first spot: Time and Tide Mchenja!

✨ Dinner Under the Stars: Enjoyed a delicious, authentic dinner outside in the bush—tilapia, chicken, peanut soup, and other local foods.

Day 3: Leopard Luck in South Luangwa

🐆 Morning Magic: Our incredible guide, Adam, spotted a leopard in a tree—its big green eyes staring right at us! Tip: A great guide is key; we watched other vehicles miss the leopards Adam found.

☕ The Big Sightings: Also spotted impala, elephants, zebra, buffalo, and even two lions resting. We had breakfast overlooking a group of hippos!

🐕 Afternoon: Saw a den of wild dogs, who typically den for three months.

🌅 Rustic Vibe: The Safari Room I stayed in was a rustic immersion in nature (no AC, outside toilet), perfect for true nature enthusiasts!

Day 4: Plunge Pools & Local Culture

🥾 New Camp: After a delicious breakfast, we drove to Time and Tide Chinzombo.

💆‍♀️ Unexpected Luxury: Was treated to a complimentary 15-minute massage in my room!

🐒 Monkey Business: Had a stunning view from my room, but the highlight was the cheeky baboons drinking from my plunge pool!

🗺️ Cultural Connection: Visited Daniel Village with our guide, learning how they make local grains and seeing the community (500 people!) firsthand.

🐆 Lucy the Leopard: Our third leopard spotting! We learned when leopards yawn three times, it’s time for them to get up.

Day 5: Flying South to the Zambezi

🐆 Morning Game Drive: Learned there are around 1,000 leopards in South Luangwa Park! Saw impala with her baby running and nursing.

✈️ Scenic Flight: Took a thrilling 12-seater Cessna Grand Caravan to the Lower Zambezi.

🌊 Zambezi Grand Arrival: Arrived at Zambezi Grande and immediately headed out for a Zambezi River cruise.

🌅 Sunset Views: Watched an amazing sunset with hippos jumping out of the water! Learned hippos can hold their breath for up to 6 minutes.

🍽️ Good to Know: At Zambezi Grande, you pre-order your choice from three options for each meal.

Day 6: Wild Dog Chase and Mountain Views

🌅 Morning Drive: Took a boat to our safari vehicles and were treated to a stunning blood orange sun.

🐕 Adrenaline Rush: Chased a pack of wild dogs that were hunting! (Didn't see a kill, but it was exciting!)

🏞️ Landscape Highlight: Loved the mountainous landscapes here - so interesting to see a different look for Zambia. Tip: This park doesn't have giraffe or rhino.

🐘 Afternoon: Enjoyed a great massage on my verandah, then headed out to watch an elephant trumpet when we passed in between them on the road (we were told this is normal!).

Day 7: Majestic Falls

✈️ To Livingstone: Flew on a 6-seater private charter to Lusaka for a VIP meet and greet, then to Livingstone.

💧Victoria Falls: Toured the Falls from the Zambia side. Tip: November through March is the rainy season and the best viewing time!

🏨 Royal Chundu: Stayed at the stunning Royal Chundu (Relais & Châteaux!). Travel Note: The ride here is bumpy; recommend a helicopter charter for travelers with motion sickness.

🐊 Sunset Treat: The highlight was a sunset cruise watching a beautiful red-orange sky, spotting a crocodile and impala on the Matetsi Game Reserve across the river.

Day 8: Culture, Picnics, and Fine Dining

🫜 Malambo Village: Had a heartwarming cultural visit to Malambo Village, led by our guide's grandmother, Edith. We saw how they make food and craft bowls from ivory trees. The resort supports the community by buying their harvested vegetables!

🛥️ Island Picnic: Took a boat to Island Lodge to see it and enjoyed a lovely BBQ picnic on a separate island.

🍲 Elegant Dinner: Indulged in a beautiful, elegant boma tasting dinner—every single dish was delicious. Note: Royal Chundu is a perfect place to relax or do outdoor activities, but they do not offer game drives.

Day 9: Farewell, Zambia!

Enjoyed a final, beautiful breakfast outside at Royal Chundu, admiring the views of the Zambezi River before flying Livingstone to Johannesburg and heading home.

Planning a trip this detailed can be a lot, but that's where I come in! I've walked the paths, tasted the cuisine, and now have all the insider tips—like when to see the Falls at their best and which guides truly make the magic happen. Don't let those breathtaking landscapes and leopard sightings stay a dream.

To start planning your perfect, customized Zambia adventure, contact me at: stefany@largaytravel.com

With Passion and Adventure,

Stefany