A milestone itinerary designed for connection, culture, and unforgettable wildlife.

When Nashville Luxury Travel co-owner Jen Martin and her husband Kevin set off to celebrate a wedding anniversary, they knew they wanted something extraordinary; something that blended romance, relaxation, and the thrill of sharing Africa with their children.

Their journey began with a romantic beach stay in Mozambique before transitioning into a multi-stop adventure that wove together cultural touchpoints, bucket-list experiences, and luxury safari camps across Zimbabwe and Zambia. The couple started on their own, with their adult kids joining in at Johannesburg.

Trip Overview: 14 Nights Total (including the pre stay in Mozambique)

Mozambique – 5 nights (2 in Vilanculos, 3 on Benguerra Island)
Johannesburg – 1 night
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) – 2 nights
Lower Zambezi (Zambia) – 3 nights
South Luangwa (Zambia) – 3 nights

This itinerary is ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, especially those whose adult children are ready for a first-time Africa trip. With a mix of beach, culture, conservation, and wildlife, it strikes a great balance where all ages can enjoy.

First Stop: Mozambique 5 Nights Total – 2 in Vilanculos, 3 on Benguerra Island

Jen and Kevin’s start ther: Romantic Seclusion with Indian Ocean Blues.

Jen and Kevin began their journey in Vilanculos, a quiet coastal town where they spent two nights at Santorini Mozambique, a whitewashed retreat inspired by the Greek islands. This peaceful starting point helped them ease into the rhythm of the trip—but for many travelers on a tighter schedule, the real magic lies offshore.

Just a 10-minute helicopter ride away, Benguerra Island offers the kind of dreamy barefoot luxury that can only be reached by air and sea. Their stay at &Beyond Benguerra Island included oceanfront suites with private pools, beachside dining, and excursions that showcased the region’s marine life and remote beauty.

Unforgettable Moments:

Castaway Picnic on a secluded beach
Snorkeling at Two Mile Reef (octopus, rays, eels, turtles)
Horseback riding in the surf
Dhow Bar sunset drinks in a bar built from a boat

Second Stop: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, 1 Night in Johannesburg

Before starting up with their safari portion of their trip, Jen and Kevin made a one-night stop in Johannesburg. They stayed at the intimate and charming Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, and with help from Africa Inscribed ( our local parter), arranged a local guide for their kids. What could have been just a layover became a powerful cultural immersion—an ideal way to introduce first-timers to the vibrancy of South Africa.

Third Stop: Victoria Falls Hotel, 2 Nights in Victoria Falls

The full family traveled to their next destination and checked in at Victoria Falls Hotel, the colonial-era “Grand Dame” perched above the famous falls. With its historic charm and views of the iconic bridge, it was a fitting base for a high-energy mix of adventure and local engagement.

Unforgettable Moments:

Walking tour of the Falls (visit in the afternoon for rainbows!)
Gorge swing over the Batoka Gorge ( Yes they paid $150 for a video package, and it was surprisingly worth every penny)
Helicopter flight over the Falls
Visit to a local farm supported by Africa Inscribed, featuring a biodigester project and the Dignity for Girls initiative—where women produce reusable sanitary pads for local schoolgirls
Zambezi River breakfast, plus meals at Lookout Café with 3 Monkeys for breakfast companions

Forth Stop: Chiawa Safari Camp, 3 nights in Lower Zambezi

The family flew into Lusaka, chartered a bush plane to a remote airstrip, and traveled by riverboat to reach Chiawa Safari Camp. The journey itself was an adventure—and the reward was a family-owned luxury camp nestled along the Zambezi River.

The wildlife here was especially impressive, and the setting felt both wild and welcoming. Elephants regularly wandered through camp, and the open-air vehicles made for immersive, photography-friendly drives.

Unforgettable Moments:

Floating lunch on the river
Sleep-out under the stars, featuring a private boat dinner and staff serenade for Jen and Kevin’s anniversary
Safari vehicles with clever extras (recessed compartments and USB charging ports!)

Fifth Stop: Time + Tide Chinzombo, 3 nights in South Luangwa

The final leg of the trip brought the group to Chinzombo, a sleek, contemporary lodge set on the banks of the Luangwa River. Known for its modern design and wide-open safari tents, Chinzombo offers an elevated, more architectural version of the classic safari experience.

Unforgettable Moments:

Surprise performance by the SEKA Community Theater, both entertaining and meaningful
Spotting of Thornicroft’s giraffe, a species found only in this region
Close encounters with a massive pride of lions (14+ strong!)

Final Thoughts

What made this trip so special wasn’t just the scenery or the lodges—it was the pace and company. Jen and Kevin began with time for each other, then opened the journey up to their children, allowing for both romance and family connection. For parents hoping to introduce their adult children to Africa in a way that’s thoughtful, elevated, and immersive, this itinerary is a true blueprint.

To begin planning a custom African adventure for your own family, reach out today!