Introduction
I’ve helped couples plan romantic Africa vacations for 21 years. Here’s what I recommend.
For newlyweds who want to combine adventure and romance on their honeymoon, there’s no better place than Africa. Trust me: I lived and worked in Africa as a camp manager and safari guide. I took my own honeymoon in Africa. Furthermore, for the past 21 years, I’ve been assisting couples in planning their honeymoon safaris and anniversary celebrations.
Adventurous Romance
An African honeymoon is inherently adventurous. Travelers can get up close and personal with lions, elephants, and numerous other species on game drives and walking safaris. Newlyweds on safari can visit traditional communities like the Maasai or Batwa to see how they live, or explore bustling cities like Nairobi and Cape Town. Furthermore, if you’re looking to ramp up the adventure quotient, why not take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti or bungee jump off the stunning Victoria Falls bridge?
However, romance doesn’t have to take a back seat. Some safari camps offer couples’ massages, romantic outdoor baths, and private candlelit bush dinners. Upon returning at night, newlyweds might find a special turn down service, including champagne and chocolates, before settling under a warm duvet in their tent beneath the star-studded African night sky, listening to the calls of hyenas or the roars of lions. In the morning, the soothing sounds of bird calls announce the start of another splendid day.
Moreover, if relaxation and romance at the beach sound appealing, there are abundant “bush and beach” options for after your safari. Ranging from locally owned beach hotels to luxurious resorts like the Four Seasons, destinations such as Zanzibar, the Seychelles, and Mozambique boast stunning white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, and a variety of activities—ranging from sunbathing to snorkeling and scuba diving.
Tips for Planning Your Honeymoon Safari
To ensure your honeymoon safari is everything you hope for, keep these tips in mind.
Location, Location, Location
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda) is perfect for seeing massive herds of wildlife, trekking for gorillas and chimpanzees, experiencing traditional cultures, and enjoying beautiful beaches. In contrast, Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, and Mozambique) is best known for close-up wildlife experiences, private reserves, and non-safari activities such as golf, wine tasting, and luxury train rides.
Think Strategically about the Time of Year
The optimal months for game viewing in most safari parks occur during the winter season (June through October), when the weather is typically cooler, sunny, and dry. In East Africa, December to March can also be fruitful for wildlife sightings, while November, April, and May tend to be rainier months (consider avoiding those unless lower prices and fewer crowds take priority). In southern Africa, November to May is regarded as the “green” or shoulder season, featuring warmer temperatures and occasional precipitation. An exception to this pattern is Cape Town, which enjoys warm weather (and is an extremely popular destination) from December to March.
Pace Yourself
Many honeymooners mistakenly believe they will only visit Africa once and want to “see it all” in a two-week trip. However, that initial visit often inspires future trips. Consequently, we recommend selecting one or two countries or regions and moving at a more leisurely pace to fully appreciate each experience without feeling rushed. The continent is vast, and transportation between destinations can be lengthy.
The Right Camp is Everything
Whether you prefer five-star luxury or no-frills adventure camping, Africa offers a wide range of accommodations perfect for honeymooners. Imagine spending the night in Elewana Loisaba‘s star beds, a treehouse platform where four-poster beds are nestled under the open sky or thatched cover. Alternatively, after experiencing the magnificent Victoria Falls, newlyweds can unwind at the Victoria Falls River Lodge‘s Island Treehouse Suites, located on a private island with plunge pools and the lively presence of hippos below. For water enthusiasts, spending the night in The Manta Resort’s underwater room, just off Pemba Island, Tanzania, is an unforgettable experience.
Remember — Now’s the Time to Celebrate
There are numerous creative options for couples wanting to do something extraordinary on their honeymoon safari. For example, you could participate in a Maasai wedding ceremony in Kenya, which includes a warrior escort, a chief or elder to officiate, and a traditional goat roast celebration. Would you like to enjoy a couples’ bubble bath overlooking the savannah, partake in private wine tastings, or even feed giraffes through your breakfast window? The choices are virtually limitless.
By considering these tips and ideas, you’re sure to enjoy an adventurous and romantic honeymoon safari. Enlist the help of an expert to manage the many details—you deserve to focus on cherishing every moment of this special trip.
Kent Redding is a member of GoTravelDaily’s A-List of travel advisors and creates custom trips across eastern and southern Africa for Africa Adventure Consultants. Contact him at 303-778-1089 or info@adventuresinafrica.com.
