Last updated on February 13, 2023
If love is in the air, head to Africa with your loved one with eyes closed. Once the fortress of explorers and hunters, the dark continent today enjoys the status of not only a natural beauty destination, but one that offers a perfect recipe for couples to experience an adventure of a lifetime.
So if you are looking for tropical jungles and an abundance of wildlife, there are plenty of destinations that simply ooze with bliss on this continent, which can cater to newly weds who wish to start a new chapter of their lives in the heart of the African bush.
Kenya
A honeymoon in Africa at the iconic Massi Mara game reserve in Kenya provides the ultimate romantic safari experience. After all, where else can a couple enjoy prolific game viewing across endless savannahs teeming with big cats.
Once the dramatic day safaris are over and the dark skies cover the vast wilderness, it is time for champagne sundowners with surreal views of savannah plains, followed by special spa treatments and a delicious dinner by candlelight.
Exotic wildlife getaways, sustainable eco-lodges, remote bush camps and romantic beaches, Kenya has all the ingredients of an enjoyable honeymoon and an unforgettable safari trip of a lifetime.
South Africa
If kindling love in the wilderness is your idea about a perfect honeymoon then there is no better destination than the rich wilds of South Africa. Exploring the vivid animals and birds, staying in desert camps and sipping the bubbly with your partner as you make a new beginning on a safari to this country.
Apart from spotting wildlife in their natural habitat and spending nights under the stars in rustic but luxurious camps, your romantic rendezvous will include dining with giraffes, open air bush dinners and moments of solitude as you admire the sun setting over the savannah.
Moreover, there are so many beautiful locations across South Africa, that the country stands out as an ultimate honeymoon destination among other countries in the continent. This is because these spots have been specially curated to match the whims and fancies of newlyweds.
Tanzania
If you wish to bond by reconnecting with nature, the appeal of Tanzania as a country to enjoy a honeymoon safari is known to one and all. The natural beauty, rich culture, and astonishing features with a diversity of accommodations on mountains and savannas are second to none.
There is no better way to kick off a marriage than a romantic Tanzania safari.Just imagine the two of you exploring the country’s national parks watching elephants lumbering by the side or a lion stalking prey, the likes you may not find anywhere else on earth.
To top it all, the warmth and hospitality of the locals and interacting with the communities in the villages to gain an insight on their way of life will be another highlight of your honeymoon.
Namibia
Remote campsites, where you and your partner are the only ones for miles is the key attraction of going on a honeymoon safari in Namibia. You will stay in stylish romantic lodges with rooms located right next to where the action is whether you are staying in Etosha, the Skeleton Coast or Damaraland.
Watching wild animals drinking just a few meters away from your private deck as you and your loved one sip an early morning cup of coffee are some of the romance-filled moments you can expect on a safari in Namibia. For a couple who wants to experience something out of the ordinary, there is nothing like a bespoke Namibia honeymoon.
Your African adventure will include game drives, exploring the surreal beauty of the Kunene River and personal interactions with the extraordinary people of the Himba tribe for a romantic getaway unlike any other.
Botswana
From sandy beaches stretching for miles to deltas teeming with wildlife, it is no wonder that the name Botswana pops up every now and again on the romantic honeymoon radar. Once you are done with the Big 5, which you have a chance to spot in a single day, the landscape and the iconic beauty of the national parks will keep you and your partner mesmerized.
If this is not enough, there is a phenomenal list of other activities like a mokoro trip, hot air balloon rides, and horse riding that this is one honeymoon you would love to splash on. While drool-worthy lodges will be your home in the Okavango Delta, there will be other off-beat spots where you can enjoy some bliss in privacy.
There is nothing ordinary about a honeymoon safari in Botswana as it allows you to experience the best the country has to offer. You can even add a bit of beach to your honeymoon by spending the return leg of your trip on the eye-popping Indian Ocean coastline, a short flight from Maun, via Johannesburg.
Rwanda
For two people who have just entered matrimony, heading to a romantic getaway for the honeymoon is something every couple will look forward to. Therefore, choosing Rwanda as your honeymoon destination will simply keep you awestruck by the beauty of the country.
While Rwanda is known the world over for its fantastic mountain gorilla trekking experience, there are a plethora of other activities that newly married couples can enjoy like spending moments of relaxation in the solitude of Lake Kivu or going on a canopy walk in the Nyungwe Forest National Park.
For a new couple, spending time in the wild will always be an unforgettable experience, as it gives them the unique opportunity of sighting primates jump from one tree to another and birds singing while you revel in each other’s company.
Malwai
Malwai may not immediately come to mind when planning a honeymoon safari to Africa, but it won’t come as a surprise if this ‘Warm heart of Africa’ doesn’t leave both partners spellbound.This region of Central Africa is full of hidden gems, one stunning than the other, and more importantly completely uncrowded.
The Liwonde National Park has only three lodges, which makes it a great destination for a secluded safari.Moreover, wildlife here is abundant and the chances of coming across the Big 5 by land, foot or by boat are exceptional. The rooms at the lodges are private and offer unhindered views from the plunge pool to the floodplains and the river flowing below.
The Nyika Plateau is another ideal off-beat getaway for romance with long nature walks up the hills, morning and evening game drives to spot leopards against a backdrop which can rival any park in Africa.
