Matt Davison
The thought of a honeymoon evokes images of white sandy beaches, coconut cocktails, and sunkissed days. But more newlyweds are ditching the out-of-date stereotypes for something more unique at the best honeymoon destinations in Africa.
In Africa, honeymoon destinations have become popular because of the exclusive experiences that the continent has to offer. It’s teeming with wildlife, diverse landscapes, exotic golden sand beaches, and unforgettable safari experiences.
For the best honeymoon safari experience, you’ll want to choose the most suitable spot for you and your loved one. In this guide, you’ll find the top African destinations for a luxurious stay in the wild.
Reasons to Visit African Honeymoon Destinations
The perfect honeymoon destination offers romance, privacy, starry night skies and a little bit of adventure. A honeymoon in the bush is the perfect escape from the outside world to revel in your new marriage.
Safari holidays for couples provide a peaceful environment with fewer crowds. There are no distractions like the sounds of traffic and mobile notifications. So, you can enjoy fantastic bird watching in the day and stargazing at night.
Replace the bustling honeymoons resorts with a romantic getaway and wildlife adventures in Africa. Here you’ll find breathtaking natural beauty and must-see attractions like Victoria Falls and Table Mountain.
Safari honeymoon packages offer the perfect way to spend your happily ever after. You can experience spectacular sightings on guided tours. And the luxury safari accommodation and picturesque views will exceed your wildest expectations.
Best Safari Destinations for a Luxury Honeymoon in Africa
If you’re looking for something a little against the grain, an African honeymoon safari is ideal. You can find some of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa below.
Southern Africa Honeymoon Safari – Botswana
This landlocked country makes up for its lack of coastline with something special – The Okavango Delta. As the rainy season comes in and floods the delta, it turns into a buzzing and lush wildlife habitat. Accessible only by chartered flights, the delta is truly an untamed bush experience.
For unforgettable Botswana honeymoon safaris, we recommend visiting the Moremi Game Reserve or Chobe National Park. Honeymooners can explore the delta channels in dugout canoes, spotting crocodiles, hippos and elephants. Additionally, you can traverse the grasslands on game drives on an authentic Botswana safari or enjoy relaxing sunset cruises.
In Botswana, you’ll find secluded honeymoon resorts and rustic luxury lodge accommodation such as:
Tip: If you’re looking to see large herds of African elephants, Botswana is a top spot for elephant safaris
Best time to visit: June to August when temperatures are cooler.
Southern Africa Safari Honeymoon – Zambia
As tourists flock to countries like Kenya and South Africa, Zambia is often overlooked. Although a Kruger National Park honeymoon offers a memorable trip, Zambia has its own treasures that will leave you in awe.
Zambia is certainly a top honeymoon destination that promises extraordinary adventures. Visitors can marvel at or bungee jump off of the impressive Victoria Falls. South Luangwa National Park offers peaceful and uncrowded safari experiences.
For idyllic accommodation, there are luxury lodges that sit on the banks of Zambezi River, such as the spectacular Royal Zambezi Lodge. And for something different, stay on a houseboat on the breathtaking Lake Kariba.
Best time to visit: June to November, during the peak safari season.
Honeymoon Safari and Beach Destinations
A luxury African safari honeymoon doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice experiences like scuba diving in the Indian Ocean. The beauty of Africa lies in its diversity. Many of its coastal countries have beautiful beaches as well as wild awe-inspiring savannah landscapes.
So why not combine a safari honeymoon with stunning shores to create the ultimate romantic experience. Below are some of the best safari destinations with access to the glistening Indian Ocean.
Kenya Safari and Seychelles Honeymoon – East Africa
Kenya is a popular holiday destination in East Africa and a wonderland for newlyweds as well. It’s home to vast grasslands, long coastlines, lakes and the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Of course, the Masai Mara National Reserve is a world-renowned safari spot to see animals in Kenya.
When it comes to accommodation in this ideal honeymoon destination, we recommend island resorts like The Sands at Chale Island and PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort for a tropical getaway. Once you’ve dipped their toes in the sea and basked in the sun, you can head over to the Masai Mara. The vast game reserve offers a plethora of tailored safari experiences.
If you’re looking to extend your intimate getaway, a trip to Seychelles is 1,435 miles away from Masai Mara. There are plenty of enjoyable activities on the idyllic island for couples, from scuba diving in the Indian Ocean to spotting giant Aldabra tortoises.
Best time to visit: January to April when game viewing is at its peak. If you want to view the spectacular Wildebeest Migration, head to Masai Mara between August and November.
Safari and Beach Honeymoon in Tanzania – East Africa
This natural playground borders Kenya and rivals the Masai Mara with its own claim to wildlife fame, the Serengeti. The best places to visit for a safari in Tanzania include the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.
If you visit during June or July, you can witness the magnificent Wildebeest Migration. Tanzania is certainly a must-visit beach and safari destination for couples.
This up-and-coming East African nation has fewer tourists than countries like South Africa. So, you’ll feel like you’re on a private island while relaxing on the pristine beaches in Tanzania.
All along the east coast, there are several beach resorts that offer unforgettable African safari honeymoon all-inclusive experiences. Here are a few of the best honeymoon resorts to check out:
Best time to visit: June to October, during the dry season.
Types of African Safari Honeymoon Packages – All-inclusive, Luxury & More
Planning a honeymoon in Africa can be a bit confusing. To create the perfect, romantic honeymoon, be sure to check out various safari packages to find one that suits your taste. Below are a few of our favorite types of safaris.
Self Drive Honeymoon Safari
On self drive safaris, you have control over when and where you drive which is great and affordable. However, not all national parks offer this and you have to do all the work to spot the animals.
Game Drives
This is the most common safari and most national parks offer this option. You will sit in an open vehicle with an expert guide and driver.
River Safaris
Few places have this option which makes it very exciting and desirable. It’s a great way to spot animals in the water on a safari honeymoon.
Walking Safaris
Get up close and personal with nature on guided walking safaris. This is wonderful if you’re interested in flora and insects. On a walking safari, you can learn about all the smaller things that you might miss on a game drive.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Hot air balloon safaris are exceptional for unique and romantic experiences. The aerial views of grazing animals on the grasslands, will leave you in awe.
Your Unforgettable African Safari Honeymoon Awaits
Your marriage is deserving of a unique adventure at the best honeymoon destination. So, take a leap into the wild and say “I do” to an amazing honeymoon trip to Africa.
With so many epic places to visit, you’ll certainly have magical experiences with your better half. From champagne breakfast to moonlit dinners in the bush, there are plenty of spectacular experiences to enjoy with a few nights in the wild.
And visiting some of the best African honeymoon destinations doesn’t have to break the bank. For a more affordable adventure, check out this guide on all-inclusive safaris in Africa.
