Celebrate Love and Adventure in Africa
Few places on Earth capture the spirit of romance like Africa. Whether it’s waking to giraffes ambling past your elegant tent, watching the sun slip below the Zambezi River over sundowners, or swimming from a private island into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, a honeymoon here is more than just a luxury holiday, it’s a chance to share something magical and make memories that last a lifetime.
We create African honeymoon safaris to weave thrilling wildlife encounters with extraordinary intimacy. Share the quiet crackle of a campfire deep in the bush, laugh as you bounce along dusty trails alongside hunting wild dogs, or pause together to watch a baby elephant enjoying a waterhole bath. Africa’s wilderness and wild beauty naturally create moments of wonder, freedom and connection.
Beyond the adventure, Africa’s finest safari lodges and coastal retreats offer superb luxury, attentive service, and unforgettable settings. Think private plunge pools overlooking golden plains, candlelit dinners beneath lantern-lit baobab trees, or secluded villas overlooking the water. From contemporary boutique hideaways to Old-World glamour under canvas, we know the most romantic places to stay. Many properties add thoughtful extras for honeymooners, from complimentary spa treatments to private sundowner cruises and surprise bush picnics, while warm, welcoming camp teams go out of their way to make your stay truly special.
And the possibilities don’t end with safari. You might unwind on the barefoot beaches of the Seychelles or Mozambique, or escape to South Africa’s stylish Winelands for food, wine, and slower days. Some couples dream of pairing a classic Big Five safari with island time; others seek a slower, self-drive journey through Namibia’s vast deserts or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure at Victoria Falls.
Whatever your vision, we’ll help craft a tailor-made journey that is personal, seamless, and unforgettable. Explore our curated Honeymoons Collection and let us help you celebrate the start of your greatest adventure in true African style.
The Ultimate African Honeymoon Collection
The Ultimate African Honeymoon Collection Africa's honeymoon safaris blend adventure and romance perfectly. Watch the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti, glide through the Okavango’s watery channels, sip cocktails on a picture-perfect island in the Seychelles, or soak up the magic of a luxurious tented suite in Kenya’s Mara Conservancies.
After exhilarating days on safari, watching wild dogs hunting, sharing quiet moments with a herd of elephants, or capturing golden-hour views across the plains, a change of pace can add something special. Combine your time in the bush with coastal calm: snorkel over coral reefs in Mozambique, stroll secluded beaches in the Seychelles, or whale-watch in South Africa.
Every journey in our Honeymoon Collection is designed to celebrate your time together, from fireside suppers on safari to barefoot brunches by the ocean. Whether you dream of something chic and secluded or a more immersive adventure, we’ll help shape a honeymoon that’s completely your own.
Our most recent reviews of honeymoons in Africa
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our Africa travellers whose trips we tailored towards honeymoons. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our Africa holidays here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our Guide to Planning Your Honeymoon in Africa
Planning a honeymoon safari is incredibly exciting, but you may have a few practical questions. From how private your experience will feel, to what level of luxury to expect, and what unforgettable moments you could share. Our Honeymoon FAQs are here to guide and inspire you. If you have other questions - and you likely will - just ask. We’re here to help craft your dream trip.
What level of luxury can we expect on a safari honeymoon?
Expect crisp linens, gourmet meals under the stars, beautifully curated interiors, superb staff, and countless thoughtful touches, from lantern-lit pathways to private bush breakfasts, that make every moment feel effortlessly special. Many camps offer little honeymoon surprises too, whether that's a complimentary massage, a private sundowner deck, or a bottle of champagne waiting in your room.
We know the camps where honeymooners are treated like royalty - and we’ll recommend the perfect blend of luxury, setting, and atmosphere to suit your style, whether you're seeking total seclusion, a sociable buzz, or something beautifully in between.
What is a safari tent really like?
A true safari tent in Africa is a masterclass in blending elegance and comfort, designed to immerse you in the wilderness without sacrificing indulgence. Picture a beautifully appointed suite, often pitched on a raised platform, with a king-sized bed, fine linens, handcrafted furniture, and thoughtful touches like vintage trunks, woven rugs, and striking art. Now simply swap the walls for canvas and wide panoramic mesh windows. Ensuite bathrooms are the norm, with flushing toilets, piping-hot showers, and often a freestanding bath or outdoor shower open to the views. Some tents are shaded by neat thatched roofs or tucked under giant trees; many have fans, and some even offer discreet over-bed air-conditioning.
At night, you’ll drift to sleep to the sounds of the bush: a distant lion’s roar, hippos grazing near camp, the soft hoot of an owl. Come morning, it’s fresh coffee on your veranda as the sunrise glows across the landscape, with the soft light of hurricane lanterns to guide you after dark.
The real beauty of safari tents is the diversity of styles, allowing you to choose just the right feel for your adventure, much as you might select a hotel style for a city break. Broadly, safari tents fall into a few different categories. We’ve explained them here with a few inspiring examples…but we can help you find the perfect style in whichever country or region you’re keen to visit.
Contemporary Canvas
Modern safari tents take luxury to a whole new level. These canvas suites blend innovative architecture with wilderness immersion: expect sleek lines, designer furnishings, plunge pools, and panoramic views straight from your bed.
Camps like Somalisa Camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Chinzombo in Zambia’s South Luangwa, North Island Okavango in Botswana, and Puku Ridge in Zambia offer sleek, contemporary living while keeping you immersed in the sights and sounds of the bush.
Classic Romance
If you dream of the golden age of safari, with billowing canvas, four-poster beds, and campfires flickering under the stars, classic camps are pure magic.
At Elephant Pepper Camp in Kenya’s Mara Conservancies and San Camp on Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans, vintage touches, open-air dining, and a sense of adventure recreate the spirit of early explorers, without sacrificing comfort.
Stylish Seclusion
For those craving privacy and a touch of the extraordinary, some tented camps offer something beautifully different.
At The Highlands at Ngorongoro, futuristic domes perch on forested slopes with sweeping views. In northern Kenya, Saruni Samburu and Sarara Camp blend minimalist design with stunning vistas and a profound sense of space and isolation, ideal for couples seeking stylish adventure.
Starry Nights
For the ultimate romantic experience, consider a sleep-out under Africa’s vast night skies.
Camps like Ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya offer rooftop star beds where you can drift off under a canopy of stars, the nocturnal bush chatter as your lullaby. It’s elemental romance from beneath fluffy duvets.
Wherever you choose to stay, a safari tent offers the rare experience of sleeping close to nature while wrapped in comfort and understated luxury. It’s an immersion in Africa’s landscapes and life, shared intimately with the one you love.
Prefer a solid-walled suite instead?
If you’re drawn to elegant lodges crafted from stone, wood, or thatch rather than canvas, don’t worry — we’ve also created a Top Ten Exceptional Lodges guide showcasing Africa’s finest safari properties. Or why not mix and match, and experience the best of both worlds?
Where are Africa's most exceptional safari lodges?
Here’s a selection of some of our favourite exceptional lodges, where architecture, atmosphere and location combine to create truly magical stays:
Shipwreck Lodge – Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
Remote, otherworldly and utterly unique, Shipwreck Lodge lies among the roaring dunes of the Skeleton Coast. Its shipwreck-inspired design pays homage to the Atlantic’s wild shores and the desolate beauty of the desert, offering adventurous comfort and a profound sense of isolation at the edge of Africa.
Xigera Safari Lodge – Botswana’s Okavango Delta
An extraordinary blend of modern art, craftsmanship and nature, Xigera Safari Lodge feels like stepping into a dream. Every corner is a celebration of African creativity, and the lodge’s setting among the floodplains ensures that the wildlife encounters are just as memorable as the interiors.
Tawana – Botswana’s Moremi Reserve
An exclusive new addition to the Okavango Delta, Tawana blends contemporary design with the rich textures of the bush. Overlooking a prime stretch of the Gomoti River, it offers expansive suites, private plunge pools, and personalised service. Whether tracking wildlife or relaxing in the stylish lounge areas, Tawana delivers exceptional comfort and incredible game viewing in one of Botswana’s most productive reserves.
Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge – Tanzania’s Western Serengeti
A bold take on bush luxury, Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge combines contemporary African design with a spectacular setting beside the Grumeti River. Curved timber structures, rich textiles, and curated artisan furnishings create an atmosphere that’s both grounded in local culture and unapologetically modern. With front-row seats to dramatic river crossings and a stylishly soulful interior, it’s a place where design and wilderness meet in perfect harmony.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge – Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Stylish, sustainable, and deeply serene, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is a contemporary sanctuary on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Crafted from local stone, timber and handmade bricks, there's a modern vibe to accompany the design here, and sweeping views of the mist-shrouded mountains too. Between life-changing gorilla treks, guests can enjoy the lodge’s delicious farm-to-table cuisine, private plunge pools, tranquil spa treatments, and opportunities for walking, running, or cycling trails through the surrounding highlands.
Chichele Presidential Lodge – Zambia’s South Luangwa
Originally built as a retreat for Zambia’s former president, newly renoveated Chichele Lodge offers an elegant step back into a grander era of safari travel. Set atop a forested ridge, its light-filled suites feature high ceilings, polished wooden floors, and deep verandas that open to sweeping views of the Luangwa Valley. Expect spectacular sunsets, superb guiding, and a quietly luxurious atmosphere. This is a truly decadent safari experience.
Jao Camp – Botswana’s Okavango Delta
Tucked deep into the Okavango, Jao Camp is a masterpiece of architecture and landscape. Elevated walkways wind through floodplain forests to reveal sumptuous suites, a world-class spa, and panoramic decks. Days are filled with mokoro excursions, boat trips and game drives, while evenings bring stargazing and fine dining. Jao is the perfect choice for those seeking both wilderness immersion and indulgent luxury.
Zarafa Camp – Botswana’s Selinda Reserve
Exclusive luxury, vintage safari charm, and a wildlife-rich lagoon, Zarafa sets the benchmark for intimate, high-end safaris. With just four opulent canvas suites, each featuring a copper bathtub, expansive private decks, and panoramic views across Zibadianja Lagoon, it’s the ultimate escape for those who appreciate thoughtful details. Expect fine linen safariwear in the boutique, relaxed boat trips at sunset, impeccable staff, and some of Botswana’s best wildlife viewing right from camp.
Tongabezi Lodge – Zambia’s Zambezi River
Romantic river living, close to the drama of Victoria Falls, Tongabezi blends warm, local hospitality with a playful spirit. Treehouses and river cottages perch above the flowing Zambezi, each uniquely styled with vibrant colours, carved wood, and hand-picked art. Days here flow from sandbank picnics and sunset boat cruises to candle-lit dinners on floating decks. Beyond the tranquillity, it’s an easy hop downriver to experience the wonder of Victoria Falls.
Giraffe Manor – Kenya’s Nairobi
Playful, iconic, and undeniably memorable, Giraffe Manor invites you to share breakfast and afternoon tea with its resident Rothschild giraffes. Set within 12 acres of gardens and indigenous forest, this historic manor house combines old-world elegance with one of Africa’s most endearing wildlife encounters: a perfect stop to start or end your honeymoon with a sense of wonder and humour.
Each of these lodges offers something extraordinary: a breathtaking setting, legendary guiding, architectural brilliance, or unforgettable wildlife encounters. We have stayed in them all, and many other spectacular lodges, so that we can advise you from personal experience. It’s such an important holiday, so let us help you craft a honeymoon filled with places as remarkable as the memories you’ll definitely make.
Can we combine safari and beach easily?
For some couples, starting with a few days relaxing on the beach is ideal, especially after the busy run-up to a wedding. Zanzibar’s spice-scented beaches, Mozambique’s barefoot island retreats, or the serene white sands of the Seychelles all offer the perfect place to decompress, enjoy warm seas, and slip into honeymoon mode before the early mornings and adventure of safari.
For others, ending the trip with beach time is the dream: swapping game drives and campfire dinners for long lazy days on the palm-fringed shores beside the Indian Ocean. After the thrills of tracking lions in the Serengeti, canoeing through Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or walking safaris in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley, there’s something blissful about retreating to the coast to swim, snorkel, and toast your new life together.
Classic ‘Bush and Beach’ honeymoon combinations include:
- Kenya’s Maasai Mara with Zanzibar’s beaches, blending thrilling game viewing with diving, kite-surfing and sun-drenched beaches.
- Botswana’s Okavango Delta with Mozambique’s islands, for high-end luxury, phenomenal wildlife and pristine ocean beauty.
- Tanzania’s Serengeti followed by the Seychelles, with easy flight connections and stunning contrasts in these iconic destinations.
- South Africa’s private safari reserves paired with the Cape’s Winelands and coast, offering incredible diversity and the option to self-drive between rhino-tracking and whale-watching spots.
Explore our curated Honeymoon Safari Collection for inspiration, then let us help you create a journey as personal as your wedding day.
Is Africa a good honeymoon choice for active couples?
For those drawn to the wilderness, set out on a multi-day walking safari at Tafika in Zambia’s South Luangwa or at Etendeka in Namibia’s rugged Damaraland, where you’ll walk between remote camps with first-class guides, great camaraderie and spectacular scenery. You could track big game on foot in the legendary Mana Pools or explore beautiful coastal paths along the Garden Route in South Africa.
Adventure on horseback is equally thrilling: gallop alongside zebra and giraffe in Kenya’s Laikipia or ride Namibia’s sweeping desert landscapes from superb bases such as Büllsport Guest Farm.
If two wheels sound more your style, you can enjoy cycling tours around Livingstone, Zambia, combining local village visits and soft adventure, or explore desert landscapes by bike on guided excursions in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft.
Water-lovers are spoiled too: canoe past elephants along the Zambezi River, kayak with playful seals at Walvis Bay, or snorkel and dive the vibrant coral gardens off Mozambique’s islands.
For adrenaline seekers, few experiences rival whitewater rafting down the Zambezi’s Grade 5 rapids near Victoria Falls, or the heart-pounding bungee jump off the historic Victoria Falls Bridge.
You might prefer the once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s misty Volcanoes National Park, learning to scuba dive in the warm waters off Mafia Island, or soaring high on a skydiving adventure over Namibia’s vast Namib Desert.
And after all that exhilaration, there’s always ample time to unwind — whether in a private beach villa on the Indian Ocean, a luxury tented suite under the stars, or a spa retreat amid the vineyards of South Africa’s Winelands.
Africa’s magic lies not just in what you see, but in what you share: the challenges, the wonder, the laughter, and the breathtaking beauty of wild places. For active couples, it’s a first-class choice!
Which unique experiences will make our African honeymoon truly extraordinary?
Here are some of our favourite unique honeymoon experiences to inspire your journey:
Learn to Dive Together: Mozambique and Mafia Island
What better way to start a new chapter than discovering a new world together? In the crystal-clear waters off Mozambique or Mafia Island, you can learn to scuba dive side-by-side; explore colourful coral reefs, glide above sea turtles, and share the thrill of your first dive as certified PADI divers.
Wine Tasting in South Africa’s Winelands
Slow down and savour the romance of South Africa’s Cape Winelands; wander historic vineyards, taste award-winning wines, and linger over long lunches in elegant country estates. With dramatic mountain backdrops and charming guesthouses, it’s perfect for those who love great food, fine wine, and a little luxury.
Breakfast with Giraffes in Kenya
Start your day in unforgettable style at Giraffe Manor, where endangered Rothschild’s giraffes join you at the breakfast table; feed these gentle giants as they poke their heads through the windows: a magical, playful encounter that captures the joy and wonder of Africa.
Track Rhinos on Foot: Namibia or Zimbabwe
For a more grounded, powerful experience, join expert guides in Namibia’s Damaraland or Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills to track rhinos on foot; sharing the quiet intensity of this conservation encounter. And seeing these extraordinary animals up close is something you’ll never forget.
Skydive Over the Namib Desert
If you’re looking for a literal leap into married life, few thrills compare to skydiving over Namibia’s endless desert dunes; hand-in-hand before the jump and exhilarated after, it’s a rush like no other: the ultimate symbol of starting your next chapter together.
Lunch with Your Feet in the Zambezi: Zambia
After a morning safari in Lower Zambezi National Park, head out onto the river for a sandbank picnic; dine barefoot with nothing but the sound of birdsong and the shimmer of the river all around: intimate, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.
Catch (and Release!) a Tiger Fish
If you fancy a shared challenge or a little friendly competition, try your hand at tiger fishing on the Zambezi; these fierce freshwater predators fight hard and leap spectacularly — and swapping triumphant (or tall) stories over sundowners afterwards is all part of the fun.
Learn to Track with San Bushmen
In the Kalahari, join San Bushmen trackers to learn ancient skills of reading the landscape; follow animal trails, interpret the whispers of the bush, and glimpse a different way of seeing the world. It’s a humbling, eye-opening experience to share — and a true connection to Africa’s oldest cultures.
Sleep Out Under the Milky Way
There’s no better place than Africa for a night under a sky ablaze with stars; book a night in an open-air starbed at camps like Ol Donyo Lodge or Botswana’s star-bed camps; fall asleep to the sounds of the wild and wake to a golden sunrise together. Pure, simple magic.
Sail into the Sunset on a Dhow
Drift away on a traditional dhow boat off Zanzibar or Mozambique; with the sails billowing in the late afternoon breeze and the sun slipping below the horizon, a private dhow cruise offers timeless romance at its finest.
Are there any special extras available for honeymooners?
Some lodges may even offer free nights for newlyweds. Beyond these official extras, you’ll also find that staff take a genuine personal delight in making honeymoon stays memorable, from handwritten notes to surprise champagne moments.
Let us know you’re celebrating and we’ll weave in as much magic as possible!
How private will our safari be?
The good news is that safari experiences can be tailored to your preferences.
Many camps offer the option of booking a private vehicle and guide, either included in your stay or available at a supplement, allowing you complete flexibility over the pace of your drives, where you stop, and how long you linger at a sighting. This is perfect for those who want to move at their own rhythm, maximise photographic opportunities, or simply enjoy the bush without sharing the experience.
Even in camps where activities are shared, experiences often feel intimate and personal. Smaller camps may have just two couples per vehicle, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can still savour the adventure together without ever feeling part of a crowd. At meal times, most camps offer flexible dining options, from sociable communal tables to private candle-lit dinners set up just for you, so you can choose how involved you want to be with other travellers.
Whatever you prefer, we’ll help you choose the right camps to suit your style. Whether you're dreaming of a fully private safari with exclusive-use villas and private drives, or a small, sociable camp where privacy is still respected whenever you want it, we’ll match you with places where the setting, service, and atmosphere are just right for your perfect honeymoon.
The Best Camps & Lodges for a Honeymoon in Africa
From sleeping under the stars to sharing your plunge pool with passing elephants, Africa’s honeymoon camps and lodges are as varied as they are memorable.
For those drawn to classic romance, the Victoria Falls Hotel offers timeless charm and proximity to the spectacular waterfalls. In Zambia’s South Luangwa, the spectacular Chichele combines historic elegance with top-tier guiding and cuisine, while toes-in-the-water dining in the middle of the Zambezi at Chiawa creates magical moments in the Lower Zambezi.
In Kenya, the Saruni Samburu honeymoon villa feels gloriously remote, while Sarara is all candlelight, mountains and starlit skies. For food and wine lovers, Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek delivers indulgence in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Beach escapes range from Azura Benguerra with its white sand beaches and turquoise Indian Ocean vistas, to the castaway treehouses of Chole Mjini on Mafia Island.
Wherever you go, we’ll help you find a place that feels extra special and fits you both perfectly - whether that’s Out of Africa tented camps or sociable sundowners and a shared adventure.
Honeymoons across Africa
Dreaming of a honeymoon in Africa? Whether you're tracking gorillas through Rwanda’s misty forests, canoeing past elephants in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or relaxing with a cocktail beside Mozambique’s impossibly blue waters, Africa offers landscapes and experiences made for sharing.
Watch the sunrise from a balloon over Namibia’s dunes, fall asleep to the sound of lions roaring, or toast your future together on a traditional dhow sailing the Swahili coast. From vast savannahs to remote islands, the possibilities are as wide as the horizon.
Explore our curated Honeymoon Safari Collection and let us help you craft a journey that celebrates love, adventure, and discovery.











Africa - Curated Holiday Collections for Your Interests
Discover our Holiday Collections, designed for travellers with passion! Love wildlife safaris? Keen to learn to dive in the Indian Ocean? Or interested in authentic Cultural Experiences? We've got the trips for you!

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