10 Best African Safari Honeymoons

We firmly believe that a honeymoon should be a once in a lifetime trip. Romantic, unique and something you talk about for years to come.

Whether you are dreaming of embarking on a safari honeymoon adventure to see the big five, planning to island-hop around the pristine beaches of the Seychelles or to go wine tasting in South Africa, our consultants will create a trip that is tailored to your taste and budget.

To inspire your trip-of-a-lifetime, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite honeymoon ideas …

Our favourite classic honeymoons

Our top five classics all include ‘Bush & Beach’ which work together perfectly as they combine romance, adventure and relaxation, and are by far and away our most popular honeymoon combination. These trips are classic for a reason and are sure not to disappoint!

1. Cape Town, Kruger and Mauritius

This iconic South Africa and Mauritius trip gives you a little bit of everything: culture, safari and beach, making it a hugely popular honeymoon itinerary.

Highlights

• Boutique hotels and safari lodges
• Climb Table Mountain and enjoy the panoramic views
• Watch the penguins at Boulders Beach
• Spot the Big Five in a private game reserve
• Sleep under the stars in a safari treehouse
• Relax on the pristine beaches of Mauritius
• Enjoy fine wine and outstanding food

Best time to go: April and May

Begin with a few days in cosmopolitan Cape Town full of incredible restaurants, bars and art galleries. You’ll stay in Kensington Place for five nights, a boutique hotel made up of just eight spacious suites complete with lush gardens and a pool, so you can relax as well as explore the city. There are plenty of activities to enjoy - climb the iconic Table Mountain and look down over the city, stroll along Boulder's Beach famed for its penguins and visit the Cape of Good Hope.

Begin with a few days in cosmopolitan Cape Town full of incredible restaurants, bars and art galleries. You’ll stay in Kensington Place for five nights, a boutique hotel made up of just eight spacious suites complete with lush gardens and a pool, so you can relax as well as explore the city. There are plenty of activities to enjoy - climb the iconic Table Mountain and look down over the city, stroll along Boulder's Beach famed for its penguins and visit the Cape of Good Hope.

Finally head to Mauritius for five nights of pure relaxation on the white sandy beaches. Here you’ll stay at the Constance Prince Maurice, one of only seventeen hotels in the world to gain the Relais & Chateaux six-star status, a true world-class hotel. Stroll along the brilliant white beaches, snorkel in the warm Indian Ocean, float in the infinity pool, pamper yourself in the spa or feast on the exceptional cuisine – the perfect end to your honeymoon.

Check out our Cape Town, Kruger and Mauritius Honeymoon.

2. Classic Kenya safari & beach

The vast plains of the Masai Mara inspired Karen Blixen’s ‘Out of Africa’ and continue to make us fall in love with Kenya today. This luxury beach and bush options provides the ultimate Kenya honeymoon.

Highlights

• Big cat game viewing in a private conservancy
• Samburu warriors and Masai guides
• Stunning views over Mount Kenya
• Heighten your senses on a walking safari
• Sunrise hot air balloon safari
• Relax on white sand beaches and enjoy incredible snorkelling

Best time to go: July - September

Explore two different safari regions showing you Kenya's diverse landscape as you enjoy bush breakfasts and safari sundowners. Begin in the stunning Saruni Samburu with panoramic views over the plains and Mount Kenya. Guided a Samburu Warriors you’ll see elephants, lions and leopards as well as looking for the rare Samburu five which includes the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra

Next, you’ll explore the world-famous Masai Mara which is known for its large number of Big Cats and the Great Migration, an truly unbeatable safari experience. Staying in a private conservancy means you get extraordinary experiences without the crowds of the main park - imagine being the only 4x4 watching a lioness playing with her cubs or cheetah stalk their prey, perhaps whilst enjoying a refreshing sundowner.

For a truly memorable experience, add a sunrise hot air balloon over the Masai Mara to see the game from a completely new angle.

After your safari, fly to Diani beach for a few days of pure relaxation. Spend your days gazing at the flawless long stretches of white sand, snorkelling, kayaking, diving or just watching the world go by. For added romance, add in a private picnic on a sandbank and candlelit beach dinner.

View our luxury Kenya honeymoon.

3. Tanzania safari & Zanzibar

Safari and beach are a match made in heaven, and you can’t get better than this Tanzania honeymoon that combines three of its best parks with the spice island of Zanzibar.

Highlights

• Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti
• Visit Ngorongoro Crater, fondly called the eighth wonder of the world
• Spot the Big Five
• Tarangire National Park is famed for its elephant population
• Your own personal driver
• Relax on soft sandy beaches and snorkel in the crystal-clear sea
• Explore Stone Towns UNESCO World Heritage Site

Best time to go: July - September

Throughout your Tanzania safari experience you will have your own personal driver who will take you from place to place, and of course, help you spot game along the way!

Begin in Tarangire National Park which is famed for its elephant population who are fascinating to watch interacting with each other before heading to the Ngorongoro Crater, with the opportunity to stop at Lake Manyara on route to spot some tree climbing lions. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most impressive geological features and you will be early to get maximum time there. Enjoy panoramic views from the crater rim and have a chance to see the big five on the crater floor where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch.

Next, you’ll head to the world-famous Serengeti which has some of the highest concentration of game in all of Africa. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the wildebeest migration, the greatest show on earth, keeping an eye out for the big cats which follow it and watching the dramatic river crossings as thousands of wildebeests brave the crocodile-infested waters.

Finally, fly to the exotic spice island of Zanzibar for six nights to relax on their glorious beaches, snorkel in the pristine waters and explore the cobbled streets and bazaars of Stone Town. Relish in romantic candle lit suppers on the beach and sunset dhow cruises at Shooting Star Lodge.

For a completely unique experience, spend the night in a glass underwater room on the Pemba coast, a small island next to Zanzibar. Watch the incredible sea life lit up and undisturbed.

See full Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary.

4. Luxury Botswana & Seychelles

When planning an African honeymoon, there are few more iconic options than to combine Botswana and the Seychelles: some of the finest wildlife in the world, with some of the most unspoiled beaches.

Highlights

• Float down the Okavango Delta in a Mokoro
• Private sundowner drinks and starlit dinners
• Excellent lion and leopard sightings
• Densest population of elephants in Africa
• Snorkel with turtles, manta ray and colour fish
• Soft, white sands and warm turquoise waters

Best time to go: Aug - Nov

For exclusivity, true wilderness and exceptional game viewing including high concentrations of elephants and all the big cats, a Botswana honeymoon tops the list.

Staying at the award winning boutique Machaba Camp, you’ll spend your days on iconic game drives, walking safaris or floating down rivers in a Mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) and watching wildlife drink from the riverbanks. In the evenings, sip gin and tonics round a bushfire or perhaps head out on a night safari to find predators out hunting – a thrilling experience.

Then, jet off to the Seychelles to some of the most beauitful beaches in the world - powdery white sands lapped by a dreamy azure sea. Here you’ll stay at suite at the five star Constance Ephelia which is on one of the best beaches on Mahe and overlooks the marine national park, the perfect place to relax and pamper yourselves. Snorkel amongst the pristine coral with turtles, manta rays and parrot fish, see giant tortoises and experience exquisite candle lit suppers on the beach.

See our Botswana and Seychelles Honeymoon.

5. Luxury Kruger & Mozambique

This luxury honeymoon combines two of Africa’s most sought-after experiences – the incredible wildlife of Sabi Sands private reserve in South Africa and the glorious beaches of Benguerra Island in Mozambique.

Highlights

• Luxurious, private and romantic
• Big Five game viewing in a private conservancy
• High leopard populations
• Night safaris and bush walks
• Arrive in style by helicopter to Benguerra Island
• Exceptional snorkelling and diving in a marine national park
• Private pool and personal butler

Best time to go: May-September

This is bush to beach at its most luxurious. Begin in Sabi Sands, a private conservancy near Kruger National Park which is home to the Big Five and famous for its high leopard population. You’ll spend four nights at the lavish Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge which is made up of individual chalets and has stunning views over Sabi Sands largest lake. Here you can enjoy off-roading and night safaris, as well as bush walks which are a real treat for the senses. For truly off the grid experience, add a night under the stars in a treehouse – a real bucket list experience.

Arrive by helicopter to the gorgeous Azura Benguerra, a paradise of soft beaches, warm seas and gentle breezes –perfect for rounding off your honeymoon. This is true barefoot luxury with your own private pool and personal butler. Spend your days strolling along the beach, swimming in the warm topaz coloured waters or snorkelling and diving along the unspoiled reef – true paradise.

Go on a luxury Kruger and Mozambique honeymoon.

Off the beaten track honeymoons

Our top five off the beaten track honeymoons are perfect for couples who are looking for something a little bit different and to escape those classic honeymoon destinations.

6. Self-drive Namibia

Vast dramatic landscapes, remote and ruggedly romantic, Namibia is a one-of-a-kind destination.

Highlights

• Ever-changing extraordinary landscapes
• Sunrise over Sossuvlei’s orange dunes
• Unique desert safari experience in Etosha
• Thrill seekers paradise
• Stunning, romantic hotels with complete privacy
• Explore at your own pace – just the two of you.

This self-drive itinerary covers all of Namibia’s classic highlights and allows you to explore at your own pace so you can stop to marvel at scenery and wildlife as you go and enjoy private picnic lunches without being disturbed.

A highlight of this trip is visiting the iconic Sossusvlei at sunrise, with its monumental dunes and maybe even climbing Big Daddy, the largest of these. In contrast to the red sand dunes, below is the incredible Dead Vlei, a large ghostly expanse of dried white clay, punctuated by skeletons of old camel-thorn trees.

Whilst the stunning scenery is an undeniable draw, Namibia is perfect for couples looking for a more active honeymoon and Swakopmund is the activity capital. Here you will have the chance to quad bike up giant dunes, skydive and kayak with hundreds of seals.

A Namibian safari is a unique experience. Etosha National Park which has a large salt pan covering a quarter of it.. In the dry season the game congregates around the water sources, leading to some remarkable game-viewing and you’ll be amazed at the amount of wildlife flourishing in this harsh landscape including desert adapted elephant and rhino, as well as big cats.

Before returning to Windhoek, you will visit Okonjima Game Reserve in the Central Highlights. This is home to AfriCat Foundation which rehabilitates cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas and leopards so there's plenty of opportunity to see these wonderful carnivores in their natural environment. There is even the chance to track cheetahs on foot.

With unique hotels such as Shipwreck Lodges (designed to look like a shipwreck), private desert picnics and dark sky reserves so you can wish upon a star, Namibia will capture your heart.

Take a look at our Namibia classic self-drive.

7. Sao Tome & Principe

Celebrate your honeymoon on these two incredible tropical paradise islands, Sao Tome and Principe, before everyone else hears of them! Relax on the pristine white sands or for the more active honeymooner, there are a whole host of activities to enjoy.

Highlights

• True untouched and luxurious paradise
• One of the highest concentrations of endemic species in the world
• See turtles laying eggs or hatching
• Spot migrating humpback whales
• Hike through tropical forests to fresh waterfalls
• Relax on the unspoiled beaches

Best time to go: June – Sept and Dec – Feb (dry season)

Begin by spending a couple of days on the ruggedly beautiful Sao Tome - the incredible Pico Cao Grande rising out of it is a real sight to behold. Here you’ll have the chance to take part in local cultural activities such as traditional dance or medicine workshops, as well as to visit the cocoa and coffee plantations. Alternatively, you could just relax on one of the many beautiful soft sand beaches.

Next fly to Principe which has lush forests rich in endemic biodiversity (UNESCO Biosphere) and some of the best beaches in the world. You’ll soon relax into the gentle pace of island lift as you awake to the gentle chatter of birds and snooze on the beach in the afternoon drifting off to the sound of the waves gently lapping the beach.

Of course, there are also a whole host of activities you can try; explore the island on foot trekking through dense forests to stunning waterfalls, birdwatchers will marvel at the number of endemic birds, cool down with a relaxing splash in the sea or dive amongst snapper, parrot fish, barracuda and nurse sharks, moray eels.

If you visit between July-November, this is a fabulous place to see migrating humpback whales, as well as dolphins who often follow the boats. Between November and February, is brilliant for turtle watching when they layout their eggs on the beaches, and at the end of February to the middle of March, the turtles begin hatching and you can watch them cross the sands to the ocean for the first time.

Whilst remote, Principe has some incredible hotels, and you will end your stay with five nights at the islands most luxurious, Sundy Praia – a real treat.

More details on our Sao Tome & Principe Luxury Honeymoon

8. Rwanda Gorillas

Whilst trekking through the misty mountains in search of rare wild mountain gorillas isn’t your typical honeymoon, it is definitely one of the most memorable wildlife experiences we think you can do!

Highlights

• Close encounters with rare mountain gorillas
• Canopy walks above the forest
• Chimp and monkey tracking
• Relax on the shores of Lake Kivu
• Easy to combine with a Tanzania safari or Mauritius beaches

Best time to go: Dec – Feb and June – Sept (dry season)

Few wildlife experiences on earth compare to the opportunity to spend time with our nearest relatives, the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. It is simply unforgettable to spend time with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat and to watch their family interactions.

As well as gorillas, you’ll have the chance to go chimp and golden monkey tracking, and to look at the forests from a completely new perspective on a incredible canopy walk.

You’ll also have the chance to relax on the sandy beaches of Lake Kivu where it is also safe to go swimming, boating and fishing.

An accommodation highlight is staying in the luxurious One and Only Nyungwe House on the edge of Nyungwe Forest. This stunning property has been cleverly designed to blend into its surrounding of lush green tea plantations and all the rooms have views over the forests, and romantic open fireplaces. There’s also a heated swimming pool and relaxation treatment room.

More details at our: Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Luxury Honeymoon

9. Madagascar Lemurs and Ile Saint Marie

Madagascar has some truly astonishing wildlife, from its iconic lemurs to chameleons and birds making it a fascinating island to visit. Combined with the relaxing shores of Mauritius, this honeymoon gives you adventure, incredible wildlife and some luxury relaxation.

Highlights

• Spot one of Madagascar’s largest Lemurs
• Listen to the whaling sounds of Indris lemurs
• Incredible chameleons and birds
• Relax on magnificent beaches

Best time to go: June to October

Incredibly, there are over 100 different types of lemurs in Madagascar. One of the most famous, which you’ll look for in the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park are the Indris. One of the largest lemurs, they are black and white with yellow eyes. Being in the rainforest for the magical dawn chorus when animals are at their most active is truly incredible - the Indris singing sounds similar to that of whales and listening to it is a captivating experience. Madagascar is also home to almost half the worlds chameleons making it a wonderful places to see these as well as tropical birds.

Return to the capital and fly to idyllic Ile Sainte Marie, once a notorious pirate hangout and site of the world's sole Pirate cemetery. Offshore, the chilled Ile Aux Nattes makes for an essential day excursion. Princesse Bora Lodge is definitely our accommodation of choice on Ste Marie - the staff are welcoming and the lodge has all it takes for an enjoyable stay. There's a spa, watersports centre and a variety of activities on offer.

For more information check out: Madagascar Explorer trip

10. Zambia and Malawi

Zambia and Malawi are hidden gems for a honeymoon but the combination gives you a fantastic wildlife experience followed by chance to relax by the lake of stars, all without the crowds.

Highlights

• Exceptional place to see elephants
• Bush spa overlooking the river
• Walking safaris in a world-renowned park
• Relax on golden sand beaches by Lake Malawi
• Best freshwater snorkelling in the world
• Incredible star gazing at the lake of stars

Best time to go: July – Oct

Begin in South Luangwa, the best known of Zambia’s national parks. The park has lush green grass and is punctuated with rivers, and is particularly famous for its walking safaris which are an incredible way to view game from a new perspective and to appreciate small elements such as animals tracks, as well as birdlife. You’ll spend three nights in the luxurious Mfuwe Lodge which is famous for elephant spotting with these even coming through the camp sometimes.

Next it is onto Lake Malawi where you can simply relax as the lake laps the soft, golden beaches, or if you want to be more active there is the chance to sail, kayak, swim, snorkel or dive. Lake Malawi is home to an incredible array of brightly coloured fish which are a joy to spot see in the clean, calm waters including the famous cichlid fish.

Lake Malawi is fondly called the Lake of Stars for good reason, at night you can relax under the twinkling canopy of stars and watch as the lake fishermen light up their hurricane lamps for their night on the lake, a truly beautiful sight and undoubtedly romantic too!

Take a look at our Zambia safari and Malawi lake of stars honeymoon.

Download our honeymoon brochure

These are some of our favourite Africa honeymoon ideas, but every honeymoon we create is completely unique (seriously, we’ve never organised two honeymoons the same), so dream big, let your wanderlust go wild and we’ll make it happen for you.