Our top 12 most romantic lodges in Africa

Our Top 12

Trips to Africa are synonymous with romance and it is an immensely popular choice for Honeymooners, couples celebrating landmark anniversaries and those who just want a laid back and intimate week or two away from the humdrum of everyday life. Our selection of the most romantic lodges in Africa can help you choose that one (or more) special place to stay on your trip to help make it a truly remarkable experience.

As well as being selected for the luxury they offer, we also include lodges with unique locations and access to incredible activities and experiences that elevate them to the level of truly extraordinary. Of course, when planning an itinerary we will ensure these lodges are combined with complementary properties for the rest of the trip to make the whole experience one to savour. Enjoy our selection of the most romantic properties that the continent has to offer and picture yourself there with that special person in your life, revelling in what they have to offer.

1. Belmond Mount Nelson, South Africa

Arguably South Africa's and the continent’s best-known hotel, the Belmond Mount Nelson sits in the heart of Cape Town with a spectacular view up to Table Mountain and easy access to this most captivating of cities. The hotel is a true oasis of tranquillity, offer an abundance of outside space (a rarity in such a compact city) offering guests the chance to relax beneath the shade of palm trees with a cold drink in hand taking in the stunning views. A superb spa means you can be pampered to your heart’s content during your stay whilst the excellent restaurants and cozy Planet Bar are a wonderful setting for intimate dinners. All of the rooms here are incredible, but we love the One Bedroom Suites and Garden Cottages, which are found in a building at the back of the property offering plenty of space and a quieter experience. They are also much closer to the small adults-only swimming pool which is much quieter than the main pool, especially during the holiday season. All told, the Mount Nelson thoroughly deserves its reputation as one of the finest hotels in Cape Town and is a superb choice for any trip with romance at its heart.

Be inspired by Belmond Nelson - Cape Town

2. Tsala Treetops, South Africa

Found on the outskirts of the popular holiday town of Plettenberg Bay, Tsala Treetops is arguably the most luxurious property on the Garden Route and has a number of unique features which make it incredibly popular for special trips. As the name suggests, the property is raised up in the tree canopy and commands spectacular views out over the surrounding forest. It has long been a favoured spot for marriage proposals and the staff have got the setting up of private decks, complete with plunge pools, for “popping the question” down to a fine art. There can be few finer spots for one of life’s seminal moments and the chance to enjoy a private dinner from the outstanding Zinzi Restaurant afterwards is the perfect way to round off the day. Of course, the location also allows for exploration of Plettenberg Bay and The Garden Route with plenty of amazing activities and excursions to enjoy all within a short drive of Tsala. This really is an incredible spot and one to have on the list when planning any special trip to this part of South Africa.

Find out more about Tsala Treetops

3. Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia

If lodges in spectacular remote locations, with no-one else around are your idea of romance then nowhere could be better than the stunning Shipwreck Lodge. A four hour drive from the nearest property (in the tiny outpost of Mowe Bay) this is about as isolated and intimate as you can get in Namibia. Rooms are found in their own wooden chalets strung out along the sand from the main area and have a very intimate feel to them with wood burning stoves offering a wonderfully homely feel. The views are spectacular and there is a very private feel to the rooms and you won’t see other guests wandering across in front of your window. The main part of the lodge is a fantastic space, with plenty of little nooks for private dining whilst the floor to ceiling windows provide amazing views of the sunset. There is a wonderful array of activities on offer and the sundowner drinks drives to the beach are an incredibly popular way to round off a day and can be arranged on a private basis for those celebrating special occasions.

See more about Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia

4. Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana

Botswana’s wildlife rich Moremi Game Reserve is a perennially popular choice for landmark African and Botswana safaris with incredible game viewing and a plethora of wonderful lodges. Recently reopened, Xigera Safari Lodge has the bold aim to be regarded as the finest safari lodge in Africa and is definitely a property to build an entire trip around. The beautifully designed suites are incredibly spacious with indoor lounge areas, large private decks and stunning views out across the bush. The main area of the lodge is a multi-tiered delight of a spot to spend your time between activities, enjoying the unique artwork and sculptures that were specially commissioned for the lodge. The food is outstanding, amongst the best you will enjoy in any safari lodge in Africa and is complemented by wines from the owners’ South African estate. The uniquely designed baobab treehouse is a wonderful spot for private dining and even overnight sleepouts, making it a wonderful addition to the lodge. If you love the finer things in life and equate those to romance then there are few, if any, better spots than Xigera.

Explore Xigera Lodge, Botswana

5. Tongabezi, Zambia

A gorgeous property on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in Zambia, just upstream from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is renowned as being one of the most romantic spots in Africa and is an especially good choice for Honeymooners. There are a number of “houses” set up on the forested hillside above the main area with such amazing facilities you don’t need to leave the comfort of them if you don’t want to. Large private decks are perfect for intimate meals and most of them have their own plunge pools. Inside they are very spacious with stacking glass doors that can be opened fully to allow a cooling breeze to come in and take advantage of the amazing views. Down in the main area there are a number of private spots where guests can relax in the afternoons and watch the world go by. The range of activities is superb and the sundowner boat trips to a sand bar in the river are a wonderful way to round off a day in one of Africa’s most iconic spots.

Find out more about Tongabezi

6. Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe

If you are looking for exclusivity, remoteness and the ultimate levels of service then few spots can match the beautiful Singita Pamushana. Set in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, part of the breath-taking Gonarezhou National Park in south-eastern Zimbabwe, this is truly a safari experience for the soul and offers a level of luxury and intimacy matched by few other lodges on the continent. Whether you are relaxing by your private pool or by the main lodge pool the views over the dam and surrounding mountains are simply incredible. The level of service, outstanding cuisine and world-class wine selection really enhances the experience of staying here and the wonderfully attentive staff will make sure your every need is taken care of. As you explore the wilderness with your guide and enjoy the game viewing and amazing vistas for which the region is renowned, you will revel in the privacy and feeling of being at one with nature that this remote park provides. Pamushana offers one of Africa’s most exclusive safari experiences with a price tag to match, but it is worth every penny if you value unique experiences you will share with few others.

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7. Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe

Raised on the hillside overlooking the seemingly endless waters of Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills is a true Zimbabwe icon and the perfect choice for any Zimbabwe safari holiday. The wonderfully spacious bedrooms are the perfect place to retreat during the heat of the day, relax on your private terrace and enjoy the stunning views over the lake. Equally, the tiered main area has plenty of nooks and crannies where you can hide away and enjoy leisurely lunches and romantic candlelit dinners with some of the finest food Africa has to offer, accompanied by an outstanding wine list. They offer an amazing array of activities here, including game drives in the Matusadona National Park and boat trips along Lake Kariba. For a wonderfully romantic way to end any day we highly recommend one of the sunset boat cruises, rounded off by sundowner drinks on the lakeshore – the view of the sun setting on the far side of the lake is worth the trip up here in itself.

Be inspired by Bumi Hills

8. Kaya Mawa, Malawi

Time spent on the beach is one of the many iconic experiences that makes Africa so alluring and it is hard to find anywhere more idyllic than Kaya Mawa for this. Found on tiny Likoma Island on the eastern side of Lake Malawi, this is a true Robinson Crusoe experience where shoes are very much optional but relaxation is mandatory! The bedrooms are dotted around the island, tucked away in nests of rock with direct access to the shimmering waters of the lake. Inside they are spacious, light and airy with some even boasting their own plunge pools for that added sense of luxury. The main area is another wonderful spot where you can relax during the day and leads down to a soft sand beach which is the perfect spot for alfresco lunches and dinners – such a key element of any romantic beach break. Away from the property you can explore fascinating Likoma Island, a tiny community but one steeped in history and notable for having a Cathedral on the island which is larger than Britain’s Lincoln Cathedral. This is a wonderfully romantic spot and somewhere we highly recommend for Honeymooners when visiting this part of Africa.

Learn more about Kawa Mawa

9. Saruni Samburu, Kenya

The laid-back feel, incredible views and wonderful staff all help to make Saruni Samburu one of the most romantic spots in all of Kenya and a great place to spend a few nights on any special trip. The open-fronted bedrooms are raised up in the rocks and look out over the deep red plains of Samburu – an especially beautiful spot to sit back with a drink in hand at sunset. The relaxed atmosphere at the lodge makes guests feel at ease straight away which helps the romance factor and makes it a truly wonderful place to stay. Meal times (and locations) are flexible, activities can be enjoyed at various times of day and there is certainly no pressure to be up at the crack of dawn for morning game drives as there can be at some lodges. This is the perfect spot for a few days of rest and relaxation in the bush, away from the hustle and bustle where you can enjoy plenty of private time with that special person in your life in one of the most dramatic settings imaginable.

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10. Mwiba Lodge, Tanzania

A stunning luxury lodge found overlooking the plains of the Southern Serengeti, Mwiba Lodge is the last word in luxury lodges in Tanzania and makes for an incredible place to spend some time on a special safari trip. The lodge overlooks a gently flowing river and there are plenty of private spots where you can relax to enjoy the views, including a secluded jacuzzi amongst the rocks. The large decking area and swimming pools looks down on a favoured spot for elephant to come and feed and is a superb spot for private dinners. The suites are wonderful spacious and comfortable with private decks, outdoor bathrooms and indoor lounge areas so there is a very private feel to them and you will barely need to leave your suite if you don’t wish to. As well as the traditional range of safari activities the lodge has access to a helicopter for bespoke adventures around the area – perfect for a dramatic marriage proposal or way to enjoy incredible sundowner drinks to celebrate a landmark wedding anniversary. There are few better spots in Tanzania if you are looking for a romantic lodge than the incredible Mwiba Lodge.

See more about Mwiba Lodge

11. The Manta Resort, Pemba Island

For those looking for a Pemba Island beach holiday The Manta Resort is a great choice with incredible rooms on the beach, but there is one feature that really elevates it the level of extraordinary – the Underwater Room. This three-level room is found 250 metres off the beach so has a very private feel and is a superb way to spend a night on any special trip to the region. The top level is the deck raised just above the sea and is a great spot for relaxing in the sunshine and provides the perfect platform for swimming from. The “roof” also has sun loungers for soaking up the sunshine and is also a great spot for watching the stars at night. The downstairs bedroom area offers 360-degree views of the underwater paradise that surrounds you and is lit up by spotlights at night so you can see what is going on. Food and drinks are provided throughout your time here, but it is an incredibly private experience, tailored to your requirements and perfect for any special occasion that you are celebrating. A truly unique place to spend a few nights with a night in the Underwater Room to cap things off.

Marvel at Manta Resort, Pemba Island

12. Azura Benguerra, Mozambique

Of all the romantic spots in Africa, it is doubtless Azura Benguerra in stunning Mozambique is the only place to round off this list, not least as I spent part of my Honeymoon here in late 2019. It is the ideal spot for a safari and beach combination trip and has an incredible feel to it. From the sense of adventure that the helicopter ride to the island brings to the wonderfully attentive and personalised service, there really is no finer spot anywhere on the African coastline. The villas are strung out along the beach and all have their own private pools which is a lovely touch, as well as day beds out on the beach and large decks for private dining. You will have your own team of butlers looking after you throughout your stay which really helps to personalise the experience and they change your dining setting every night to keep things fresh – the wine cellar is a personal favourite spot. There are plenty of land and sea activities to enjoy here and the newest addition to the property – Peri Peri Beach Club – is a great place to spend your days relaxing by the pool, enjoying alfresco drinks and food cooked over an open fire. A truly incredible place that creates wonderful memories for everyone who stays there.

Be inspired by Azura Benguerra

Of course, this is merely a snippet of the romantic spots in Africa, but they have worked superbly well for us and our guests over the years, offering incredible experiences in the most dramatic spots possible. Whether you are planning a proposal trip, a Honeymoon, celebrating a landmark anniversary or just want a blissful escape as a couple, we will put together the perfect trip and make sure everything is tailored to your exact requirements.