Safari honeymoons are becoming increasingly popular these days. Many couples are now opting for them because they can be remembered as a trip-of-a-lifetime rather than just a conventional break. Africa promises not only breathtaking wildlife experiences, but vast pristine wildnerness, infinite skies and magical places to stay
1.Tanzania
A Tanzania honeymoon can bring together the classic combination of safari and beach
January is a great time to visit Tanzania as this is peak migration season. Expect 32ºC temperatures and eight hours of sunshine. Home to iconic national parks such as the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti with its spectacular annual wildebeest migration, Tanzania is a premier safari honeymoon destination with increasingly popular beach options. Although less developed than other parts of Africa, there are real cast-away beach lodges that offer pristine snorkeling, scuba diving and sea kayaking.
2.Selous Game Reserve & Zanzibar
At Selous Safari Camp you will be enjoying game drives in open safari vehicles, bush walks and boat trips along the Rufiji River
For those who like their honeymoon safaris to be more wild and remote, the vast southern Selous Game Reserve is the ideal setting for a honeymoon adventure. Discover one of the world’s last untamed corners of the world on safari in Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania before heading to Zanzibar for an eight night stay of blissful leisure in the Indian Ocean. Selous Game Reserve is one of Tanzania’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This 45,000 km of natural wilderness is rich in diverse flora and fauna and a pristine sanctuary that is brimming with wildlife. While on safari you may see elephants, buffalos and lions, as well as other animals from giraffes to cheetahs, hippos and crocodiles. Over 350 species of bird and a third of the world’s population of the rare wild dog make Selous Game Reserve their home.
The lodges and camps are small and boutique, and whilst there is a lot of game, including the Big-Five, it takes a bit more effort to spot. But people say that lions outnumber people here, so if you are looking for a more exclusive experience, a honeymoon in Tanzania’s southern parks is a rewarding choice. You can easily combine this with a beach stay in Zanzibar.
Arguably a safari combined with a beach holiday is as good as it is gets. There is easy access to the powder white beaches of ancient spice island Zanzibar from both the northern parks and southern game reserves, via light aircraft.
Many honeymooners head straight to Zanzibar, which is as exotic as it sounds and a great place to chill out after a stressful wedding. One of the best places to stay is The Residence Zanzibar, which has 66 pool villas set in 80 acres of lush forest and tropical gardens on a mile of pristine white sand beach.
3.Kilimanjaro
If you are looking for thrill and excitement of a challenge, this might be the honeymoon for you.
Snow-capped Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most iconic peaks. Climbing it with your partner is both tough and exhilarating. Complete the experience with time to chill at a relaxed beach lodge in Zanzibar and a visit to the spice capital called Stone Town. A gentle start to the climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m), on a small, winding path through fields of maize and potatoes leading to a pine forest. Then the track starts consistently climb through a forest which shelters a variety of wildlife including the black and white Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. As the forest thins out, the first camp, Rongai One is reached, at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
4.Mozambique
For a truly relaxing time spent in luxury this is ideal for a newlywed couple
Fly across to the less explored area of Northern Mozambique for a stay on the private Quilalea Island where you can snorkel straight from the beach, explore pristine dive sites, enjoy a private picnic and kayak the mangroves. The lodges on this island truly have the wow factor and on this honeymoon you have time to relax and really luxuriate in your surroundings.
5.Kenya
The most popular honeymoon destination, Kenya offers the romantic trip of a lifetime
Kenya is another hot favourite in January and offers game viewing, some of the world’s most romantic lodges and stunning white sand coastal retreats all in one go. Known as being the land which inspired Karen Blixen’s famous book ‘Out of Africa’ about her love affair with Africa, it is impossible for honeymooners not to get lost in the romance this beautiful country has to offer.
One of the most popular trips for honeymooners is a 12-night Safari and Beach combination featuring Amboseli Porini Amboseli Safari Camp, the Porini Mara Camp and the Serena Beach Resort and Spa. Expect 32ºC and 9 hours of sun on the coast.
Whether you are exploring endless savannahs teeming with wildlife, interacting with the famous Masai people, marveling at a magnificent sunset, soaring above the earth in a balloon safari or lounging on a pristine beach, Kenya is the quintessential, romantic picture of Africa. Whilst filled to the brim with action and adventure, a honeymoon in Kenya can also be as luxurious and relaxing as you wish it to be.
6.Cape Town and more
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities of the world famous for food and cultural activity
Superb safari game viewing, top-class food and drink, breathtaking scenery and the friendly people make South Africa a first-rate honeymoon destination. Add to this the fabulous weather and the ease with which you can add on a beach extension to Mozambique, Mauritius or the Seychelles, it is no wonder South Africa honeymoons are so popular. Cape Town and the Garden Route will offer you both a great mix of romantic 5-star hotels and boutique guesthouses. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and perfect for those who enjoy urban chic, cultural activities and good food. Add a few days on safari in the Eastern Cape and you have got a South Africa honeymoon that ticks a lot of boxes.
Big-Five game viewing in the Kruger area and a stay at the beach, on an Indian Ocean island can make it a memorable experience. Choose between bigger hotels with all the facilities or more eco-conscious, smaller lodges. If you both enjoy exploring at your own pace, a self-drive honeymoon in South Africa’s Kwazulu Natal combines breath-taking mountain views and the historic Battlefields with game reserves and vast, untouched beaches and coral reefs.
The Northern Game Reserves and those in South Africa’s Kalahari are a more unusual choice for a South Africa honeymoon, but you won’t be disappointed if you are both looking for luxury, top notch service and unusual game viewing. Who can resists the cute meerkats at Tswalu or fail to be impressed by the huge elephant herds in Madikwe. You are within easy reach of Johannesburg here, where you can connect to flights throughout Africa.
January means mid summer for South Africa which is at its driest, warmest and most popular so remember to book early especially if you want to spend part of your honeymoon in cosmopolitan Cape Town (25ºC, 11 hours of sun). South Africa and Mauritius also make a great combination.
There are some fantastic safari lodges in South Africa including Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. It is easy to escape to Mauritius or the Seychelles for some beach time afterwards. Bon Voyage readers!