Our Favourite Romantic Spots In Africa

February is the month of love and at Rhino Africa we’re ahead of the curve when it comes to romance. Probably because we’re surrounded by so much beauty here in Africa. There are so many magnificent destinations that will ignite that starry-eyed look in you and your partner.

Best be careful who you take to some of these places because many are so romantic that you might just end up proposing. Here is a list of some of our favourite, most romantic destinations, lodges and experiences in Africa. What are you planning for Valentine’s Day?

If you’re planning on a proposal – see how one of our Rhino Africans, Craig Harding, did it in his blog, “How I bagged a future wife” – PART 1, 2, 3.

Top 5 Romantic Destinations

• Cape Town and the Winelands – Cape Town has it all and wins over hearts with ease. From its natural beauty and views with the ocean and mountains to the romantic restaurants and intimate drinking spots (see our favourites here), you’re sure to get a little sentimental. The Cape Winelands are the perfect Valentine’s Day setting. There are several places to stay and get amorous while restaurants and wine estates are in abundance such as La Petite Ferme and Delaire Graff Estate, which both offer exquisite views.

• Mozambique – It’s the perfect beach destination with white sand and warm water beaches to lounge on all day with your dearest. Skimpy bikinis and topless men by day and intimate sunset cruises and dinners on the beach at night, ending the day together in luxury king-size beds… Has you wild-eyed already, hey? Find out more about Mozambique on our website and read about the exotic and private Quirimbas Archipelago on our blog.

• Maldives – We here at Rhino Africa swoon every time we come across a photo of this magical Indian Ocean island, admitting that we’d probably accept a wedding proposal from just about anyone who was nice enough to take us there… Any takers? Exclusivity is key here and the resorts and lodges on offer are otherworldly (just take a look). Beach dinners under the stars, luxury cruises arm-in-arm, spa treatments… you’ll be weak at the knees.
• Botswana – This destination epitomises the idea of the romantic African safari (also, if diamonds are a girl’s best friend you’re sure to win with Bots since it is one of the world’s largest diamond producers, with annual revenue streams in the tens of billions of dollars). There are some truly wild places, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari. See the Big 5 together with your beau, go on a private mokoro ride, sleep in luxury beds and enjoy special treats like massages and picnics.
• Samburu National Reserve – Situated in Kenya, this is place where “Born Free”, the movie, was filmed. The film tells the tale of Elsa the lioness who is raised to adulthood and successfully reintroduced into the wild by the famous Adamson couple. There are several places to stay here amid the wild and vast plains. For example, there is the intimate Elsa’s Kopje which has a bath tub with the most enticing view and great spots for sexy sundowners.

Top 5 Romantic Lodges

• Mnemba Island Lodge – Mnemba Island is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world. So it’s a good bet, then? Enjoy rustic luxury on a private island, just 4,5 kilometres off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs. It’s great for honeymooners and couples looking to get away together – with perks like romantic candle-lit dinners on the beach with waves gently lapping at your feet and some of Africa’s most wonderful dive sites.

• Tswalu Kalahari – The Malori Sleepout Deck is especially romantic as you get to sleep with a full view of them starry night skies. The Tarkuni and Motse lodges are also an exceptional setting for romance, here in South Africa’s largest private Game Reserve, with luxury bedrooms and heated swimming pools. Enjoy sundowners on lantern-lit dunes, boma dining and mountain lookouts under the umbrella thorn acacias.
• Singita Pamushana – Singita in general is a favourite with couples. We suggest you give Pamushana a try; it’s one of Africa’s best kept secrets. It is situated beneath the trees within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe and has a magical ambience, great riverside views, lush gardens and luxury accommodation.

• Banyan Tree – This accommodation is situated in Intendance Bay on the island of Mahe in the Seychelles, one of the world’s best 10 beaches. It boasts an array of luxury villas, each with its own swimming pool and private outdoor Jacuzzi – the perfect place to spend quality time. Tropical paradises don’t not come much better than this.
• Londolozi Private Granite Suites – take a dip in your own private heated plunge pool with your sweetheart and gaze into each other’s eyes over romantic candle-lit dinners. This is luxury and exclusivity in the extreme, all enjoyed under African skies.

 Top 5 Romantic Experiences

• Camping under the stars – such as in Lion Sands’ Chalkey Tree House. Feel totally alone with your loved one in the remoteness of the wild surrounding you. You will be taken here at sunset to welcome drinks and a delicious picnic dinner. The following hours of African dusk are wholly yours to enjoy as you sleep under the stars and hear the sounds of the bush.
• Dinner on the beach/ bush.
• Couples massages – enjoyed at most lodges mentioned above with an array of spa treatments to boot.
• Sundowners with a view – especially from a hot air balloon with a glass of champagne in hand… For a list of restaurants with great sea views in Cape Town, read our blog.
• Sharing a bubble bath…

If you’re planning a honeymoon in Africa, be sure to check out the Honeymoon section on our website. View more romantic lodges and destinations in Africa that we recommend.

Contact us for more information or to plan your perfect honeymoon or simply an exciting and romantic African getaway.