When it comes to your honeymoon, different melodies start to play in your heart as you embark on a new journey together. You discover and embrace different gradients of love, gratitude, and excitement, and an African safari honeymoon will amplify these feelings. We've hand-picked luxury lodges across Africa, offering the most romantic getaway. Imagine enjoying complete privacy, the utmost luxury, adrenaline-fueled activities, the finest wines, dinner in remote and romantic settings, and anything else you can dream of. Here's our list of top destinations to celebrate the next chapter in your life.
There are so many dreamy honeymoon destinations in Africa, Image Credit: Azura Benguerra Island
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a favourite safari destination for any holiday. And for a honeymoon, it offers everything from exhilarating entertainment to restful retreats.
Furthermore, Victoria Falls' location is also a great connection point to extend your honeymoon in East Africa, Southern Africa, or even an Indian Oceans Island.
Where to Stay: Victoria Falls River Lodge
On the Zimbabwe side, Victoria Falls River Lodge is close enough to still see the mist of Victoria Falls but far enough for the noise of helicopters and microlights to be out of earshot.
Different suites are available, but we highly recommend the Island Treehouse Suites. As the same suggests, the six suites are tucked away and almost hidden on their private island on the Zambezi River.
Enjoy serenity on your Treehouse Suite's private deck, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge
With a private deck and plunge pool, personal butler service, California king-sized beds, and spellbinding views, this exclusive experience is perfect for a honeymoon.
Take it up a notch and opt for the Starbed Treehouses. These double-story suites have open-air decks for an unforgettable stay. There's nothing as romantic as falling asleep under the vast star-lit African skies, with the calls of wildlife as your lullaby.
A Spectrum of Adventure
There's so much to see and do in Victoria Falls! You can set the pace of your day and simply decide the night before what you feel like doing the next day.
For example, you can start the day with a relaxed sunrise boat cruise and end the day with something more adventurous like bungee jumping. Take some time to visit Livingstone Island, go white-water rafting, take a helicopter flight, go on a walking safari, and discover Victoria Falls Town.
Just note that some activities are seasonal, so the best time to visit Victoria Falls will depend on what you'd like to experience on your African honeymoon.
Tanzania and Zanzibar
Even though Tanzania is synonymous with the Great Wildebeest Migration, it's a land of diverse landscapes for a relaxed honeymoon. We recommend combining a Tanzania safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar for a romantic Even though Tanzania is best known for being host to the Great Wildebeest Migration, it's a land of diverse landscapes, making it perfect for a relaxed honeymoon. We recommend combining a Tanzania safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar for a romantic escape, combining the best of both worlds.
Where to Stay: Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge
Tucked away in Northern Serengeti, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge offers a front-row seat to wildlife throughout the year. Imagine curved landscapes of rolling hills and open woodlands. With only 15 glass-fronted suites, you're fully immersed in the calmness of the surrounding wilderness.
The glass-fronted suites ensure splendid views of the Serengeti, Image Credit: Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge
Our Favourite Experiences
The lodge has expert guides to offer a spectacular game drive experience throughout the year. You can opt for either morning or night drives – or both!
If you don't feel like sitting in a vehicle, you can also go for a walking safari to witness the Serengeti's smaller nuances. With no barrier between you and nature, you can explore the vast grasslands in the middle of what feels like nowhere on foot, led by your expert guide. Learn more about the little intricacies of Mother Nature and marvel at the little details you might've otherwise missed in a game drive vehicle.
What would an African luxury honeymoon be without a hot air balloon ride? We love our continent's landscapes, and seeing them from above ignites a deeper sense of awe. The views are breathtakingly beautiful, and your heart will soar with joy!
Where to Stay: White Sand Luxury Villas
Experience barefoot luxury on Zanzibar's East Coast at White Sand Luxury Villas. Part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, you can expect the highest level of personalised luxury with white sandy beaches and glass-like turquoise water. Privacy and space are guaranteed as each villa is located on a private plot amidst lush gardens.
Experience seaside splendour, Image Credit: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
Ways to Soak up The Sun
An African honeymoon won't be complete without an island experience. Soak up the sun on comfy sunbeds on the beach and glide on the glassy waters on a kayak, stand-up paddle board, or catamaran.
If you're looking for something a bit more active, you can cycle through Paje village and explore the lush gardens, enjoy a game of tennis or learn how to kitesurf. Conclude the day by stargazing from your private villa as you clink a glass of bubbly.
Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Mozambique has five islands you can visit, and Benguerra is a favourite among honeymooners because it's an excellent option for escaping the crowds.
Where to Stay: Azura Infinity Beach Villas
This property makes our hearts beat a little faster. There are only 10 Infinity Beach Villas, each with a private deck and pool (of course) and an additional 650 square metres of private space. Oh, and did we mention that it's so far-flung it can be reached by a helicopter flight?
Soak up the sun and have dinner under the stars at your private Infinity Villa, Image Credit: Azura Benguerra Island
Our Favourite Experiences
There are coral reefs nearby, so we highly recommend scuba diving or snorkelling through the clear waters. Take a stroll on the silky smooth sand and enjoy the sunset on a dhow cruise. Dining under the stars can be arranged for the ultimate honeymoon highlight.
Botswana
Botswana is definitely another favourite destination for an incredible African honeymoon! A beautiful country still very untamed, it's one of those places that will make a deep impression on you from the moment you set foot on its soil.
Where to Stay: Gomoti Plains Camp
Tucked away in an exclusive area of the Okavango Delta, Gomoti Plains Camp hosts ten luxury safari-style canvas eco-tents raised on wooden decks overlooking the Gomoti river system. Each luxury tent has an en-suite bathroom, deck, romantic outdoor showers, and a relaxation area. The camp is located on a vast floodplain, giving you the best vantage point of the wildlife.
Rest easy on your private wooden deck and enjoy views of the Gomoti River, Image Credit: Gomoti Plains
How to Experience The Wildlife
In the Okavango Delta, we highly recommend gliding through the waterways on a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe. You can also marvel at the wildlife from traditional game drives and night safaris. But nothing comes to the heightened experience of a walking safari where every sound and smell is amplified.
South Africa
South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, landscapes, languages, and experiences. From the famous Kruger National Park to scenic coastal towns and vibrant cities, South Africa has it all!
Choosing our favourite luxury lodges for your honeymoon in our home country was a tough one. So rest assured that the following have been carefully hand-picked to offer the most luxurious African honeymoon of your dreams.
Where to Stay: Silvan Safari
Of course, Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge has to be at the top of our list. Silvan Safari in Greater Kruger National Park is one of those places that makes you go "oh, wow" every 30 seconds for different reasons.
Look forward to exciting wildlife encounters in the Kruger National Park, Image Credit: Silvan Safari
If it's not the sweeping views from the deck, it's the wildlife roaming through the property, the gourmet dining, and the ultra-premium selection of wine. Plus, spa treatments at Ansellia Orchid Spa on-site will pamper you silly, leaving you feeling extra relaxed.
The six suites are extremely spacious and private and uniquely designed, drawing inspiration from the tree it's named after.
Experience Tailor-Made Opulence
Game drives through the Sabi Sand Game Reserve offer an exclusive safari experience with expert guides and the ability to go off-road and head out on night safaris. Plus, with such a high density of wildlife species, you're almost guaranteed to see the Big 5 – sometimes even on one day!
Back at your private suite, relax with a cocktail as you watch wildlife stroll by from your private pool. You can expect the finest fine dining paired with a collection of premium wines. And did we mention the extensive gin collection? Happily sip your way through the best gin concoctions during your stay!
You can also cherish your favourite honeymoon moments by editing and printing your photos captured during your stay at the state-of-the-art Silvan Studio.
Where to Stay: 21 Nettleton
Hosting two magnificent rooms and four suites, 21 Nettleton is a cliff-top mansion in Clifton that provides ultimate privacy and luxury. It's close enough to Cape Town to experience the trendy food, culture, and art scene but far enough to avoid the crowds and be wowed by views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The luxurious accommodation in Clifton will have you feeling like a million bucks, Image Credit: 21 Nettleton
Glorious Moments Await
Your experience at this luxury boutique hotel will be tailored to your preferences. Well-known for its private and intimate dining experiences, perfect for honeymooners, you can enjoy breakfasts on your patio, romantic picnics in the garden, and dinner under the stars. Of course, the food can be matched with iconic ultra-premium wines. You can also opt for a private wine tasting with the sommelier!
Take your African honeymoon to the next level with some of their truly unique experiences. For example, they can organise a helicopter lunch in the Cape Winelands or a private cellar and wine tour at Buitenverwachting.
Book Your Luxury Honeymoon in Africa Today
Africa is home to unique landscapes and welcoming people who cannot wait to help you create magical experiences with your loved one on your honeymoon. As the World's Leading Safari Company, Rhino Africa's Travel Experts know Africa better than anyone else. Tell us your wildest dreams, and it will be our pleasure to help you plan your dream honeymoon in Africa.
