We understand – your honeymoon has to be perfect. After all, it’s your first great adventure as a married couple, setting the tone for a lifetime of cherished memories. At Rhino Africa, we’ve curated many African safari honeymoons, so we know exactly what works and, just as crucially, when to go. Whether you dream of snuggling under a blanket at dawn on a Big 5 game drive, capturing a once-in-a-lifetime selfie with a mountain gorilla, or combining your safari with a romantic island retreat, timing is everything.
Fall in love all over again in Africa, Image Credit: Time + Tide
Why Africa Is the Best Honeymoon Destination
When it comes to romance, privacy, and a little bit of adventure, Africa has the edge. Think private game drives, luxurious lodges in the heart of the wild, and candlelit dinners under the stars.
The beauty of an African safari honeymoon is that it feels like it’s made for two – no crowds, no distractions, just incredible landscapes, exceptional service, and wildlife encounters you’ll talk about for decades to come.
Snuggle up and savour the beauty of the bush, Image Credit: andBeyond
And if you think a safari is all action, don’t worry. Africa does relaxation just as well. Many of our honeymooners combine the thrill of a safari with downtime on a tropical beach. The Indian Ocean islands, like Zanzibar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, are just a short flight away.
Your honeymoon dreams will come true in Africa, Image Credit: North Island
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Africa’s seasons vary by region, so the best time for your honeymoon depends on what you want to do and see. Here’s our guide to getting it right.
Sundowners on safari is one of our favourite parts of a day in the bush, Image Credit: Singita
1. Southern Africa – May to September
This is Southern Africa’s dry season, and it’s a dream for an African safari honeymoon. With water sources dwindling due to low rainfall, wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes, creating exceptional opportunities for sightings. Whether you’re watching elephants drink at a waterhole or lions bask in the sun, this is the quintessential safari season.
Get up close to Africa's most majestic wildlife, Image Credit: Wilderness Little Mombo
South Africa
South Africa offers a mix of thrilling Big 5 safaris and indulgent luxury. Private reserves like Sabi Sand Game Reserve are excellent for honeymooners seeking exclusivity. Begin your day with an exciting game drive, then wind down with gourmet dining and fine wines under the stars. South Africa’s elegant lodges are tailor-made for couples wanting both adventure and romance.
A fairytale setting for your honeymoon, Image Credit: Royal Malewane
Botswana
Botswana’s Okavango Delta takes safari experiences to another wildly wonderful level. Here, you can glide silently along water channels in a traditional mokoro canoe, surrounded by lush reeds and a chorus of birdsong. For honeymooners, the tranquillity and abundant wildlife make it a serene escape, with land safaris adding another element of adventure.
Slow down and savour the sightings, Image Credit: Camp Okavango
Zambia and Zimbabwe
Honeymooners with an adventurous spirit will love Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Zambia, walking safaris provide an up-close connection to nature, while Zimbabwe’s cascading Victoria Falls steals the show between April and June, which is when it’s at its most powerful. Don’t miss a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River – sharing a quiet moment as the sun sets over the water is pure magic.
Feel like you're suspended in space and time, Image Credit: Thorntree River Lodge
2. East Africa – June to October
Depending on what your heart desires for an African safari honeymoon, between July and October, East Africa reveals its most captivating side, with each destination offering something unique. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic wildlife migrations or the baffling beauty of forested landscapes, this season provides the optimal conditions for your most romantic memories waiting to happen.
Take the time to simply be and enjoy each other's company, Image Credit: Rekero
Tanzania and Kenya
For honeymooners looking to celebrate their love with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania or Kenya will set their hearts alight. From July to October, millions of wildebeest and zebras waltz across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Feel invincible as you witness nature in its most splendid form, Image Credit: Sayari Camp
The dry season ensures fantastic wildlife sightings and romantic opportunities, such as private game drives and intimate bush breakfasts. For an extra romantic touch, soar above the plains on a hot air balloon safari, toasting your new life together as the sun rises over the savannah.
A whole new world, a dazzling place I never knew...
Rwanda
For couples looking to make their African safari honeymoon truly meaningful, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is for you. The dry season provides the best conditions for hiking through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park.
It's the sweetest thing to watch gorilla families interact, Image Credit: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
The moment you come face-to-face with mountain gorillas is a spine-tingling experience that will stay with you forever. After your trek, unwind with a cosy stay in a luxury lodge, where you can enjoy peaceful moments together surrounded by Rwanda’s verdant hills.
Escape to the Rwandan forests to write your first marriage chapter, Image Credit: Virunga Lodge
3. Indian Ocean Islands – June to October
If soaking up the sun on a tropical paradise is your idea of the ultimate honeymoon finale, the Indian Ocean islands – Zanzibar, Mauritius, and Seychelles – are calling your name. These dreamy islands are the picture-perfect setting for your love story: sunlit beaches, warm turquoise waters, and an intoxicating mix of romance and relaxation.
June to October generally promises ideal weather for soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach, but each destination has its own slight seasonal variations.
Let's go on an adventure, Image Credit: North Island
Zanzibar
Exotic and alluring, Zanzibar is where Africa's soul meets island charm. From June to October, the dry season brings sunny days, calm seas, and the best excuse to indulge in lazy beach afternoons or thrilling water sports.
Wander through the cobblestone streets of Stone Town, sail into the sunset on a traditional dhow, or lose track of time on the spice-scented beaches. And the best part? It’s just a hop away from East Africa, making it the ideal addition to your African safari honeymoon.
This is what honeymoon dreams are made of, Image Credit: The Manta Resort
Mauritius
Mauritius is an invitation to spoil yourselves. June to October offers cool, dry weather for exploring or lounging, while September to December heats things up, literally and figuratively, with glorious temperatures for swimming and basking in the sun.
From luxury resorts with private pools to intimate beachside picnics, Mauritius knows how to make honeymooners' hearts happy.
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun, Image Credit: Shangri-La Le Touessrok
Seychelles
If privacy is your love language, Seychelles whispers sweet nothings in every breeze. These islands redefine “getting away from it all” with their secluded beaches and unspoiled beauty.
Visit between April to May or October to November for calm seas, gentle weather, and days that seem to stretch forever. Whether you’re snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves, or simply savouring each other’s company in total peace, Seychelles is pure honeymoon heaven.
Dance into the sunset as you stare into each other's eyes, Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles
FAQs About Planning Your African Safari Honeymoon
- How far in advance should we book?While we can do our best and work magic with less, we recommend booking at least 12 months in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season.
- What’s the rainy safari season like?The rainy season (approximately November to April) can be a great time for fewer crowds, lush scenery and dramatic skies (incredible for photography), but game viewing may require more patience.
- Can we customise our honeymoon?Yes. Whether you want private guides, romantic surprises, or specific lodges, we’ll tailor your trip to make your wishes come true!
- Why Plan Your Honeymoon with Rhino Africa?We’ve spent two decades crafting African honeymoons, and we know what works. From choosing the right lodge to making sure every detail is flawless, we’ll handle it all. You tell us what you want, and we’ll create a honeymoon that feels like perfection personified.
You'll never want to leave Africa after your honeymoon here, Image Credit: African Bush Camps
Let’s Get Started
Your African safari honeymoon is waiting, and we’re here to make it happen. Whether it’s gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the Great Migration in Tanzania, or relaxing on a beach in Zanzibar, we’ll help you create forever-memories you'll reminisce about for all the happy marriage years to come. Contact us today, and let’s start planning.
Featured Image: Thorntree River Lodge
