Let me start by saying I have never been pregnant, I'm painfully awkward around children, and I once referred to a swaddle as a ‘baby burrito wrap-thingy.’ My maternal instincts are about as sharp as a wooden spoon. So, of course, I found myself in the perfect position to write about a babymoon safari. Why? Because my dear friend and colleague, Katharina, who is far more qualified in the pregnancy department, decided that instead of putting her feet up in a fluffy robe at a five-star spa, she and her hubby would take her beautiful baby bump on an adventure through the African bush. And naturally, I had to find out why.
Sunset, safari, and a little one on the way, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
The Perfect Pre-Baby Getaway
Before giving birth to their daughter, Katharina and her husband, Andrew, embarked on not just one, but two babymoons. The first was a babymoon safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, and the second was a luxury coastal retreat in Cape Town and Hermanus.
Why? How? Was it a peaceful, soul-nourishing experience or a strategic mistake that left her questioning all life choices? I had many questions. And Katharina, being the absolute gem that she is, humoured me with answers.
So, what did I learn from our chat? Quite a bit, actually. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect when you’re expecting... on a babymoon safari.
Fireside comfort after a day of safari adventures, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
What Exactly is a Babymoon Safari?
If you’re like me and assumed a babymoon involved reclining by a pool while your partner fans you with a palm leaf and feeds you grapes – or perhaps some sort of celestial event involving infants – you're not alone. That's where my mind strayed, too, until Katharina steered me to the right path.
“A babymoon safari is a pre-baby getaway that expecting parents take to celebrate each other, their relationship, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives...”
Katharina explained to me patiently, as if talking to a toddler (which, in fairness, is how I felt).
“It’s a chance to relax and connect before everything changes.”
Essentially, it’s a honeymoon – but instead of being buzzed on champagne and marital bliss, you’re sober (but still blissful, I'm sure), slightly swollen, and mentally preparing for endless nappy changes. Sounds fun, right? Well, according to Katharina, a babymoon safari absolutely was.
Slow mornings plus sunrises equal babymoon safari perfection, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
Why Choose a Babymoon Safari?
Most people opt for a beach getaway or a spa retreat for their babymoon. But not Katharina. For her, a babymoon safari was the obvious choice.
“The African bush has something magical. As soon as I step into the wilderness, with all its unique colours, sweet smells, and warm air, I feel at peace. There is no better place to find relaxation during pregnancy.”
Fair enough. But surely, being pregnant in the bush presents some challenges? She assured me...
“Honestly, it was much easier than people think...”
Serenity, sunshine, and safari moments to remember, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
The Babymoon Blueprint
Since one babymoon wasn’t enough (classic Katharina), she and Andrew embarked on two – one safari and one coastal escape.
Safari Babymoon:
- Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge (Kwandwe Private Game Reserve)
- Amakhala Bukela Game Lodge (Amakhala Game Reserve)
- Amakhala Bush Lodge (Amakhala Game Reserve)
Coastal Babymoon:
- Birkenhead House (Hermanus)
- Ellerman House (Cape Town)
Each location brought its own flavour to the experience – private plunge pools, uninterrupted wildlife sightings, coastal views, fresh ocean air, and, of course, exceptional service tailored to her pregnancy needs.
Kwandwe is a malaria-free private reserve just two hours from Port Elizabeth, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
But... is a Babymoon Safari Really Safe?
One of my first questions (because I’m nothing if not paranoid) was about health and safety. Surely, the idea of being in the middle of the bush while pregnant was at least mildly terrifying? But Katharina insists it was the exact opposite.
“Being surrounded by nature completely melted my stress away. It was peaceful, grounding, and allowed me to connect with my baby in a way I never expected. It was like prenatal yoga, but with giraffes.”
Gentle giants roaming free – an unforgettable safari sighting
And Andrew? Did he feel like the trip changed anything for him as a soon-to-be dad?
“We love going on safari together, but this time, we saw things differently. He kept pointing out moments and animal sightings we’d one day share with our daughter. It made everything feel even more special.”
Okay, that’s adorable. Even my cynical, baby-awkward heart melted a little.
A mother’s instinct, wild and wonderful to witness, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
Timing and Logistics
Surely a safari isn’t the ideal setting for a pregnant woman? Turns out, with the right precautions, it absolutely can be. Katharina ensured she was travelling in the second trimester, which is generally the most comfortable time for expecting mothers.
She picked malaria-free destinations (a must for pregnant travellers), consulted with her doctor beforehand, and made sure the lodges were aware of her dietary and pregnancy needs.
“I packed my prenatal vitamins, comfy clothes, and double-checked that I didn’t have any important doctor’s appointments during our trip. That was it.”
A mother leads the way – fitting for a babymoon safari, Image Credit: Bukela Game Lodge
Safari Activities
Now, you may be wondering: did Katharina have to sit out on all the fun? The answer is no! Game drives are surprisingly smooth, and as long as you’re in a well-equipped vehicle with a knowledgeable guide, there’s no reason why a pregnant woman can’t enjoy the thrill of spotting wildlife.
“It was actually much easier than I expected. The lodges were incredibly accommodating. If I wanted to sleep in and skip a morning drive, no one batted an eye. And when I did go, the guides were amazing – always checking in to make sure I was comfortable.”
Safari guides make sure every guest is taken care of, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
Food and Drinks
And what about food? A pregnant woman’s diet comes with a laundry list of restrictions longer than a hippo’s afternoon nap.
“The lodges adjusted everything for me – no raw meats, no soft cheeses, no unpasteurised dairy. They even made sure I had pregnancy-safe herbal teas and plenty of fresh fruit.”
Katharina also made a point of drinking all the mocktails.
“They prepared beautiful non-alcoholic sundowners for me while Andrew had his G&T. I didn’t even feel like I was missing out.”
A G&T substitute? Now that’s dedication.
Fine dining, pregnancy-safe and packed with flavour, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
The Second Babymoon: From Bush to Beach
Most people would call it a day after one babymoon safari. But Katharina and Andrew decided that one last hurrah wasn’t quite enough. So, they headed off on a second babymoon to Birkenhead House in Hermanus and Ellerman House in Cape Town.
“The safari was all about immersing ourselves in nature, but we also wanted to experience a different kind of tranquillity before our baby arrived. Being by the ocean, hearing the waves, and indulging in a bit of seaside luxury was the perfect way to complement the adventure of the bush.”
Ocean breeze, fine dining, and pure babymoon indulgence, Image Credit: Birkenhead House
At Birkenhead House, they spent their days taking in sweeping ocean views, enjoying fresh seafood, and going on gentle coastal walks.
“There was something incredibly tranquil about sitting on the terrace first thing in the morning, sipping fragrant tea, and watching whales in the bay.”
Compliment your babymoon safari with ocean views, fresh air, and pure coastal serenity, Image Credit: Birkenhead House
Their time at Ellerman House in Cape Town was equally indulgent.
“It was the ideal mix of city sophistication and serene retreat. We could explore Cape Town’s sights at our own pace, but also just relax in one of the most stunning settings imaginable in the Mother City.”
For expecting parents considering a babymoon, Katharina highly recommends combining a safari with a coastal escape.
“It gives you the best of both worlds – wild adventure and ultimate relaxation.”
City charm, ocean views, and five-star babymoon bliss, Image Credit: Ellerman House
Would She Do a Babymoon Safari Again?
When asked if she had any regrets, Katharina had only one:
“I would stay even longer!”
She wholeheartedly recommends a babymoon safari to other expecting parents, especially in malaria-free reserves like those in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
And her top tip?
“The second trimester is the best time to travel. If you experience morning sickness, it usually gets better after the first trimester. And by the third trimester, travelling can be uncomfortable again. Also, talk to your healthcare provider before booking.”
Game drives, quiet moments, and memories in the making, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
A Babymoon Safari for One? Don’t Mind If I Do!
Did this interview make me want to go on a babymoon safari? Without a doubt. Am I expecting a baby? Nope. Does that matter? Also nope.
While I may not be planning for nappies and night feeds anytime soon (or ever?), I'm seriously considering my own version of a babymoon safari. I just need to find an excuse... maybe a pre-babymoon?
And if you are expecting, sincere congratulations from all of us at Rhino Africa. I guess you now have the perfect reason to book a babymoon safari! It’s a chance to enjoy nature in its purest form, connect with your partner, and your unborn child and create memories that will last a lifetime.
From the bush to the beach – babymooning done right, Image Credit: Marlin Clark
Planning Your Own Babymoon Safari?
If Katharina’s experience has inspired you, Rhino Africa’s Travel Experts can help you plan the perfect babymoon safari in a multitude of exceptional malaria-free destinations. Get in touch, and let’s make it happen – no parenting experience required.
