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Whether you’re into adventurous safaris, suntanning on beautiful beaches, or both, Africa has got you covered with a range of perfect honeymoon locations for newlyweds.
With its varied landscapes, epic scenery, wildlife encounters, cultural diversity, and culinary delights, the continent offers unforgettable honeymoon experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Join us as we take a closer look at 10 of the best African honeymoon destinations.
1. Tanzania
Tanzania offers couples a diverse range of honeymoon experiences. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park, observe big cats and huge elephant herds in their element, explore rainforests with thriving populations of chimpanzees, or combine your bush adventure with an idyllic beach escape to Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mnemba.
On a Tanzanian honeymoon, you’ll get to enjoy expertly guided game drives, hot-air ballooning, walking safaris, night drives, off-road game viewing, or simply indulge in an African sunset as you sip cocktails on the sand.
Best Time to Go: The dry season from June to October, between August and November for the wildebeest migration, and March to June for the best beach weather.
2. Namibia
While Namibia’s Etosha National Park is excellent for game viewing, the real romance of this country lies in the Namib Desert. During the dry season between June and October, this region’s spectacular raw nature and star-filled night skies make it a wondrous destination.
Take a trip to the towering Sossusvlei dunes to see the sun rising over the desert or spoil yourself with a hot-air balloon ride for a mesmerizing aerial perspective.
You’ll more likely than not get to enjoy total privacy in this sparsely populated country and get the chance to explore blissfully remote areas like Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast, and the Kaokoveld.
Best Time to Go: Enjoy Sossusvlei year-round or head to Etosha between May or October.
3. Seychelles
This scattering of islands in the Indian Ocean offers idyllic beaches, tranquil warm waters, and a well-deserved reputation for romance. The islands enjoy equatorial weather and are a perfect destination if you’re looking for water sports.
The privately owned North Island is a favorite destination and features only one place to stay – the elegant North Island Lodge. The lodge features palatial villas with private pools, lounges that can be converted into private cinemas, and a chef that can prepare your favorite dishes to enjoy at the restaurant or in your candle-lit villa.
Best Time to Go: The hottest months are from December to April, while January and February are wet. Scuba conditions are best in April/May and October/November.
4. Victoria Falls
Very little can compare to seeing the mile-wide Zambezi River plummeting into the abyss at Victoria Falls. From adrenaline-soaked adventure activities like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and microlight flips to romantic sunset river cruises and helicopter flights, this unique destination has it all.
Stay at tranquil and secluded riverside lodges on the Zambian side and make sure you don’t miss out on a picnic lunch on Livingstone Island.
Best Time to Go: The most spectacular views are from March to July when the waterfall is in full flow. September to December are the best months for whitewater rafting, while June to October is best for safaris.
5. Botswana
This epic destination offers arguably the most authentic safari experience in Africa. Teeming with elephants, big cats, wild dogs, crocodiles, and hippos, the focus in Botswana is on game drives, motorboat safaris, and mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions. Intimate camps in remote locations combine luxury with a sense of adventure.
Some camps have as few as 3 or 4 suites, ensuring privacy and exclusivity. Expect 4-poster beds, spa facilities, outdoor bathtubs, and private plunge pools. For a truly African romantic experience, spend a night in a sky bed with uninterrupted views of the Milky Way.
Best Time to Go: Temperatures are cooler during the dry winter months of May to October. It’s also the best time for game viewing, as the animals gather around the last remaining water sources.
6. Mozambique
A great out-of-the-way beach retreat with great weather pretty much all year round, Mozambique offers numerous getaways for a honeymoon. The standout destination though is the Quirimbas Archipelago, a string of coral islands along the country’s tropical Indian Ocean coast.
Most of the archipelago is a protected marine park and is ideal for scuba divers and water sport lovers. When you’re not getting your feet wet, indulge in a beachside massage before catching a spectacular sunset on a traditional dhow sailboat. Accommodation is elegant, and there’s usually only one lodge per island.
Best Time to Go: Head to Mozambique between May and September for the best conditions. Avoid the wet months of January and February.
7. South Africa
South Africa is a destination as diverse as its people and offers honeymooners a wide variety of romantic experiences. From exploring the charming Cape Winelands to Blue Flag beaches, epic hiking trails, adventurous Big Five safaris, and world-class cuisine, there’s literally something for every kind of couple.
Getting around is easy, thanks to a solid tourism infrastructure and many lodges and accommodations offer special honeymoon packages guaranteed to enhance your once-in-a-lifetime experience. With its favorable exchange rate, you’ll also get great value for money.
Best Time to Go: Wildlife viewing is best in the dry season from May to October, while beach destinations are most suitable from November to April.
8. Zimbabwe
Besides the major drawcard of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe offers excellent safari opportunities. Offering land and water-based wildlife viewing, Lake Kariba (the world’s largest manmade lake) is also the perfect destination for walking safaris and interactions with the local communities.
Soak up the unspoiled landscape of savannas, distant mountains, and the vast expanse of open water as you enjoy sundowners on your lodge deck. Another popular choice is Mana Pools National Park, where you’ll get to spot an abundance of animals, including elephants, buffalo, wild dogs, lions, and leopards.
Best Time to Go: Head to Zimbabwe from May to October to avoid the rains. While September and October are very hot and dry months, they’re the best times for game viewing.
9. Kenya
Famous for its sunlit savannahs, thundering herds of plains game, and red-cloaked Maasai people, Kenya features private conservancies neighboring the national reserve.
These patches of paradise are owned by the local Maasai and leased to safari operators who compensate communities with money, educational and healthcare programmes, and livestock and grazing management.
Exclusive-use areas offer a tranquil setting with discreet service far from the crowds of the Great Migration. Enjoy game drives and sunrise hot-air balloon safaris complete with champagne breakfasts – it doesn’t get much more romantic than this.
Best Time to Go: While you can visit Kenya throughout the year, it’s best to avoid the heavy rains during April and May. For the Great Migration, visit from late July to November.
10. Mauritius
This tropical playground in the Indian Ocean is ringed by stunning coral reefs and features warm water and white sand beaches. A long-time favorite honeymoon destination for South Africans, the island has everything you need for an unforgettable romantic experience.
For the more adventurous, there’s an endless array of water sports, while those who just want to kick back and soak up the sun are generously catered to at world-class holiday resorts. Service on Mauritius is excellent and honeymooners are guaranteed an unforgettable escape.
Best Time to Go: The best time to visit is between May and November when the weather is cool, dry, and sunny. Avoid December to April when it can get very hot and humid.
With its varied landscapes, plentiful wildlife, friendly people, and interesting cultures, Africa offers newlyweds an array of romantic experiences with a bit of wildness thrown in. Whether you’re looking to relax in the lap of luxury or after something more adventurous, the continent is calling.
Speak to a safari expert at Discover Africa to start planning your tailor-made, luxury African honeymoon experience today.
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Author: Diane Du Plessis - 27 December 2023
Last Update: 26 April 2024
Part of the African Safari Collection