Africa is a land of unparalleled romance, where endless savannahs are full of life, golden beaches stretch on forever, and ancient cultures offer a glimpse into a world that time forgot. From the roaring Victoria Falls to the sparkling dunes of the Namib Desert, this vast and diverse continent has something for every couple.
Popular Romantic Getaways in Africa
About Romantic Destinations in Africa
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – The Greatest Show on Earth
Imagine vast golden plains stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with animals. Welcome to the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most famous safari destination and home to the annual wildebeest migration – one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
Wake up before dawn for a hot air balloon ride over the plains as the sun rises behind you. Spend your days on thrilling game drives watching lions hunt, leopards climb trees, elephants bathe in watering holes, and cheetahs sprint across the grasslands. As night falls, have a sundowner cocktail in the bush while you watch the sky turn fiery orange and listen to the sounds of nocturnal animals.
For an ultra-luxurious honeymoon hideaway choose Singita Sasakwa Lodge – there are only nine lavish cottages here so it feels very exclusive. High on a hilltop with panoramic views across miles of wilderness it features a beautiful infinity pool & spa. Or if you like simpler accommodation then Dunia Camp is perfect for digital detoxing: eight tented cottages are tucked so unobtrusively into the bush that you could easily walk past them.
Insider Tip: The best time to see wildebeest river crossings is between July and October, however, this does attract a lot of tourists so book early!
Okavango Delta, Botswana – Water & Wildlife Wonderland
Imagine silently paddling through a maze of shining waters and lush green islands where elephants bathe in shallow pools and lions snooze under giant fig trees. Welcome to the Okavango Delta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most stunning natural wonders.
Spend your days exploring the delta by traditional mokoro canoe spotting hippos, crocodiles and more types of birds than you can count. Take a guided bush walk on one of the larger islands tracking animals on foot with an expert guide. Then fall asleep to the sounds of nocturnal life in your cosy tented camp.
If money is no object then spend your honeymoon at Mombo Camp – luxury safari accommodations have reached their pinnacle here on wildlife-rich Chief’s Island. You’ll be able to enjoy some of the continent’s best game viewing from just nine beautifully appointed tents which surround a plunge pool overlooking a floodplain. However if you’re on a tighter budget there’s Moremi Crossing, twelve comfortable cottages on its own secluded island with magnificent views over floodplains.
Insider Tip: For the most impressive sights visit during May-October flooding season when wildlife is abundant thanks to tons more water flooding in than usual making it one big party for all creatures great and small.
Cape Town & The Winelands, South Africa – Coastal Charm & Culinary Delights
Stunning scenery, world-class cuisine and a dash of adventure? You can’t go wrong with Cape Town. With its dramatic coastline, vibrant cultural scene and colorful neighborhoods it is a honeymooner’s paradise.
You can hike or take the cable car up to Table Mountain then follow that up by exploring Bo-Kaap and Woodstock. Then indulge in the city’s thriving food and wine scene at night where you have endless options for fine dining. Just don’t forget to take day trips to spots like The Cape of Good Hope to see penguins or venture into the nearby Winelands for some gourmet picnics.
For those looking for an over-the-top, luxurious experience we recommend Ellerman House, which is a grand Edwardian mansion with ocean views. They only have 13 rooms so expect top tier service but less guests walking around. On a smaller budget however More Quarters Hotel would be perfect as they offer stylish apartments in the heart of the city.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check out Muizenberg where you will find colorful beach huts, surfing opportunities and plenty of sun on the sand.
Victoria Falls is Thundering
A mighty river plunging over a sheer cliff into a thundering chasm… need we say more? Victoria Falls is one of seven natural wonders of the world and could not be more perfect for your post-wedding adventure.
Your days here will be jam-packed with sightseeing from every angle at these falls. Start by taking a plunge into Devil’s Pool if you dare or try bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge if you’re really feeling adventurous! Take sunset cruises along Zambezi River where elephants and hippos bathe as cocktails are served on board, then fall asleep with sounds of falls crashing against rocks back at your lodge.
For luxury lovers who want romance AND seclusion Tongabezi Lodge is what you’re looking for. Set on a private stretch of the Zambezi just upstream from the falls, this dreamy paradise only has six houses and five river cottages. Each comes with its own plunge pool and butler service… talk about fancy! If that’s not in your budget, consider AVANI Victoria Falls Resort which offers comfortable rooms and a stunning pool steps away from the falls.
Insider Tip: Take a dip in Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island if it’s open when you’re there. This spot is right on the edge of the falls and is unforgettable for many who have gone (seasonal).
Zanzibar, Tanzania – Spices, Sand & Serenity
Enter a world of palm trees swaying in the breeze and turquoise waters on the spice island of Zanzibar. With its white sand beaches, colorful coral reefs and winding stone alleyways, it is the ultimate getaway for beach-loving honeymooners.
Spend your days exploring the maze-like streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of grand Arab mansions and fragrant spice markets. Take a traditional dhow cruise to a secluded sandbank for a romantic picnic or explore the lush Jozani Forest in search of red colobus monkeys. At night indulge in fresh seafood and spicy curries under the stars.
For the ultimate barefoot luxury experience, stay at tiny Mnemba Island just off the northeast coast with its ten beachfront bandas, stunning coral reef and world-class service – it’s everything you’ve ever dreamed about being marooned on a desert island. The charming Matemwe Lodge offers 12 bungalows and four private villas strung along a perfect stretch of sand.
Insider Tip: Make sure you visit one of Zanzibar’s famous spice plantations – learn about their history then sample everything from cinnamon to cloves.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania – Wildlife & Wilderness Escapade
Envisage this: A vast volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife – lions, elephants and black rhinos stalk through grasslands against a backdrop of towering cliffs. Welcome to Ngorongoro Crater – UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Spend your days driving across the crater floor on thrilling game drives spotting all members of the Big Five plus countless other species in this unique natural amphitheatre. Go on guided bush walks along the crater rim taking in panoramic views while learning about its distinctive geology and ecology. And by night cosy up by the fire in your luxurious crater-side lodge.
For ultimate romance and seclusion, stay at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – a collection of 30 stunning suites perched on the rim of the caldera. The architecture is dramatic, the service world-class and the views breathtaking. It’s like something out of a fairy tale. For a more sensible budget, try Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge which offers comfortable rooms and stunning infinity pool right on the edge of the crater.
Insider Tip: Set your alarm early one morning for a sunrise game drive across the crater floor – you’ll have it virtually to yourself and the light is pure magic.
Sossusvlei, Namibia – Desert Dreams
If you are ready for a honeymoon that is truly out of this world, look no further than Sossusvlei – a region of towering red sand dunes and shimmering salt pans deep within Namib Desert.
Spend your days exploring this surreal landscape on foot, by hot air balloon or in an adrenaline-pumping dune buggy. Climb to the top of Big Daddy (the tallest dune) for panoramic views over the desert or stroll across Deadvlei (a white clay pan bristling with ancient petrified trees) as sunset bathes everything in golden light. And at night don’t forget to gaze up at stars in one of darkest skies on earth.
Little Kulala is a breathtakingly stunning lodge found in the middle of the desert. It has only 11 thatched kulalas (villas) inside a private reserve that borders the national park. With its plunge pools, outdoor showers, and rooftop star beds, it’s got everything you could ever dream of when it comes to romance. If your budget is on the smaller side, the charming Desert Quiver Camp offers comfortable self-catering chalets right outside Sossusvlei’s gate.
Insider Tip: Wake up early one morning and take a hot air balloon ride through the dunes. You won’t be disappointed — we promise!
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – Gorillas in the Mist
For an adventure-filled honeymoon like no other, book your trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as soon as possible. It has the last living mountain gorillas in the world and that alone makes it a must-see destination for all lovers of nature. The misty rainforests are also home to towering volcanoes and other wildlife encounters.
You’ll spend your days trekking through dense jungle looking for these gentle giants before watching from just a few feet away as they play together and groom each other. Make sure to hike with a guide to Dian Fossey’s tomb at some point during your stay too; she dedicated her life to studying and protecting gorillas, so it’s an important memorial site to see while you’re there! At night you can cuddle by the fire back at your luxurious mountain lodge.
For some extra romance on your trip book Bisate Lodge — a stunning collection of six thatched villas set in an eroded volcanic cone — but be prepared to shell out some serious dough if you do! For couples on tighter budgets though, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel offers comfortable rooms just outside of the park.
Insider Tip: Nyungwe National Park is located just a short drive away from Volcanoes, so if you can swing it, plan to spend some time there too. It’s home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and countless species of birds.
Kruger National Park, South Africa – Classic Safari Romance
If you’re a wildlife lover through and through then Kruger National Park is the only honeymoon destination for you. It’s one of Africa’s largest and most iconic game reserves with its vast savannahs, dense forests, and winding rivers.
We suggest booking guided bush walks for during your stay — there’s nothing quite like getting up close and personal with the smaller creatures in the middle of this park. By nightfall you’ll fall asleep to the soundtrack of lions roaring out in the African bush back at your luxurious tented camp.
For ultimate romance points though? Book Singita Sweni Lodge. This stunning collection has seven elevated suites set along the banks of the Sweni River. With its floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooks elephants bathing by day drinking water by night, private plunge pools, and world-class cuisine it truly is safari chic at it’s finest.
Insider Tip: Don’t leave Kruger without taking a trip to Letaba Camp — where you can find the Elephant Museum. It tells stories about some of the park’s most famous tuskers and delves into how important elephants are to their ecosystem.
Seychelles – Tropical Island Paradise
The Seychelles is basically as dreamy as dreamy gets when it comes to archipelagos. The 115 islands scatter across crystal clear turquoise waters that surround white sand beaches just as fluffy as clouds above them all while being nestled inside lush tropical forests.
Spend your days exploring the many islands by boat or plane; every turn is met with a unique secluded cove or hidden beach. Snorkel in the colorful coral reefs, kayak through calm lagoons, or relax on the sand with a good book and a cold drink to truly soak in the experience. Indulge in luxury and romance at Six Senses Zil Pasyon—a collection of villas on Félicité island. When not in your room, utilize their world-class spa, dine at five-star restaurants, and take part in endless activities which will surely make you feel like you’re living in bliss.
But also keep in mind that Coco de Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites offers comfortable rooms and a great location right on Praslin’s main island for those who don’t have as big of a budget.
Insider Tip: A visit to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin should definitely be on your list; home to the rare coco de mer palm and Seychelles black parrot.
As you can probably gather, Africa is filled with endless honeymoon possibilities. From classic safari destinations of East and Southern Africa to hidden gems of the Indian Ocean. No matter what kind of couple you are there is something for everyone here!
