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Romantic Places to Honeymoon in Africa

The continent of Africa hosts the perfect honeymoon destinations for adventurers, animal lovers, history buffs, and beach-goers with incredible insight into the natural beauty of hidden landscapes, welcoming local culture, and breathtaking wildlife. Elusive mythology captivates visitors along the rolling sand dunes of the Sahara Desert while historical trade routes reflect the combination of culinary traditions from India, Europe, and the Middle East with ingredients from Sub-Saharan Africa. The continent has no end to the exciting, surprising, and majestic destinations for a special honeymoon all-year round. The following list offers the best destinations for a unique and unforgettable honeymoon in Africa:

1. Masai Mara National Park, Kenya

An acacia tree in the middle of masai mara.

The East African country of Kenya is home the world-renowned Masai Mara National Park, which offers a breathtaking combination of mountainous highlands, lush grasslands, and shimmering lakes hosting some of the world’s most captivating wildlife. Romance emanates from the picturesque, peaceful countryside. Masai Mara’s popularity is immediately understood with massive herds of zebras and wildebeest stumbling across the gentle expanse of rolling grasslands, especially during the Great Migration taking place between July and November.

The vast protected reserve encompasses not only the famous borders of the Masai Mara but also a collection of community conservancies, local ranches, and many Masai villages. As a honeymoon destination, few places in the world come close to providing the accessible adventures of the Masai Mara, which include meeting with local villagers and warriors, lounging in relaxing luxurious accommodations, rock climbing, classic wildlife safaris, and lounging by a pool with an unparalleled view of the national park.

2. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Lions in the Kalahari desert.

The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s premier safari destination and remains one of Africa’s wildest destinations. The pristine beauty of the rising and falling waters feed the untamed energy of the floodplains and the daily drama of the wildlife encounter perfect for a distinctive honeymoon. Barking leopards, whooping hyenas, and the bone-rattling roar of lions mix with tranquil babbling of the rivers for a powerful soundtrack. Papyrus reeds conceal birds, hippos, and zebras along the watery banks.

Experiencing the splendors of Okavango Delta from the sky provides a panorama of the winding canals. Discovering the landscape and river ways at ground level reveal the more intimate characteristics of the parched trees and earth in the dry season or the flooded prairies in the wet season. The freshwater oasis maintains a rich, diverse wildlife ranging from lion prides to buffalo herds, rare grazing antelope to wild dogs, parading elephants to rambunctious baboons for an enchanting treat on a luxurious, tranquil honeymoon safari.

3. Serengeti, Tanzania

Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano.

The Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s most famous national parks and when paired with the neighboring Ngorogoro Crater, provides some of the best wildlife viewings anywhere in the world. A honeymoon in Serengeti reveals the composed and untouched nature of East Africa where lions lounge in the hot sun, wildebeest migrate by the millions between November and December, and the elusive white rhinoceros roam through the mixture of woodland and grassland.

Serengeti in Swahili translates to “endless plain,” symbolizing the lush greenery and fascinating flatlands hosting gazelles, hyenas, wild dogs, cape buffalos, and lions inspiring the setting of Disney classic The Lion King. Luxurious accommodations offer distinct adventures for a remarkable honeymoon including walking safaris, hot air balloon rides at sunrise, and candlelit dinners surrounded by the soothing soundtrack of the wilds beneath expansive glint of starlight. The safari destination of Tanzania’s Serengeti remains timeless as a majestic icon of comfort, exploration, and discovery.

4. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Beach lounge chairs at sunset in Zanzibar.

The splendor of Zanzibar off the eastern coast of Tanzania encompasses the treasures of the ocean, the marvels of sandy beaches, and a captivating cocktail of historical cultures. Zanzibar steps away from Sub-Saharan Africa’s stereotypical scenery of parading giraffes and acacia trees. It instead reveals a breathtaking island with access to frolicking dolphin pods, radiant coral gardens, and the antique city center of Stone Town blending African, Arab, Indian, and European influences.

The island remains one of Africa’s premier serene getaways for couples eager to dip their feet in hot white sands and turquoise waters. Couples may also wander the narrow cobbled alleys of Stone Town in search of hidden storefronts, lively teahouses, and delicious local cuisine wrapped in a myriad of heritage and spices. Whether relaxing in the sun, cruising through a vibrant mangrove forest, or wandering to ghost islands appearing only at low tide, Zanzibar has history, natural beauty, and soothing luxury full of wonderful surprises during your Africa honeymoon.

5. Seychelles

Romantic resort in Seychelles.

Seychelles is a collection of approximately 115 islands offering pristine beauty and romantic seclusion for an extraordinary honeymoon in Africa. Deserted coves and isolated beaches, tropical reefs, and private pools contain a royal ambiance when exploring a single island or hop to a number of destinations along the famous archipelago. Dive deep into the clear turquoise waters searching for vibrant tropical fish of the Indian Ocean or snorkel along the shimmering coral gardens in the Sainte Anne, Anse Major, Anse Solei, and Baie Lazare marine parks. Romance, indulgence, and luxury combine with the exotic ambiance of tropical archipelago brimming with palm trees and overflowing with glowing sunsets inspiring private candlelit dinners and promising unending royal treatment.

6. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Hadaba beach in Egypt.

Egypt’s resort town of Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea shines like an oasis against the backdrop of the Sinai Mountains. The jewel along the golden coastline highlights Egypt’s lesser-seen coral reefs and palm-lined coast serving as a grand setting for an unforgettable honeymoon in Africa. Beach-goers can relax on the golden sands and dip into the waters of Ras Muhammad National Park in search of scorpion fish or giant moray eels reflecting some of the most treasured snorkeling and scuba diving destinations the world offers.

Combine the welcoming cultures of Bedouins with dinner underneath the starlight and captivating treasures of contemporary Egypt’s focus on luxurious comfort. Whether hiking to the top of Mount Sinai, snorkeling at Tiran island, or enjoying a day trip to discover Egypt’s unending ancient history at the pyramids of Giza, and Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh represents a different side of Egypt for couples eager to blend ancient riches and immaculate seaside destinations.

7. Tofo National Park, Mozambique

Aerial view of Mozambique island.

Tofo National Park in Mozambique changes the scenery and perception of a honeymoon devoted to safaris by focusing on the captivating azure waters and white sands. The destination has a legendary reputation of unfettered beaches, a charming welcoming ambiance of a sleepy colonial-era fishing village, and one of the world’s premier destinations for swimming with wild whale sharks and manta rays. It is also home to one of Africa’s most sustainable marine tourism industries. The warm current and delightful golden sands accentuate the palm trees for an idyllic tropical ambiance reflecting in the crystalline waters. For an exclusive getaway, honeymooners can enjoy island hopping, relaxing on the sandy coastline, and soaring sand dunes amongst traditional local culture.

8. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Giraffe herd at Etosha National Park.

Namibia represents the adventurous honeymoon for couples eager to uncover the majesty of Etosha National Park and neighboring Namib Rand Nature Reserve. The unique scenery encompasses charms unlike any other protected area in Africa. Safaris reveal the treasured animals along the edges of desert watering holes like lions, elephants, and springboks by the hundreds. Red sand dunes glint beneath the Sub-Saharan sunlight shining over Etosha Pan, the immense saline flats teeming with flamingoes and pelicans adding to the collage of fantastic wildlife.

The landscape of the Namib Ran Nature Reserve glows with a rainbow of colors hosting a surprising amount of wildlife like kudus, spotted hyenas, jackals, and bat-eared foxes amid the grasslands and isolated mountain ranges. The magnificent desert is both treacherous and enchanting with pristine dunes and canyon walls, along with a local traditional settlement of fewer than 100 people. Combining Etosha National Park and Namib Rand Nature Reserve in Namibia brings magnificent memories of a honeymoon in Africa with wildlife safaris searching for Africa’s big five, quad biking adventures, or hiking the incredible scenery.

9. Sabi Sands, South Africa

Sabi Sands, Narnia Lodge.

The southwest corner of the renowned Kruger National Park hosts the smaller borders of Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The game reserve reflects the ways in which South Africa captures the splendor of the natural world aside from the famous Winelands near the cape and the often-touted beauty of Cape Town. The prestigious grounds of Sabi Sands burst with adventure for wildlife lovers eager to find leopards. The absence of fences or borders separating the reserve from the farms or from the greater grounds of Kruger National Park allow the wildlife to travel across vast stretches of grazing land easy for discovering lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos—also known as Africa’s Big Five—in addition to cape wild dogs, hippopotamus, and giraffes.

The private game reserve host’s romantic endeavor connected to Kruger National Park. Sabi Sands offers the ultimate honeymoon retreat with close range game viewing made possible by the habitats’ permanent water sources. The diverse ecosystems and luxurious accommodations provide a personal touch to every passionate visit with elegant style. The reserve offers private game drives personalized for comfort taking you to the secret locations around the vibrant scenery. Relish private dinners, champagne picnics, and intimate wildlife excursions leading to fabulous sunsets along the soothing Sand River.

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