Image above of a romantic bush bath at The Hide Safari Camp in Zimbabwe
As a native to Zimbabwe and a safari coordinator for over 10 years, I’ve developed a keen understanding for what the discerning bride is looking for in a honeymoon, and how I can make those dreams come true in the most exotic and unique continent in the world: Africa.
Below, I’ve outlined a few of the key ingredients for the ultimate honeymoon in Africa:
Romantic surprises: Imagine coming back from an exciting game drive, only to be welcomed with a rose-pedal-filled bush bath for two on your private veranda. Or picture this: after a long day of travel from the United States you arrive at your first property with a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting for you in your luxurious suite. There are unlimited possibilities to the romantic surprises you can experience in Africa!
Boutique and luxurious accommodations: When newlyweds think of their dream luxury honeymoon, they usually don’t picture droves of people, high-rise hotels, and mediocre service. Instead, they imagine privacy, personalized and first-class service, unique and lavish suites, and breathtaking views. In Africa, that is EXACTLY what you’ll find.
From remote, 5-suite lodges in the African bush to lavish, boutique hotels along the coastline of South Africa’s Garden Route, and opulent Dutch farm houses in Cape Winelands to romantic estates, there are a wide variety of unique accommodations throughout southern, eastern, and central Africa that boast all of the features newlyweds dream of.
Image above of Nduara Loliondo in Tanzania
Image above of The Marlin Lodge in Mozambique
A stress-free travel experience: Nothing can ruin a trip quite like the stress of organizing your own travel! The best honeymoons are ones that are organized well in advance and with each element thought out and booked. From airport transfers to activities and domestic flights to restaurant reservations, having all of the details of a trip planned out thoroughly is a key ingredient to an amazing honeymoon. An expert tour operator or agent has the ability to book all of your arrangements without you having to lift a finger or stress about getting from point A to point B or finding a restaurant that suites your particular needs and interests.
Fantastic food and romantic dining experiences: Let’s face it, food and wine are at the forefront of an amazing honeymoon! All of the properties we work with are acclaimed for amazing cuisine and most of the properties even tailor their dishes to meet our clients’ needs at the drop of a hat.
Cape Winelands is one of the best places for honeymooners to visit as it has some of the world’s finest, award-winning restaurants and wine estates, all in one place. So after a tasty lunch at one of Cape Winelands’ restaurants, honeymooners can embark on a personalized wine tasting tour to get the best of both worlds!
Side Note: If you want to get a glimpse at just how amazing the food is in Africa, check out our new recipe book, a Taste of Africa, that features recipes from some of our favorite accommodations in Africa! Click here for a sneak peak inside the book.
Image above of a candlelit dinner at Selinda Camp
A combination of relaxation, exploration, and adventure: One of the most prominent reasons why newlyweds venture to Africa for their fantasy honeymoon is because there are literally thousands of options to choose from when it comes to activities. You never get stuck doing the same thing each day or laying on the beach without anything else to do.
Below are some of our newlywed’s favorite activities to take part in while on a romantic African honeymoon:
- Game drives, walking safaris, and canoe safaris
- Sunset cruises along the Zambezi River
- Relaxing days on the beaches of Seychelles
- Cultural visits with the Maasai people of Kenya
- Horseback safaris in Tanzania
- Hot air balloon rides over the Masai Mara
- Wine tasting tours in Cape Winelands
- Cooking classes in Cape Town
- Shark cage diving in South Africa
- A day of volunteering in the Red Hill Community of South Africa
- Interactive bush walks with the Sans Bushmen of Botswana
- Elephant-back safaris in Zimbabwe
- Bungee jumping or ziplining over Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World)
- Spa treatments in Cape Town’s exclusive spa resorts
. . . the list literally goes on, and on, and on, and on . . .
