The Best Honeymoon Safari Locations

There is no escaping the romance of Africa, her pull has captivated travellers for generations – inspiring novels, music and films. It’s easy to see why, there is an inherent beauty to a sunset over the Zambezi and something truly moving about the unity of thousands of game over the plains of the Serengeti. However, what really makes Africa the ultimate honeymoon destination is how truly spoilt you are for choice, without sacrificing an inch of luxury.

Whether you’re keen on a beach meets safari honeymoon, a trip around Cape Town and Victoria Falls, an adventure tracking the Great Migration or a far-flung trip to a remote wilderness area – we will explore all of this and more in our list of the ultimate honeymoon safari destinations.

Tanzania: discover East Africa’s magic

For good reason, Tanzania is often considered the best honeymoon safari destination. Home to the iconic Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers excellent game viewing and world-class luxury in one perfect package. Imagine watching the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains or enjoying a private game drive where you can see the Big 5 in their natural habitat.

For an added touch of romance, consider a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. After your safari, relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Combining a Tanzania honeymoon safari and Zanzibar offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Highlights:
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
The Great Migration
Zanzibar beaches

South Africa: beaches, Big 5 & everything in-between

South Africa offers a diverse range of honeymoon safari ideas, from the vast Kruger National Park to the private game reserves in the Eastern Cape. The country’s well-developed infrastructure and luxury lodges make it an ideal choice for couples looking for comfort and adventure.

Cape Town is a great starting point for your journey, offering vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and world-class dining. From there, head to Kruger National Park for a classic safari experience, or visit the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve for a more exclusive setting.

For a unique twist, consider combining your honeymoon safari with a road trip up the Garden Route or escape to the Wild Coast. Adventure lovers can explore the pristine beaches of iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal or trek the region’s magnificent Drakensberg Mountains.

Highlights:
Kruger National Park
Madikwe Game Reserve
Cape Town
KwaZulu-Natal
Eastern Cape

Kenya: out of Africa

Kenya’s Masai Mara is synonymous with safari, making it one of the best honeymoon safari destinations. The Masai Mara offers incredible wildlife viewing, particularly during the Great Migration when the plains are teeming with millions of animals.

For a truly romantic experience, consider staying in a luxury tented camp that pays homage to the classic safari of novels such as Karen Blixen’s ‘Out of Africa’. Enjoy private dinners under the stars, bush walks with experienced guides and even horse riding safaris.

Kenya also offers fantastic beach options, with the Kenyan coast and islands like Lamu providing idyllic settings for post-safari relaxation. Combining a honeymoon safari and beach in Kenya offers the best of both worlds.

Highlights:
Maasai Mara
Kenyan Coast & Lamu

Botswana: quality over quantity

Botswana is known for its high-end, low-impact safaris, making it perfect for couples seeking an exclusive honeymoon getaway. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a unique destination where you can explore the waterways by mokoro (dugout canoe) and witness an abundance of wildlife.

Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, with its stark beauty and resident meerkats, offer diverse safari experiences. Many lodges in Botswana cater specifically to honeymooners, providing private game drives, secluded camps, and personalised service.

For those looking to combine a safari with a beach getaway, one can easily hop on a flight from Maun or Kasane to Cape Town or any of Africa’s beaches via Johannesburg.

Highlights:
Okavango Delta
Chobe National Park
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Namibia: dramatic landscapes & unique wildlife encounters

Namibia offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa, making it a standout choice for honeymoon safari holidays. From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, and mighty mountains such as Spitzkoppe and Brandenberg to the eerie Skeleton Coast, Namibia’s scenery will take your breath away.

Etosha National Park and its surrounding private reserves are an outstanding safari destination, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and elephants amidst the stark surroundings. For a truly unique experience, consider a safari in the Namib Desert, where you can see desert-adapted elephants and enjoy dune surfing.

Namibia’s remote and intimate lodges provide the perfect setting for a honeymoon, with stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and excellent service.

Highlights:
Sossusvlei Dunes
Skeleton Coast
Etosha National Park
Namib Desert

Zimbabwe: untamed wilderness & rich history

Zimbabwe is an emerging destination for honeymoon safari holidays, offering incredible wildlife experiences and fewer tourists. Hwange National Park, the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe, is known for its large elephant populations and diverse wildlife.

Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers adventurous couples the chance to explore on foot or by canoe. The park’s remote location and rich wildlife make it a truly wild and romantic destination.

After your safari, visit Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, for a spectacular and romantic end to your trip. The combination of safari and the dramatic scenery of Victoria Falls makes Zimbabwe a top choice for honeymooners.

Highlights:
Hwange National Park
Mana Pools National Park
Victoria Falls

Rwanda: gorilla trekking & scenic beauty

For a honeymoon that combines adventure and breathtaking scenery, Rwanda is an excellent choice. The country’s most famous attraction is Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Trekking to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Rwanda also offers beautiful landscapes and luxury lodges that cater to honeymooners. The lush hills and serene lakes provide a peaceful backdrop for a romantic getaway. After gorilla trekking, relax at Lake Kivu or explore the vibrant capital city, Kigali.

Highlights:
Volcanoes National Park
Lake Kivu

Best beaches to pair with your safari honeymoon

After an exhilarating safari, nothing complements the adventure quite like a relaxing beach escape. Here are some of the best beaches to consider pairing with your honeymoon safari:

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Ideal Pairing: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Why It’s Perfect: Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs offer a serene retreat. The island’s rich culture and historic Stone Town add a unique touch to your honeymoon.

Diani Beach, Kenya

Ideal Pairing: Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park
Why It’s Perfect: Diani Beach boasts soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Its laid-back atmosphere is ideal for unwinding after a thrilling safari.

Seychelles

Ideal Pairing: Any safari destination in East and Southern Africa
Why It’s Perfect: Seychelles offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with lush landscapes and secluded coves. It’s an excellent spot for luxury and privacy.

Mozambique

Ideal Pairing: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Why It’s Perfect: Mozambique’s coastline features pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and luxurious lodges. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking tranquillity and adventure.

Mauritius

Ideal Pairing: South Africa, especially Cape Town
Why It’s Perfect: Mauritius combines stunning beaches with verdant mountains and a vibrant culture. Its luxury resorts and diverse activities make it a great post-safari destination.