Inspiring Romance and Honeymoon Ideas
A ROMANTIC Adventure
Choosing the perfect destination for a honeymoon, intimate wedding or celebration together can feel overwhelming. If you are dreaming of something that you will be talking about for years to come, then look no further than exploring the magic of Africa.
Africa truly is the perfect recipe for romance. With sweeping landscapes, abundant wildlife and less crowded but more exclusive islands, Africa is an exciting mix of adventure, culture and relaxation.
There’s something so alluring about waking up to a chorus of animals and heart-stirring vistas of wild Africa, with someone you love.
Days are filled with thrilling game drives, walks, spa treatments, relaxing poolside, enjoying sundowners and other surprises.
When it comes to great food and extravagant comfort, it’s difficult to top a leading safari lodge or camp.
Enhance your safari with bespoke experiences such as sleeping under the African sky in a Star Bed. Make your wedding or vowel renewal special with a traditional Maasai blessing.
We know African romance and we can’t wait to connect you to the heart of Africa.
Photo Credit: Tinga Safari Lodge Treehouse
YOU DESERVE The Best
When celebrating the big moments in life, you deserve the best on safari and in trip planning. We have partnered with luxury safari outfitter African Travel, Inc. because of their passion for Africa. For 45 years, they have created unforgettable safaris, weddings, honeymoons and celebrations.
Together we have created this guide to help you plan your dream journey. Start with these five tips and the many trip ideas we are about to share, then schedule a time to chat with us about how to live your African dream.
Work with an expert who exclusively knows Africa and can guide you to the best camps and lodges to match your travel style. African Travel’s long-running track record and buying power means you have a lot of choice and can Safari, Your Way.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®! Each of our safaris include immersive experiences that have a positive impact on both the people and wildlife. 1 2 3 4 5
Compile a list of dream wildlife and locations. Our safari specialists often recommend experiences you cannot find on-line or in a guidebook.
We love private conservancies and reserves. There is more flexibility in game drives and limited number of guests. Since most of these lodges and camps are small and intimate, you’ll want to book now to reserve your space
Having a Guest Service Team available 24/7 will help ease your worries. Our local team assists with any changes.
SAFARI, Your Way
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
To build your own unique journey, here are some can’t miss African experiences we love to include in trips.
Or you can match a destination with experiences based on your travel style below.
ADRENALINE SEEKER
Victoria Falls: Devil’s Pool swim, zip line, walking and water safari
URBAN DIVERSIONS
Cape Town: Yoga at Table Mountain, art walk and at home cooking class
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
Kenya: Adopt an elephant, shop with a purpose, spot the Samburu 5 and meet endangered white rhinos.
HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
Soar above some of Africa’s beaches, falls and wildlife
Victoria Falls | South Africa
TREE-HOUSES & SKY BEDS
Watch the stars, as lions roar in the distance
Kenya | South Africa
GORILLA TREK
Face-to-face encounter with our closest relative
Rwanda | Uganda
EXPLORE CULTURES
See a contrast of ancient and modern civilizations
Egypt | South & East Africa
ISLAND RETREATS
Island paradise and over water bungalows
Seychelles | Mauritius
HORSEBACK SAFARI
Ride among grazing herds
South & East Africa
WINE COUNTRY
Visit the world’s most stunning winelands
South Africa
THRILLING ADVENTURES
Soar above or float along on a water safari
South & East Africa
ROMANTIC DINNERS
Indulge in a decedent dining experience
Everywhere!
DIVING
Enjoy some of the world’s best diving
Tanzania | Mozambique
Photo Credit: Camp Jabulani, South Africa
FALL IN LOVE WITH AFRICA
Find the right Africa just for you with one of these special journeys.
Like the stripes on a zebra, no two human fingerprints are the same. The same is true for each person’s ideal safari. African Travel specializes in crafting magical journeys to suite each guest’s personal travel style and interest.
Whatever your dreams of Africa, use one of these three ideas as inspiration - or mix and match - to create the perfect safari just for you.
AFRICAN Romance
AFRICAN TRAVEL
Experiences
Cape Town private driver/guide
Special dinners and incredible suites and villas
Helicopter transfer to Azura Benguerra Island
A guided island hop with snorkeling on Two Mile Reef and picnic at North Point Beach
A private butler to look after your every need
10 DAYS
CAPE TOWN | KRUGER PRIVATE RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO, MOZAMBIQUE
This popular safari artfully combines Cape Town, Kruger National Park and one of the most Eden-like beach retreats in Mozambique.
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Your romantic journey begins in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Taj Cape Town
Day 2 Cape Town
Be swept away on a full-day guided tour of the stunning seascapes of “The Fairest Cape.” View the pristine beaches of Camps Bay and hug the cliffs along legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive on your way to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Linger over lunch and view a colony of penguins at beautiful Boulders Beach. (BL)
Taj Cape Town
A SAFARI Match
This safari satisfies adventurous city, beach and bush interests while allowing downtime in beautiful places.
Day 3 Cape Town
Start your day at the top of Table Mountain to view the city before descending into Cape Town for a private guided tour. Cape Town has some of the most colorful neighborhoods and the locals are equally interesting. Explore the sights of the city, including Woodstock. The Brooklyn of Cape Town, Woodstock has plenty of industrial spaces, quirky shops and artists to discover. (BL)
Taj Cape Town
Day 4 Cape Town
Taste your way through Stellenbosch on a guided walk of family-owned specialty shops: artisan breads, locally grown teas, biltong and droëwors (cured meats) and sweet treats like koeksisters and Amarula mousse. Enjoy a special wine tasting this afternoon. (BL)
Taj Cape Town
FALL IN LOVE With Africa
The diversity of African experiences is outstanding. If you don’t want to visit an island, consider visiting another area for different wildlife viewing or exploring another city like the surfing mecca of Durban.
Photo Credit: Romantic beach walk, Azura Benguerra
AFRICAN Romance
Day 6 Kruger Private Reserve
Twice-daily game drives throughout the reserve provide plenty of opportunities to witness wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five – the most iconic of the African animals. Meet the members of the Tango K9 unit and see first-hand how the dogs and their handlers operate and the brave work they do in combating poaching in and around the reserve. (BLD)
Simbambili Game Lodge
Day 7 Kruger Private Reserve
Explore the rarer sights and wonders of the bush, or perhaps take a guided walk through the bush. Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars while on safari.
Meet the leaders of the Thousand Herbs and Vegetable Garden co-operative, which is supporting local women to grow quality herbs, vegetables and edible flowers that are sold to local lodges, retailers and their immediate community. (BLD)
Simbambili Game Lodge
Day 8 Kruger Private Reserve / Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Greet the dawn for one final game drive before flying off to Mozambique. Your beach home is set in a protected marine conservation area, with pristine beaches and unspoiled coral reefs. (BLD)
Azura Benguerra Island
Day 9 Bazaruto Archipelago
Board your speedboat for an island-hopping adventure around the Archipelago. Hike up Bazaruto Dune for beautiful panoramic views. Then head to Two Mile Reef for spectacular snorkeling. Finally, hop over to North Point and enjoy a picnic on a secluded beach. Don’t forget to take a final dip in the clear waters before returning to your beach villa. (BLD)
Azura Benguerra Island
Day 10 Bazaruto Archipelago
Today opt for complete relaxation or adventure. Butler hosts can look after your every need, enjoy the spa, book a 4x4 drive among the local communities and dunes, horseback ride, go deep sea fishing, or organize a sunset dhow cruise. Join a low impact ocean safari exploration of the Mozambique shelf or the Bazaruto Archipelago. (BLD)
Azura Benguerra Island
Day 11 Bazaruto Archipelago
Another day in paradise to soak up the sun enjoy your peaceful surroundings. (BLD)
Azura Benguerra Island
Day 12 Bazaruto Archipelago / Depart
Bid farewell to Africa, taking with you a lifetime of loving memories. Fly back to Johannesburg and your onward international flight home. (B)
ENCHANTING East Africa
AFRICAN TRAVEL
Experiences
A luxury mobile camp stay for optimal wildlife viewing on the Serengeti
Bush flights to maximize time for game drives and relaxing at gorgeous camps
Private Stone Town and dhow sailing experience
A team to source hair and make up, entertainment or special experiences for custom events
Photo Credit: Giraffe at Salas Camp
11 DAYS
NAIROBI, MAASAI MARA, KENYA SERENGETI, ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
This quintessential East African safari is filled with life changing experiences. Roam the game-rich plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti in search of wildlife. Then relax at a blissful seaside retreat on the exotic island of Zanzibar.
Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya
After a warm welcome, you’ll be driven to your exclusive boutique hotel set in a private giraffe sanctuary within Nairobi. (D)
Giraffe Manor
Day 2 Nairobi
Share your breakfast with the resident Rothschild giraffe, as they pop their long necks through the windows in search of a treat. From encounters with the world’s tallest mammal to exploring local culture, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your stay, both within the manor’s grounds and in the local area. (BLD)
Giraffe Manor
A SAFARI Match
Whether celebrating a wedding, anniversary or renewing vows, this is a truly intimate experience for any occasion.
Day 3 Nairobi / Maasai Mara
Fly to the fabulous Maasai Mara. Meet your ranger and take off on an afternoon drive. It is the presence of the Big Five and a huge supporting cast of wildlife that makes this safari memorable. Return to camp for sundowners and a sumptuous dinner. (BLD) Sala’s Camp
Day 4 Maasai Mara
Every day in the Maasai Mara is different, with a neverending showcase of untamed nature. Enjoy morning and afternoon game viewing in open safari vehicles. (BLD) Sala’s Camp
BLESSED Journey
Tanzania and Kenya offer unique wedding and blessing experiences.
One of the mot unforgettable ways to celebrate love is an intimate ceremony or a Maasai blessing conducted by village elders.
Photo Credit: Mara Bushtops wedding ceremony, Kenya
ENCHANTING East Africa
Day 5 Maasai Mara
Get close to nature on a guided walk. Learn about pangolin protection, big cat monitoring and how the camp supports a team of rhino rangers. Sala’s Camp is incredibly lucky to have higher numbers of pangolin nearby than any other camp in Kenya and benefits from the knowledge of their resident Pangolin Project experts. (BLD) Sala’s Camp
Day 6 Maasai Mara / Serengeti
After breakfast continue by air to Tanzania’s great Serengeti, where lions stroll, leopards lounge and giraffes, gazelles and Zebra keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. (BLD)
Roving Bushtops
Day 7 Serengeti
Explore the open plains of the Serengeti wilderness on early morning and late afternoon private game drives. Return to camp for a Bushcraft Challenge to learn about local survival skills, traditions and cultures, basic survival skills and the importance of conservation and local flora and fauna. Then settle down to an evening of good food and conversation. (BLD)
Roving Bushtops
Day 8 Serengeti / Zanzibar
Today you will fly off to the spice island of Zanzibar. The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and fragrant tropical air awaits you’re arrival. (BD)
Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar
Day 9 Zanzibar
The day is at leisure, to relax and enjoy the resort’s pool and spa facilities. Take a private tour through Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and browse the bustling markets. Sail to Prison Island on a traditional wooden dhow. (BD)
Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar
Day 10 Zanzibar
Enjoy another day at leisure on this magical island, where the fusion of Arab, African and European cultures has created a pace of life, and a colorful tapestry of architecture and heritage. (BD)
Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar
Day 11 Zanzibar / Depart
Today you are transferred to the airport for your ongoing flight arrangements. (B)
ULTIMATE South Africa & Victoria Falls
AFRICAN TRAVEL
Experiences
Helicopter flight over Cape Town
Custom, private Winelands, Cape Peninsula and city tours
Prolific Big 5 and leopard viewing on game drives and walks in the famous Sabi Sand
set on an exclusive island
Treehouse suite
Photo Credit: Star bed at Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zimbabwe
11 DAYS
CAPE TOWN | SABI SAND | JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Explore beautiful Cape Town on privately guided tours, including a helicopter flight along the sparkling coastline, followed by a luxury safari and the serenity of your very own treehouse suite in the middle of the Zambezi River.
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Look forward to a warm welcome on arrival in Cape Town. A transfer takes you to the 5-star Silo Hotel located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This unique and stunning property, built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex, is a magical place with beautiful individually designed and decorated rooms.
The Silo
A SAFARI Match
Uncover the ultimate experience of art, design and wildlife brought to life by experts who take you on a journey of the senses.
Day 2 Cape Town
Meet your personal driver and guide for the next two days and embark on a day of discovering the pristine coastline and quaint towns of “The Fairest Cape.” Keep your binoculars ready to spot wildlife in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Continue along the coastline to Boulders Beach and linger among the penguins. (BL)
The Silo
Day 3 Cape Town
Start your morning with a magnificent aerial view of the Atlantic Seaboard on a helicopter ride from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront over the city bowl and white sandy beaches. (B)
The Silo
FEELING
Adventurous?
Want to take a sidecar tour of Cape Town sights and Bo Kaap? Visit the Devil’s Pool or do a Canopy tour? Track wildlife. Try a Zambezi fishing safari?
You dream it and we’ll arrange it.
ULTIMATE SouthAfrica& VictoriaFalls
Day4 Cape Town
VentureintothebeautifulFranschhoekwinelandsona private tour. Discover wine farms and estates, each with their own story to tell. Stroll through the picturesque village, and enjoy lunch on a nearby wine farm surrounded by old oak trees. If you love art, experience an Art Route tour, visiting the local artist studios and galleries tailored to your interests. (B)
TheSilo
Day5 Cape Town/KrugerPrivateReserve
Withacoupleofshortflights, you’ll be on your way to your safariadventureintheprivateSabiSandsPrivateReserve. SettleinandsoakupthetranquilityoftheAfricanbush beforeembarkingonyourlateafternoongamedrive.This superbsanctuaryishometoanabundanceofwildlifeso keepyoureyespeeled.(BLD)
Dulini
Day6 KrugerPrivateReserve
Safarigamedrives,accompaniedbyexperiencedrangers andtrackers,takeplaceearlymorningandlateafternoon intoearlyevening.Thisareaisoneofthefinest safari areas inSouthAfricawithanextremelyhighdensityofwildlife.You aresuretobeenthralledbyyourwildlifeexperience!(BLD)
Dulini
Day7 KrugerPrivateReserve
Enjoygameviewinginthiswildlifeparadise.Withno boundaryfencesbetweentheSabiSandandKruger NationalPark,agreatdiversityofwildlifeisfoundhere, includingtheBigFive:lion,leopard,elephant,buffaloand rhino.(BLD)
Dulini
Day8 KrugerPrivateReserve/Johannesburg
LeavingbehindthemagicalAfricanbushyouwillfly to JohannesburgforanightatTheSaxonHotel,anexclusive retreatlocatedon10landscapedacres,withanawardwinningspaandelegantdining.(B)
TheSaxon
Day9 Johannesburg
FlytoVictoriaFallsforatwonightstayattheexclusive VictoriaFallsRiverLodgeIslandTreehouseSuites.Setonan
exclusive Island, the luxury glass and wood suites are only accessible by boat. Sit back, relax and drink in the magnificence of your surrounds. (BLD)
Victoria Falls River Lodge Island Treehouse Suites
Day 10 Victoria Falls
Personal butler services, fine dining and an array of recreation opportunities including a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls, promises an unforgettable experience. (BLD)
Victoria Falls River Lodge Island Treehouse Suites
Day 11 Victoria Falls / Depart
Bid farewell to this paradise as you fly to Johannesburg for your homebound or ongoing flight. (B)
AFRICA’S Bush & Beach
Many think that Africa only offers wildlife. Combining a safari with Africa’s beautiful beaches is a wonderful option for those wanting the best of both African worlds. Explore Africa’s cities and bush, then dig your toes in the sand and unplug in paradise.
KENYA’S COASTAL ESCAPES
Some of Africa’s best beaches are along Kenya’s coastline including Diani Beach just south of Mombasa.
There’s excellent resorts, beach villas, a wide array of beach activities, golfing and dreamy dive sites. You might see whale sharks between November and February.
Pair with MAGICAL KENYA
Enjoy spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley and Mt. Kilimanjaro on the 2 hr. flight to the Maasai Mara.
TANZANIA’S ZANZIBAR
The ‘Spice Island” is rich in Moorish, Middle Eastern and African influences. Explore the World Heritage listed Stone Town, discover rare colobus monkeys and indulge in luxurious resorts.
Consider Pemba Island where untouched coral reefs, hidden beaches and secrets lagoons are surrounded by a mosaic of forests.
Explore
ENCHANTING EAST AFRICA
The quickest flight connections are from Dar es Salaam (20 min) and Nairobi (2 hrs) so safaris in Kenya and Tanzania are great options.
SEYCHELLES
A group of jewel-like islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles lets you live out your tropical island fantasy in world-class luxury. Consider a secluded resort on the main island of Mahe or North Island, a favorite honeymoon destination for royalty.
Pair with UNDER KENYAN SKIES
Situated off Kenya’s coast (about a 3 hr. flight), a safari in Kenya is closes but some also add on the island from South Africa (approximately 5 hr. flight)
MAURITIUS
Situated east of Madagascar, this tiny Indian Ocean island offers a variety of experiences: jungle hikes, waterfalls, great golf courses, and the unique Seven Coloured Dunes.
Pair with SOUTH AFRICA, REGAL RETREAT
Often the playground of Southern Africans, most fly here from South Africa (approximately 7 Hrs. flight)
MADAGASCAR
The land of lemurs, rain forests, and otherworldly baobabs, this wild island is known as the 8th continent. Thrill at day and night forest walks, lively cities and amazing diving and snorkeling.
Explore MAGICAL MADAGASCAR
This 9-day itinerary could be its own bush & beach trip. Get here via Paris to Nairobi (4 hrs.) or Johannesburg (3 hrs.)
MOZAMBIQUE
Home to less-traveled beaches, the nation hugging the continent’s eastern coastline is the perfect place to decompress after a safari. Indulge in island hopping, an ocean safari and relaxing at legendary Benguerra Island.
Experience
AFRICAN
ROMANCE
Enjoy a Kruger or Sabi Sand game drive in the am and sip a cocktail on the beach in the afternoon with a quick 1 hour direct flight to Vilanculos.
THE PERFECT HONEYMOON
By Amber Dedekind
Africa was an easy choice when my now-husband and I decided where we should go on our honeymoon. We wanted adventure, beauty, culture, and relaxation, all wrapped into one vacation.
As a travel destination, the continent of Africa has a lot of misconceptions, and we were surprised by how many people were interested in why we had chosen it as a honeymoon destination. It wasn’t until I described what our days would look like did our friends understand why we chose Africa. So, let’s look at a day on safari in Botswana at Xigera Safari Lodge.
A DAY ON SAFARI
On our first day on safari, we woke up in time to watch the sunrise and cuddle on the couch on the deck with a warm cup of coffee. We were delighted to see a herd of elephants in the distance. After relaxing, we had a refreshing outdoor shower before we met our guide for our first game viewing activity.
A PASSION FOR WILDLIFE
Tops, our guide for the next three days, is just as excited as us to head out to see what the delta has to show us today. We spend the morning with the elephants learning why they’re whacking themselves with dry grass (to get all the rocks out of the roots to protect their teeth). We can tell if an elephant is left or right dominant (their tusks are more worn on their dominant side). We find a pair of ostriches nesting their eggs that are about to hatch and learn that males are darker in color than females. We have a cup of coffee next to a deep pool of water full of hippos and learn they spend their days submerged to protect their sensitive skin and escape the heat.
AN EXHILARATING ADVENTURE
Even though we are sitting back in a surprisingly comfortable off-road vehicle, the whole experience is exhilarating. We’ve seen giraffes, unique birds, zebras, antelope, and red lechwe, and with each sighting, it’s more exciting than the first.
Tops is educating us on animal tracks in the dirt, showing us how we can see fresh tracks versus old, and how the lions will walk on dirt roads at night, but in the day, they stay hidden in the brush.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
We ate a tapas-style lunch, accompanied by the perfect glass of wine, that blew away all expectations We savored each bite as we ‘cheers’ to the beautiful view of the bush.
Xigera Safari Lodge makes it so easy to relax. Starting with the suite, the living room is both beautifully decorated and infinitely comfortable, with a large leather couch that wraps around the room. The mini-bar has an array of ingredients to
“Can you believe we’re here? Can you believe we’re married? Can you believe this is our honeymoon?”
make different cocktails. A handwritten note suggests trying the Elephant Gin with a slice of dried grapefruit, a suggestion we took seriously. To nobody’s surprise, it was delicious.
Away from our suite, the lodge offers top-of-theline spa treatments, massages, and an outdoor pool that offers views of a waterway that passes in front of the property. The library is full of literature suited to many interests and is the only common area that has wifi, allowing you to really disconnect and unwind.
ADVENTURES AFLOAT
We arrive in the evening for our next game viewing activity, ready to see the delta by boat. June through September is the dry season, so we have a quick drive to the boat launch, but you can take the boat directly from the lodge during other times of the year.
We hop in the boat, which has a glass-bottom section to see below. My first thought was a bout of concern that we wouldn’t be able to see anything, but I was quickly proven wrong as my husband, spotted a crocodile entirely out of the water about 15 feet away from us.
Shortly after, we see a baby crocodile no longer than a foot and a half scurry through the water on the edge of the grass. Tops and Bboy, our captain, tell us these two sightings are incredibly unique since the most common sightings are of them still as a statute. This sunset boat ride is filled with colorful birds flying past us, an array of plant life that all contribute to the greater ecosystem.
With one last sunset photo, our boat ride comes to a close, we hop into the 4x4, and head back to the lodge… or so we thought. Instead, we arrive at a large clearing as the sun sets between two tall palm-looking trees. The lodge staff has set up a delicious-looking spread with meats, cheeses, house-made jerky, and a bar where a gentleman suggests the signature cocktail. I’ve yet to be disappointed with a recommendation, so without even asking what the drink was, I said, “yes, please.”
Drink in one hand, husband’s hand in the other, we sit in this clearing and enjoy the sunset. We can’t help but say to each other, “can you believe we’re here? Can you believe we’re married? Can you believe this is our honeymoon?”
By the end of our safari adventure, we had seen more than we could have imagined. We saw elephants shaking giant trees to get fruit, we saw more hippos than we could count, and in the end, Tops found us lions, just as a mother lion and her three cubs crossed a waterway.
Our honeymoon in Africa was just as much exhilarating as it was peaceful, and above all, it was the perfect honeymoon.
BEST OF
Platinum Botswana
On the 11-day safari you can recharge at Xigera Safari Lodge, spot wild dog in the Selinda Reserve, delight in the desert magic of the Makgadikgadi, take a fascinating walk with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen and meet Africa’s famous meerkats.
Photo Credit: Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana; and Amber Dedekind
Photo Credit: Thanda Safari, South Africa