Where to
Honeymoon in Africa
This is one of the most commonly asked questions by guests when they contact us here at Encompass Africa travel specialists. There certainly isn’t one clear answer because it comes down to your preferences like time of year, interests, and of course budget. So many amazing options exist when it comes to a honeymoon in Africa from barefoot luxury, to utter opulence, or remote, eco friendly simplicity.
Beyond the wildlife safari, Africa offers impressive landscapes that leave you breathless, endless mountains to climb, picture perfect beaches and tropical paradise palm fringed islands surrounded by azure waters.
Next up is how you like to travel. A honeymoon in Africa can offer freedom to explore at your own pace with self drive honeymoons in South Africa, Fly in luxury safaris in Namibia, Kenya and Botswana, or why not go the adventure route and climb Mount Kilimanjaro together first followed by a big five safari as your honeymoon in Africa finale in either Kenya or Tanzania.
Our honeymoon itineraries are tailored to your precise needs and we make sure it won’t blow the budget so there’s room for surprise indulgences. Effortless travel all the way is the ultimate honeymoon in Africa with Encompass Africa.
For 2018 we have found the top five countries to be as follows… yet remember anything is possible when you choose to honeymoon in Africa.
For more information see our Honeymoon page.
Kenya
Honeymoon in Africa
If honeymooning surrounded by far reaching views, incredible wildlife and stunning beaches appeals, Kenya is for you.
Accommodation varies from luxury lodges, with private plunge pools and fine dining, to romantic safari camps, sleeping in luxurious canvas tents listening to the sounds of the bush surrounding you.
Finish or start your honeymoon at one of the boutique, luxury beach hotels dotted along the coastline. Kenya must be pretty special if Prince William popped the question here…
We’ve seen an increase in honeymoons to Kenya and the top properties have been Saruni Samburu and Sasaab in the Samburu region, Angama Mara and Ol Seki Hemingways in the Masai Mara region, plus Ol Malo in Laikipia.
The common theme that runs through these properties: beautiful locations with amazing views, romantic settings and a penchant for privacy.
Mozambique
Honeymoon in Africa
Mozambique honeymoons are always popular; traditionally for barefoot luxury at its very best. It makes sense for those wanting to start married life on perfect white sandy beaches, plus there is fantastic scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, fresh seafood and killer sunsets. You won’t share it with the tourist masses because Mozambique is still a lesser known honeymoon in Africa destination. Home to small, exclusive lodges, owner run gems, and not to mention Robinson Crusoe style private islands for the ultimate in luxury, Mozambique can offer the ultimate finale to a honeymoon safari in Southern Africa.
2018 saw increased interest in Mozambique’s wilderness areas that are less famous and less visited. This means you really get off the grid; a unique experience almost to yourself.
Lake Niassa is the 9th largest lake in the world, 560 kilometres long and some 80 kilometres wide. On this lake is one of our favourites, the remote Nkwichi Lodge. There is never more than 14 guests here and your private chalet is tucked up in the tree line for exclusivity and shade. The highlight has to be the Nkwichi Star Bed – set up on a private beach or a private rock island close to shore, it’s a breathtaking way to savour the African night sky. It’s tricky to get to and that’s why we like it; less people make the effort, meaning all the more reward for you.
Namibia
Honeymoon in Africa
Views that must be seen to be believed, soaring sand-dunes, desert landscapes, water-holes with a traffic jam of lion, elephant , zebra, and giraffe to name a few, and the eerily beautiful Skeleton Coast, named for the shipwrecks found here. Namibia is one of the most sought after destinations in Africa for good reason. Travel by light aircraft or by road, self-drive or be guided, camp or stay in serious luxury, there is something to suit everyone taste. There was a rumour that the royals, Prince Harry and his lovely wife Meghan had Namibia on the list as a honeymoon in Africa option…
Namibia’s popularity in recent months has soared, if you are thinking of honeymooning here we highly recommend you book in early – a year ahead would be ideal so we can secure your first choice accommodation for your preferred dates.
There are some hot new properties opening in Namibia this year such as Hoanib Valley Camp where you can see desert adapted giraffe, elephant and rhino, and Shipwreck Lodge, whose design is all in the name. &Beyond’s Sossus Desert Lodge is one of our favourites for romance, never ending views and a sky so starry they have a resident astronomer to guide you through the constellations.
Zambia
Honeymoon in Africa
Zambia offers not only some of the best safaris in Africa, but some of the most luxurious accommodation as well. Begin your honeymoon at Victoria Falls, have a few lie-ins’s before the early mornings of safari begin. Choose between top end luxury lodges or embrace the adventure and sleep under the stars in mobile-tented camps. Whatever bed you sleep in your daily wildlife experiences will be incredible – see elephants bathing as you float by in a kayak, fish for tiger fish, or head out on bush walks with your guide – otherwise known as a walking encyclopaedia, they bring the bush to life with their knowledge.
New to both the luxury scene and to the Liuwa Plain, is King Lewanika Lodge. As the only permanent lodge in this enormous national park, you truly will have the place to yourselves. The lodge features luxurious rooms that maintain an African authenticity, with canvas walled rooms, raised decks, and surrounded by pristine wilderness. Liuwa Plain is home to Africa’s second largest wildebeest migration, seasonal wildflower blooms, fishing and canoeing as well as incredible wildlife to be seen on daily game drives.
South Africa
Honeymoon in Africa
For those wanting a bit of everything South Africa is the answer. You can indulge in fine wine and food, to a backdrop of perfectly manicured vineyards in the Cape Winelands. Enjoy city sophistication in Cape Town whilst staying in boutique, intimate and luxurious hotels. Be your own journey planner and explore the coastline and garden route with a hire car. Go whale watching, shark cage diving, or just be on deserted beaches knowing another handpicked hotel awaits you for the night. Safari options are plentiful (some areas are malaria free), choose to stay in luxury tented accommodation or go all out in a 5 star lodge complete with private plunge pool. For those culture seekers, KwaZulu Natal awaits where you can learn the traditions of the Zulu people.
South Africa is an immensely popular destination year on year, and remains great value. You can wine and dine for a fraction of the cost you pay in Australia, so there need be no holding back on the champagne! As well as offering so many great experiences, it can very easily be combined with one of its neighbours such as Victoria Falls or Botswana.
For an ultimate night of romance in the wild whilst on safari, spend a night in a luxurious treehouse. A few lodges offer this amazing experience, a night spent under the stars to the sounds of lions roaring will definitely be one you remember forever!