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A romantic safari is not just another couple’s adventure; it is a love affair with nature and a celebration of intimacy in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.
Far from the ordinary, romantic safari getaways allow couples to experience a world of utter luxury, where they are treated to private candlelit dinners beneath ancient trees, and mornings that begin with the soft glow of sunrise filtering through their canvas tent. A safari of this kind will give you the seclusion you desire and many precious moments to create memories that only the two of you will share.
Here in Africa, time slows down and begs you to enjoy each and every moment, whether it is out on a game drive, huddled together in a blanket to stave off the morning cold, while admiring the Big 5, or sipping wine on your private stoep as you watch the sunset.
From the golden savannahs of Kenya to the tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta, Africa holds a rare kind of romance, one that lingers long after the journey ends, which is partly why it has become one of the best destinations for couples.
Is a Safari Good for a Honeymoon?
With the golden glow of the savannah at sunset, the whisper of acacia trees swaying in the breeze, and the rhythmic chorus of distant wildlife, it is easy to see why a romantic safari might just be the best holiday you ever have with your partner.
The safari honeymoon is one of the fastest-growing travel trends and one that looks set to stick around. Most of Africa’s best safari destinations have exclusive honeymoon packages throughout the year, suiting all kinds of couples and their travel budgets.
Why should you book a safari for your honeymoon?
A honeymoon is a time for couples to escape, unwind, and revel in the joy of a shared adventure. A safari delivers all of this and more, such as:
- Privacy and Exclusivity – Many lodges cater specifically to couples, by providing secluded suites, private decks, and personal game drives.
- Unforgettable Experiences – Whether it’s floating over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon or watching lions lazing beneath an ancient baobab tree, every moment feels cinematic.
- Romance in the Wild – Champagne breakfasts deep in the bush, four-poster beds on a raised deck beneath the stars, or an infinity pool overlooking a waterhole that is frequented by wildlife, those who choose a safari for their honeymoon won’t find it difficult to find the romance.
- Adventure with a Luxurious Touch – The excitement of tracking wildlife is perfectly paired with spa treatments, sunset cruises, fine dining under the stars, and most importantly, privacy and seclusion.
When is the Best Time to Go on an African Safari Honeymoon?
Planning the perfect honeymoon is almost as stressful as planning your wedding. And much like you will spend hours and hours deciding on the ideal time to have your big day, you will most likely spend just as much time planning your getaway.
Africa much like the rest of the world has 4 distinct seasons with each having its own romantic character, whether it’s sunlit plains stretching beneath endless cool winter blue skies or lush green bushveld alive with new life.
The best time to plan your romantic safari honeymoon depends on what speaks to your heart as a couple.
The Dry Season (May – October)
For most destinations, the dry season is considered the best time to go on safari.
During these months, the skies are clear, and wildlife sightings are at their best.
Animals gather at waterholes, giving you the best sightings, while those iconic golden sunsets make the afternoon dreamy, just what you want for those sundowner moments. You are also unlikely to have your honeymoon washed out, as most of the top safari destinations have little to no rain at this time of the year.
If you’re planning your honeymoon during the dry season, some destinations to consider include:
- The Masai Mara in Kenya, where you can watch the Great Migration.
- South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where you can stay in luxury lodges and have intimate safari experiences.
- The Okavango Delta in Botswana, where your safari will take place on the waterways.
Dry season safaris also have far more comfortable temperatures, making them ideal for spending long days out in the wilderness before retreating to your lodge for a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars.
The Green Season (November – April)
The green season brings rain to many regions, and while the rain is most welcome and turns the bush green, it can be heavy to the point that flooding occurs.
Despite the rains, this time of year often feels more intimate as there are fewer travellers, quieter lodges, and a softer, more serene beauty.
It’s also a time of renewal, when baby animals are born, and the bush is alive with colour and birdsong.
Couples looking for a more private escape will find something special in the green season. It’s perfect for travelling to:
- Tanzania’s Serengeti, where wildebeest calves are born in their thousands.
- Botswana’s Okavango Delta, as the floodplains bloom with life.
- South Africa’s Greater Kruger region, where luxury lodges often have green season specials and peaceful, crowd-free stays.
While heavy rain showers can be expected, they are often brief and followed by spectacular sunsets, ideal for snuggling up on your private deck with a glass of wine.
What to Expect and How to Prepare for a Luxury Romantic Safari.
A romantic safari isn’t just about seeing the wildlife, it’s about the experience as a whole.
The finest lodges and reserves specialise in creating experiences designed specifically for couples, ensuring every detail is taken care of. When you are planning a romantic safari, this is what you can expect:
- Customised Itineraries – Many lodges design experiences around romance, with private game drives, bush picnics, and sunset sundowners served in the most picturesque locations.
- Slow, Meaningful Travel – Unlike group tours, luxury romantic safaris focus on exclusivity. There’s time to soak in every moment without feeling rushed.
- Culinary Treats in the Wild – From open-air breakfasts on your suite’s deck to gourmet dinners by lantern light, food is as much a part of the experience as the wildlife.
What to Pack for a Romantic Safari
Packing for a safari is about both style and practicality, because you are, after all, still going to be spending a lot of your time out in the bushveld and taking walks in the wild. You can stick to general safari packing times and be sure to include a few of these essentials:
- Light, Neutral Clothing – Soft, earthy tones keep you cool and will stop you from standing out in the landscape.
- A Chic Scarf or Wrap – Depending on when you are travelling, the early mornings or evenings can be cool and breezy. This light layer will keep you comfortable.
- Comfortable Footwear – Sturdy sandals for lodge life and lightweight boots for game drives are all you need to stay comfortable on your feet.
- A Camera or Travel Journal – To capture each moment and feeling on your trip. A shared journal can be an extra special keepsake, as not many people do this.
- A Special Surprise – A handwritten letter, a playlist of shared memories, or a small gift that you give to your beloved when they don’t expect it can make your trip even more special.
Honeymoon Safari Ideas
A honeymoon safari is about weaving once-in-a-lifetime moments into the fabric of your love story. And while it is a safari, you don’t have to exclusively focus on things like game drives or bush walks. There are other things you can do, other honeymoon safari ideas that you can add to your trip.
- A Star Bed Experience – There is nothing quite as romantic as spending a night on an open-air deck with nothing but the night sky above and the distant calls of wildlife below. Namibia has a few places that offer just such an experience.
- Private Sundowner Drives – Sipping bubbly as the sky turns shades of gold and crimson, with no one else in sight, is just what every honeymooning couple should do at least once.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari – Drifting silently above the world at dawn, watching as the wildlife awakens beneath you is a truly different experience. There are a couple of places in Africa that offer this as a safari package add-on.
- Couples’ Spa Retreats – Who can resist indulging in massages while overlooking the savannah? Most of the best luxury lodges have a spa.
- Gourmet Bush Dinners – A candlelit dinner deep in the wilderness, where the only soundtrack is nature itself, is a great way to make intimate memories with your loved one.
- Taking Wildlife Photography Together – Whether with a professional guide or your own camera, capturing the moments of your journey makes for incredible shared memories.
Romantic Safari Accommodation. How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay.
There are many elements that need to come together to make a honeymoon safari something out of this world, and one of the most important elements is the accommodation. Often, safaris marketed specifically for honeymooners will include the accommodation in the package but if you are planning a trip without a package, or if you want to know what is available out there, these are the most common types of romantic safari lodges.
- Luxury Tented Camps – These elegant, canvas-clad retreats bring the romance of the old-world safari without sacrificing your comfort.
- Private Villas and Suites – Often featuring plunge pools, outdoor showers, and even personal butlers, these spaces are designed with romance in mind.
- Treehouse Lodges – These sanctuaries are as advertised, built high up in a tree, and although they might look rather rustic, they don’t compromise on style or comfort.
- Waterfront Safari Lodges – Whether by a river or a lagoon, these lodges are built in tranquil settings where hippos and elephants often make guest appearances.
Your Romantic Safari Awaits – Let’s Make It Happen
A romantic safari is something every couple should do, even if it is just once and even if it is just a self-drive.
Let us take care of every detail, ensuring your safari is as enchanting as the love you share. Get in touch today and start planning your dream escape.
