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The natural world has soooooooooooooooo many romantic attractions.
But a safari really is the ultimate way to experience nature with Africa awash with spectacular landscapes that let you get up close with an array of mind-blowing animals.
You can take a classic trip in stunning Namibia, home to hundreds of incredible birds and mammals. Where elephants, hippos, rhinos (both black and white) and statuesque giraffes are just some of the charming creatures waiting to meet you. Or choose a Kenyan safari through the Great Rift Valley, meeting members of the Masai Mara tribe and ticking Mount Kilimanjaro off your ‘must-see’ list. Botswana is the an epic African safari destination on the Okavango Delta, where the unique wetlands attract up to 580 different species of birds and 75 species of larger mammals, making it one of the most diverse and astonishing places to view wildlife on the planet. And then there’s South Africa - a safari experience that has it all. The perfect destination for couples who want to see ‘The Big 5’ and then spend a few days chilling on the beach.
So, how do
you choose the African safari that’s right for you?
To help you make your mind up here are 6 of the most romantic safaris in Africa and the reasons why couples love them…
Why is South Africa the best safari destination? Well, right now the exchange rate is great for visitors! But more seriously…the beauty of South Africa, is that there are still so many places ‘undiscovered’ and as a result not over-exposed and over-utilised by visitors. In addition, South Africa still has many wild, protected areas and open spaces, where you can view a selection of game and experience 'The Big 5' at close range…and most importantly…in their natural habitat.
South Africa’s other big attraction is its diversity. Within a few hours you can be on a beach, in the bush on a safari or in a bustling city OR at ALL three on the same day!! The Red Carnation Group in South Africa offers an amazing package where visitors can spend a few days at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in bustling Cape Town, and then after a three and a half hour drive, be in the magnificent Cederberg, at Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve& Wellness Retreat, home to ancient Bushman rock-art and an amazing array of wildlife. And then…after a few days of spiritual rejuvenation…head off to the beach in Durban, and The Oyster Box, where the weather and the water is warm all year round.
Travellers to South Africa need to consider that various parts of the country enjoy quite different weather conditions at the same time of the year. For example, Durban and Johannesburg receive summer rainfall, whereas Cape Town gets their rain in the winter and the wind blows all year-round! Winter in Cape Town and Johannesburg can be very cold, while Durban is much milder all year round. However, the humidity of the subtropical city, between December-February, may put some visitors off. To take advantage of the best of everything, South Africa in summer and autumn (December to April) is probably the best time to visit.
Seated at the foothills of the majestic Cederberg Mountains, the award-winning Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat sets the scene for the ultimate romantic wilderness rendezvous. It is a place of natural wonder and extraordinary beauty with a setting that has made it a sought-after destination for weddings, honeymoons and celebrations ranging from engagements to anniversaries. Once you enter the exclusive and totally private reserve, you leave the world behind. This place of ancient and untamed beauty… this extraordinary haven… is the ideal wilderness getaway to escape, restore, relax and connect with one another. From romantic meals at exotic locations, to leisurely nature walks and sensational sunset drives, to diving into crystal clear waterfalls and unwinding with soothing spa treatments - the wildly romantic wilderness setting ensures memories that will last forever.
For couples who are getting married this is truly a one-of-a-kind setting for your wedding day, with an array of picturesque locations and breath-taking dining venues to choose from. The stylish, bespoke wedding experience offered here is defined by effortless service, delicious organic cuisine, and superb facilities and accommodation, enhanced by an ancient and timeless landscape. Dedicated Wedding Coordinator Stephanie Hall-Tarling is at hand to help with all aspects of the wedding planning, leaving the happy couple free to enjoy every moment of their special day.
Then, tucked away alongside the Boontjies River, the beautifully designed Riverside Supreme Honeymoon Suite is the ideal choice for newlyweds, with a separate lounge with fireplace, large terrace, outdoor shower, a private heated plunge pool and luxury bathroom with a candlelit spa bath for two. Bushmans Kloof offers an exclusive Honeymoon package to drop the final curtain on the perfect wilderness wedding.
The natural beauty of South Africa makes it one of the most romantic safari destinations imaginable. Stay at Cheetah Paw for early mornings waking up to the sound of roaring lions and birdsong at sun rise and then watching the most amazing sunset from the deck while enjoying a cocktail. In between couples are invited to experience full day Kruguer safaris and game drives where you will view magnificent African Animals in their natural habitat including South Africa's famous Big 5: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. For the best viewing of wildlife June – September is always a good time just before the rain comes.
Visitors to Cheetah Paw soon discover the breath-taking views of the stunning South African landscape are as equally enthralling as the wildlife and there is no more memorable way to see the beauty of the surrounding area than going on a full day panorama tour and drive along the Blyde River Canyon. A day tour drive along the Blyde River Canyon takes in sights including the Three Rondavels, Burkes Luck Potholes, God's Window, The Pinnacle and the Lisbon Falls - providing endless photo opportunities to document your romantic trip. Couples can also arrange a relaxing boat cruise along the Blyde Dam for a more laid back tour of the wonderful African landscape and for the ultimate romantic experience couples can even treat themselves to a private cruise for two.
When celebrating a special romantic occasion at Cheetah Paw most couples like to mark the occasion with a special romantic meal and what could be more romantic than sharing a candle-lit dinner for two in wilds of the African bush? This is the perfect setting for an unforgettable proposal to your loved one, or creating a once in a lifetime romantic moment to celebrate your honeymoon, anniversary or birthday. Let the amazing team at Cheetah Paw set up a romantic three course candle lit dinner with ice cold champagne and flowers served in the privacy of your own superior chalet or luxury tent on the deck while enjoying the sounds of the beautiful African night life as you dine overlooking the waterhole.
Kenya's mesmerising landscapes include endless savannah plains and scorched deserts interrupted by snow-capped mountains, cool highlands and equatorial forests. The scenic coastline possesses the atmosphere of a paradise island and is sprinkled with colourful coral reefs. And the Maasai Mara is home to one of the world's most phenomenal wildlife spectacles: the annual wildebeest migration.
Kenya is a year-round destination with different seasons bringing different opportunities. The rains from March through May bring a clear air, lush surrounds and great photographic opportunities. Views of Mount Kenya are good with less haze than during the dry season, and herds of grazers like plains zebra, gazelles and their predators move onto Segera's lush plains during this time. In the dry season, game becomes concentrated around water sources and predator viewing is at its best.
Honeymooners and couples will love spending a romantic evening at Segera's authentic NAY PALAD Bird Nest sleep-out in the middle of the African bush surrounded by the sounds of nocturnal wildlife and the incredible constellation of stars.
Built alongside a river teeming with wildlife, the NAY PALAD Bird Nest offers a breathtaking escape in the heart of Laikipia – one of Kenya’s most iconic safari locations. Renowned for its sheer luxury and bespoke service, Segera focuses on creating the most intimate and private experiences for its guests; the new NAY PALAD Bird Nest offers just that, and more.
Perched above the treetops overlooking a river and endless plains, the Bird Nest is a new concept of nesting and sleeping like a bird – above the ground, with literally a 360 degree bird’s eye-view of this beautiful wilderness. The entire nest structure is built and designed from raw materials, such as farmed wood and actual tree branches which have been woven into a nest by local community members. The interior suite features all the trimmings guests could hope for, such as a fully-equipped bathroom with running water (solar heated) and a flushing toilet.
Segera is also the perfect venue for intimate weddings, marriage proposals and vow renewals. Multiple villas can sleep up to eighteen guests and the
lodge is available for exclusive-use bookings.
Botswana is perhaps the most rewarding country in Africa in which to experience a safari. Each year floodwater flows into the Okavango from its source in the moist central African highlands southwards and into the Kalahari Desert to create a unique wetland that supports and sustains a huge diversity of wildlife. Apart from year-round excellent game viewing, the beauty of this water wonderland is awe-inspiring. To the north-east of the Okavango Delta are the Chobe and Linyanti Game Reserves where the many varied habitats within the Chobe and Linyanti parks have created an area renowned for its predators and large concentrations of game, especially elephant. The grasslands of the Kalahari together with the lunar expanse of the Makgadikgadi saltpans complement and are in thrilling contrast to the verdant, game-rich north.
As many as 580 bird species have been recorded in Botswana with 75 larger mammal species known to occur. But overall it is often the sense of wilderness and pristine functioning ecosystems that has the most significant impact on visitors. Botswana's close proximity to Victoria Falls allows couples to experience the romance of these iconic falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. And easy, direct flights between Victoria Falls and Cape Town allows couples the opportunity to combine one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world with an exceptional safari experience.
Botswana is a year-round destination but if
you want to experience the magical tapestry of waterways that make up the
Okavango Delta, late April through November is the best time to travel. During
this time, the Okavango Delta floods and provides the opportunity to view
wildlife from mokoros (dug-out canoes) and boats as well as safari vehicles on
the many larger islands. From November through to April, the central Kalahari
desert experiences phenomenal concentrations of game.
Abu Camp is an enchanting safari camp and offers a unique African experience, where you're invited to lose yourself in the magic of the wildlife and the luscious landscape of the Okavango Delta, and walk and ride with the Abu elephants.The ultimate romantic experience at Abu Camp is a sleep-out on the star-bed platform overlooking the elephant boma at Abu Camp. Abu Camp is also the perfect setting for a small private wedding blessing or an intimate renewal of wedding vows.
Belgrace Boutique Hotel is an exclusive 5 star romantic destination conveniently situated on the doorstep to the world renowned Kruger National Park, as well as the majestic Panorama Scenic Nature Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon which is the second largest canyon in Africa and the only green canyon in the world. Undoubtedly South Africa’s most iconic game-viewing destination and Africa’s second-largest park, the Kruger National Park is spread across an impressive 2 million hectares of land in the far north-eastern corner of South Africa. And as the oldest, largest, and most well-established park, Kruger is home to the highest population-density of the Big 5 in South Africa.
With Belgrace being just 5 minutes from the Kruger Mpumlaanga International Airport you can easily combine your Safari Holiday with a Beach Holiday with flights direct to Cape Town, Durban or Vilancoulos in Mozambique. The climate of the Mpumalanga province is favourable throughout the year and Belgrace Boutique Hotel is cozy and warm with hot water jacuzzi’s and fireplaces in winter, as well as fully air-conditioned with private splash pools and outdoor showers to keep cool in the warm summer months.
We suggest spending 4 nights at Belgrace, the ultimate love nest for warm loving engagement propsals, anniversary celebrations and any 5 star romantic holidays. Guests can then spend 2 Days on Safari in the Kruger and the 3rd day exploring the Blyde River Canyon. Exclusive Day tours in Belgrace 5 star style will take you into the Kruger National Park with a qualified guide in a Luxury Air Conditioned Vehicle. A private helicopter flight over the largest green Canyon in the world or a Day Tour in our Luxury Vehicle is also a must for all for visitors coming to the Kruger Area
Belgrace Boutique Hotel also offers bespoke and intimate weddings and renewal of vows ceremonies.
Located in between South Africa and Angola on the continent's west coast, Namibia is a very special destination made famous by its dramatic desert landscapes and unique wildlife. It also offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from admiring ancient San rock paintings to drinking German beer in the colonial town of Swakopmund.
In Namibia's Himba villages, tribal communities continue to live as they have done for thousands of years. This is also the ideal destination for travellers that like to explore independently, with national parks made for self-drive safaris and a network of roads and towns that remain relatively safe.
Located in the north of the country around the edges of a vast salt pan, Etosha National Park is Namibia's top wildlife destination. It is one of the best places in the world to spot endangered black and white Rhino`s, while other bucket list animals include lions, cheetah, elephant and leopard. It's also a great place for birding, with 340 different avian species. The Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world, and at its heart lies the Sossusvlei dune sea. Here, ochre dunes rise in spectacular star-shaped peaks, outlined against the azure sky. Staying at Sesriem Camp (located within the park gates) affords you early access to the dunes - a major benefit for anyone wanting to climb to the top of iconic peak Dune 45 in time for sunrise.
The Fish River Canyon is Africa's largest canyon, second only in size to America's Grand Canyon. Located in the south of the country, it is thought to have formed around 500 million years ago. Today, the Fish River has carved out over 100 miles/ 160 kilometres of rock, and in places the canyon walls are over half a kilometre high.
An isolated finger jutting eastward from Namibia's northeast corner, the Caprivi Strip is entirely different from the rest of the country. Fed by the mighty Kavango, Chobe, Zambezi and Cuando rivers, it is a green oasis known for its lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. The riverbanks are home to a selection of accommodation options, ranging from backpacker hostels to luxury waterfront chalets. The best way to experience the region is from the water, on a houseboat. The birdlife is a particular draw, with over 425 bird species recorded in the Caprivi region.
Brandberg Mountain is the highest mountain in Namibia, with an elevation of 8,442 feet/ 2,573 meters. Its name translates as "Fire Mountain", a moniker well-deserved by the glowing orange colour of its cliffs at sunset. The mountain covers an area of 250 square miles/ 650 square kilometres, and boasts one of the world's largest collections of ancient rock paintings.
The best time to visit Namibia is during winter months when all the animals need to come down to the Chobe River to drink and bathe, such as the elephants. The daily temperatures are far more moderate and the game sightings are world class. Distances are vast and the weather in summer is really hot so make sure to bring along a good pair of walking shoes, a hat, sunblock and drink lots of mineral water!
For the ultimate romantic honeymoon package in Namibia, Zambezi Queen includes upgrades to master suites (subject to availability), a romantic turndown and a bottle of sparkling wine in your suite on arrival. The Zambezi Queen is perfect for intimate weddings accommodating up to 14 couples and providing a minister to perform the wedding ceremony on board the vessel.
