10 Romantic Places to Honeymoon in Africa

The Okavango Delta is one of Botswana’s premier safari destinations and the perfect place for African honeymoons.

The pristine beauty of the rising and falling water feeds the untamed energy of the floodplains and the daily drama of the wildlife encounter, perfect for a distinctive honeymoon. The growls of leopards, whoops of hyenas, and bone-rattling roars of lions mix with the tranquil babbling of the rivers to provide a powerful soundtrack. Papyrus reeds conceal birds, hippos, and zebras along their banks.

Experiencing the splendors of the Okavango Delta from above provides a panorama of the winding canals. Discovering the landscape and riverways at ground level reveals the more intimate characteristics of the parched trees and earth in the dry season, or the flooded prairies in the wet season. The delta is the perfect romantic backdrop for a luxurious getaway in one of Africa’s wildest destinations.

Learn more: Botswana Honeymoon Packages • Botswana Safari Guide

The East African country of Kenya is home to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Park, which offers a breathtaking combination of open savannas, lush grasslands, and mountainous highlands.

The region plays host to some of the world’s most captivating wildlife and romance emanates from the picturesque, peaceful countryside. Maasai Mara’s popularity is immediately understood, with massive herds of zebra and wildebeest stumbling across the gentle expanse of rolling grasslands, especially during the Great Migration between July and November.

As a top African honeymoon destination, the Mara allows one to embark on classic safaris that set the scene for ultimate romance. Few places in the world come close to providing the adventures offered by the Maasai Mara, which include meeting with local villagers and warriors, lounging in luxurious accommodations, rock climbing, embarking on wildlife safaris, and relaxing by a pool with unparalleled views of the national park.

Learn more: Kenya Honeymoon Packages • Kenya Safari Guide

The Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s most famous national parks and when paired with the neighboring Ngorongoro Crater, provides some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.

A honeymoon in the Serengeti reveals the composed and untouched nature of East Africa, where lions lounge in the hot sun, wildebeest migrate by the millions at the end of spring and start of summer, and teeming birdlife in the green season colors the bush.

Swahili for “endless plain”, the Serengeti offers boundless romance through luxurious accommodations and experiences. Enjoy a candlelit dinner for two on your private deck, drinks at sunset high on a mountain kopje, or a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise. Tanzania’s Serengeti is timeless as an icon of relaxation, exploration, and discovery.

Learn more: Tanzania Honeymoon Packages • Tanzania Safari Guide

Zanzibar, off the eastern coast of Tanzania, encompasses the treasures of the ocean, the marvels of sandy beaches, and a captivating cocktail of historical cultures.

Zanzibar steps away from Sub-Saharan Africa’s stereotypical scenery of parading giraffes and acacia trees to reveal a breathtaking island with access to dolphin pods, coral gardens, and the antique city center of Stone Town, blending African, Arabic, Indian, and European influences. The island is one of Africa’s premier getaways for couples eager to dip their feet into white sand and turquoise water.

Couples may also wander the narrow, cobbled alleys of Stone Town in search of hidden storefronts, lively teahouses, and delicious local cuisine wrapped in heritage. Whether relaxing in the sun, watching a sunset from the deck of a dhow, or wandering to ghost islands that appear only at low tide, Zanzibar has history, natural beauty, and surprising luxury.

Learn more: Zanzibar Vacation Packages

The Seychelles is a collection of approximately 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off Africa’s east coast, offering beauty and seclusion for the perfect romantic getaway.

Deserted coves and isolated beaches, tropical reefs and private pools give off a royal ambiance when exploring a single island or several along the famous archipelago. Dive deep into the clear turquoise waters in search of tropical fish or snorkel through coral gardens in the Sainte Anne, Anse Major, Anse Soleil, and Baie Lazare marine parks.

Embrace Seychellois culture and cuisine, whether in the laid-back town of Victoria on Mahe or at your island resort. Romance, indulgence, and luxury combine in an exotic, tropical ambiance brimming with palm trees and overflowing with glowing sunsets.

Learn more: Seychelles Vacations & Tours

Egypt’s resort town of Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea, one of the country’s best places to visit, shines like an oasis against the backdrop of the Sinai Mountains.

The jewel along the golden coastline highlights Egypt’s lesser-seen coral reefs and palm-lined coast, serving as a grand setting for an unforgettable African honeymoon. Beach-goers can relax on the golden sands and dip into the waters of Ras Muhammad National Park, or enjoy some of the most treasured snorkeling and scuba-diving destinations the world has to offer.

Combine Bedouin culture with dinner beneath the starlight to uncover the treasures of contemporary Egypt’s focus on luxury and comfort. Whether hiking to the top of Mount Sinai, snorkeling at Tiran island, or simply lazing at your resort, Sharm El Sheikh represents a different side of Egypt for couples eager to blend ancient riches and immaculate seaside destinations.

Learn more: Egypt Honeymoons & Vacation Packages • Egypt Travel Guide

Bordering the southwest corner of the renowned Kruger National Park is the private Sabi Sands reserve, a dreamy safari destination for a honeymoon in Africa.

The game reserve reflects the splendor of South Africa’s natural world and the raw beauty of the “bush”. The absence of fences or borders separating the reserve from the greater grounds of the Kruger National Park allows animals to travel across vast stretches of grazing land, making it easy to spot wildlife that calls this region home.

Sabi Sands offers the ultimate honeymoon retreat, with close-range game viewing made possible by the region’s permanent water sources. Many luxurious accommodations provide personal touches, with elegance and quality a given. Romantic gestures, such as private dinners at your luxury tent, a private plunge pool on your deck, or a couple’s massage with a view to the wild around you, are sure to enchant.

Learn more: South Africa Honeymoon Packages • South Africa Travel Guide

With six islands to choose from and an easy boat or plane transfer from Vilanculos on the mainland, this setting off the coast of Mozambique is a honeymoon destination worth considering.

The ocean is a swirl of turquoise and the white-sand beaches are brilliant under the southern hemisphere’s sun. Luxury resorts offer relaxation, pampering, dinners on the beach, or long walks on secluded stretches of the island, embracing the best of an African safari and beach vacation.

The archipelago is a national park bursting with marine life. Sea turtles, butterflyfish, mantas, and dugongs can all be discovered while diving or snorkeling in these warm waters. Local cuisine with a Portuguese influence adds to the level of excellence you would expect from an idyllic island escape.

Learn more: South Africa Safaris with Mozambique

The magnificence of South Africa’s Cape peninsula lends itself to the ultimate backdrop for romance, best enjoyed on an African honeymoon in Cape Town.

For vow renewals, honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, or just two people looking to connect in one of the most incredible settings in the world, Cape Town in the Western Cape province is perfect. Consider a romantic getaway that includes sipping cocktails on your private balcony in Camps Bay to an intimate dinner in a wine cellar nestled in a cave among the Winelands’ vineyards.

Travel a little further for a night or two submerged in nature, tucked away in a fynbos garden with ocean views. Luxury and intimacy are guaranteed as you experience the top things to do in Cape Town and surrounds.

Learn more: Cape Town Vacations

For something slightly different, discover one of the seven wonders of the world while lapping up luxury at your hotel or on a houseboat.

In all its magnificence, Victoria Falls is spectacular, and taking a romantic walk along the pathways offers many places to stop and stare in wonder. Luxury lodges in Zimbabwe and Zambia provide a romantic escape in the presence of power. The “smoke that thunders”, as the spray from the falls is referred to, can be seen from some four- and five-star lodges, or while enjoying a local beer as you gently float down the Zambezi River aboard a boutique boat, an experience that is somewhat indescribable.

For the more adventurous, Livingstone in Zambia offers activities for every thrill-seeker, with the chance to sit in Devil’s Pool at the edge of the falls, the ultimate romantic location.

Learn more: Victoria Falls Tours with African Safaris

With so many stunning settings and a plethora of experiences to choose from, Africa stands out as a frontrunner for romantic honeymoon safaris and vacations. Mountains, open safari plains, white-sand beaches, ancient history, and rich culture ensure an intimate and luxurious couple’s safari in Africa.

To learn more about the best honeymoon destinations on the continent and helpful tips for your honeymoon, explore our African safari travel guide or honeymoon travel guide.