20 Amazing African Safari Honeymoon Ideas

As a young traveling couple, we are often asked about honeymoon destinations. The question, “Where would you recommend for an African safari honeymoon?” often pops up in our inbox. We love shedding light on the best African safari honeymoon destinations.

Given the proximity to North America, many North Americans turn to the Caribbean or Europe. Australians may turn to Southeast Asia for the perfect getaway for similar reasons. These continents are fantastic! We love sipping cappuccinos in Italy, dancing through the streets of Paris, and enjoying long massages in Thailand.

Although honestly, if I were to pick where to have a fantastic honeymoon experience, it would be Africa. It’s often an overshadowed continent, but it is undoubtedly a place to have an unforgettable honeymoon experience. After traveling around Africa for over a year, our favorite African Safari honeymoon destinations are here.

African Safari Honeymoon Ideas

Linyanti Concession, Botswana

Kicking off this list of best honeymoon destinations in Africa is a place you may not have ever heard about. Linyanti is located between the Greater Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. It all plays into an ecosystem that is interlinked as the Linyanti Channel.

Linyanti is easily one of the best places to go on an African safari honeymoon if you want to be in the bush and away from everything else. This private concession promised exclusivity in one of the most fabulous places to go on safari.

As our bush flight prepared to land in the Linyanti Concession, we could see vast herds of elephants deep in the Linyanti swamps. The sight was dizzying as it seemed to be numerous elephants. It took us by surprise, but the small concession in Northern Botswana that borders Chobe National Park is known for its vast herds of elephants and a high chance of seeing leopards and wild dogs since it is so remote and untouched by humans. We couldn’t help but feel spoiled after multiple wild dog sightings every morning and evening.

When is the Best Time to go to Linyanti for a Honeymoon? During the dry season from May to October.
Where to Stay in Linyanti for a Honeymoon? African Bush Camps’ Linyanti Ebony Camp

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, at one point, was the destination for going on safari. While that may no longer be the case due to recent political struggles, that does not mean the land or wildlife has gone anywhere. Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest park and roughly half the size of Belgium. Another excellent destination in Zimbabwe is Mana Pools, a wild and remote park. You can read about our last safari in Zimbabwe here.

After decades and decades of management, Hwange is still one of the best places to go on safari, especially for a romantic African honeymoon. It’s seen its ups and downs, but the game density is still one of the highest in Southern Africa. So, bring your camera for a safari and prepare for some extraordinary sightings.

Cameron, Natasha, And Bheki (safari guide) having sundowners with vehicle.

The park itself faces a water scarcity issue. Still, due to constant conservation work, 60 watering holes throughout the park provide the animals with water year-round, meaning there’s always a chance to spot wildlife. Hwange is also home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. It’s also known for its healthy lion population, which once belonged to Cecil the lion.

When is the Best Time to go to Hwange for a Honeymoon? The dry season runs from April to October.
Where to Stay in Hwange for a Honeymoon? African Bush Camps Somalisa Safari Lodge

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Khwai-Botswana - Honeymoon Destinations in Africa — On safari in the Delta!

You’ll have a hard time comparing anything to what may be the top destination for a safari in all of Africa. The Okavango Delta stretches across Northwestern Botswana in a mix of land, marsh, water, and sand—landscapes in the delta change in feet, not hundreds of miles.

The Okavango Delta is likely one of the most inaccessible places in Southern Africa and arguably the most expensive African honeymoon destination. Botswana has opted for the high-cost, low-impact tourism model, creating an environment of five-star lodges with very few visitors. This makes for once-in-a-lifetime safaris for those lucky enough to afford a safari in the delta. If you want to be near the Okavango, check out Khwai Concession, which is more affordable!

When is the Best Time to go to the Okavango Delta for a Honeymoon? During the dry season from May to October.
Where to Stay in the Okavango Delta for a Honeymoon? African Bush Camps’ Khwai Tented Camp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa Bush Walk Giraffe — On safari in South Luangwa

South Luangwa National Park is famous for bush walks and leopards, an enticing combo for adventurous couples looking to get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most dangerous game. Tracking African buffalo, lions, or elephants is an exciting experience that connects you to the bush.

South Luangwa Morning Sunrise South Luangwa

The park is home to landscapes, allowing a large variety of game to call South Luangwa home. On the park’s southern border along the Luangwa River, there is also a healthy collection of lodges accessible. There is something here for every African honeymoon safari budget. If you’re going on bushwalks in the park, we can’t recommend getting a good pair of boots for your safari!

When is the Best Time to go to South Luangwa for a Honeymoon? The dry season is from June to October.
Where to Stay in South Luangwa National Park for a Honeymoon? Time and Tides Chinzombo Camp

Waterberg Reserve, South Africa

Cameron And Natasha On A Sunset Deck At Ant's Nest In South Africa — On safari at Ants Nest

We’ve been fortunate enough to have some incredible safari experiences, but riding through the bush on horseback was a first. Ant’s Hill, located in the Waterberg in South Africa, has treated guests to horseback safaris for two decades. There’s not much more romantic than an African bush safari by horseback, and we highly recommend checking out this place!

For a long weekend away from Johannesburg, we were treated to delicious food, luxurious accommodations, wildlife, and beautiful horse rides. It wasn’t our first time riding a horse, but we’d never been at a canter through a private reserve next to giraffes and rhone antelope.

Natasha Relaxes In Tub At Ant's Nest At Sunset

Riding a horse up to a giraffe or other antelope is an entirely different safari experience than a game viewer. The safari animals view you and your horse as one animal instead of a human. Because of this, animals will let you get incredibly close—there is no sound of engines or exhaust here – just pure nature.

Forty species of safari animals roam the reserve, including zebra, sable, roan, wildebeest, eland, rhino, porcupine, and giraffe. It’s also not an official resident, but we did come across leopard tracks, as they’ve been known to migrate through the region with their ability to scale fences.

When is the Best Time to go to the Waterberg Reserve for a Honeymoon? The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to travel to South Africa for safari.
Where to Stay in Waterberg Reserve for a Honeymoon? Ant’s Nest and Hill

Kafue National Park, Zambia

Sunset Bathtub At Ila Safari Lodge In Kafue National Park — Catching the sunset at Ila Safari Lodge

At almost 22,500 sq km, Kafue National Park is the largest national park in Zambia and one of the biggest in the world. The park’s landscape ranges from the dense riverine forest along the banks of the Kafue River to wide open plains. Safari-goers stand a good chance of sighting lions and leopards, and even cheetahs in the north of the park. Originally founded by the legendary Norman Carr in the 1950s, Kafue established Zambia’s first national park.

Leopard On The Banks Of The Kafue River — A leopard on the banks of the Kafue River

Despite the park’s massive size, long history, and accessibility, it is seldom traveled compared to many other parks in Southern Africa. It does have its reasons for not drawing the tourists of South Luangwa or The Lower Zambezi, but the park is making strides in conservation and begs to be explored. The park is only a few hour’s drive from Livingstone or Lusaka.

However, it still contains vast tracts of untouched wilderness, with the spread-out safari lodges operating in the park. In recent years interest has continued to grow, and in our opinion, Kafue National Park is an African park sure to be a hit for safari-goers in the future.

When is the Best Time to go to Kafue for a Honeymoon? The best time to visit Kafue is July to October, which is the middle to the end of the dry season.
Where to Stay in Kafue for a Honeymoon? Ila Safari Lodge

Central Kalahari, Botswana

The red sands of the Kalahari make for a visual spectacle. The monstrous swath of earth that is the Kalahari swallows you whole. Sunsets here take on a whole new perception as the entire sky lights on fire—rust-colored sand stains the earth, and green vegetation dots the horizon.

However, midday temperatures reach up to 50C, and the harsh sun scorches the sand. Do yourself a favor and get a safari hat and visit in the cooler months, to combat the heat. The red sandstorms that originate in the Kalahari reach up into the earth’s atmosphere and can affect global weather patterns.

Despite all of this, many desert-adapted animals flourish in the Kalahari. You can spot lions, ostriches, meerkats, cheetahs, oryx, zebra, and even desert-adapted giraffes. It is a safari experience that is unlike any other in Africa. We were lucky enough to take in the Kalahari from both Namibia and Botswana.

When is the Best Time to go to the Kalahari for a Honeymoon? The best time to visit the Central Kalahari is during the wet months, from December to March.
Where to Stay in the Kalahari for a Honeymoon? Kalahari Plains Camp

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Cameron Sits On The Deck Of The Ngorongoro Serena Crater Lodge — Overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater

In Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is globally the largest unfilled inactive volcanic crater, or caldera. However, it’s not empty as a wildlife spectacle unfolds in this dramatic setting. At the base of 610m cliff-face, elephants trumpet, lions roar, and antelope…eat grass. The crater is arguably the best place to see the Big Five in Tanzania. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most mesmerizing natural features in the world.

Humanity has deep ties to the crater as well. The Ngorongoro Conservation area is home to footprints dating back to the oldest humanoids walking upright, nearly 3.7 million years ago. The age of the skeleton, combined with other finds, suggests that Northern Tanzania and the Ngorongoro Conservation area are humankind’s birthplace.

One’s first descent into the crater is filled with a sense of our primordial origin. A fine mist rolls over plains filled with wildlife in the early morning. Watching the sunrise from within the crater is one of life’s most remarkable experiences and is entirely romantic.

When is the Best Time to go to the Ngorongoro Crater for a Honeymoon? The best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is during the rainy season, from April to May, when the crater is lush and green.
Where to Stay in the Ngorongoro Crater for a Honeymoon? andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

A photo of the cabins at Wolwedans Dune Lodge - Cameron Walks Up Front Steps — Catching the sunrise in Namibia

If there is one lodge that is THE lodge in Namibia, it is Wolwedans. There is arguably no better way to experience the Namibian desert than on the NamibRand Nature Reserve while staying at one of The Wolwedans Collection’s four camps, Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, Boulders Camp, Private Camp, and Dunes Camp. The Wolwedans operation is a contender for the best eco-lodge operation in Africa and arguably the best in Namibia. At the core of a lodge in Africa is the environment, which draws guests.

And how a lodge treats its environment speaks loudly about the passion that will be experienced by those fortunate enough to call themselves guests. Witnessing sunrise or sunset here will take your breath away and is one of the most remarkable African safari honeymoon experiences.

When is the Best Time to go to Namibia for your Honeymoon? The best time to visit Namibia is between July and October when the temperatures are pleasant, and there is a low chance of rain.
Where to Stay in Namibia for a Honeymoon? Wolwedans

Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

African safari honeymoon - Cameron And Natasha On Gameviewer With Morning Coffee In Madikwe — Safari with Jacis!

Madikwe is a tremendous reserve located in South Africa’s North West province, home to 10,000 animals spread out over 60 species, including the legendary Big Five. It should be on anyone’s South African honeymoon itinerary. While many think of Africa’s National Parks for safari, some private game reserves, such as Madikwe that, promise to deliver visitors an unforgettable safari. Madikwe is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa.

We spent four incredible days here, and on our first game drive out, we were treated to sightings of rhino, leopard, elephant, and everything in between. It’s an excellent alternative to Kruger National Park and is only a four-hour drive away from Johannesburg.

When is the Best Time to go to Madikwe Game Reserve for your Honeymoon? The best time to travel to South Africa for safari is the dry season, from May to October.
Where to Stay in South Africa for a Honeymoon? Jaci’s Safari Lodge

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Enjoying A G&T On Safair Over The Serengeti — Enjoying the sunset in the Serengeti

The Serengeti needs no introduction. A safari in the Serengeti is unlike any other wildlife experience on earth. After all, it’s here that you can experience the great wildebeest migration. If you can go in the shoulder seasons and avoid the crowds, it’s a fantastic place to visit that will have you feeling just like you’re rewatching The Lion King.

When is the Best Time to go to the Serengeti for your Honeymoon? The best time to go to the Serengeti is in August and September to see the Great Migration.
Where to Stay in the Serengeti for a Honeymoon? Serengeti Bushtops Luxury Camp

Masai Mara National Park, Kenya

African safari honeymoon - Cameron And Natasha Sit On A Land Cruise In The Masai Mara Grasslands — On safari with Governors Camp in the Masai Mara!

It is undeniable that the Masai Mara is one of the most well-known parks in Africa. My first thought of going on safari in Africa was Kenya and its wide-open grasslands. The fact that Kenya is home to the original safari and the Masai Mara is the industry’s epicenter should come as no surprise.

Located in the Southwest of Kenya, the 1,510 square km Masai Mara National Reserve is home to abundant game, including the seasonal wildebeest migration. The migration is the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth, when over a million wildebeest cross plains, valleys, and rivers in search of fresh pasture.

Cameron And Natasha On top of a rocky outcropping In The Masai Mara

A Masai Mara safari will reward visitors with incredible game viewing all year round. Every day we went out in the park we saw something extraordinary. I was amazed watching hyena pups sniff our car tires, elephants rub against our tent poles at night, and a pride of lions kill and devour a zebra. One of the best things you can do for the ultimate African safari honeymoon experience is taking a sunrise balloon safari, complete with a champagne breakfast in the bush at the end!

When is the Best Time to go to the Masai Mara for your Honeymoon? The best time to visit the Masai Mara is from late June to early October. This is when you’ll have your best chance at seeing the wildebeest migration.
Where to Stay in the Masai Mara for a Honeymoon? Governors Camp or Cottars 1920 Camp!

Bwindi National Park, Uganda

If you want to go on an adventurous and life-changing honeymoon in Africa, you must go gorilla trekking. Mountain Gorillas can only be found in the Virunga mountains in the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Uganda holds 60% of the total mountain gorillas left in the world, with about 400 of them residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is the most popular place to trek to see the gorillas in Uganda. The park is located in the Southwestern part of the country and is one of East Africa’s most diverse national parks.

You can trek through the jungle to find these amazing creatures here. Sure, you probably didn’t think of getting bit by fire ants and covered in mud as the ideal honeymoon scenario, but it sure does make for a great story.

When is the Best Time to go Gorilla Trekking? During the dry season, the best time to go gorilla trekking is between June and September.
Where to Stay While Gorilla Trekking on a Honeymoon? Volcanoes Safari Bwindi Lodge

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Fly Camping at Selous Cameron And Natasha At Sunset — Enjoying the sunrise in the Selous

The Selous Game Reserve is located in southern Tanzania and far from the madding crowds of the Serengeti. The 54,600 square kilometer safari area is not only Tanzania’s largest reserve, but Africa’s largest game reserve and one of the most beautiful wildlife areas in the world. What’s even more surprising is the park is still undiscovered, so to speak.

Cameron And Natasha Sit On The Deck Of Nomad Tanzania's Selous River Lodge

The fantastic game of the Selous congregates around the numerous sources of water in the reserve, rivers, lakes, pans, and even an inland delta. The Rufiji River serves as the artery to the park and contributes to its stunning natural features. Our safari in the Selous was enchanting. The Selous is Africa at its finest and is where you can have a wild and remote African honeymoon.

When is the Best Time to go to the Selous? The dry season between June to October
Where to Stay in the Selous on a Honeymoon? Nomad Tanzania’s Sand River Selous

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Safari Clothes - Baobabs in Ruaha National Park — Enjoying the sunset in Ruaha

Located in the heart of Tanzania, Ruaha is one of the largest parks in Tanzania and one of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa. It’s not as popular as the Serengeti but still provides fantastic experiences. Ruaha’s relative inaccessibility means it gets far fewer tourists than the Serengeti.

The reward of traveling this far into Tanzania is a wild landscape of baobab-studded hills, rocky escarpments, and superb wildlife. Tanzania’s largest National Park is sure to wow any safari-goer. Also, Nearly 10% of Africa’s lion population lives inside the park, so you have a good chance of seeing a lion on your African safari honeymoon. Ruaha safaris have exceptional predator concentrations, large herds of elephants and buffalo, and a blend of wildlife from Southern and East Africa.

When is the Best Time to go to Ruaha? The dry season lasts from late June to October.
Where to Stay in Ruaha on a Honeymoon? Nomad Tanzania’s Kigelia Ruaha Camp

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is, without a doubt, one of the best value safaris in Southern Africa. So if you’re looking for a great affordable safari honeymoon, head to Etosha. The park offers some of the best game viewings in Southern Africa. However, it does come at a price, as barren Etosha is far from the most beautiful national park. Despite this, the Etosha National Park is considered one of the best places to go on Safari in Southern Africa, and for a good reason.

The area’s saving grace is the lack of water, as animals are concentrated at watering holes. The quality of roads, lack of huge crowds, and general ease of traveling in Namibia are big pluses for first-time travelers to Africa. With a small selection of lodges, Etosha never gets too crowded. Even with our best animal sighting, we only saw three other cars, and that was a lion kill with hyenas, jackals, and vultures circling, waiting to get some dinner. In neighboring South Africa, in Kruger National Park, there could be 50 cars.

When is the Best Time to go to Etosha? The dry season is from May to October.
Where to Stay in Etosha on a Honeymoon? Etosha Safari Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia

Post-African Safari Honeymoon

Mozambican Coast

Mozambique White Pearl - Cameron And Natasha On The Beach — Enjoying the beaches near White Pearl Resort

Mozambique is genuinely one of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa. We have sung praises about Mozambique in the past. We went into the country uncertain of travel and left with a strong desire to return immediately. Do you want to swim with whale sharks on your honeymoon? Do you want to sit on a dream-worthy beach without anyone else around? Then head to Mozambique!

Vilanculos, for example, is the gateway to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago. It is here that some of the last dugongs reside (and you may even get lucky and see one). Bazaruto Island is an isolated white sand island offering incredible views of the bright blue Indian Ocean. Tofo Beach is where you can swim among whale sharks—and not at one of those overly touristy animal-exploited places. Here, it is truly wild.

Or Head to White Pearl, Anvil Bay, or Trevessia Beach Resort for one of the most exclusive romantic experiences ever.

When is the Best Time to go to Mozambique? The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November, their winter season and your lowest chance of rain.
Where to Stay in Mozambique on a Honeymoon? White Pearl, Anvil Bay, or Trevessia Beach Resort

Zanzibar

Are you wondering where Zanzibar is? Well, technically, it’s part of Tanzania, but it has its own unique culture. Zanzibar is an island in the Indian Ocean, a two-hour (15-mile) ferry ride from Dar Es Salaam, a major city in Tanzania.

Whether you are on an African honeymoon, finishing up your Kilimanjaro trek, or exploring the plains of the Serengeti, one thing is for sure – you should end it with a trip to the beach. And Zanzibar has those drool-worthy beaches you see in the photos. Warm water, fantastic food, and friendly people await you here.

When is the Best Time to go to Zanzibar? The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June And October, which is the dry season and your best chance of having a sunny day.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar on a Honeymoon? Kilindi Beach Resort

Diani Beach

While most are familiar with the island of Zanzibar or Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa, only those who have visited Kenya likely know of Diani Beach. 30 km south of Mombasa is a 10-kilometer stretch of beautiful white sand. The town boasts an incredible coral reef, primates, Kinondo culture, a wide range of accommodations, and the warm Indian Ocean. It’s also a famous site where you can see camels roaming the beach!

We took to the Kenyan coast to uncover the best Diani Beach hotels. It’s a romantic place to head after a safari in Kenya when you seek a little R&R.

When is the Best Time to go to Diani Beach? The best time to visit Diani Beach is between December to March and June to September when the climate is ideal.
Where to Stay in Diani Beach on a Honeymoon? Kinondo Kwetu

Cape Town

Our time in Cape Town is the longest we have spent as a couple in any place we were not living. We fell in love with the City and dreamed of returning. After three full months there, we were sure to find some romance.

Cape Town has just about everything you need to make a happy life. It has a great food scene, stunning vistas, friendly locals, and many adventure activities. That means there are many romantic things to do in Cape Town with your significant other after your safari. Not one day was boring for us, and it’s a downright beautiful city with easy access to the coast.

When is the Best Time to go to Cape Town? The best time to visit Cape Town is between October and April, which sees less rainfall.
Where to Stay in Cape Town on a Honeymoon? Tintswalo Atlantic
Best Thing to do in Cape Town? Go up Table Mountain!

Plan Your Trip to Africa

Travel Insurance: We don’t travel without travel insurance and neither should you. You never know what can happen while traveling so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
Travel Waterbottle: When we’re uncertain about the water supply we use our Grayl Purifier. It’s come in exceptionally handy around Africa.
Camera Gear: Chances are you’ll want a camera for your trip to Africa. We love the Sony RX100V for a pocket-size camera and the Fujifilm XT-4 for a professional camera. Check out our favorite cameras for Africa.
Safari Clothes: Lightweight, beige, and moisture-wicking clothing are great for traveling Africa. See our favorite safari clothing here.
Safari Hat: A good hat is both stylish and functional.
Safari Bag: A durable bag is ideal for traveling around Africa.
Safari Pants: We recommend neutral-colored pants as they’re great at hiding dirt and can match most shirt colors.
Safari Shirt: Shirts like these are lightweight and keep the bugs away!
Boots: While you don’t need to wear sturdy shoes every day, at least one pair of safari boots will make your trip nicer!
Travel Adapter: You’ll need a special travel adapter for traveling to Africa. Get one before you get there so you don’t pay a premium on the ground.