Written by: Sean MesshamΒ
Itβs time to get romantic! And no, not because Valentineβs Day is just around the corner! But because, whether we like to admit it or not, it has been a challenging few years for everyone. Itβs time to celebrate with your most significant other and start planning a journey that is intimate, restorative, for yourselves andβ¦ dare we say itβ¦ away from the large family and friend gatherings.Β
Honeymooners, we have not forgotten the turmoil you have gone through, or perhaps are still going through… Let this be the start to the most romantic – and carefree – journey with us! After you scroll through these 8 incredible destinations, have a look at our new East Africa Honeymoon itinerary.Β
So grab your partner, pour a cup of coffee (or perhaps a glass of wine), and dine on ‘Our Most Romantic Safari Lodges in Africa’ for 2022.
*PS: Valentineβs Day is on February 14th, for those who didnβt realizeβ¦
andBeyond Tengile River LodgeΒ
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Meaning βtranquilβ in the local Shangaan language, Tengile River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Sand River, where you can literally watch herds of elephant and buffalo come down to drink from your private lap pool or sunken outdoor lounge area. I guided in this region for over 3 years, so I am intimately biased, but you will struggle to surpass a South African game viewing experience here. There is just something quite magical, and almost surreal about what you get to witness on the game drives! The lodge is magnificent, but itβs the safari that will steal your heart!
Why do we love it!Β
- Exceptional Big Five Game viewingΒ
- Private Sand River views from your luxurious and spacious suite
- Private plunge pool with Sand River viewsΒ
- Exclusive 26 000 acre transferring rights in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Complimentary Swarovski binoculars for each couple for during your stay
- Dedicated partnership with Panthera – a fantastic big cat conservation organizationΒ
Suggested Itinerary – Best of South AfricaΒ
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RoyalΒ Chundu Zambezi River Lodge Β
Zambezi River, ZambiaΒ
If you read our previous blog, βThe Best Luxury Bathtubs in Africaβ, you might recognize the name ever so slightly. However, this is Royal Chundu Zambezi Islandβs sister lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. We noticeably have fallen in love with this area and where the two lodges are situated. I think you can easily see why.Β
The River Lodge has 10 suites scattered along the riverfront, providing uninterrupted privacy and views across the Zambezi River. Away from the romantic comforts of your suite, you have the opportunity to indulge in sunset river cruises. And for the adrenaline-seeking couples, adventure activities await at Victoria Falls.
Why do we love it!Β
- Close proximity to Victoria FallsΒ
- Private and intimate views of the Zambezi River
- Daily Sundowner river cruisesΒ
- Private riverside picnics
- Adventure activities around Victoria Falls
Suggested Itinerary – Southern Africa ExplorerΒ
Greystoke MahaleΒ
Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
If you are looking for a combination of rustic romance and outbound adventure, then we would highly suggest the remote Greystoke Mahale. Situated along the white sand of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, encounter wild chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains National Park. Renowned as one of the best places to see chimps, the forest also offers a calming atmosphere with leisurely forest walks to incredible waterfalls and other remote rock pools.Β
Greystoke Mahale has just six thatched bandas, each with its own private upstairs viewing deck, providing uninterrupted lake views during the day. You also have the option to kayak or sail on a traditional dhow at your leisure. Openly, just a perfect spot to get back in sync with each other and nature.
Why do we love it!Β
- Remote destination in the Mahale Mountains National ParkΒ
- 6 romantically rustic dhow wood bandasΒ
- Exclusive chimpanzee trekkingΒ
- Water activities on Lake TanganyikaΒ
- Forest hikes with interpretative guideΒ
Suggested Itinerary –Masai Mara and SerengetiΒ
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Singita KwitondaΒ
Volcanoes National Park, RwandaΒ
Just take a moment to look at this heated outdoor plunge pool, with that exceptional view of the Volcanoes National Park. Kwitonda Lodge shares a 1.2km border with the famous Volcanoes National Park, putting you in close proximity to where about a third of the remaining wild gorilla population live. Imagine contemplating your gorilla trekking experience, with a glass of bubbles, enjoying these panoramic views of the volcanoes.Β
In addition to your private plunge pool, each suite features a wellness treatment area, in-and outdoor fireplace with large timber-framed windows that seem to blend the boundaries of nature therapeutically into your luxurious suite.
Why do we love it!Β
- Lifechanging gorilla trekking experienceΒ
- Bordering the Volcanoes National Park Β
- Private heated plunge pools with panoramic viewsΒ
- Farm-to-table dining experienceΒ
- Akarabo Nursery – dedicated reforest and rehabilitation programΒ
Suggested Itinerary – Rwanda Gorilla TrekkingΒ
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Elewana Loisaba Star Bed Β
Laikipia Plateau, Kenya Β
There is no doubt that this will provide you with one of the most memorable nights under the African sky.Β Arguably one of the lesser-known destinations, the Loisaba Star Beds is situated in the 57,000 acre Loisaba Conservancy, northern Kenya. This area serves as one of the most important elephant movement corridors in the country.Β
The accommodation is uniquely built on a rocky outcrop, with a sitting area, open-plan bathroom, and private deck overlooking this incredible and vitally important conservancy. At night, a romantic four-poster bed is conveniently positioned on the deck for you to enjoy a night like no other!
Why do we love it!Β
- A unique night under the African night sky Β
- Panoramic views with a private waterhole from your starbed
- Sunrise and coffee overlooking the Loisaba ConservancyΒ
- Explore the conservancy on camels
- Visit the Loisaba Conservancy Anti-Poaching UnitΒ
Suggested Itinerary – Ultimate Kenya SafariΒ
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Vumbura PlainsΒ
Okavango Delta, Botswana Β
Botswanaβs Okavango Delta has an undeniable ability to slow you down. Drift away and seamlessly explore the water channels on a mokoro (traditional canoe). And to fully appreciate the expanse of this unique wilderness, soar over this UNESCO World Heritage Site in a hot air balloon or helicopter.
Vumbura Plains has 14 luxurious suites, with each featuring indoor and outdoor showers, en-suite bathrooms, and private plunge pools overlooking the mesmerizing Okavango Delta. The camp is said to be so intimate, that elusive leopards come to drink from the swimming pool. Quiet and tranquil, this camp is perfect for you both!
Why do we love it!Β
- Mokoro rides and motorboat experiencesΒ
- Exceptional Big Five game viewing
- Rare sightings of sable or sitatunga antelope
- Hot air balloon or helicopter excursions
- Private plunge pools and outdoor showersΒ
Suggested Itinerary –Β Southern African Explorer
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andBeyond Mnemba IslandΒ
Zanzibar, Tanzania Β
Described as a βromantic hideawayβ, Mnemba Island is a small and intimate island off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar. With just 24 guests and the incredible staff on the island, you can conveniently choose what to do at your leisure.Β
The island has 12 beach bandas, each with its own stretch on the beach front. Sit back and enjoy chilled champagne and locally, sustainably caught fish. Or choose from the myriad of marine activities from a cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat to snorkeling or PADI dives in the Mnemba atoll. The islandβs marine conservation program deserves a special mention here too, as the conservation team has been monitoring and researching sea turtles here for over 20 years!
Why do we love it!Β
- Small and intimate private islandΒ
- Seasonal turtle nesting and hatchingΒ
- Romantic candlelit dinners on the beachΒ
- Exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities Β
- Marine Conservation partner – Oceans Without BordersΒ
Suggested Itinerary –Β Tanzania and ZanzibarΒ
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Lemala Nanyukie LodgeΒ
Serengeti National Park, Β Tanzania Β
Lemala Nanyukie Lodge opened just 4 years ago, and is situated in the eastern area of the Serengeti National Park, just a 60 minute game drive away from the Seronera airstrip.Β
The fabulous canvas lodge is superbly located with outstanding views of the open plains. In the correct season, you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, but the area is more known for its large concentration of big cats! They have 15 luxurious guest tents, perfectly spaced apart for maximum privacy. Each tent features a spacious lounge and corner plunge pool, just perfect for looking across the grassy plains for elephant herds, giraffes, zebras and a variety of antelopes grazing.
Why do we love it!Β Β
- Incredible big cat viewing – especially cheetahΒ
- Great Wildebeest Migration (Seasonal)
- Private corner plunge pools overlooking the SerengetiΒ
- Hot air balloon rides over the ‘endless plains’Β
- Separate spa tent for secluded relaxationΒ
Suggested Itinerary –Β Tanzania and ZanzibarΒ
Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?
If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.
