The Best Honeymoon Safaris
CHOOSING THE BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA
Planning a honeymoon is the perfect excuse to check something major off your bucket list and really splurge on luxurious one-of-a-kind travel experiences. For many couples who want to celebrate the start of their next chapter in life with a mix of luxury, adventure, and relaxation, there is no better dream honeymoon than the combination of a thrilling luxury safari in Africa paired with an escape to an exotic beach destination. We usually recommend that couples start their honeymoon with a four or five night luxury safari and then relax and unwind - and process the amazing experience! - with at least four nights at a fabulous luxury beach resort. So where should you go and why? It depends on your travel style and what you want to see and do.
If you want...
HEART POUNDING ADVENTURE & CULTURE
Where to go: Tanzania - Serengeti & Zanzibar
Why go here: Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is ground zero for the Great Migration, when 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and other game chase the rains on their never ending quest for food and water. The animals traveling in large numbers attract predators like lions and leopards, and the resulting show is nature at its most stunning. After a few days of game drives, you’ll be ready to unwind in Zanzibar, just a short 1.5 hour flight away. Zanzibar has a main island where Stone Town is made up of busy marketplaces, cobblestone streets, and fascinating cultural experiences like a music festival held in an old stone fort. Nearby, private islands with some of the most picturesque white sand beaches in the world are home to luxurious, tranquil resorts.
When to go on safari: The migration is never ending, and passes through different areas at different times of year.
Highlights: Soaring over the migration in a hot air balloon; a romantic sunset sail on a traditional dhow
CLASSIC BIG FIVE SAFARI & TOP NOTCH LUXURY
Where to go: South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve & Seychelles
Why go here: Sabi Sand is a private game reserve just adjacent to Kruger National Park, which means the same high density of wildlife without the regulations of the national park (think night game drives and walking safaris). The region is known as one of the best places to tick off all of Africa’s big five - elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. The luxury lodges in Sabi Sand in are some of the best on the continent, with excellent amenities like private plunge pools and world class spas. And for travelers without limitations on budget or time, the Seychelles encompass some of the most stunning, luxurious, private beaches on the planet. Scuba diving and snorkeling in the most pristine water you can imagine, deserted island picnics, and spa treatments are just a few indulgences perfect for honeymooners at the best Seychelles beach resorts. If you have time, spend a few days in Cape Town between your safari and Seychelles to experience the excellent food and nightlife and outdoorsy activities like swimming with penguins or climbing Table Mountain.
When to go: The best time for a safari in South Africa is the dry season which is May to September (however if you’re planning to go to Cape Town too it will be chilly there at this time).
Highlights: Sabi Sand Game Reserve has an especially high concentration of leopards.
ALTERNATIVE SAFARI & BAREFOOT LUXURY
Where to go: Namibia & Mozambique
For couples who may have already been to one of the more traditional safari destinations like South Africa, Tanzania or Kenya, Namibia is a perfect choice for a romantic but alternative safari experiences. Quad biking in the vast Namib with its desert-adapted wildlife, climbing the giant dunes of Sossusvlei, flying over the foggy and mysterious skeleton coast, and sleeping out in a desert star bed top some of our favorite honeymoon experiences in Namibia. Likewise, Mozambique is an exotic beach destination known as “the pearl of the Indian ocean” with more than 1500 miles of coastline and several private islands reachable only by helicopter. This is the perfect place to experience Robinson Crusoe-style barefoot luxury.
When to go: Although Namibia can be a year round destination, summer (November to February) is very hot in the desert
Pro tip: if you have time, mix up your time in Namibia with a few days in the desert and a few days at the coast for a more varied experience.
Planning your luxury safari and beach honeymoon can be overwhelming with so many fantastic options! A trusted travel advisor at Epic Road will guide you to make the best choices.
