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African Safari Honeymoon

Congratulations! Whether you’ve planned a huge wedding or an intimate ceremony, we hope that everything goes or went the way you had envisioned it. Now, for the next important event: your honeymoon.

Of course you'd want a perfect honeymoon, but there are so many places to choose from, in so many different countries around the world. Well, if you’ve put your finger on the map, and landed on Africa, then allow us to be of assistance.

Africa is a beautiful continent with so much to see and experience. It was a tough choice, but we chose four countries that we believe offer the perfect combination of an African safari and a beach holiday.


  • Countries

    South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique

  • Average Safari Cost

    $300-2,500 pp/day

  • Highlights

    Fantastic wildlife viewing, stunning coastlines, spectacular views, iconic sights and more!

Honeymoon in South Africa

South Africa is probably one of the most well-known beach holiday destinations. The coastlines are beautifully pristine, the waters are clear, and the seaside cafés ensures that you can sip a cocktail with a magnificent view of the sun setting behind the ocean.

But that is not all the country is famous for. People travel from across the world to see the famous Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – and Kruger National Park is the most famous of all South African parks.

As a honeymoon destination, South Africa has a lot to offer: exquisite cuisine, romantic sunsets and heart-pumping adventure.

Best time to go

  • Western Cape: September – March
  • Eastern Cape (The Garden Route) – All year
  • The rest of the country: April – September

Average cost

  • $350 - $600

Highlights

  • Fantastic wildlife viewing, stunning coastlines, spectacular views, iconic sights (Table Mountain and Robben Island), Tsitsikamma National Park, Cheetah Outreach, exquisite wine and cuisine, beach-side cafés.
The Garden Route
This is a common road-trip route for South African locals, who often spend holidays in the various locations along this route. Stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, to Storm’s River in the Eastern Cape, this is one the most beautiful, and adventure-filled routes in South Africa.

The Garden Route is perfect for those couples who like a little adventure with their romance.

Best Things to Do

  • Visiting Tsitsikamma National Park, with its primal, seaside forest
  • Bungee jumping
  • Horseback riding along the stunning coastlines of the Wild Coast
  • Kayaking
  • Sandboarding
  • Hiking
  • And, of course, relaxing on one of the many beaches
Western Cape

This is likely the most well-known province in South Africa, due to the iconic Table Mountain. Robben Island, the island prison where Nelson Mandela was held, is another popular tourist haunt, and the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens is thought to be the greatest botanical garden in the world. But even if you take all that away, Cape Town contains the most stunning beaches, and the local cuisine is fabulous.

Best Things to Do

  • Touring the Cape Winelands and tasting the most exquisite wine in the country
  • Visiting any of the numerous seaside cafés at: Camps Bay, Fish Hoek, Hout Bay, Muizenberg, etc.
  • Surfing
  • Though not as well-known, the Cheetah Outreach in Somerset West, is definitely worth visiting. The sanctuary not only houses cheetahs, but other predators as well, including: wildcats, bat-eared foxes, meerkats and caracals. They are open all-year round and bookings are not required.
Kruger National Park

When people think of a South African Big Five safari, their minds immediately land on Kruger National Park. It is the largest and most well-known park in South Africa. This popular destination offers a wonderful population of the Big Five, with large densities of both the Black and White rhinos.

The park offers game drives, horseback riding and walking safaris. The 3-day walking trails provide a wonderful way to not only explore the beautiful scenery and wildlife, but it also provides an opportunity to bond with your new spouse away from the distractions of modern life.

Honeymoon in Tanzania

Not many would view Tanzania as a safari destination, but it has a lot to offer. The most popular event in all of Africa, is the Great Wildebeest Migration. This is the annual movement of millions of animals, from Serengeti in Tanzania, to Maasai Mara in Kenya. Being able to experience this phenomenal event with your new spouse is something neither of you will ever forget. Tanzania is also home to the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.

Once you have completed your tour of Tanzania, take the short trip to Zanzibar, and enjoy the rich cultural atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

Best Time to Go

  • November – March

Average Cost

  • $330 - $1,000

Highlights

  • The Great Migration, tropical beaches in Zanzibar, vibrant culture, Mount Kilimanjaro, views of Mount Meru, horseback riding
The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti
The annual movement of millions of animals is a mesmerizing sight. The Great Wildebeest Migration is a fantastic safari experience, and the migration is in Serengeti from mid-November to late March. A game drive is the most popular way to view the migration, but you could also ride alongside them on horseback. While not particularly romantic, this safari is still a wonderful way to bond with your new spouse.
Mount Kilimanjaro
For the adventurous couples, climbing Kilimanjaro is the perfect thing to do. In fact, I’m pretty sure that climbing Africa’s highest peak is on many bucket-lists. The views and scenery are stunning, and the cold climb has the added benefit of encouraging lots and lots of cuddling.
Kaskazi Horseback Safaris
Based on the outskirts of Arusha Town, Kaskazi’s stables offers wonderful views of Mount Meru. Those who want some adventure, but don’t want to climb all the way to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, can take a horseback safari of Kilimanjaro instead, which offers big game viewing.
Beaches of Zanzibar
After you have experienced all the excitement in Tanzania, you may feel like you have seen enough wildlife to last a life time, and all you want now is do something more relaxing. Well, you’re in luck! Zanzibar is only a short trip away from Tanzania. Soak up the sun and enjoy some well-deserved leisure time with your significant other, sipping cocktails and working on a tan.

Honeymoon in Kenya

Much like Tanzania, Kenya is not a go-to honeymoon destination. However, when you tell your tour operator that you want a honeymoon safari, and not a regular one, I can guarantee that you will have a fantastic experience.

These operators know all the private, romantic lodges and camps, and they will book private tours for you to ensure an unspoilt atmosphere. With big and small game viewing, hot-air balloon rides, and relaxing days at the beach, your honeymoon will be filled with romance, indulgence and perhaps even some adventure.

Best Time to Go

  • July – October

Average Cost

  • $260 - $700

Highlights

  • Great wildlife viewing, the Great Migration, hot-air balloon ride, pristine beaches
Masai Mara
Masai Mara National Park is well-known for the part that it plays in the Great Migration. While the migration does not have a set schedule, it is relatively predictable, and the migration is in Maasai Mara between April to October each year. Another remarkable thing about this national park, is the opportunity to interact with the Maasai people. Spending time with them will greatly change the way you view the world.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is one of those rare national parks that are great for everyone, from first time safari-goers to the more experienced adventurers. The park is stunning all-year, with a savannah plain, acacia forest and the Makalia Falls. While Lake Nakuru is considered a family-friendly destination, it is also great for couples who want a great safari experience, but without too much excitement.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
A safari is always a wonderful experience but imagine having a birds-eye view of the Great Wildebeest Migration. If you don’t have a problem with heights, then treat yourself and your spouse to a balloon safari that offers stunning views of the sprawling plains and abundant wildlife.
Diani Beach
Once you have had your fill of wildlife, spend a few days lazing on the beach and indulge yourselves: this is your honeymoon, after all. Of course, you don’t have to spend all you time soaking up the sun – camel rides and bike tours are available for your pleasure as well. Sip some wine, relax and enjoy the waves with your partner.

Honeymoon in Mozambique

Mozambique is the epitome of a tropical paradise: palm-lined, white sandy beached islands, framing glistening turquoise water, that is filled with vibrantly coloured fish. Dolphins, whales and sharks are protected here, in one the worlds greatest marine sanctuaries. These magnificent aquatic creatures can be seen all-year round.

But that is not the only thing that makes Mozambique a wonderful honeymoon safari destination. There are several national parks and reserves that hold both big and small game, and the bird life is vibrant and exotic. You could also go diving, sailing or horseback riding – topping off your beach safari with some adventure.

Best Time to Go

  • All year round

Average Cost

  • $50 - $500

Highlights

  • Diving, amazing marine life, exotic birds, big and small game viewing, beautiful coastline
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
This is one the world’s best diving spots, with a large assortment of whales, dolphins, sharks and other marine life present and viewable throughout the year. The water is crystal clear and warm, and the jewel-toned fish put on quite the show.
Niassa Game Reserve
This is the best place to view big game in Mozambique. The elephant population is particularly big, and lion, leopard and buffalo can be found here as well. The reserve has beautiful scenery as well, with riverine vegetation, miombo forests, open savannah, mountain forests and even prairies.
Tropical Sands
This is offers the perfect opportunity to add a little horseback riding in with your beach safari. Cantering along pristine sandy beaches, with the warm sun sparkling off the turquoise water, is the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon.

Getting There and Safety

Flights

For the flights to Africa, it is advised to check Skyscanner (for multiple destination flights), to see which airlines can take you there and compare various ticket prices.

If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights.

If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights.

Visas

For more information on visas see our Complete Country Guides below:

Vaccinations and Malaria

Check your local travel health authority for more information:

For more information on vaccinations and risk of malaria in various regions see our Complete Country Guides below:

Travel Insurance

Going on a safari honeymoon in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.

Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of your safari trip cover.

What to Pack

For more details on what to pack see our Safari Packing List.

Drinking Water

For more information on tap water see our Complete Country Guides below: