After the stress of wedding planning, the honeymoon becomes a well-deserved retreat, offering couples a chance to unwind and celebrate their new journey together.
Planning the perfect honeymoon can be just as exciting as it is overwhelming, especially with so many incredible destinations to choose from. Africa, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, stands out as a continent where adventure meets romance.
Each destination promises to create lasting memories, making your honeymoon the perfect start to your life together.
Read also: Best 3 destinations to visit in Africa and others in 2024
According to Vogue, here are their top 5 honeymoon destination to visit in Africa
Horseback Safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya
A safari in the Masai Mara is an iconic African experience, but exploring this vast reserve on horseback takes it to another level. Black Saddle offers guided horseback safaris that allow couples to ride alongside elephants, giraffes, and zebras, following paths once travelled by early explorers. Over the course of a week, participants journey through various landscapes, from open plains to river crossings teeming with hippos. Evenings are spent in mobile tented camps set up in scenic locations like the Mara River tributary or the Soit Ololo Escarpment. The camps provide essential comforts, including hot bucket showers, private drop-loos, and soft linen bedding. The days conclude with sundown cocktails and candlelit dinners, enhancing the intimate atmosphere.
Relaxation in the Seychelles
The Seychelles islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, offering the quintessential tropical paradise. The newly opened Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is particularly noteworthy for honeymooners. Situated on the remote Île Platte, accessible only by charter plane from Mahé airport, this all-villa resort provides seclusion and luxury. Each villa is equipped with private pools and offers various dining options, from farm-to-table experiences to Creole cuisine. The resort also offers a range of activities, including catamaran cruises at sunset and turtle-spotting beach walks. For those looking to unwind, the resort’s expansive tropical gardens and communal pool areas provide the perfect setting for relaxation.
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Exploring Cape Town and Surroundings, South Africa
Cape Town is a vibrant city that combines natural beauty with cultural richness, making it a prime destination for honeymooners. The city is surrounded by miles of beaches and a mountain range that offers numerous hiking trails. Nearby game reserves provide the opportunity for day-trip safaris, while the wine regions of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch offer romantic escapes. Belmond’s Mount Nelson Hotel, affectionately known as Nellie, is a top choice for accommodation. Located near Kloof Street, the hotel features cottages in rose gardens, candy-striped tented pool cabanas, and a spa offering couples’ treatments. The hotel’s concierge service can arrange personalized experiences, including champagne sundowners and helicopter tours of the Cape Peninsula.
Stargazing in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Basin
The Makgadikgadi Basin in Botswana is one of the world’s largest salt pans, offering a unique, remote experience. The area is largely uninhabited, with no roads or settlements, creating a stark and mesmerizing landscape. Desert & Delta’s Leroo La Tau Lodge offers a special experience where couples can sleep out on a salt pan, far from the lodge. The setup is minimal, with fold-out camping chairs, open-fire-cooked meals, and a mattress under the stars. While there are no luxury amenities like wifi or hot showers, the unobstructed views of the night sky are unforgettable. For those seeking a slightly more comfortable experience, the nearby Xigera’s Baobab Treehouse offers an alternative stargazing spot in the Okavango Delta.
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Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to observe wild gorillas in their natural habitat. Wilderness’ Bisate Lodge, with its six villas, serves as an ideal base for gorilla treks. The lodge is set on a hillside with views of the park’s volcanic peaks. Treks to see the gorillas can involve several hours of hiking, depending on the location of the gorilla troops. After the trek, guests return to the lodge to enjoy a warm fireplace, a stocked wine cellar, and gourmet meals. In September, Wilderness will open Bisate Reserve, a more intimate lodge located on a nearby reforested mountaintop, offering a closer connection to nature.
