13 Best African Honeymoon Destinations
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Looking for the best African honeymoon destinations? Africa is a beautiful continent that has so much to offer. As well as unforgettable safaris, you’ll find fascinating culture, jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking tropical beaches.
As a continent that has so many bucket list experiences, Africa is one of the BEST places for a honeymoon. But, with so much choice, it can be difficult to decide where to go in the region.
If that’s you and you’re wanting to honeymoon in Africa, I’ve got you! This post covers the very best African honeymoon destinations that I know you’ll love – with options to suit a variety of styles.
Where to honeymoon in Africa
Whether you want to spot the Big 5 on safari, sleep in a desert camp or stay on a paradise island – this guide is here to help you out. This post is split into themes based on what you want most out of your African honeymoon – safaris, beaches, culture and natural scenery.
If you can’t decide on just one African honeymoon destination, you’ll also find multi-centre honeymoon ideas at the end.
Best safari honeymoon destinations in Africa
1 Tanzania
Best time to visit: June to October
Tanzania is easily one of the best African honeymoon destinations for a safari so it had to be first on this list. This is a country that’s a top choice with nature lovers and has some of the world’s most amazing landscapes.
Surrounded by miles of sprawling safari plains and breathtaking remote scenery, Tanzania is a great option if you want a back-to-nature experience for your honeymoon in Africa.
The main places to safari in Tanzania include the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater which is a bucket list spot that’s home to around 25,000 large animals. It’s perfect for game viewing!
If you have your honeymoon around June or July you might also catch the wildebeest migration in Tanzania which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You’ll also find incredible safari lodges in this country that feel like they were made for honeymooners. They have all the cosy and romantic vibes with loads to fall in love with.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
2 Kenya
Best time to visit: June to October
Like Tanzania, Kenya is also known for offering some of the world’s best safaris. It’s a country that shares an ecosystem with Tanzania, so these two destinations can seem similar and tricky to decide between.
Kenya is every bit as beautiful as Tanzania with its diverse landscapes. The Masai Mara is the most famous reserve where you can spot the Big 5 on game drives, take hot air balloon rides and experience the wildebeest migration. It’s a dream setting for an unforgettable African honeymoon!
You’ll also be able to learn about Maasai culture and traditions. Plus, Kenya is considered a top ecotourism destination so it’s a good choice if you’re trying to travel more sustainably.
Kenya is also one of the more affordable honeymoon destinations in Africa. It’s a great choice if you want to experience the same levels of luxury as Tanzania, but with the benefit of a smaller price tag.
Where to stay: Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
3 South Africa
Best time to visit: May to September
If you want to mix a safari with other adventures, a South Africa honeymoon needs to be on your list. As well as being a premier safari destination, South Africa has vibrant cities like Cape Town, beautiful beaches and romantic wine regions.
For a safari, Kruger National Park is a brilliant choice. It’s located in the northeast of the country and is South Africa’s biggest and most famous park. It’s an amazing place for a honeymoon.
Another great option for a South African safari honeymoon is the country’s Eastern Cape. It’s where you’ll find loads of private game reserves with luxury safari lodges.
Even though they’re smaller than Kruger, these private reserves are amazing for spotting wildlife, including the Big 5. Plus, this area is malaria free so it’s a good alternative to other destinations.
Where to stay: Amakhala Safari Lodge
4 Botswana
Best time to visit: May to October
Botswana is often overlooked in favour of other safari destinations but it’s an amazing destination for wildlife lovers. This is a country that has incredible safari settings and is ideal if you want a peaceful escape.
As more of an under-the-radar choice, Botswana is one of the best African honeymoon destinations for adventurous couples. It’s also one of the safest countries in Africa, which definitely gives it extra points!
The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are the top places to visit in Botswana. Chobe National Park is where you’ll find a huge number of elephants.
Botswana is also an amazing place for bird watching and it’s where you can go on a mokoro canoe safari, too.
Best African beach honeymoon destinations
5 Mauritius
Best time to visit: September to December
Mauritius is often described as heaven so it’s easy to see why it’s a dream choice for a honeymoon in Africa. This is a country that has everything you could want from a beach getaway with powdery white sands and crystal clear waters.
Even though it’s compared with the Maldives, Mauritius has so much more to see and do. Rather than isolated island resorts, Mauritius is more of an eco paradise and is one of the best African islands for a honeymoon.
Mauritius has lush greenery, nature reserves and botanical gardens so there’s lots you can explore during your stay, making it a great option if you want more than the beach. It’s also one of the more built up islands, so you’ll always find plenty of activities to fill your time.
You’ll also benefit from a great choice of accommodation in Mauritius. From luxury all-inclusive resorts to cosy guest houses and self-catered villas, there’s something to suit every honeymoon style.
Where to stay: Royal Palm Beachcomber
6 Seychelles
Best time to visit: April to May & October to November
Another of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa is the beautiful Seychelles. This is a remote country that’s comprised of 115 scattered isles – it’s as close to paradise as you can get!
The Seychelles also epitomises honeymoons – it’s where Prince William and Kate had their honeymoon in 2011.
Like Mauritius, the Seychelles has nature reserves, marine parks and heavenly natural landscapes. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
The Seychelles has some of the continent’s best beaches, too – Anse Source d’Argent beach is one of the most photographed in the world.
With so many islands to choose from, the Seychelles is a fab African honeymoon destination if you’re looking for privacy or want an island-hopping adventure.
It’s also one of the best choices if you want to immerse yourself in nature and get away from it all. This is a destination where it’s all about connecting with your partner in the most beautiful surroundings!
Where to stay: North Island
7 Zanzibar
Best time to visit: June to October
Tanzania’s Zanzibar island is a paradise gem. As with other Indian Ocean islands, Zanzibar has some of the world’s best palm-fringed beaches with white sands and crystal clear seas.
It’s easily one of the top Africa honeymoon destinations and is a truly idyllic spot for a tropical escape.
It’s also one of the best places to combine with a safari honeymoon. It’s not far from the mainland so it’s perfect for relaxing after a safari adventure in Tanzania.
When you’re not snorkelling or soaking up the sun, you’ll still find lots to see and do in Zanzibar, too. You’ll be able to visit Nungwi, Stone Town and the island’s spice farms. It’s also where you can take a romantic sunset cruise on a traditional Dhow boat.
Where to stay: Zuri Zanzibar
8 Mozambique
Best time to visit: May to October
Tucked between Tanzania and South Africa, Mozambique is an authentic choice for an exotic beach honeymoon in Africa. This is a country that’s a hidden honeymoon gem with endless miles of coastline.
As one of the more undiscovered beach destinations, this is an option that’s best for adventurous honeymooners.
You’ll find remote and secluded settings so you’re guaranteed the escape of a lifetime in Mozambique. It’s also a culturally rich destination that’s fascinating to explore.
Whether you’re ambling around historic sites, floating on a traditional sailboat or snorkelling the reefs, there’s so much to love about this country!
African honeymoon destinations for culture
9 Morocco
Best time to visit: March to May & September to November
Morocco is an amazing African honeymoon destination, especially if you’re travelling from the UK and want somewhere easy to reach. Flights are under 4 hours from London.
Major cities in Morocco include Marrakech, Casablanca and Fez where you can explore vibrant medinas and souks and visit magnificent palaces.
If you’re visiting northern Morocco, you’ll be able to see the beautiful city of Chefchaouen with its pretty blue-washed streets and little bazaars. It’s a magical and romantic spot for a honeymoon!
You’ll also be able to book a trip to the Sahara if you’re honeymooning in Morocco. For something different, you could also stay overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Where to stay: Riad Dar One
10 Egypt
Best time to visit: October to April
Egypt is known for its remarkable architecture and mesmerising history. Ancient Egypt is one of the oldest civilisations in the world and the Great Pyramids of Giza and temples of Luxor are super interesting to visit.
As one of the best North Africa honeymoon destinations, Egypt is a masterpiece of temples, tombs and mysterious sites so it’s a dream destination if you’re looking for adventure on your honeymoon.
With its fascinating culture, you’ll find so many treasures in Egypt. You’ll also find things to do away from the pyramids – like exploring the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo and sailing on the Nile.
If you want time for relaxation on your honeymoon, Egypt has some beautiful beaches, too – it’s a win-win!
Where to stay: Al Moudira Hotel
Best African destinations for scenery
11 Namibia
Best time to visit: May to October
You can’t overlook the iconic Namibian landscape if you want spectacular scenery on your African honeymoon. As a country, Namibia is home to Africa’s largest canyon, the oldest desert and has impressive dunes, so it’s a good choice if you want to be wowed.
You won’t be short of unique experiences if you honeymoon in Namibia. You’ll find lots to see and do – from visiting the Spitzkoppe rocks to exploring the Sossusvlei dunes and the Skeleton Coast.
You’ll be able to sleep under the stars in a luxury desert lodge, too!
There are also safari opportunities in Namibia. Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves so it’s well worth a visit. Plus, you’ll be able to explore the coastal city of Swakopmund as well as the capital of Windhoek.
12 Zimbabwe
Best time to visit: May to October
For extra dramatic scenery, you’ll want to add Zimbabwe to your honeymoon list. As with other African destinations, Zimbabwe has so many beautiful settings but the most famous is Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is the world’s biggest waterfall and is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. For a bucket list honeymoon experience, you could see if from above in a helicopter.
While you’re there, you’ll also be able to explore Zambezi National Park and hop aboard a romantic sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.
Elsewhere in Zimbabwe, you could tick off a safari in Hwange National Park as well as visit the gorgeous Mana Pools National Park and Matobo Hills.
Where to stay: The Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel
13 Rwanda
Best time to visit: June to September
If nature is what you’re after for your African honeymoon, Rwanda absolutely delivers. Known as the land of a thousand hills, this is a bucket list destination where spectacular landscapes are matched with exceptional hotels.
From rolling hills and lush forests to lakes, volcanoes and savannah, you can definitely expect the most beautiful scenery.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s largest rainforest – it’s a wildlife paradise. You can also visit Lake Kivu which boasts stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.
Gorilla trekking is the huge draw of Rwanda and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a more expensive option, but it’s a brilliant choice for a luxury African honeymoon.
You’ll find the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, where you can take a guided tour to visit them in their natural habitat. It’s a must if you choose to honeymoon in Rwanda!
Where to stay: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Best twin-centre destinations in Africa
If you still can’t decide between all these destinations, here are some great combinations for a twin-centre honeymoon in Africa.
These beautiful spots are easy to travel between and will give you the best of both worlds so you can tick off as many bucket list experiences and places as possible!
- South Africa + Mauritius for romantic winelands, safaris & beaches
- Tanzania + Zanzibar for the wildebeest migration & island vibes
- Kenya + Seychelles for culture, safaris & a wild island paradise
- Namibia + Zimbabwe for Africa’s dreamiest scenery & safaris
There’s definitely a lot to take in – Africa has it all! As such a huge continent there are so many amazing places that you’ll want on your list.
Whether you want to get close to nature, relax on a paradise island or experience Africa’s rich history and culture, you won’t be disappointed. I hope this post has helped you scale down your options for a bucket list honeymoon in Africa!
READ MORE:
3 Week South Africa Itinerary (+ Map)
Ultimate South Africa Honeymoon Guide
Are Safaris Ethical? (+ How to Choose an Ethical Vacation)
