Honeymoon in Africa: 13 Best African Honeymoon Destinations
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Africa is a vast and beautiful continent that has so much to offer. As well as unforgettable safaris, you’ll find fascinating culture, jaw-dropping scenery and the most pristine tropical beaches.
As a continent that boasts so many bucket list experiences, Africa is one of the very best places for a honeymoon.
But, with so much choice, it can be difficult to decide where to go. If that’s you and you’re wanting to honeymoon in Africa, I’ve got you covered!
Here’s my pick of the best African honeymoon destinations for your most magical getaway yet!
Where to honeymoon in Africa
Whether you want to spot the Big 5, sleep in a luxury desert camp or bliss out 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.
And if you can’t decide on just one African honeymoon destination, you’ll find some multi-centre honeymoon ideas, too.
Best African safari honeymoon destinations
A safari is on most people’s bucket lists and it’s an amazing experience for a honeymoon. As well as getting close to nature, you’ll find cosy and romantic safari lodges that have been made with honeymooners in mind.
1 Tanzania
Best time to visit: June to October
One of the best African honeymoon destinations has to be Tanzania. A top choice with nature lovers, it’s here that you’ll find the famous Serengeti National Park – a sprawling conservation area that’s filled with incredible wildlife.
Tanzania is also where you can catch the wildebeest migration and explore the Ngorongoro Crater – home to around 25,000 large animals, if you travel here on your honeymoon, you’re guaranteed an amazing time!
Tanzania boasts some of the world’s most sensational landscapes. Surrounded by miles of uninterpreted, sprawling plains and with breathtaking remote scenery, it’s a great option if you want a true back-to-nature experience for your honeymoon in Africa.
2 Kenya
Best time to visit: June to October
Like Tanzania, Kenya is also renowned for offering some of the world’s best safaris. Sharing an ecosystem with Tanzania, these two destinations are often compared and can be tricky to decide between.
With diverse landscapes, Kenya is every bit as beautiful as Tanzania. The Masai Mara is the most famous reserve where you can spot the Big 5, enjoy hot air balloon rides and experience the wildebeest migration. It’s a dream setting for a truly 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 cheaper to visit than Tanzania, making it great if you want to experience the same levels of luxury, with the benefit of a smaller price tag.
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 also boasts vibrant cities, beautiful beaches and ultra-romantic wine regions.
For a safari, Kruger National Park will always be a good choice. Located in the northeast of the country, this is South Africa’s biggest and most famous park and is an exceptional spot for a honeymoon.
Another great option for a South African safari honeymoon is the country’s Eastern Cape. Here you’ll find loads of game reserves that are perfect for a romantic break.
While smaller than Kruger, these private reserves offer brilliant chances to spot wildlife, including the Big 5. Plus, this area is malaria free so it’s a good alternative to other destinations.
4 Botswana
Best time to visit: May to October
Botswana is often overlooked in favour of other safari destinations but, those who have been, promise that it delivers the very best wildlife.
And it’s not really surprising – Botswana boasts extraordinary safari settings and, as an unspoilt location, it’s ideal if you want an intimate and serene escape.
As more of an under-the-radar gem, Botswana is one of the best African honeymoon destinations for adventurous couples. It’s also considered one of the safest countries in Africa, which definitely gives it extra points!
The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are the sites to make a note of in Botswana. The latter is where you’ll find a huge population of elephants, while the Okavango Delta is a unique and breathtaking setting – it’s also an amazing place for bird watching.
Plus, you can try a mokoro canoe safari in the Okavango Delta which will definitely be a unique honeymoon experience!
Best African honeymoon destinations for beaches
The African continent is home to some of the world’s very best beaches. As well as pristine shores on the mainland in places like Kenya and Mozambique, Africa boasts island gems like Mauritius and the Seychelles.
5 Mauritius
Best time to visit: September to December
Often described as heaven, it’s easy to see why Mauritius is a dream choice for a luxury honeymoon in Africa. This is a country that has everything you could want from a beach getaway with powdery white sands and azure waters.
Regularly compared with the Maldives, Mauritius boasts so much more to see and do. Rather than isolated island resorts, Mauritius is more of an eco paradise.
With its lush greenery, nature reserves and botanical gardens 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.
Plus, you’ll benefit from a great choice of accommodation in Mauritius. From ultra-luxe all-inclusive resorts to cosy guest houses and self-catered villas, there’ll definitely be something you love here that suits your honeymoon style.
6 Seychelles
Best time to visit: April to May & October to November
Another of Africa’s best honeymoon destinations is the beautiful Seychelles. Comprised of 115 scattered isles, the remote Seychelles is an ultra-romantic paradise.
It’s a nation that epitomises the honeymoon – it’s where Prince William and Kate had their honeymoon in 2011!
Like Mauritius, the Seychelles boasts nature reserves, glittering marine parks and the most heavenly natural landscapes. The scenery is pristine and breathtaking.
And it absolutely delivers the best beaches – its gorgeous 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. There’s a big focus on wildlife and, while it might seem like there’s less to see and do – that’s the appeal. This is a paradise island where it’s all about connecting with your partner in the most blissful surroundings.
7 Zanzibar
Best time to visit: June to October
Tanzania’s Zanzibar island is a tropical paradise gem. As with other Indian Ocean islands, Zanzibar has some of the world’s best palm-fringed beaches with white sands and shimmering seas.
It’s easily one of the top African honeymoon destinations and is a truly idyllic spot for a dream escape!
It’s also one of the best places to combine with a safari honeymoon. At just a short hop from the mainland, Zanzibar is perfect for relaxation after the thrill of the Tanzania plains.
When you’re not snorkelling or soaking up the sun, you’ll still find lots to see and do in Zanzibar, too.
You’ll want to visit Nungwi, Stone Town and the island’s spice farms. And for a romantic option, you’ll be able to take a sunset cruise on a traditional Dhow boat – it’ll be magical as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.
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 glittering coastline.
As one of the more undiscovered beach destinations, this is an option that’s best for adventurous honeymooners.
Offering remote and secluded settings, you’re guaranteed the escape of a lifetime in Mozambique. Honeymoon here and you’ll find swathes of immaculate, uninterrupted sands that are perfect for a blissful getaway.
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 amongst vibrant coral, you’ll be mesmerised by this country!
Best African honeymoon destinations for culture
All African countries are bursting with culture. Africa’s rich history and culture is really diverse, so you’ll never be short of fascinating places to explore on this continent.
9 Morocco
Best time to visit: March to May & September to November
Morocco is an amazing African honeymoon destination. And, if you’re travelling from the UK, it’s really easy to reach with flights of under 4 hours from London.
Despite the short distance, you’ll feel a world away when you’re surrounded by the magic of this enchanting destination.
Major cities include Marrakech, Casablanca and Fez where you can explore vibrant medinas, peruse the souks and gaze at magnificent palaces.
If you’re visiting northern Morocco, make sure you see the beautiful city of Chefchaouen with its pretty blue-washed streets and little bazaars. It’s a really romantic spot for a honeymoon!
If you choose to visit Morocco, you’ll also want to book a trip to the Sahara. You’ll be able to stay in a luxury desert camp which will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
10 Egypt
Best time to visit: October to April
Egypt is known world over for its remarkable architecture, mesmerising history and ancient wonders. Ancient Egypt is one of the oldest civilisations in the world and the Great Pyramids of Giza and majestic temples of Luxor make awe-inspiring visits.
As a country, Egypt is a masterpiece of temples, tombs and mysterious sites so it’s a dreamy destination if you’re looking for adventure on your honeymoon.
With its fascinating culture, Egypt is a country filled with treasures waiting to be explored. And, away from the pyramids, there’s much to do, too – from exploring the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo to sailing on the Nile.
If you want time for relaxation on your honeymoon, Egypt has some gorgeous beaches, too, so it really is a win-win!
Best African destinations for scenery
With a big focus on wildlife, Africa is a dream destination for nature lovers – you’ll find so many photogenic spots that show just how incredible our planet is!
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 many 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 want to sleep under the stars in a luxury desert lodge, too!
As expected, there are safari opportunities in Namibia as well. Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves so it’s well worth a visit. Plus, you’ll want to have time on your honeymoon 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, make sure you add Zimbabwe to your list. As with other African destinations, Zimbabwe boasts many beautiful settings but the most famous is Victoria Falls.
A natural landmark, Victoria Falls is the world’s biggest waterfall and is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can take it in from a helicopter – it’ll be a truly memorable part of your Africa honeymoon!
While you’re there, you’ll be able to explore Zambezi National Park and hop aboard a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. It’s a really romantic experience.
Elsewhere in Zimbabwe, you can tick off a bucket list safari in Hwange National Park and visit the gorgeous Mana Pools National Park. Plus, the Matobo Hills is a scenic spot that you’ll want to consider – so you definitely won’t be short of things to see!
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 sweeping savannah, you can definitely expect breathtaking 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 for a 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 will definitely be a must if you choose to honeymoon in Rwanda!
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. I hope this post has helped you scale down your options for a bucket list honeymoon in Africa!
