Planning a honeymoon in Africa? Good choice! From ancient wonders to stunning landscapes and exotic wildlife, this unique continent is the perfect backdrop for your once in a lifetime trip!
Whether you are in the mood for a safari, soaking up the sun on the beach or trekking in the jungle to visit gorillas, there’s a romantic adventure to be had in Africa!
But which is the best country to safari in? Should we consider an African island? Which country has the nicest beaches? If you’re wondering which country (or countries) to honeymoon in in Africa – you’ve come to the right place! I’ve enlisted the help of other travel bloggers to put together a mind-blowing list of African honeymoon destinations to consider as you begin planning the best part of the wedding – the honeymoon!
Botswana
Contributed by Claudia from My Adventures Across The World
Botswana is a fantastic honeymoon destination, and there is nothing better than moving across the savanna to admire its incredible wildlife – which includes the Big Five and much more. While most travelers stay in lodges when visiting, I recommend glamping in Botswana for an incredible experience. Provided you pick the right tour company, you will be staying in fantastic, fully equipped campsites where you will have a large luxury tent complete with your own toilet and camp bathroom and shower; you’ll have a “porch” from where you’ll be able to enjoy the views during the day – vervet monkeys or baboons running by, hippos if you are by the river. At night, you’ll hear the roar of lions in the distance.
Naturally, the best thing to do in Botswana is going on game drives. These normally start very early in the morning, and in the late afternoon – when animals are most active. Among animals you may be able to spot there are elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, hippos, zebras, hyenas, giraffes.
It’s a truly unique experience and no occasion is better than a honeymoon to do it!
Cape Verde
Contributed by Mario from Rest & Recuperation
If there is one destination that I would highly suggest for a beautiful honeymoon in Africa, it’s Cape Verde. The archipelago stands off the coast of Senegal and it is easily reachable from both Europe and Africa. This country has a lot to offer, due to the fact that it is formed by ten volcanic islands presenting a big variety of panorama and things to do. If you are looking for beach life, the island of Sal is what you are looking for. It is very flat, has beautiful beaches, and developed a lot recently, with adequate tourist structures for those looking for some relaxation after the big emotions of the wedding. You can also turn sporty as there are many water activities to be done, including being one of the best kite-surfing spots in the region thanks to the constant and strong winds.
The other main touristic spot is the island of Boa Vista where the capital Praia is. It is quite a big island that you can discover by car, possibly staying in one of the beautiful areas in the north.
If you prefer a more adventurous honeymoon, you could head to the most western islands of the archipelago. Sao Vicente and Mindelo are a great place to experience the culture of Cape Verde, especially the music which inspired world-renown artists. You can also do some trekking in Santo Antao, one of the most remote islands of the archipelago, as well one of the most beautiful. What’s more romantic than spending some time together on walking on the top of its mountains while seeing the sun set on the sea? Whatever the plans for your honeymoon, Cape Verde has it all.
Egypt
Egypt may be on your bucketlist, but have you thought about it as an once in a lifetime honeymoon destination? While it’s known for it’s beautiful chaos, and rich history, you’d be surprised by the amount of romance to be found!
Start with a few days exploring bustling Cairo and then visit the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World, the Pyramids. Then relax as you sail on the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, stopping to see incredible temples and unique local areas, like the Nubian village. Then end your trip with relaxing by the sea in a luxurious resort at surprisingly affordable prices and diving to see fish you didn’t even know existed. Take your pick of the sea, whether Mediterranean or Red – or why not just do both! An adventurous and historic trip awaits you if you choose Egypt as your honeymoon spot!
Kenya
Contributed by Alison from Alison in Andalucia
You float silently above the Masai Mara as the sun rises, casting its golden glow over the plains below. You see giraffes, zebras and elephants wake up and head off in search of food and, dipping down to treetop level, you follow a convoy of wildebeest on its annual migration. Scanning the horizon you search for the nocturnal animals heading home after a night of hunting, ready to sleep in the heat of the day.
Back on land, you enjoy a champagne breakfast under the acacia trees before clambering on board your jeep to continue your safari at ground level. As well as the wildlife you saw from the air, you spot lions, hippos, leopards and cheetahs. Will you be lucky enough to spot the ‘big five’?
After a long day in the bush, there’s time for sundowners before dinner where you can reflect on your Kenyan adventure and, at the end of a perfect day, what could be more romantic than retiring to your lodge where your four-poster bed awaits?
Madagascar
Contributed by Abi from Inside the travel lab
Simply put, Madagascar has some of the best beaches in the world. Powder white sand with crystal water. Breaching, glistening, humpback whales. Barefoot luxury and affordable villas by the water’s edge. Sunshine and fresh air and the sense of adventure.
To be honest, for many honeymooners, who needs anything more?
But if you do want more than simple relaxation on the beach, Madagascar rewards with wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. Think leaping lemurs and the changing colours of the chameleon.
Even the landscape stands out, with needle sharp tsingy to climb and the stunning silhouettes of the baobab trees. Spend one week in a haze of lazy romance on the beach and then follow that up with a thrilling wildlife journey together. Creep through the forest by the power of torchlight. Shelter beneath the canopy and share each other’s binoculars.
All in, enjoy an adventure between the two of you that few else in the world have ever shared.
Mauritius
Contributed by Amy from Temple Seeker
Mauritius is the perfect African honeymoon destination. Some 850km East off the coast of Madagascar, the island of Mauritius is a blend of African food, Indian culture and French language. Mauritius is well set up for tourism and has relaxing beaches and 5 star hotels. The hospitality and service is out of this world, with most hotels offering honeymoon packages and special romantic dinners for honeymooners and those celebrating anniversaries. They know how to dress your bed with romantic rose petals and offer added extras such as sunset cruises.
There is a beautiful spot in North Mauritius at Cap Malheureux Church, which makes for fantastic wedding and honeymoon photos – it’s one of the most picturesque spots on the island.
If you are looking for a paradise island with more to do than the Seychelles or Maldives, Mauritius has some excellent scenic places to visit. Day excursions are popular and it’s easy to get from the North side of the island to the South side in a day. Visit the colourful sands of the South and Pamplemousses botanical garden. There are some colourful temples in Mauritius – don’t miss the most famous – Grand Bassin. If you are looking for water sports there are many activities on offer including reef diving and submarine excursions.
Morocco
Contributed by James Ian at Travel Collecting
Morocco is an incredibly romantic country with plenty of things for couples to do. In Marrakech, stay in a riad – a former home built around a courtyard that’s been converted into an inn. There are several restaurants overlooking the main square where you can live out your Arabian Nights dream sharing a tajine while watching the storytellers and juice sellers ply their trades. Take a food tour and try the local cuisine like snail soup and donuts with orange blossom syrup. Get lost wandering the markets together (and then ask for the “Big Square” to get out of the labyrinth).
Leaving Marrakech, you can ride bicycles together though a date palm oasis before exploring exotic kasbahs. Have lunch on an isolated bend of a river at a petal strewn table. In season, you can wander through fields of roses and absorb the scent of these beautiful flowers (this is the rose water capital of the world). Spend a night in a (romantic and comfortable) cave hotel in Dades Gorge before heading out into the Sahara Desert on camels for a night glamping in a tent with an ensuite shower. Lie back, gazing up at the stars and moon, and listen to the Berber drumming. Continue on to Fes, where you can buy each other gifts in the markets, and then spend the afternoon lazing together on a rooftop overlooking the old town drinking mint tea. A honeymoon doesn’t get any more perfect than this.
Seychelles
Contributed by Nabiha from Verses by a Voyager
Seychelles in Africa is a perfect honeymoon destination. This archipelago of 115 islands is home to some of the best beaches in the world which make an excellent, tranquil honeymoon. Seychelles beaches have crystal, clear, turquoise water which is guarded by the giant boulders. These beaches of white sand along with coconut trees are a treat for the new couples.
The most photographed beach in the world, Anse Source D’Argent is on the La Digue in Seychelles and is a beautiful, peaceful place to spend time together. Honeymoons are usually preferred on places with fewer crowds and mesmerizing backdrops and Seychelles has all of these. Generally known for its beaches, Seychelles has a lot more to offer including some perfect adventurous activities, the nature reserve of the heaviest seed in the world and the only country having the giant tortoises of Aldabra. Life is slower and simpler on these islands making it idle place for honeymoon.
South Africa
Contributed by Jessy from PlanetPilgrims
The best honeymoon destination in Africa? Without a doubt that has to be South Africa! Many people only dream about taking a trip to South Africa and envision giraffes, zebras, scenic mountain drives and gorgeous wine estates. And yes, South Africa offers all that.
Safari lodges offer incredible honeymoon packages that include topnotch accommodation, private jeep safaris, spa treatments while listening to the bush and of course the cuisine is mouthwatering. After having spend a few nights in the secluded bush, you might be ready for some time by the sea and go whale watching.
Or how about a luxurious stay at a historic wine estate. Enjoy a private dinner in the wine cellar and of course taste the delicious wines that South Africa is so famous for. Are you a very adventurous couple? Why not hike up Table Mountain with a guide and have a picnic organized at the top. Honeymooning is South Africa is really the best way to start your life together as you will make lifelong memories.
Tanzania
Contributed by Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel
When it comes to the best destinations in Africa, Tanzania offers many once in a lifetime experiences. A honeymoon in Tanzania provides you the opportunity to go on responsible safari in the Serengeti with the person you love most and admire the beauty of majestic animals like elephants, zebras, lions, and cheetahs in their natural habitats. You can spend your days in awe of wildlife and your evenings together in beautiful romantic lodges, which are plentiful all across the country.
After some time on a safari, head to Zanzibar for a few days relaxing by the Indian Ocean. If you are a scuba diver, enjoy a few days off the island, otherwise, snorkel to your heart’s content. Enjoy gorgeous sunrises and romantic dinners together under a starlit sky.
Adventurous? Why not challenge yourself to summit Mt Kilimanjaro or spend a few days hiking in Kilimanjaro National Park.
A honeymoon in Tanzania will offer no shortage of opportunities to create beautiful memories with your spouse, and it will be an experience that will be forever etched into your memory.
Tunisia
Contributed by Stephanie from History Fan Girl
The gorgeous white and blue seaside town of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia is a wonderfully romantic spot that is almost unknown outside of the country. Located just a quick train ride outside of Tunis, Tunisia’s bustling capital, you can also use Sidi Bou Said as a base to explore Tunis and Carthage. Make sure to bring your camera, as this is the most photographic corner of Tunisia!
The town itself is a dream. White-washed buildings with blue trim and doors perched up on the hillside overlooking the village’s beautiful harbor. You can enjoy a cocktail or a fabulous dinner while taking in the gorgeous colors of the sunset, or go on a refreshing after-dinner stroll.
There are a few great museums to wander through, but the ideal way to spend your honeymoon is to plan lazy days, enjoy romantic dinners and lazy brunches, and simply enjoy the fabulous atmosphere.
If you want to see more of Tunisia, you can also plan stops in Sousse, a waterfront city to Tunis’s south that also features wonderful beaches and sumptuous architecture.
Uganda
Contributed by Dani from Diapers in Paradise
Uganda might not be at the top of most people’s honeymoon destination lists, but imagine staring up at the stars around a glowing fire pit in the middle of the jungle, drinking wine outside of your safari tent and revelling in the experience of something that very few humans get to do… that’s a night in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Unlike most forms of animal tourism, gorilla trekking is actually very ethical. Not many people have been gorilla trekking, and that’s because the governments of Uganda and Rwanda limit the number of trekkers to 72/day. But many who have done it agree – there is something about the climb through the misty rainforest, the hour spent watching the incredible family of animals – that is lifechanging. It’s the connection to the Earth, and to your partner as you experience it together, that make this one-of-a-kind adventure into the perfect honeymoon.
It’s not easy to reach the rainforest, which is fortunate because you’ll get to experience a lot more of Uganda. It’s a lush, green, friendly and fascinating country. If you’d like to do more than lay on a beach during your honeymoon, consider gorilla trekking as an adventurous, luxurious, unique, and eco-conscious alternative.
Zanzibar
Contributed by Chloe & Michael from Nomad and In Love
If you’re all about the Bora Bora and Turks & Caicos vibes but not keen on the high price tag (especially after all the wedding expenses), then Zanzibar Island is for you. Nestled off the east coast of Tanzania, this hidden gem is one of Africa’s most mesmerizing jewels. With its long stretches of soft, white sandy beaches and crystal clear, turquoise waters that extends as far as the eyes can see, its the perfect paradise to escape to.
Besides being breathtakingly beautiful, the beaches are never crowded so it’s easy to find a slice of paradise all to yourself. If holding hands while strolling leisurely along the beach and catching a glimpse of the sunset is your idea of romantic, then Zanzibar is the perfect place to connect with your other half.
If you’re a beach bum, then Zanzibar is beach heaven. And if you’re into snorkelling or scuba diving, Zanzibar has some of the best reefs in Africa. But there’s a lot more to Zanzibar than its aesthetic beauty. Whether it’s hiking the Jozani forest, visiting a turtle sanctuary or learning about Zanzibar’s heritage by joining one of various tours (city, cultural and spice), there’s something to keep any couple enthralled.
Which side of Zanzibar Island has the best beaches and where you should stay to get the best slice of paradise – find out here.
There’s so many amazing places in this world to choose from and the reality is, whichever you choose will become special for you as a couple starting their lives together!
While this list is in no way comprehensive, I hope it helps ignite your dreams for your African honeymoon!
Want more honeymoon inspo? Check out these posts!
- Ultimate guide to planning a honeymoon in Egypt
- 20 destinations you must see in Canada
- Zika free honeymoon ideas
- 10 best islands for a romantic Greek vacation
- How much did our 9-day Greek honeymoon cost?
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