2026 African honeymoon hotspots
Picture this: wide-open plains dotted with remarkable wildlife, sundowner bubbles - and just the right balance of romance, relaxation and adventure. Why not combine your safari with the barefoot luxury of an exotic private island, creating the perfect recipe for celebrating your nuptials! Africa is also famed for its luxurious hotels and lodges in unforgetable locations all creating those all-important memories of a lifetime!
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You'd be hard pressed to find a more romantic location in Kenya than Mara Bushtops. Not only is it home to the 'Best Safari Spa in Africa' (their Amani Spa has won this title three years in a row at The World Luxury Spa Awards) but the camp also has a decadent honeymoon suite with king-size bed and fabulous views from its private hot tub overlooking a busy salt lick that attracts wildlife from miles around. Honeymooners are treated to lovely extras such as a bottle of bubbly on arrival, a private bush breakfast, and sundowners at dusk ... but rest assured, next-level-romance is what Bushtops does best, so expect a host of surprises and special moments. The hot air balloon safari is particularly popular with honeymooners, floating peacefully over the iconic Masai Mara.
www.bushtopscamps.com
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| Credit: Bill Gozansky |
With just four suites, this elevated camp tucked away in Onguma Nature Reserve, on the fringe of Etosha National Park, offers honeymooners the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity. Each suite has its own sala with day bed (or sleep out under the stars), wood-fired hot tub, cool plunge pool and discreet butler service. There's also an on-site photographic hide, gym and spa room for relaxation and pampering between safaris.
www.onguma.com/ongumacamp-kala
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The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa is a beautiful mountain hideaway tucked in a scenic valley in KwaZulu- Natal's Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve, South Africa. It has been family owned and run for more than 80 years and has a wonderful feel that echoes the famous Dirty Dancing resort with a host of activities on offer including mountain biking, tennis, fishing, horse riding as well as old favourites such as lawn bowls and croquet. Guests can opt to join the twice daily guided hikes to beautiful waterfalls, ancient caves and scenic lookouts, do a self-guided nature trail, or just pick a quiet spot at the pool to relax. Newlyweds will love this special spot in the mountains - with surprise treats including a free couples massage at the Forest Spa, canapés and bubbles!
www.cavern.co.za
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| Credit: Jack Swynnerton |
Craters Edge by The Wilderness Collection is a beautiful new lodge nestled among the acacia trees on the north-eastern side of Tanzania's iconic Ngorongoro Crater rim. Small and intimate, this lodge oozes romance. Thanks to its prime location, honeymooners can be on the Crater floor long before it gets busy, enjoy their game drive and enjoy a beautifully set up picnic lunch at a picturesque spot before ascending back to the lodge for a massage, some Masai beading or simply to relax and soak up the views in the beautiful lounge. Each of its magnificent glass-fronted safari tents has a romantic fireplace, king sized bed, ensuite bathroom with free-standing copper bathtub and a viewing deck with telescope.
www.thewildernesscollection.com
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Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection is a secluded, private 74-acre island paradise, a short boat ride from Zanzibar's ancient Stone Town. Lapped by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, at the heart of the newly proclaimed Changuu-Bawe Marine Reserve, honeymooners can choose from a Maldivian-style overwater Lagoon Suite or Sunset/Sunrise Villa on the beach. Every villa boasts a private pool and dedicated butler service, offering unparalleled pampering!
www.thecocooncollection.com
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The ultra-exclusive five-star Euphorbia Villas in Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve, is a fabulous spot for a safari. The wonderful honeymoon package includes a full-body couples massage at the Serokolo Spa, a candlelit dinner, bottle of champagne and an additional adventure activity to choose from, including underground hide session, walking safari, cycling and more, based on a minimum three-night stay.
www.mashatu.com
