10 Romantic Getaways You Can Experience in Africa

Romantic getaways in Africa not only offer the chance to explore the wilderness – from remote locations in the bush to beach paradises – but also to reconnect with each other. From a forest and beach lodge in Mozambique to a honeymoon suite overlooking the vast plains of Tanzania and bush retreats, Africa has so many options for couples looking for holiday accommodation. Let’s explore 10 romantic getaways in Africa, each with its own unique charm.

andBeyond Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Picture sailing along calm waters; you stretch your hand down to feel the warm Indian Ocean beneath you. The sunset paints fiery strokes across the horizon, and you look at your partner and share a smile. A sunset dhow cruise is just one of the magical activities at andBeyond Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Set among a lush forest, your cabana will delight you with a prominent four-poster bed, a free-standing bathtub, and an outdoor shower. The luxury continues outdoors with your own private deck and rim-flow pool.

Besides the dhow cruise, your romantic island escape can include swimming with horses during a bareback horse-riding expedition, scuba diving and snorkelling above the pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life, and enjoying a private picnic on your own stretch of beach.

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp, South Africa

Imagine walking into your suite after a game drive, still smiling about the wildlife sightings, and, after a quick change, sliding into your own private spa bath on your deck. Your partner joins you, glasses of champagne in hand, and you toast the gorgeous wilderness surrounding you.

The secluded setting, five-star status, and spectacular bush environment make Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp one of the most romantic lodges in South Africa. Your spacious suite is complete with a rain shower and luxury toiletries.

Enjoy authentic safari-style dining in the outdoor boma, with a canopy of stars enhancing the experience. Sabi Sabi is a private reserve within the Greater Kruger area, offering incredible wildlife sightings, including the Big Five.

Asilia Africa’s The Highlands, Tanzania

Picture this: after a sumptuous dinner, you and your partner walk hand in hand back to your honeymoon suite, a dome of canvas and perspex overlooking the expansive wilderness. A roaring fire has already warmed the room as you settle down with a nightcap to relive the day’s game drives.

For a luxury African honeymoon safari, Asilia Africa’s The Highlands honeymoon suite ticks all the boxes. The eight domed suites that make up the lodge – located in the Ngorongoro Conservancy – are set at the highest elevation in the region. The view of the rising sun from your bed is a sight that will stay with you forever.

Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unflooded, unbroken caldera in the world and home to a high concentration of wildlife, making it a must-visit during a Tanzania safari. This is one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino, and the high density of wildlife is thanks to the diverse ecosystems within the crater walls.

Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zimbabwe

Imagine stirring in your plush, four-poster bed with the first rays of the sun. You pad over to the floor-to-ceiling glass doors to pull back the curtains to reveal your uninterrupted view of the Zambezi River. Sitting on your private deck with a cup of coffee, you gaze over this natural marvel, your excitement mounting for the day ahead.

Located in the privacy of Kandahar Island and accessible only by boat, the Island Treehouses are the perfect choice for a romantic bush getaway. Positioned to take advantage of the Zambezi River views, every opportunity has been taken to immerse the suites in the picturesque surroundings without compromising on luxury.

With a private deck and plunge pool, along with personal butler service, a Zimbabwe safari here is taken to the next level of exclusivity. For an even more romantic setting, choose one of the two Starbed Treehouses. This two-storey accommodation features an open-air bedroom and sitting area suspended above the treetops.

Fundu Lagoon, Zanzibar

On the boundary between the beach and the jungle lies Fundu Lagoon, a hotel offering a remote and private couple’s getaway in the paradise that is Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Walk along the sandy beach hand in hand with your loved one, the mangrove forest on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other.

The accommodation makes the most of the surrounding natural environment. Think open-air spaces and thatched roofs, as well as rustic décor, all just a few steps from the beach. Your own plunge pool further enhances the feeling of romantic seclusion.

One of the best African islands to honeymoon on, Pemba boasts sublime snorkelling and diving conditions. Besides the thriving coral reefs, look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and mantarays. Make sure to fit in a romantic private beach dinner and a sunset dhow cruise.

The River Station, Uganda

Picture settling down at a breakfast table, overlooking an expansive river with your partner. Your coffee is placed in front of you as you watch a family of elephants walk past. The day has just started, and already an exciting animal sighting has occurred.

The River Station, set within the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve and overlooking the Kazinga Channel, features 10 en-suite rooms, each complete with an outdoor shower and private plunge pool. A must-do is visiting the safari spa – located over a waterhole, you’ll be coaxed into relaxation by the massage therapist and the mesmerising view.

This lodge is a perfect base from which to go chimpanzee trekking. The habituated primate families live deep within the rainforest; travellers can hike with a guide to see these chimpanzees in their natural habitat, gaining a glimpse into their complex and fascinating social structures.

African Bush Camps Atzaro Okavango Camp, Botswana

Imagine settling into a traditional canoe (called a mokoro) with your partner; your guide stands behind you, pushing the pole into the river to guide you along the waterways. The sounds and sights of nature overwhelm your senses, punctuated by facts and stories from your guide. You glide to a stop, and the sight ahead causes you to inhale sharply – a lion is crouched down, drinking, its amber eyes ever watchful.

In the world of romantic bush getaways, Botswana is a top Big Five safari destination. The lush, ecologically diverse Okavango Delta is home to a wealth of wildlife. Your romantic trip to Africa can include birding safaris, game drives, walking safaris, mokoro excursions, and night drives for a fully immersive experience.

The Atzaro Okavango Camp enjoys a remote location – it can only be accessed by helicopter – and the luxury suites prioritise the natural setting with open-plan layouts. You and your partner can enjoy a private pool that overlooks the wilderness – the ideal place to cool off after morning game drives.

Somalisa Expeditions, Zimbabwe

If you’re looking for something far from the well-worn travel paths for your couple’s African trip, consider the Somalisa Expeditions tented camp in Hwange National Park. This is the largest game reserve in the country, with rich biodiversity; it’s famous for its massive elephant herds, and endangered wild dogs can be found here too.

Picture cuddling up with your loved one, gazing up and being taken aback by the sheer number of stars during the sleep-out experience at Somalisa. This romantic excursion takes place in a treehouse overlooking a waterhole and is a must-do during a couple’s safari.

Your tent, complete with a king-size bed, is set on a wooden deck and will allow you and your partner to have an immersive, authentic safari experience. The perfect setting for couples excited to embrace adventure.

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Imagine sharing your breakfast with a giraffe – this is a core memory to make with your loved one! As the name suggests, Giraffe Manor is famous for its resident Nubian giraffes. These long-legged residents of the grounds are often seen poking their heads through doors and windows.

If you and your partner dream of a Kenya safari for your couple’s getaway, a stop at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is well worth it! This unique boutique hotel features Orchid House, where you can have a romantic candlelit dinner among the orchid collection and plant life.

You can’t leave the manor without visiting the Giraffe Centre to interact closely with giraffes and learn more about conservation efforts. Every stay at Giraffe Manor supports crucial breeding programmes and habitat protection initiatives, so you know your visit is helping to secure a future for these gentle animals.

Dulini Leadwood, South Africa

Picture walking in the wilderness, your loved one next to you and your guide in front, taking you through the wilderness. Your ears are on high alert for any sound that could turn into an animal sighting. Stories and facts punctuate the music of nature as your guide tells you more about the landscape and the wildlife that calls it home.

When on a South African safari, don’t miss out on guided bush walks for a more in-depth experience in nature. This is just one of the activities on offer at Dulini Leadwood Lodge, set in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, a region famous for its big cat populations.

The four suites at Leadwood each encompass spacious lounge, bedroom, and bathroom spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you always have stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, and the heated lap pool further enhances the relaxing atmosphere. A romantic dinner can be arranged for you in the privacy of your own suite.

When it comes to luxury, natural beauty, and opportunities for connection, romantic getaways in Africa don’t disappoint. For trips to Africa for couples that inspire romance, consider these magical 10.