How to Plan the Perfect African Honeymoon Safari

In many ways, a marriage can be thought of as a new beginning — the beginning of a new life together. A honeymoon can be an incredible journey that newlyweds embark on, filled with wonder, a sense of excitement for what lies ahead, and some quality time together with the person of your dreams.

For those seeking adventure, unparalleled beauty, and exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences as they take their first steps together as one, a safari tour can be the ultimate honeymoon experience. But how does one approach planning a honeymoon safari? Let’s explore.

Consider Your Interests

Firstly, it can be important to consider your interests — and not just your own but those of your romantic partner as well. Do you love wildlife? Or, perhaps, there’s nothing better than the experience of the ultimate beach getaway in a land steeped in history and culture. In Mozambique, for example, you’ll find some of the most incredible beaches in the world.

Perhaps you’re seeking both — in a place where you’ll find both bush and beach! In South Africa, for example, KwaZulu-Natal offers incredible wildlife experiences as well as incredible beaches. Whatever the case, consider what you’re hoping to get out of this adventure, as you begin to plan this exhilarating adventure.

Those seeking wildlife experiences may look to Africa’s many incredible game reserves, where you may find animals that don’t roam free anywhere else on Earth. Perhaps, you’re particularly enamored with exotic birds or fish, in which case you’ll find incredible wildlife sanctuaries where these beautiful creatures exist harmoniously.

Plan For Downtime

If you’re booking a honeymoon safari, adventure is important — and it may be the most important factor for you. Still, it’s important to remember what you’re there to celebrate. A union with someone with whom you share your life. Planning for some downtime can be important. Fortunately, there are incredible romantic safari getaways where you can unwind together in the evening and refresh to take on the next day.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate pampering experience amid decadent lodging options, or you’re looking for a rustic camp getaway where you can spend time connecting with nature and one another as you retire in the evening, there’s something for everyone on a honeymoon safari.

Plan Together

Finally, it can be important to plan together. Even if you’re meant to plan the trip independently and take your significant other along for an incredible journey of discovery, it can be important to plan together in spirit, asking them important questions such as what their favorite African wildlife is, or whether they prefer the beach to the mountains, or what level of comfort they enjoy.

Get Started Today

Whatever kind of safari adventure you’re planning, your perfect honeymoon destination awaits you. Whether you’re planning to travel to awe-inspiring bush locations, in the heart of Africa, or you’re planning to spend time along Africa’s many gorgeous coasts, or anything in between, don’t hesitate to start planning your honeymoon safari today!

Things to keep in mind when planning a honeymoon safari:

Planning your first adventure together as a married couple is rather exciting. And spending this in the beautiful African wilderness is an amazing choice. There are some things you need to keep in mind when traveling to Africa. Especially on your honeymoon so that both of you can have the time of your life:

Not Every Game Reserve has the Same Wildlife

With the location of the different game reserves, the terrain and landscape differ. Along with the different terrains, comes a variety of wildlife.

Cheetahs would prefer more open grasslands whereas Hippos are found in areas with abundant water. The best would be to create a bucket list of wildlife you would like to see while on safari and then select the reserve better known for sightings of this wildlife.

The Luxury Camp is a Big Investment

Including a stay at a luxury camp for your safari, can be expensive. However, traveling to a more elite camp does have its benefits. Luxury camps generally have fewer rooms and therefore have fewer people in camp at any time. Being on your honeymoon would allow you a little more privacy.

Having fewer people in the camp also means fewer people during game drives. The number of people in each vehicle would be less and offers you a more personalized experience.

As there are fewer rooms at luxury camps, they very often do not allow children to stay in camp. Staying at a larger hotel or in the city leaves no problem when children are around as there are plenty of areas you can escape to.  However, while on safari, you only have the areas around the lodge. And it might not be ideal to relax at the pool and families are enjoying the African Sun.

Most lodges offer more than safari drives

Visiting Africa for the first time, you are excited about your first safari. When thinking of your time on safari, you imagine setting out on a game drive in the early morning as the sun rises over the African bush.

But being on safari, other options are exploring the bush as well. Most lodges offer bush walks or even longer walking safaris where you can get to experience the bush firsthand. Depending on the location of your safari lodge, you would also be able to explore either in a motorboat or canoe.

With the game activities mostly scheduled for the early mornings or late afternoon, it might be worth looking at a camp that offers a little more facilities as well.  Maybe a spa or even a gym. Nothing beats a back massage out in the African bush!

Three of Four days is usually enough time at camp

Although this might be your first safari, you might not want to spend all your time in the bush. African cities have so much to offer or maybe you would like to combine your stay with another destination. Maybe the beach or hiking in the mountains.

Ideally, you would like to spend a minimum of 3 nights at a safari lodge. This would give you enough time on safari and spotting your bucket list of wildlife, but also give you some time to enjoy the lodge facilities or just relax in your room. Most safaris are rushed and you might have booked a great room, but you hardly spend time here.

You will need to get some vaccinations

Travelling to Africa you would need to keep in mind that you might need some vaccinations. Some of the more common vaccinations would include Yellow Fever and Malaria prophylaxis. Should you prefer not to get any vaccinations or you are at medical risk for these vaccinations, the best would be to avoid these areas/countries.

But do not let this put a damper on your safari. You would still be able to go on safari without any risks. For example, you would not need a Yellow Fever shot or Malaria prophylaxis when visiting the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. This is a great Big 5 game reserve and is also known for its Wild Dog packs.

At Discover Africa, we’re here to help. We’ve curated some of the most incredible honeymoon getaways and destinations that await you now. Don’t hesitate to reach out to enquire today.

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