Romantic Safari: Top 12 Getaways
Whether you’re going on your honeymoon or commemorating an anniversary, Africa has some enticing options for a romantic safari. From intimate safari camps in the bush, to decadent beach villas and even a vineyard in the Cape Winelands, here are the dreamiest getaways in Africa, curated by the safari experts here at AAC.
1) La Residence – Cape Winelands
La Residence is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Cape Winelands
Get out of the hustle and bustle of Cape Town and treat yourself to some of Africa’s best wine and cuisine! Because La Residence is situated on a working farm, diners will be treated to impeccably fresh produce. Additionally, each of the 16 suites is uniquely decorated, following its own color scheme and accompanied by an eclectic, yet sumptuous collection of antique decor, chandeliers and carpets. All in all, this boutique hotel is mesmerizingly romantic!
One of the suite’s interiors
If you’re type that enjoys luxury trains, check out our 15-Day Deluxe Tour to South Africa. This safari is big on the romance, as well as fine dining and wines!
“We had a wonderful time. La Residence and Franschhoek were absolutely amazing. The Silo was also spectacular, and we had fabulous meals at Kloof Street House and The Test Kitchen. We wish we had done four nights at La Res and one night at The Silo. Everybody at The Silo and La Res was extremely accommodating and hospitable….we were very impressed. Chris was a great guide. La Petite Colombe was fabulous for dinner. Thanks! Elizabeth Thompson”
Check out Royal Malewane’s New Sister Camp – Waterside!
2) Amalinda Lodge – Matobo Hills NP
One of Amalinda’s unique suites
Every relationship is unique, so why not celebrate yours at the undeniably unique Amalinda Lodge. Built among granite kopjes within Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills National Park, each of the 9 rock and thatch suites conform to the natural formations of the rocks. Therefore, each suite configuration is unique. Each suite is also individually decorated with hand-crafted furniture and romantically draped beds. Consider adding a visit here to one of our many Southern Africa itineraries.
The infinity pool conforms to the natural shape of the granite kopje
Our client Patricia Little had this to say about her visit to Amalinda back in August:
“On to Amalinda — the highlight of my trip. I want to go back! You gave me such good advice about staying here and staying longer. I loved every bit of it. My guide Brightwell and I had a blast, climbing over the hills, seeing rhino on a walk (OMG!), spending quiet times with the ancestors as we explored the San rock paintings, visiting villagers and having an impromptu lesson in thatch cutting from some highly-amused women. Phil, Sharon and the team were super responsive. I am all ready to go back in January and already planning my next trip!”
Check out Amalinda Collection Star Bed from Khulu Bush Camp/Sable Valley near Hwange!
3) Savanna Lodge – Sabi Sands
What’s a romantic safari without a candle lit dinner?
If we had to choose one honeymoon safari lodge in the Sabi Sands, it would be Savanna Lodge. Tantalizingly, it offers one partner a 50% discount on their stay and Big 5 game viewing. The lodge has an undeniable “Classic Africa” aesthetic. With a recent refurbishment, each of the 9 tented suites have a plunge pool and Victorian bathtub. Our 10 Day Romance Package combines this lodge with a visit to Cape Town and the nearby Cape Winelands.
The tented suites have simple, yet elegant interiors
But don’t just take it from us – our honeymooners and clients celebrating their anniversary have been raving about this lodge! For example, Dave & Drew Brophy had this to say their honeymoon:
“Our stay at Savanna Lodge was definitely our most enjoyable part of the trip. Neil (our guide) was fantastic. Between him and the other guests we were paired with, we had an absolute blast! The staff and all the special touches (dinners, baths, dessert wine, etc.) were all very much appreciated and made each night so incredibly special! We’ve talked up the safari and Savanna lodge specifically to all of our friends and family! We want to go back!”
Check out Savana Lodge’s New Sister Camp – Dulini Tumelo!
4) Singita Sabora Tented Camp – Serengeti
Contemporary design and decor puts the emphasis on the surrounding Serengeti plains
Simply put, Singita Sabora Tented Camp is the pinnacle of contemporary luxury. The nine lavish tented suites have a light aesthetic and enough amenities to satisfy anyone. These include air-conditioning, a private meditation deck, indoor and outdoor shower, bathtub, an outdoor sala with daybeds, a private fitness area and dining space. In additon, a spa and tennis courts are available.
Singita Sabora Tented Camp is located in the ultra-exclusive Grumeti Reserve
Located in the ultra-exclusive Grumeti Reserve bordering the Serengeti, this area is not only a great place to see the Great Migration, but has superb year-round game viewing. Besides game drives and guided walks, guests can also arrange hot-air balloon rides, offering views as unforgettable as the occasion you’re celebrating! To learn more about the Grumeti, read our latest Stay Longer, Stay Remoter post. And for a superb itinerary featuring Singita Sabora, feast your eyes on our 12 Day Exclusive Safari to Tanzania.
“I had the opportunity to stay at Singita Sabora Tented Camp in Tanzania’s Grumeti Reserve. On the less than hour transfer from the airstrip to Sabora we drove past a buffalo kill with two lions on it. Later we came back to the kill and there were 4 lionesses and six cubs on the kill. There are approximately 200 lion on the Grumeti Reserve, making cheetah and leopard sightings more challenging. Lots of banded mongoose to keep you entertained! The Singita Sabora Tented camp is absolutely gorgeous. I was met by Fabio and Barb, the couple that is managing the camp. Beforehand they managed Greystoke for 5 years. The 10 tents are air-conditioned and heated, and some of the most luxurious that I have ever seen – they have thought of everything! Mark Nolting”
Check out Singita Sabora’s New Sister Camp – Singita Milele!
5) Mara Nyika – Maasai Mara
The simple elegance of a campfire in the bush
Across the Kenyan border is another superb anniversary destination: Mara Nyika, one of the newest luxury camps in the Maasai Mara. After a day of watching a river-crossing in the reserve or viewing the resident wildlife within the exclusive Naboisho Conservancy, couples return to a stylish, exclusive camp nestled under umbrella thorn trees. And with only 5 tents, the staff at this intimate camp will surely keep the two of you pampered! Worth noting: honeymooners and couples celebrating a 40 or older wedding anniversary receive 25% off accommodation costs. Speaking of exclusive, this romantic camp is featured in our 10-Day Kenya Exclusive Locations Safari.
The gorgeous, spacious interior of a tented suite at Mara Nyika
To hear a client’s perspective, Robin Fleck and her husband had this to say about their romantic safari to Mara Nyika in May:
“What a first-class operation! The ambiance at Mara Nyika creates such a special, authentic safari experience. No detail is overlooked. From the leather stools utilized for bush breakfasts and sundowners, to the exotic, luxurious furnishings in the “tents”, to the bath-tubs with a view, we were in awe of our surroundings. The staff could not be more welcoming and kind. The dining experience includes beautifully-presented, delicious cuisine in gorgeous settings that change, meal by meal, evening by evening. If your idea of paradise, like mine, includes lots of lanterns flickering in the dark, as you sip sparkling wine at a candle-lit table set with beautiful china and silver (being waited on as if you were royalty), and listening to lions calling in the black distance, this camp is the place for you!”
Check out Mara Nyika’s New Sister Camp – Mara Toto Tree Camp!
6) Mashatu Euphorbia – Mashatu Game Reserve
Active game viewing is the focus at Mashatu Euphorbia
For our active adventurers, Mashatu Euphorbia is a must for your romantic safari! After days spent game viewing walking, visiting a photographic hide, biking or even horseback riding, couples can then enjoy their own spacious and stylish villa. Adventure safaris don’t need to be rustic, as the indoor-outdoor showers, bathtub, expansive deck and private plunge pool can attest! It just so happens that our 12-Day Active Wildlife Safari of Southern Africa combines the exciting activities available at Mashatu with the wildlife-rich MalaMala Game Reserve.
The interior of one of the 8 villas
Two of our more adventurous clients, David and Carolyn Levin, had this to say about their safari in the Mashatu Game Reserve:
“David and I cannot thank you enough for our perfect Africa trip! We especially loved Mashatu, which felt very special to us. Daniel, our guide, was just wonderful – great driving, tracking, explaining, keeping us warm and comfortable, and busy, etc. The variety of animals we saw was astounding. We did spend time in the elephant hide, which we both loved. Mashatu will always have a special place in my heart, you know?”
Check out Mashatu Euphorbia’s New Sister Camp – Kolokolo Safari Home!
7) Bisate Lodge – Volcanoes NP
The thatched, luxurious villas of Bisate Lodge
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s most special wildlife experiences. Therefore, what better way to celebrate you and your partner’s special occasion than by staying at Bisate Lodge. The 9 thatched suites luxuriously exhibit Rwanda’s cultural fabric through architecture (the suites are shaped like Rwandan baskets) and the use of furniture and decor with geometric designs. In between treks, couples can enjoy the lodge’s superb cuisine and massages. And with new dayroom facilities, guests can go straight from their final gorilla trek to Kigali airport back home.
From design to decor, each thatched suite is characteristically Rwandan
Miles Nolting visited Bisate Lodge while on safari in Rwanda – in his opinion, it’s one of the most spectacular lodges he’s ever been to! The great thing about gorilla trekking in Rwanda is that it combines very seamlessly with safaris in other countries, and especially in East Africa. So while you take a look at our 4 Day Gorilla Trekking Extension in Rwanda, start dreaming about the rest of your romantic safari itinerary!
8) Tswalu The Motse – Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
For those chilly Kalahari nights, couples should cuddle up by the fire!
Couples that value an exclusive and unique safari experience should consider the luxurious Tswalu The Motse. To give you an idea of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve’s exclusivity, only 28 guests are allowed at a time in this 275,000 acre reserve. The orange Kalahari sands and fiery sunsets also make for very romantic sundowners! An added romantic element: honeymooners that stay 4 nights get 50% off their last night. In addition, they get some complimentary perks, including a sleepout in the “Malori Starbed”, private wine tasting, massages, champagne and a private in-suite dinner. Our 15-Day “Diamond Skies’ Safari to South Africa is perfect to take advantage of this great offer!
Tswalu Kalahari is one of Africa’s most exclusive reserves
To get a sense of the safari experience here, take a look at safari consultant Elena Theodosiou’s trip. Or you can read an excerpt of the glowing review David & Katrina McIntyre gave us:
“This is our third trip to Africa. But after 5 nights at Tswalu The Motse, this is the first time we’ve felt compelled to write a letter such as this. Our guide OB was incredible, but it was the subtle things and just sheer thoughtfulness that set him apart. The Kleinjan restaurant was a combination of theater, fine food and wine, and incredible service. It was like nothing we’ve seen in our travels. The entire staff not only excels in their profession, but brings an unending happiness and energy to everything they say and do. There was deep thoughtfulness in everything we saw, touched and experienced. We take home with us a tiny glass vial of red Kalahari sand that was thoughtfully gifted to us by the Tswalu team.”
Check out Tswalu The Motse’s New Sister Camp – Loapi Tented Camp!
8) Kwando Kwara Camp – Okavango Delta
Few things are as romantic as sitting by a fireplace watching an Okavango sunset!
A romantic safari to the Okavango Delta is a great idea, and by staying at Kwara Camp, a reasonably priced idea as well! Couples are treated to big, airy canvas tents built on elevated wooden platforms. Another bonus: the minimum age for guests is 18 years. Even more good news: thanks to special AAC pricing, couples save more than 25% for a 3-night stay during the Green Season (mid-November to March)! Take a look at your potential savings with our 12-Day Botswana Kwando Wing Safari.
Kwando Kwara’s refurbished camp is very suitable for a romantic safari!
Though Kwara offers day and night game drives, the focus is water activities, like mokoros (dugout canoes) or motor boating. Imagine watching an elephant comes down to the river to drink right in front of you!
“It was an amazing trip! Botswana was fantastic. It was the best game viewing we have had. So many cats! Saw a leopard take down a baby impala. Quite a sight. Lots of lions and cheetahs, as well as elephants, giraffes, hippos etc. The accommodations were wonderful. When we got to Kwara and saw our “tent”, it was amazing. Everyone we talked to there were amazed with the tents. Some said it was like Four Seasons in the middle of nowhere. The staff was so friendly and helpful. And, the guides were great at finding the game and explaining it all to us… I don’t think the entire trip could have been any better than it was. And, I’m not surprised. Every safari you have arranged for us has been wonderful. Thanks so much for a trip of a lifetime. Barry and Candy Spector”
Check out Kwando Kwara’s New Sister Camp – 4 Rivers!
10) Zuri Zanzibar – Zanzibar
Private dining along the Indian Ocean coastline
Some would say a honeymoon or romantic getaway is incomplete without a visit to a tropical paradise. If that’s your motto, then consider Zuri Zanzibar, located near the northernmost point of Zanzibar. In Swahili, “zuri” means “beautiful”, and this resort and its oceanfront views are certainly that! And with 55 bungalows, suites and villas, it’s one of the smaller, more intimate resorts on the island.
An ocean view from one of Zuri Zanzibar’s villas
The island of Zanizbar is located near the Tanzanian mainland, and as such, a visit their combines well with a romantic safari to East Africa! To see how, take a look at our 12-Day Tanzania Safari and Spice Coast.
“Zuri Zanzibar was the perfect place to end our safari adventure. Thank you AAC for the recommendation! My husband and I loved the Afro-chic style, beautiful gardens and fabulous beach! (I was completely unaware that many of the Zanzibar hotels and resorts are on beaches that you have to walk out an extensive distance to swim during low tide. This is not so at Zuri Zanzibar). Our bungalow was gorgeous! It was the perfect size for the two of us and we spent most of our time lounging in the hammock on the deck. I am completely forgetting to mention the food! Wow! Fresh seafood and craft cocktails all served with an ocean view. We are ready to return tomorrow! K. Smith”
Check out Zanzibar’s New Hotel – The Neela Boutique Hotel!
11) Lemala Mpingo Ridge – Tarangire NP
Lemala Mpingo Ridge has stellar views of Tarangire’s plains
Perched atop an escarpment overlooking Tarangire National Park, the views from Lemala Mpingo Ridge are captivating. Alison Nolting, after visiting in November, describes the camp’s setting as “classic Out of Africa”. To maximize your enjoyment of these views, each of the 15 tented suites have a large private deck with sunken day bed and a decadent bathtub – bottle of champagne included!
Why not enjoy a couples massage during your stay?
Mpingo Ridge is especially tempting for honeymooners. Enjoy special savings with the Lemala Portfolio of camps, then you’ll love our 12-Day Best of Tanzania Premier Drive/Fly Safari! The itinerary is split between 2 nights at Tarangire, 2 nights at the Ngorongoro Crater, 2 nights in the Central Serengeti and 2 nights in the Northern Serengeti.
Check out Lemala Mpingo Ridge’s New Sister Camp – Lemala Osonjoi Lodge!
12) Puku Ridge – South Luangwa NP
One of 8 “safari retreats” at Puku Ridge
A safari to South Luangwa is undoubtedly wild, and with a stay a Puku Ridge, undoubtedly romantic as well! Completely rebuilt, this intimate camp has luxury amenities in abundance. These include indoor-outdoor showers, a large bathtub, private plunge pool, air-conditioning, and a “sleep-out tower”. Couples can choose to relax there in between game drives, or enjoy a night under the stars.
Atop each “safari retreat” is a sleep out bed
Puku Ridge is well located for couples to explore the park. The camp offers activities like day and night game drives, guided walking safaris (a South Luangwa trademark), and a photographic hide. If you desire to go canoeing or boating, then combining your safari with a visit to Chiawa Camp in Lower Zambezi is highly recommended. Stay 7 nights combined at these two camps and you’ll get 2 nights for free! You’ll get just that with our 12-Day Classic Safari to Zambia.
“Truly a trip of a lifetime!! I know they all say that, but having visited 137 countries, this comes from the heart. It was our last hurrah, and the memories will remain with us forever. The Africa Adventure Company made everything possible, and the recommendations of Puku, Old Mondoro and Chiawa were perfect. There were so many highlights and memorable moments. This trip would not have been possible without your company. The reception and surprises we got at each camp to celebrate our anniversary was a little gift from heaven. Thank you again for this outstanding trip.
Jud Koehler-Newell and Michael Newell”
Check out Puku Ridge’s New Sister Camp – Star Drift & Star Bed at Chiawa!
