Africa has always had more than a hint of romance about it and as a honeymoon destination it has something to offer everyone. From the buzz of cosmopolitan Cape Town to the adventure of Victoria Falls and the serenity of Zanzibar see five of our favourite romantic destinations here:
Cape TownCape is and will always be one of our favourite all round destinations. Not least of the reasons we love it so much is due to it's diversity. It really is a destination to suite anyone and this is what makes it such an incredible honeymoon hotspot! Whether it's adventure, nightlife, culture, nature or romance that you are after, Cape Town has it all. This is a city that was made for the newly wed couple. The combination of the laid back atmosphere of the city, it's natural beauty, excellent accommodation options, world class restaurants and sunsets that will live on above your mantel piece forever make this a dream destination for your honeymoon. Spend the day on a secluded beach with only the ocean, the sun and the sand for company and the evening at one of the worlds top restaurants.
Hire a car and drive south along the peninsula from the city all the way to Cape Point. This is one of the most beautiful drives in the world and you will be guaranteed to find a deserted piece of beach somewhere along the way. In the evenings make sure you try La Colombe in Constantia. It has been rated among the top ten restaurants in the world. A more low key option is Hussar Grill in Rondebosch, a cosy spot with arguably the world's best steaks!
Try the Mount Nelson Hotel for a touch of old world class. Make sure you visit the Planet Bar for an evening cocktail.
Mosi-oa-tunya (the smoke that thunders) as the worlds largest waterfall is known locally is one of the world's great natural wonders, Vic Falls has stood watch over an uncountable number of marriage proposals over the years. The place oozes romance and adventure in a truly African way, from the beauty of the Zambezi River through to the majesty of the falls themselves, from the luxurious lodges to the hint of old world adventure and history there is something about this part of Africa that you cannot explain unless you have visited. Its a sensory overload and a perfect honeymoon destination. Spend the day relaxing on the wide expanse of the upper Zambezi or tackle the adrenalin infused whitewater of the canyon below and have dinner overlooking the river as the moon rises over a timeless piece of Africa.
Make sure you pay a visit to the Devils Pool where you can swim on the lip of the might waterfall.
We recommend, Tongabezi and Sindabezi Island for the ultimate honeymoon experience!
Zanzibar, with its history of spices and slavery has a laid back timelessness to it. It is a place to forget about the outside world and live the island life. Bright white beaches and turquoise water make this easy to do. Explore the back alleys and history of Stonetown, a UNESCO world heritage site, relax next your private plunge pool while dhows sail past along trade routes that havent' changed in thousand of years, take advantage of some exceptional SCUBA diving or explore the local villages. There is a variety of accommodation and bustle for most budgets and tastes and service in Zanzibar is always with a smile!
Take a trip to nearby Pemba island for some world class SCUBA diving.
For those who want the best, Kilindi eco-lodge is a firm recommendation. For slightly lower budgets but no less amazing, Kasha is highly recommended.
Ibo island is a hidden gem, situated just off the north coast of Mozambique, that is gradually gaining more attention. Ibo is a small island with a population of around 3500 people. It has an incredible history that has seen is bounce between Arab and Portuguese rule with the crumbling architecture around the island reflecting this. The island boasts one of the most ancient settlements in Mozambique. Life here is about taking each day as it comes, exploring the islands hidden pathways, taking dhow trips to private sandbars and listening to the sounds of dolphins hunting in the bays at night.
The area boasts some world class fishing and spectacular SCUBA diving. Ibo is a beautiful and enchanting place but does not have the white beaches that nearby islands do. We recommend spending a night or two at nearby Matemo island to compliment your time on Ibo.
Ibo Island Lodge is the place to stay where no request is too big or too small!
What is an African honeymoon without some time spent on safari. While safari options are numerous in southern Africa, each with unique benefits, the Okavango Delta is far and away our first recommendation for the romantics out there. The combination of excellent game viewing by boat, walking, driving, air, horseback or even elephant back and the intimate luxurious lodges in the area ensure unforgettable visits. The Delta limits the number of people in the area by keeping prices high and while it is generally more expensive than many other safari destinations there is still a good range of options available and in our opinion it is a must see destination!
Botswana is entering a 10 year flood cycle with abnormally high water levels. This means fantastic game viewing in what is normally the low season due to lack of water. So visit in April and get the best of the game viewing for lower off season rates.
Oddballs enclave is our recommended accommodation due to its great low key quirkiness