African honeymoon hotspots

What could be more romantic than heading off to Africa for safari and beach honeymoon? Picture open plains dotted with incredible wildlife, sundowner bubbles in the bush – and just the right mix 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 new nuptials!

Africa is also renowned for its sumptuous hotels and lodges in breathtaking locations, its discreet but personable service and delectable cuisine … all creating those all-important memories of a lifetime!

Here are a few hot and happening African honeymoon hotspots for 2026…

A Maasai ‘moon at Mara Bushtops in Kenya

You would 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 over 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, 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…

Onguma Camp Kala in Namibia

With just four suites in total, 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 is also an on-site photographic hide, gym and spa room for relaxation and pampering between safaris. Book a 4-night honeymoon at Camp Kala and get a fifth night free. Couples with a spirit of adventure can also opt to spend any one of their 5 nights on the one-of-a-kind Dream Cruiser under the Namibian Night skies (subject to Dream Cruiser availability).

On Ngorongoro Crater’s Edge in Tanzania

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. The food and wine offering too is exceptional, to pair beautifully with the magnificent Ngorongoro scenery!

Romance and euphoria at Euphorbia Mashatu in Botswana

The romantic and ultra-exclusive 5-star Euphorbia Villas in Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve, is a fabulous spot for a safari.

They have a wonderful honeymoon package which includes a full-body couples massage at the Serokolo Spa, a candlelit dinner, bottle of Champagne and additional adventure activity to choose from, including underground hide session, walking safari, cycling and more, based on a minimum 3-night stay. If honeymooners extend to 5-nights they also qualify for half price flights from Johannesburg’s Lanseria direct into Mashatu’s Limpopo Valley airstrip.

Cavern mountain magic in South Africa

The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa is a beautiful mountain hideaway tucked in a scenic valley in KwaZulu-Natal’s Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve. It has been family owned and run for over 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 chill. Meals are an absolute treat; tea is served twice a day – and a drink in the cosy Cave Bar is not-to-be-missed.

Honeymooners should definitely book a Superior Suite which is a love nest of tranquillity, with its own fireplace, TV and bar fridge. They overlook the magnificent indigenous Fern Forest with private patios to soak up the sun and listen to the sounds of forest streams tinkling nearby. Newlyweds will love this special spot in the mountains – with surprise treats including free couples massage at the Forest Spa, canapés and bubbles!

Blissful beaches on Bawe Island in Zanzibar

Just voted “Zanzibar‘s Leading Luxury Resort 2025” at the World Travel Awards, the exquisite 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!

There is also The Rebirth by Healing Earth spa. Honeymooners can benefit from a free room upgrade either from Sunrise villa to Sunset suite or from Sunset Suite to Lagoon Suite if booked by 30 Sept 2025 for travel before 22 December 2025, based on a minimum 4-night stay. Honeymoon treats include a bottle of wine, chocolate with special turn down service per room, a Romantic Candle lit dinner for two and a floating breakfast (once per stay).

“The greatest journey is not the miles we travel, but the moments we capture along the way”.

This epitomises the sentiment behind an African Honeymoon Adventure.