African Safari Honeymoon | Luxury Honeymoon in Africa

Experience Africa In Luxury

Luxury is the key ingredient when planning a honeymoon. Getting married is a big deal & celebrating such a special occasion should be done in style. Beautiful views, exclusivity, private plunge pools & outdoor showers are perhaps some of the things that made their way onto your Honeymoon List – & rightly so – but there are also other things to consider when choosing the ultimate honeymoon destination. See, luxury is not just about ‘things,’ it is also about experiences. Sometimes luxury can be seen in exclusive private villas & other times it is found in beautiful, tented camps. But more importantly – luxury can also be enjoyed on a scenic hot air balloon flight, during a relaxing couples’ massage or by spending the night in a remote treehouse under a canopy of stars! Luxury comes in different shapes & sizes, but one thing is certain – on honeymoon, you should have plenty of it! There are so many romantic lodges & resorts to choose from, so our list will barely scratch the surface, but at least it’s a start. So join us as we celebrate our Safari Favourites in Luxury. 1. Singita Sweni, Kruger Private Concession – South Africa The ultra-modern & beautifully decorated Singita Sweni is located within a private concession in the Kruger National Park & boasts some of the best wildlife viewing in the country. Each romantic suite boasts a private terrace with a romantic day bed looking out over the Sweni River. 2. Londolozi Private Granite Suites, Sabi Sand Reserve – South Africa Londolozi’s most luxurious safari camp, Private Granite Suites is the cherry on the cake when it comes to privacy & exclusivity. Situated in the wildlife-rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger, Londolozi Private Granite Suites only accommodates 6 guests, ensuring personal attention & dedicated service. Each suite boasts a romantic outdoor bath with river views. 3. Vumbura Plains, Okavango Delta – Botswana Vumbura Plains is a premier camp set within a private concession in the extreme northern section of the Okavango Delta. Each spacious suite is raised off the ground on wooden decks & has a private plunge pool & sala – the ideal romantic setting. The lodge also offers thrilling helicopter flights over the Delta. 4. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sand Reserve – South Africa Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is built on the banks of the Sabie River in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Reserve, with views extending onto the open sandbanks of the Kruger National Park. The lodge is ideal for honeymooners as it is known for its exclusivity & tailored, discreet service. Each contemporary villa comes with a private, rim-flow pool & butler & honeymooners can even spend a night sleeping in a remote treehouse under a canopy of stars. 5. Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, Okavango Delta – Botswana Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is located within a private concession, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve & is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing on earth. The camp overlooks a lagoon, so the views are spectacular & each suite boasts a deck with a romantic outdoor candle-lit bath & a mobile bed for sleep-outs under the stars. 6. Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda Located in the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge boasts dramatic forest views over the Bisoke & Karisimbi volcano peaks. Bisate Lodge is small & intimate, featuring only 6 opulent en-suite forest villas, each equipped with an en-suite bathroom, central fireplace & private deck with breathtaking views over Mount Bisoke. 7. Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Matusadona National Park – Zimbabwe Perched on a hill overlooking the largest man-made lake in the world, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge offers breathtaking views of the Zambezi River & Lake Kariba’s azure waters. Each luxurious suite boasts private decks while the 2-bedroom villa comes with a dedicated butler & private vehicle – ideal for honeymooners. The infinity pool & spa with views are both the ideal setting for a romantic getaway. 8. Thorntree River Lodge, Livingstone – Zambia Thorntree River Lodge, one of Zambia’s most contemporary lodges boasts a spectacular setting on the legendary Zambezi River, just upstream from Zambia’s biggest drawcard: the mighty Victoria Falls. The lodge boasts private pools, outdoor showers, an infinity pool, spa & gym while their exclusive boat is especially geared for romantic sunset river cruises. 9. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei – Namibia Nestled deep in the heart of Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert in Southern Africa, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a secluded & serene oasis that overlooks the awe-inspiring dunes of Sossusvlei. This secluded & intimate lodge boasts luxury villas with romantic outdoor showers & offers special activities like hot air balloon safaris & quad biking. Stargazing at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is, according to Conde Nast, one of the best recommendations in Africa. 10. Namiri Plains, Serengeti National Park – Tanzania The ultra-luxurious Namiri Plains is set within a remote corner in the eastern Serengeti – an area famous for its excellent cheetah sightings. Substantial in size, each tented suite offers sliding doors which run the full length of the room & open out on a full-length viewing deck complete with a romantic outdoor bath, offering exceptional views from the tub as you relax. From the shower, guests can enjoy full views of the seasonal riverbed. 11. One Nature Nyaruswiga, Serengeti National Park – Tanzania The ultra-luxurious, yet understated One Nature Nyaruswiga, is a stylish tented camp overlooking rolling grasslands in the game-rich central Serengeti. The tents feature en-suite bathrooms complete with romantic free-standing copper bathtubs, as well as indoor & outdoor showers. Relaxing in-room massages can be arranged & the stargazing deck with a telescope is the perfect place to connect with your loved one. 12. Sanctuary Olonana, Masai Mara – Kenya Sanctuary Olonana boasts an idyllic forest setting along a private stretch of the Mara River, adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. (& front-row seats to the Wildebeest Migration!) Each suite features a lavish en-suite bathroom with bathtub, double vanity & rain shower as well as an inviting deck with a daybed offering panoramic vistas of the Mara – an ideal spot to relax post-safari. 13. Time + Tide Chinzombo, South Luangwa – Zambia Set in a private concession on the banks of a river, Time + Tide Chinzombo – Zambia’s most luxurious safari camp - offers direct access to the world-renowned South Luangwa National Park. Each ‘floating’ villa boasts an outdoor shower, stand-alone bathtub & double basins as well as a private deck with a plunge pool.

Take A Dip In A Private Plunge Pool

Honeymoons are all about connecting with your loved one & making lasting (romantic) memories. Visiting Africa means that you’ll spend plenty of time in the bush or the sun, so it is important to be able to relax in style…& what better way to unwind than to take a dip in a private plunge pool? We’ve combed through Africa’s game reserves to find the best private plunge pools, each designed to provide the unmatchable combination of being metres away from wildlife while enjoying 5-star luxury. 1. Singita Sasaskwa, Serengeti Game Reserve - Tanzania Perched along a rocky headland above rolling plains in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, lies Singita Sasakwa – a luxury safari haven set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each suite’s plunge pool overlooks an unrivalled wilderness that forms part of the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration. 2. Sasaab Camp, Samburu National Park – Kenya The Moroccan-inspired SaSaab Camp is set above the Easo Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve & offers jaw-dropping views over the Samburu plains towards Mount Kenya. Beautiful views can also be enjoyed from each suite’s private plunge pool. 3. Singita Boulders, Sabi Sand Reserve – South Africa Singita Boulders Lodge is – without a doubt - one of the Greater Kruger’s best premier camps. Located in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Singita Boulders provides excellent game viewing from the comfort of your suite’s private plunge pool & viewing deck. 4. Matetsi Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe Matetsi Victoria Falls is set on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River within a private game reserve on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls. Each suite boasts a private deck with a plunge pool, offering glorious views of the river or bush. 5. Time + Tide Chinzombo, South Luangwa – Zambia Time + Tide Chinzombo – Zambia’s most luxurious safari camp - offers direct access to the world-renowned South Luangwa National Park. Each elegant villa boasts a private deck with a plunge pool – the ideal place to relax after a day on safari. 6. Simbambili Game Lodge, Sabi Sand Reserve – South Africa Simbambili Game Lodge is tucked away among a tree line overlooking the Manyeleti River in the Northern section of the Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This is Big 5 game viewing at its best & Simbambili guests can enjoy beautiful bushveld views from their private plunge pools! The waterhole suite looks out over an active waterhole where plenty of wildlife activity takes place. 7. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sand Reserve – South Africa Situated on the banks of the Sabi River in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Reserve, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge offers beautiful views as far as the eye can see. Their romantic plunge pools have been designed to maximize these views, so couples can unwind in style. 8. Londolozi Private Granite Suites – Sabi Sand Reserve – South Africa Privacy, exclusivity & luxury. This is what Londolozi Private Granite Suites is all about. There are only 3 suites, so honeymooners can enjoy a truly intimate safari experience. Each private plunge pool overlooks the river & bush & every so often wildlife wanders by – so guests will have front row seats to Africa’s wildlife show.

Indulge In Romance

A honeymoon is the cherry on top when it comes to romantic travel - & in Africa, you will find romance around every corner. Luxurious suites, discreet service & outdoor showers coupled with spectacular wildlife, uninterrupted views & pristine beaches, put Africa on the map as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. It is not surprising then, to find romance everywhere you go. Not only is Africa’s lodges luxurious beyond your imagination, but the experiences & activities she offers is special, memorable & unique. Whatever you need for your honeymoon, we can probably make it happen! Be it private helicopter flights, romantic candle-lit dinners on the beach, exclusive safari drives or turn-down service with a twist – Africa will surprise you around every corner. We have thought long & hard about the best ways to indulge in romance, so get ready to start dreaming. 1. Sleep in a treehouse – See our Top Picks What is more romantic than spending the night under a canopy of stars & listening to the sounds of the wild? We have compiled a list of our favourite treehouse stays, so if it is romance you are after, look no further. 2. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner on the beach - Islands Spending your honeymoon on an island in the Indian Ocean means that you will have direct beach access, which only means one thing: romantic dinners with your feet in the sand. Eating fresh seafood while listening to the sound of the ocean is simply put – magical. 3. Surprise her with a private sundowner excursion – Kruger’s Private Reserves Kruger National Park’s safari lodges are great at arranging exclusive sundowner excursions for special occasions – like a honeymoon. Go on an afternoon game drive, get dropped off at a remote location in the bush & enjoy romantic sundowners with your spouse. (accompanied by a discreet member of staff who will look after your safety) 4. Treat yourselves to a couples’ massage – Cape Town There are many amazing spas in Africa, so you can get pampered while on safari, on an island or in a city. Some of our favourite spas are found in the vibrant city of Cape Town, so make sure to add a few nights in the Mother City before or after your safari honeymoon. 5. Taste good food & wine – Wine Route When it comes to exceptional food & wine, look no further than the famous Wine Route in South Africa. Known as the country’s gourmet capital, this iconic route – made up of the lovely towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch & Paarl - boasts award-winning fine dining restaurants, farm-to-table cuisine & superb wines. Romance is not complete without good food (& wine)! 6. Go on a romantic sunset boat cruise – Chobe National Park There is something magical about watching the sun sets over the horizon. And in Africa, there are plenty! You can witness beautiful sunsets from anywhere in Africa, but one of our favourite ‘sunset’ destinations, is from a boat on the Chobe River. Sipping on a G&T while seeing hippos & elephants play in the water, is very special. For those wishing to soak up more time on the Chobe River, try staying on a luxurious houseboat! The Zambezi Queen or Chobe Princess are both great choices. 7. Experience a night of stargazing - Namibia When it comes to stargazing, Namibia is the cherry on top! Since most camps boast remote settings surrounded by desert & stars – this is the best place to enjoy uninterrupted views over the Milky Way. Some camps also offer star bed sleepouts – the perfect choice for a honeymoon.

Sleep Under A Canopy Of Stars

An African honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation. And since most of us have dreamt about spending a night under a canopy of stars, there is no better time or place to make this happen. For a bucket list experience under the African skies, choose one of our romantic treehouses & enjoy a night of adventure, romance & luxury. Each treehouse is luxuriously set up for you, usually accompanied by a special dinner under the stars, a radio & a starry sky as canopy. Some treehouses are located in the middle of the bush (close enough to camp) while others come in the form of ‘star beds’ on your chalet’s open rooftop deck. Are you excited yet? Let’s see which treehouse brings out the romantic in you! (Please note that most treehouse stays are only available when booking a room at the lodge, in the event that you have to return to your room due to bad weather.) 1. Lion Sands Treehouses, Sabi Sand Game Reserve – South Africa The crème de la crème of treehouses can be found in the game-packed Big 5 Sabi Sand Game Reserve & the Kruger Private Concession in South Africa. Lion Sands have 4 lodges to choose from: River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Tinga Lodge & Narina Lodge – all offering an unforgettable night under the stars. Their luxury treehouses include Chalkley Treehouse & Kingstone Treehouse which sleep 2 adults each & Tinyeleti Treehouse which sleeps 2 adults & 2 children under the age of 15. 2. The Ngala Treehouse, Timbavati Game Reserve – South Africa You get treehouses & you get treehouses. The contemporary Ngala Treehouse will not disappoint. It is the perfect fit for the discerning traveller who wants to be surrounded by nature, but still spend the night in the lap of luxury. 3. Abu Camp Elephant Star Bed – Okavango Delta – Botswana The opportunity to ‘sleep with elephants’ is found nowhere else in Africa. Abu Camp offers a treehouse that overlooks the elephant boma, so you can fall asleep by the contented rumbling & low snores of Africa’s gentle giants. 4. Sanctuary Baines’ Camp Star Bed, Okavango Delta – Botswana This intimate safari camp only offers 6 suites, & each comes with a private deck boasting a romantic ‘sky bed’ & ‘star bath’ – the ideal romantic oasis for couples or honeymooners looking for a unique safari experience. 5. Ruckomechi Camp Star Bed, Mana Pools - Zimbabwe What is more magical than falling asleep to the sounds of nature? Ruckomechi’s secluded Star Bed Treehouse overlooks a game-packed waterhole, so you’ll be able to enjoy front-row seats to one of Mana Pool’s prime wildlife spots. 6. Giraffe’s Nest at Motswari, Timbavati Reserve – South Africa Motswari’s Giraffe’s Nest is a must for those seeking the ultimate, exclusive romantic experience. This stilted treehouse is perched 3 meters above the ground & overlooks the Xanatsi Dam – an active waterhole that attracts all kinds of wild visitors. 7. Jao Treehouse, Okavango Delta – Botswana Jao’s Treehouse is simply beautiful & beautifully simple. With billowing mosquito nets & polished wood floors, the treehouse boasts beautiful views over the bush & there’s even the bonus of a sharp-eyed watchman-cum-butler who will look after your safety & take care of your every need. Bring on the champagne! 8. Tubu’s Treehouse Hide, Okavango Delta - Botswana Deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta, you will find Tubu Tree Camp’s Treehouse Hide (located near camp). At night, the hide is transformed into a magical star-bed experience & before the sun sets, you can enjoy spectacular views over the bush & its passing wildlife. 9. Puku Ridge Star Bed, South Luangwa – Zambia It is not only guided walking safaris that will get you close to Africa’s wildlife. Puku Ridge is home to Zambia’s best star bed experience. Each of the tented suites is built on elevated decks overlooking a game-rich plain & include multi-level verandas with plunge pools as well as towers furnished with ‘star beds.’ 10. Kaingo Elephant Hide Star Bed, South Luangwa - Zambia Set in an ebony tree on the Luangwa River, The Elephant Hide Star Bed is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild. Listen to the sounds of Africa while looking up at Africa’s beautiful blanket of stars.

Enjoy Bespoke Safari Activities

The word bespoke also means ‘custom-designed’ or ‘tailored’ & here at Africa Unwind, we do exactly that. The holidays we design are made especially for you because we are passionate about taking all your holiday needs & requirements into consideration. When it comes to a honeymoon, there is nothing more frustrating than spending most of your time with others, in large groups or stuck to a certain schedule – rather than enjoying the privacy you so deserve! We’ll make sure that your honeymoon activities are tailored to perfection so that you can spend all your time focussing on the one you love. Here is a list of our favourite bespoke honeymoon activities that can all be enjoyed on your own & at your desired pace & time. 1. Private Day Tours, Cape Town - South Africa Cape Town is usually high up on the list when it comes to honeymoons. There is so much to see & do in & around this vibrant city – from the iconic Table Mountain & Boulders Beach with its adorable penguins to wining & dining in the Wine Route & getting pampered at a world-class spa. Instead of booking a scheduled tour, we’ll recommend private day tours – which means that you will have a dedicated driver, guide & air-conditioned vehicle & can explore the city at your own pace. 2. Exclusive Safari Drives - Safaris Most lodges in Africa have a maximum policy of 10 guests per safari vehicle, but when you are on honeymoon & require a little more privacy, exclusive use of a vehicle is high on the list. When you have a private ranger, tracker & vehicle, you can come & go as you wish & spend more time at a great sighting. Of course, it does come at an additional cost, but if privacy is truly what you are after – it is worth every cent. 3. Private Candle-lit Dinners – Islands Romantic dinners are all about atmosphere & location. When you are on honeymoon, we inform the lodges & resorts that you are celebrating a special occasion, so that they can go the extra mile for you. Usually, this means a special dinner in a beautiful location – be that on your private deck while on safari, or the beach next to the ocean. Our top pick is a candle-lit dinner on a tropical island – pretty romantic, isn’t it? 4. Couple’s Massages – Wine Route What is more relaxing than sharing a couple’s massage with your loved one? Africa has a long list of wellness spas that will tick all the boxes when it comes to pampering. Many safari lodges offer tranquil massages next to a waterhole, on your private deck or at the spa while most island resorts boast world-class spas overlooking the ocean. Some of our favourite spas can be found in Cape Town & the Wine Route, so make sure to add a spa day to your honeymoon itinerary. 5. The Bubble Bath Experience, Kruger National Park – South Africa For sheer indulgence, enjoy a romantic bubble bath in the comfort of your room or tent. Picture this: a sunken bath set on a secluded platform in the heart of the bushveld, as you relax by candlelight while enjoying a chilled glass of wine. Some of our favourite bathtubs can be found in the Kruger’s Private Reserve in South Africa. You’re on honeymoon, so leave it to us – we’ll arrange a romantic turn-down & Bubble Bath Experience for you.

Soak Up The Scenery

When it comes to spectacular scenery, Africa has it all. Vast plains, majestic mountains, sandy deserts & turquoise oceans…And it goes without saying that a honeymoon is not complete without the opportunity to soak up the scenery. One of the most important things we consider when planning a honeymoon is: views, views & more views! It is quite wonderful to wake up each morning to the site of a river, ocean, waterhole or desert in front of you. Your private deck with sala, plunge pool, deck chairs or hammock might just be the one place where you spend most of your time, so why not go big before going home? We have compiled a list of Africa’s most beautiful destinations – so when you visit, make sure to pack a camera so that you can capture beauty in its purest form. 1. Okavango Delta, Botswana Picture this: A pure river bursts out of wild highlands & then meander lazily through an African wilderness. Finally, it spills into a 6,000 square mile maze of lagoons, channels & islands. This is the Okavango Delta, Africa’s premier wildlife destination. Viewing the Okavango Delta from the air (in a small plane) is quite spectacular. 2. Sossusvlei, Namibia Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s top safari destinations. Set at the heart of the Namib Naukluft National Park, the clean-lined, curving slopes rise to a remarkable 300m & are – without a doubt – one of the most astonishing sights in the world. The area boasts spectacular scenery & the desert colours are simply amazing. It has been said by safari enthusiasts that Sossusvlei is a photographer’s paradise! Hot air balloon flights are a must when visiting. 3. Wine Route, South Africa Nestled between sun-kissed vineyards & majestic mountains, the picturesque valleys of the Wine Route (also referred to as the Cape Winelands) are renowned for is exquisite wines, grand old estates, pretty towns & award-winning restaurants. A visit to the scenic Wine Route will leave you in awe. 4. Maldives The Maldives is comprised of 1,190 coral islands, of which 200 are inhabited & only 98 are tourist resorts. This string of idyllic islands is encircled by translucent, ever-changing waters of the Indian Ocean, offering beach-lovers the chance to discover a luxurious island retreat like no other. As far as the eye can see, you will find a skyline of coconut palm trees, snow-white sand beaches & vibrant coral reefs. 5. Seychelles Seychelles, the combined name for 115 islands, remains one of the world’s most beautiful & secluded beach destinations, offering visitors only the best in barefoot luxury. Here, honeymooners & romantics can enjoy elegant living in award-winning resorts or super stylish villas & experience world-class diving & snorkelling, against a backdrop of sugar-white sand & crystal-clear waters. 6. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique Mozambique’s remote Bazaruto Archipelago is home to some of Africa’s most beautiful & unspoilt palm-fringed beaches. Surrounded by crystal clear water, Bazaruto consists of small, private islands that offer only the best in barefoot luxury. 7. Skeleton Coast, Namibia Now a graveyard for shipwrecked sailors whose vessels fell victim to the Atlantic’s treacherous currents, shifting sandbanks & thick fog, the Skeleton Coast is one of Namibia’s most remote regions, but also one that offers a ‘ship full’ of surprises. This untouched stretch of coastline is home to spectacular scenery that includes sweeping vistas of desert, ocean & sky. 8. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe No one has ever wondered why Victoria Falls is listed as one of the only Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The local people call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The smoke that thunders,” because something magnificent happens when the river is high & the spray towers in the air while water gushes down like falling thunder. Visitors travel from all around the globe to catch a glimpse of this spectacular sighting. 9. Cape Town, South Africa Nestled between the Indian & Atlantic Oceans with iconic Table Mountain as backdrop, lies one of the world’s most vibrant & breathtaking cities. Not only is this beautiful city home to Table Mountain - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, but also boast spectacular white, sandy beaches & lush vineyards. 10. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania The Ngorongoro Crater is an ancient volcanic caldera in northern Tanzania that offers some of East Africa’s easiest & most rewarding game viewing. The scenery is spectacular, predators are abundant & it is not uncommon to spot the Big 5 in a single day. Luxurious cliff-top lodges are perched right on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering some of the best views in Africa, it not the world. 11. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Home to the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti not only offers one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in the world but is home to the coveted Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino, & delivers sensational game viewing year-round. Tanzania’s flagship conservation area consists of vast rolling grasslands & golden savannahs, offering safari-goers a sense of space, along with some of the best game viewing in Africa. 12. Masai Mara, Kenya One of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles can be seen on the vast, open plains of the Masai Mara. Each year between August & November, the Mara is a welcomed pit stop for endless masses of wildebeest, zebra & gazelle that follow the rains on their death-defying, 2,900km circular journey. Talk about soaking up the scenery? This will do it! 13. Lake Malawi When you stare out over the palm-fringed sandy beach with crystal-clear water, it is easy to think you are on an oceanic tropical island rather than the shores of Lake Malawi – one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. 14. Panorama Route, South Africa The Panorama Route is one of South Africa’s hidden gems & a destination that you should not travel to without a camera! Just a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned Kruger Park, this breathtaking region consists of dramatic landscapes as far as the eye can see. Unspoilt mountains, majestic waterfalls & interesting canyons are just some of the natural wonders you will encounter on a Panorama Route holiday.

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