Romantic African Safari

A romantic holiday in Africa is something that you and your significant other will treasure forever. It's the best gift you can give each other (and yourself!) with memories that you'll share with your grandchildren one day. Move aside Paris, there's a new romantic holiday destination in town!

Africa not only seduces you. She makes you fall head over heels in love with her from the first glance. She's not a been-there-done-that destination. No, romantic holidays in Africa will fill you with a deep desire for more, an unquenchable thirst for her wide-open plains, star-strewn skies, the warmth of her people, and fascinating creatures roaming free.  

As the World's Best Safari Company, we've witnessed this time and time again. And don't think because we call Africa home we're immune to her charms! Nope, we're just as hopelessly in love as you'll be once your feet hit African soil. Give in to it. It's glorious and will leave you glowing and more jittery with joy than on your wedding day! We invite you to spend your romantic getaways in Africa, from your honeymoon to your golden anniversary. She's waiting for you.  

Why choose Africa for your romantic holidays?

• You can combine your beach holiday with a city and safari trip in a heartbeat

• The varied landscapes mean you will get to experience a range of different activities 

• There are numerous luxury private game reserves throughout Africa where you can enjoy exclusive, up-close game drives

• Africa will fascinate any traveller with her natural splendour and unforgettable sunsets

• Our continent is home to plants and animal species that you can't see anywhere else in the world

• Africa is home to multiple award-winning restaurants and wineries, some among the top in the world  

• Exhilarating activities and relaxation are offered in equal measures, with unique experiences and world-class wellness offerings 

• The seclusion and exclusivity that you find in Africa are unmatched

What are the different kinds of romantic getaways in Africa?

For your romantic safari in Africa, there are so many dreamy destinations and heart-stirring experiences to choose from. Like we said, you'll want to return again and again! Here are some of the most romantic getaways in Africa and what they offer. 

Romantic Safaris in the Bush

Nothing says "I love you" better than an African safari. You probably already know that our safari experiences are unparalleled. This is Africa, after all! The world-famous Kruger National Park is big, in reputation and in size. Spread across nearly two million hectares, it's home to the Big 5, as well as a multitude of other animals.

In private concessions and game reserves, such as the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, there's no shortage of luxury accommodation options. Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, it's home to the highest concentrations of large game per hectare in Southern Africa. Plus, the elusive leopard makes a frequent appearance, something you don't get to experience in most other safari destinations. Naturally, safaris in Sabi Sand are pretty wild and wonderful, with game vehicles getting real close to the animals.

With bucket-list romantic experiences such as sleeping under the stars, soaking in an outdoor bath with elephants strolling past, or sipping bubbly as the sun sets on the horizon...(sigh), there's just nothing like it.

Escape to the Winelands for a Romantic Getaway

Fine dining dishes paired with premier wines are a match made in heaven. Just like you two! Well, imagine enjoying this in one of the most breathtaking Monet-like settings of lush gardens, vineyards, and dramatic mountain ranges. The Cape Winelands awaits you, offering some of the best wines in the world. 

Take a day trip through Constantia Wine Route, sipping as you go to get to know these wineries that date back as far as 300 years. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you learn about this area's rich history. 

Or, if you consider yourselves lovers of the finer things in life, particularly when it comes to wine, haute cuisine and art, head a little further. Offering internationally acclaimed wine experiences and restaurants with a French flair, Franschhoekdelivers this and more! 

The nearby historic towns of Paarl and Stellenbosch offer a wide variety of wine farms located a short drive from one another. Finally, the Breede River Valley offers unspoiled scenery and is the largest wine-producing valley in the Western Cape.

Romance in the City

Cape Town's juxtaposed mix of city, mountain and ocean makes it a favourite romantic getaway in Africa. In fact, it's continually voted the best city in the world! With an electric atmosphere and a never-ending itinerary of activities, you won't run out of things to do, see, eat, drink – the works! 

This city will deliver whatever the mood calls for, from taking things easy on a sunset luxury yacht cruise to the more exhilarating helicopter rides to see the city from a bird's-eye view. Or, if you really want to get that heart rate up, you can even paraglide off Lion's Head mountain or scuba dive to explore the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean.  

One of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain acts as the city's backdrop and is an iconic landmark. Take the cable car to the top for views that will leave you swooning, or hike up if you're feeling adventurous. But there's more to the city than this impressive mountain. 

Peruse the Kirstenbosch Gardens to admire the Cape Floral Kingdom, take a scenic coastal drive along Chapman's Peak Drive, and sunbathe and swim at all the excellent beaches that Cape Town is celebrated for. After a day in the South African sun, high-end suburbs like Camps Bay & Clifton invite you for sundowner cocktails before dinner.

The city centre offers award-winning food and wine and a lively nightlife scene with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Some of these were voted among the best in the world. There's also plenty of history, art, and culture in Cape Town wherever you go. 

Romantic Island Getaway

If you're looking for an island getaway, look no further than our beautiful part of the world, as it has many that will steal your heart! They look like they belong on the cover of romance novels, and you'll certainly feel like you've stepped right onto the pages of one when you arrive.

Mauritius is the textbook romantic destination with stretches of silky sand lapped by turquoise water, palm trees reaching for the cotton-wool-strewn sky, towering cliffs and wild forests. You can easily spend your entire holiday lazing on the beach as the weather is good all year round. Adventurous travellers can enjoy water-based activities such as kitesurfing, scuba diving, water-skiing, stand-up paddling, snorkelling, and much more. 

A chain of islands in the Indian Ocean, the Zanzibar Archipelago is another paradise setting. Unguja is the largest of these islands, mainly consisting of flat stretches of beaches. Next to it lies Pemba, a lush island overflowing with forests and rich in crops. It also offers the best all-year-round snorkelling of all the islands. Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cultural charm stems from history with the spice trade, resulting in a blend of African, Arabic, Indian, Persian and European influences. 

Although it's probably best known for conjuring images of lazing on the beach, there's more to Seychelles than your generic postcard depicts. Found off the East African coast, northeast of Madagascar, it comprises over 115 islands. Favoured by many celebrities, it's home to several unique flora and endangered species. Take a helicopter ride and island-hop to some of the most remote private islands in Seychelles for the ultimate romantic getaway in Africa.

Madagascar is often referred to as a mini continent. It will seduce you with about 5,000 kilometres of glimmering coastline, 250 islands and 450 kilometres of barrier reef. Highlights include the Isalo National Park, where you can admire the Jurassic sandstone massif, see the famously adorable lemurs and dive with whale sharks.

Last but not least, Mozambique is a scuba diver's dream with 400 kilometres of coral reef islands and is home to the Machangulo Private Nature Reserve, making it the perfect destination for a beach and bush holiday. 

What are the best romantic holiday destinations in Africa? 

From sunrise hot air balloon safaris and starlit bush dinners to meeting the eyes of a lion as it brushes past your game vehicle, Africa leaves you breathless. Here are some romantic getaway destinations in Africa we're besotted with. 

Romantic safari getaway: Sabi Sand

Sabi Sand is a private game reserve in the southwestern corner of the Kruger National Park. Here, you'll find some of the most remote and luxurious lodges, luring the rich and famous from across the globe. Because it's a private game reserve, you can get really close to the wildlife in the open game vehicles. You'll never feel more alive! 

You can also go on night safaris to see what the African wildlife get up to after sunset and explore the bush on foot. The luxury safari lodges often include sleepouts under the stars in treehouse-style rooms, private lantern-lit dinners, and plunge pools with wildlife popping in to say hello. Sabi Sand is the perfect place for anyone, especially for couples looking for a hideout in romantic Africa.

Natural wonder and beauty: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water, and boy, she's a beauty! If you think that your significant other makes your heart beat faster, just wait until you lay eyes on this “Smoke that Thunders”. The nickname will make sense once you see the mist billowing around the falls, coloured by rainbows. As attractions in romantic Africa go, this is a definite must-see. 

You can explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site in many ways. From taking things easy on a sunset cruise to more exciting activities like bungee jumping, zip-lining, micro lighting and white-water rafting. Many accommodation options in Zimbabwe and Zambia, both countries sharing access to this wonder, are located on the banks of the Zambezi River for a private and relaxing refuge.

Tropical island paradise: Pemba Island

In romantic Africa's Indian Ocean, you'll find Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. This island is often called the “Green Island” because of its flourishing fruit crops, from bananas to coconut and cassava. 

Surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean, there's as much to marvel at underwater as there is on land. You could snorkel and scuba for hours, admiring the kaleidoscopic marine life and coral reefs. It's one of the most romantic destinations in Africa yet a very underrated one! 

Pemba Island is also known for its rich culture, influenced by the Arab traders. A bit more authentic and unknown when compared to islands like Stone Town, you get a more exclusive, uncrowded experience. Picture romantic holidays in Africa featuring long walks on peaceful beaches, meandering through the Ngezi forest and sipping bottomless cocktails on the beach. Yes, please!

Romance in the Winelands: Franschhoek Valley

Franschhoek is one of our favourite romantic destinations in Africa. A fairytale setting, with indigo mountain ranges and endless stretches of vineyards, this food and wine capital of South Africa will give your tastebuds the journey of a lifetime. Franschhoek combines Africa's warm hospitality and natural splendour with the famous French romance, bringing you a getaway in romantic Africa you'll never forget.

You can spend days sampling wine at the many award-winning wine farms here. And you can even do so by jumping aboard the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram. Or, wander through the village to browse the many art galleries, high-end boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. A visit to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands is an absolute must for your romantic holidays in Africa.  

Romantic safari dream: East Africa (Maasai Mara)

Don your best safari outfits and get ready to feel like you've stepped onto the set of the beloved film Out to Africa. The signature sunsets, untouched plains as far as the eyes can see, and wildlife roaming free look surreal and will make you feel all the feels! 

The Maasai Mara in Kenya is one of the most breathtaking romantic destinations in Africa and will make you fall deeper in love with our continent – and each other! There are very remote camps and lodges where the number of guests is limited, which means fewer people and more uninterrupted wildlife sightings.

This area of romantic Africa is particularly well-known for playing host to the annual Great Migration, when wildebeest, zebra, antelope, and many other wildlife stars traverse the plains and put on a spectacular, dramatic show! However, you'll have to time your romantic holidays in Africa carefully to ensure you catch it. But don't worry, that's where we come in! We can tell you precisely which romantic destinations in Africa you need to visit for the ultimate experience. 

Book your romantic holiday in Africa today

How can you possibly choose from all of these alluring romantic holidays in Africa? Well, you don't have to. We can easily give you expert advice and tailor your getaway to include various destinations.

Why not embark on a romantic beach and safari tour by venturing through Cape Town, experiencing a Big 5 safari in Sabi Sand, and ending the trip on a tropical note in Mozambique? Don't let anyone tell you you can't have it all! In Africa, you can. 

Doesn’t this sound like a dream? As African Travel Experts with first-hand experience, we've welcomed over 150,000 ecstatic travellers to our continent by creating unforgettable holidays for them.

Contact our Travel Experts today and let’s make your dream romantic holiday in Africa a reality!