A fabulous holiday is never a terrible thing. But a honeymoon? This is the trip that absolutely, categorically needs to exceed every expectation.

There is a delicate art to privacy and surprise, to learning your preferences and to turning every day into a beautiful blend of relaxation and discovery.

There is something about Africa and her people, their particular skill at delivering the most exceptional honeymoon service that makes the dark continent an inspired choice as a honeymoon destination.

We have cherry-picked our favorite, favorites here:

Mahogany Springs, Uganda

Set back from the pristine waters of the Munyanga River, this lodge faces the Impenetrable forest in the Virunga Volcanoes mountain range. Exotic gardens are veined with intricate stone paths that invite exploration.

A definite drawback to choosing Bwindi for your honeymoon will be finding yourself competing for attention. There are  120 species of mammal, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies as well as countless frogs, chameleons, geckos and a full complement of endangered animals… including the enigmatic Mountain Gorilla.

Of course, if you happen to become too absorbed in the biodiversity you might be able to bribe your way back into your new husband or wife’s favors quite easily with an offering from one of the over 1,000 flowering plant species in the diverse forests.

Nkwichi Lodge, Malawi

The shores of Lake Malawi offers a pristine getaway within a unique natural environment. Nkwichi is part of the fabric of local life which allows guests to experience both the virgin wilderness and the colorful culture of the Nyanja people.  Sleeping in the star bed on a deserted beach surrounded by ancient baobabs or on a private rock island close to shore, there is no better way to enjoy an African night.

Nkwichi has 8 secluded beaches set along 4 km of the Rift Valley coastline. It is a fresh-water oasis and a very real appointment with Africa.

The Outpost, South Africa

Perched in the epicenter of the Great Limpopo Park. This remote northern corner of the Kruger National is a vast wilderness that guests could not access previously… Now, from The Outpost, you have incredible views of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers surrounded by the clean lines of Italian architect Enrico Daffonchio’s vision.

Game drives, bush walks and birding trails run across to the Mozambican and Zimbabwean parts of the Peace Park—no visas needed as you won’t exit the park.

Mumbo Island, Malawi

If you dream of leaving the grid behind and taking your time to enjoy your newlywed status in an eco-friendly, pristine environment that has never been populated by humans… then you need to place a Post-It note on Mumbo Island in the Lake Malawi National Park. You will share your days with thick miombo woodland and ancient fig and baobab trees and spend hours swimming with friendly Spotted-necked Otters in the clear, calm waters. Sea kayaking, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving are all in a day’s play.

Barefoot luxury promises to provide absolutely everything you need and most certainly nothing you don’t.

Benguerra Island, Mozambique

A place where time stands still is never a terrible idea for a holiday. The second largest island in the sunny Bazaruto Archipelago is your gateway to the protected marine conservation area it is set in and offers untouched beaches and coral reefs full of marine life.

Make an appointment with Africa’s only population of the rare and endangered dugong.


Our love for Africa is not a secret… when it comes to romance it is difficult to find anywhere on earth that will match the pure joy, personal service, and beauty of our home continent.

But if you would like a little less wilderness on your honeymoon we have a final contender for our most romantic rooms…

Casa Gangotena

The home of several Republican era presidents, right across from the storied Plaza San Franciso perished in a fire in 1914, only to be completely rebuilt by the important Gangotena family a decade later. Today, the eclectic home welcomes visitors from all over the world. Expect to unwind, watching the sunset over Quito’s iconic skyline from within the intimate space that features many Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements.

It is particularly easy to explore from here. It might be very tempting never to leave.

 



 

Images via Pablo HeimplatzClem Onojeghuo,