The Wedding: one of the most important days of our lives, unifying two souls in a devoted bond for life.
The African Safari Journey: something most of us have dreamed of since childhood, and once experienced, will remember until the end of our days.
At Rothschild Safaris we do things differently. We think the destination makes the experience more than the dress. If you’re looking for a truly unique destination to say “I do”, why not celebrate in Africa? It’s your day, after all. Make it your fairy tale.
Our guide below is designed to help you dream up just some of the possibilities available. When you are ready to start planning, we will be waiting with the cake, bouquet, and a tribal villager or five. Goats and rice as a traditional African wedding present? Optional.
Photo by Seth Reese on Unsplash
Incredible Places To Propose In Africa On Safari
For any wildlife lover, we recommend a privately guided safari game drive across the savanna to a secluded location, where a romantic gourmet bush breakfast or lunch awaits. Who knows what wildlife will be witness to your proposal!
View From The Sky
A sunrise hot air balloon across the plains as the African wildlife awakens for a brand new day is the perfect way to ask that special someone for their hand. Upon landing, indulge in a delicious breakfast and champagne bubbles to celebrate.
Vineyards With A Mountain Backdrop
Enjoy a private picnic setting at a vineyard in the Winelands, South Africa, with a bottle of wine, cheese and gourmet canapés. Spend the night at a luxury lodge with Cape Dutch style architecture and sustainably-sourced dinners.
Helicopter Over The Okavango Delta
Botswana holds the largest floodplains in Africa teeming with wildlife, a magnificent sight from the sky. A private helicopter provides a rare birds-eye view you’ll not soon forget.
Sunsets On Signal Hill
A beautiful locale to watch the sunset over the incredibly stunning vistas of cultural Cape Town and beyond to the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sand Dunes As Far As The Eye Can See
Take a scenic day flight above Namibia’s Sossusvlei or camel ride across the Moroccan Sahara to witness a truly remote wonder of the world that will capture your heart. We’ll arrange a romantic sunset dinner. You bring the ring. A blanket of a thousand stars is guaranteed this evening.
Where Should We Get Married?
Imagine your closest friends and family celebrating your special day, surrounded by raw wilderness, stunning African landscapes as your backdrop, a giraffe or elephant as distant spectators, or Maasai warriors passing on their blessings.
There are a multitude of venues to choose from; safari lodges surrounded by wildlife and savannas, scenic vineyards with mountainous backdrops, the iconic cosmopolitan Cape Town, and stunning beach destinations such as Seychelles and Mauritius. Sunny days and intertwined local African traditions prove Africa to be a once-in-a-lifetime Safari Wedding destination.
Magical Wedding Locales In Africa On Safari
South Africa wins this category with a choice of stunning lodges and camps well-equipped for small and medium-sized wedding groups. The details will be attended to with a hint of African flair at Londolozi and Royal Malawane. Add in action-packed game drives on private conservancies with excellent guides, exploratory walks, a private lunch in the bush with your closest companions and evening cocktails by the campfire.
Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River
Say your vows on Livingstone Island with the powerful Victoria Falls as your backdrop. At Tongabezi and it’s sister island property Sindabezi, stay in romantic luxury cottages at one of the top 10 eco-lodges in Africa. Fantastic activities on offer will keep everyone entertained post-wedding, such as village visits and helicopter flights over the falls.
Palm Trees and Turquoise Waters
The Seychelles are the epicentre of romance and luxury. Start your life together in a romantic barefoot ceremony on a stretch of white sand beach surrounded by crystal clear waters. Or celebrate with your loved ones on a privately chartered yacht with cocktail in hand as the world sails by. Jump into crystal clear oceans to observe multi-colored fish and ocean life beneath you, or hike and bicycle to lush landscapes with giant tortoises. Maia Resort and the private North Island ooze that tropical vibe.
Scenic Winelands
Foodies and wine lovers will delight in this region surrounded by scenic landscapes. Manicured gardens, historic Cape Dutch architecture, eye-catching vineyards and mountain views, world class wine tastings and gourmet culinary experiences await. We recommend Leeu Estates, Babylonstoren and Boschendal.
Photo Credit: Babylonstoren Farm Hotel, Boschendal Farm (left to right)
Exclusive Use Properties and Private HousesWhile the above suggestions will arrange a private venue for your wedding day, there may be other guests staying at the lodge or hotel during your stay. Safari camps and hotels can be booked under exclusive use at a cost, subject to availability. If you dream of private accommodation entirely for your family and loved ones with no other guests, we have a well-curated list of beautiful houses and properties that will make the perfect wedding venue. Think luxury African houses in the bush with multiple bedrooms, living areas with views out to the savanna, a private chef, butler and safari vehicles. Perhaps you prefer a seaside venue with luxury villa-style accommodations, incredible spanning ocean views and a bar full of bubbly? Ask us for the details, we would love to share our secret list.
And For The Honeymooners…
You can have your African wedding cake and eat it too… While your family returns home or branches off to another African destination on their own (we are experts at making complicated itineraries easy), extend your journey and celebrate your honeymoon, Africa style. Here are our favorite honeymoon destinations.
What Do I Need To Know?
There are a few items to consider when planning your fairy tale journey:
- Be realistic about your budget: your Travel Designer will provide expert advice on how to balance your budget comfortably.
- Use a Gift Registry instead of a gift list: so friends and family can contribute to your dream experience.
- Plan Ahead: many camps and lodges book out far in advance, like, a year or more ahead. And most are so remote that you’ll not have alternate accommodation close by. Plan and book as early as possible to ensure all your favorite people can attend.
- Use the expert services of a Travel Designer, completely free: our passion and attention to detail will ensure all aspects of your trip are arranged, stress-free. From visas to flights, getting around, to rooming configurations, travel logistics to guides and more. In the last year, we visited more than 200 properties across 15 counties to find the best destination for your wedding and life adventure.
At Rothschild Safaris, our professional team of Travel Designers are here to help guide you with expert advice during this busy time in your life. You dream, we listen. Together we curate a magical journey.