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20 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Africa: A Complete Guide

We’re biased, but choosing Africa for your most cherished moments is undoubtedly the best decision! With its plethora of alluring and diverse destinations, selecting the perfect honeymoon spot in Africa might seem daunting. From private candle-lit dinners in award-winning restaurants to luxury accommodations amidst expansive and mesmerizing wildernesses, Africa offers a unique blend of romantic – and wild – experiences.

Trust Ubuntu Travel to design an unparalleled luxury safari honeymoon for you. Envision embarking on an authentic and wild safari adventure, complemented by serene beach retreats, all upheld by exceptional service throughout your journey. We promise a safari honeymoon thatโ€™s not just memorable, but truly worth celebrating – a testament to love set against Africaโ€™s most breathtaking settings. But first, let us propose 20 honeymoon destinations to you and highlight why they are perfect for your celebration!

Honeymoon Destinations in South Africa

For honeymooners and romantic adventurers, South Africa presents an enchanting beginning. The iconic Kruger National Park and the adjacent Sabi Sand Nature Reserve offer exclusive safaris to witness the majestic Big Five, all while staying in luxurious safari lodges designed for intimacy and comfort. Meanwhile, the romantic allure of Cape Town captivates with its world-class vineyards, top-tier dining, vibrant art scenes, and rich history, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure. Additionally, the favorable exchange rate between the South African Rand and the US dollar ensures that your romantic getaway offers exceptional value, making every moment spent together even more cherished. ย 

londolozi-lodge-south-africa

1) Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, is one of South Africa’s most exclusive and romantic safari destinations. Offering prestigious, private safari experiences, this reserve ensures incredible wildlife sightings, including the Big Five, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Vehicle restrictions and ethical off-roading practices enhance your experience, placing you in prime positions for sightings. Couples will relish the sensory delights of gastronomic meals, lantern-lit sunsets, and unrivaled privacy, making it an ideal choice for a romantic getaway.

andBeyond Tengile River Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

2) Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, covering over 2 million hectares – an area as large as Belgiumโ€”is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, wild dogs, cheetahs, and various antelopes. Within the park, luxury lodges such as andBeyondโ€™s Ngala Private Game Reserve and Singita Lebombo are situated in private concessions. Adjacent to the park, the Greater Kruger area consists of private reserves that share a fenceless border with the National Park. These private parks collectively provide an exclusive safari experience, featuring fully inclusive luxury accommodations, private guides, and ethical off-roading privileges, ensuring a secluded retreat away from the parkโ€™s public areas.

A lion pride at Royal Malewane, Timbavati, South Africa

3) Cape Town & Winelands

One of the reasons we love South Africa is because there is so much to offer as a complement to a safari. This country is a crowd-pleaser, especially if you’re into food, wine, beaches, and day hikes. A visit to the Western Cape can encompass a lot of activities, but our favorites are in and around Cape Town. Once you’ve visited the Mother City, we recommend taking a few days to relax in the nearby Cape Winelands, home to many of South Africa’s award-winning restaurants and vineyards. There are also some great day trips nearby, including a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach; the Cape Peninsula Tour; Robben Island and of course trying their many award winning restaurants.

Why South Africa is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Exclusive Big Five Safaris
  • Exceptional leopard viewing in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
  • Cape Town fine dining and world-class wines
  • Wildlife Conservation Experiences โ€“ like rhino notching
  • Well developed infrastructure – making travel easier

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Our Top 7 Honeymoon Safari Lodges in South Africaย 

Our Top 5 Honeymoon Hotels in Cape Townย 

Honeymoon Destinations in Botswanaย 

Without a doubt, Botswana is one of the best safari destinations for any traveler. If expansive wilderness and remote romance are what you’re looking for, Botswana is the perfect choice. Roughly the size of Texas, Botswana offers some of the worldโ€™s most immersive safaris, thanks to its low population density and progressive conservation policies. Wilderness Vumbura Plains, Okavango Delta, Botswana Explore the Okavango Delta, a seasonal wetland teeming with diverse wildlife drawn to its waters channels. The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is another must-see for those seeking a slow and remote honeymoon. In the central Kalahari, adventure activities abound, including quad biking, horseback riding, and visiting habituated families of meerkats. Botswana promises an unparalleled blend of expansive adventure and quiet romance.

1) The Okavango Delta

The marriage between vast wilderness landscapes, pristine water channels, luxury lodges, and (of course) incredible game viewing is what makes the Okavango Delta hands down the most romantic, ethereal destination in all of Africa. It just doesnโ€™t get any more charismatic and effortlessly beautiful than this epic wetland. For honeymooners, it offers a unique blend of adventure and intimacy within a wild and untouched safari landscape.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains, Okavango Delta, Botswana Explore the Delta by mokoro, motorized boat cruises, on foot, or on game drives, and experience an abundance of wildlife, stunning waterways, and breathtaking sunsets. This magical destination promises an unforgettable, authentic safari experience, perfect for creating cherished memories together. Trust us – you will want to return for your milestone anniversaries! We could not think of a better destination.ย  Read here for our full guide on the best luxury lodges in the Okavango Delta of Botswana.

2) The Kalahari Desert

The central Kalahari is perfect for adventurous honeymooners, offering activities such as quad biking and horse riding. The area is famous for its visits to habituated families of meerkats. From December to March, this incredible destination attracts thousands of zebras and other herbivores, along with the predators that follow them.

As night falls, relax and reminisce over a glass of wine before drifting off to sleep to the sounds of the desert, under the uninterrupted views of the star-studded African skies. The central Kalahari provides an unforgettable blend of adventure and romance for your special getaway.

3) Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

If you and your partner are off-the-beaten-path travelers, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve should be at the top of your list. Positively unspoiled and under-visited, it offers the ideal setting for a secluded, off-the-grid escape. The concession boasts endless plains of untouched grasslands, forests, and lagoons.

Wilderness Kingโ€™s Pool, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

It feels raw and natural, reminiscent of safaris from years past, with a high concentration of game for your viewing pleasure. Linyanti promises an intimate and immersive safari experience, perfect for honeymooners seeking adventure and romance in a pristine wilderness. Wilderness DumaTau, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Why Botswana is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Expansive & remote Big Five wilderness areas
  • Incredible wild dog sightings โ€“ Africaโ€™s second rarest carnivore
  • Romantic mokoro experience through the famous Okavango Delta
  • Meerkat experience in the remote Kalahari Desert
  • Longest terrestrial zebra migration in Nxai National Park (Nov โ€“ March)

Our Top Honeymoon Safari Lodges in Botswanaย 

Wilderness Kingโ€™s Pool, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

Honeymoon Destinations in Namibiaย 

If you’re seeking isolation and romance for your honeymoon, look no further than Namibia. Among all the countries in Southern Africa, Namibia is the most off-the-grid, offering a unique and remote safari experience unlike any other. With its vast, sparsely populated landscapes, sweeping dunes, and rugged coastlines, Namibia embodies true adventure and seclusion. Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, with its immense sand dunes surrounding a dry salt pan, provides a truly isolated and breathtakingly scenic safari destination. Your honeymoon pictures will honestly look like paintings with the romantic pastel colors of the landscape. For couples craving solitude, adventure, and stunning natural beauty, Namibia is the perfect honeymoon escape.

1) Sossusvlei Desert

If a dark sky reserve with endless opportunities to view the stars sounds like your idea of a honeymoon, make your way to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. The vastness of this wilderness is sometimes difficult to comprehend. For true isolation and privacy, the Sossusvlei Desert is unparalleled. We propose the absolutely exquisite andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge for your stay.ย 
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As a honeymoon destination, this luxury lodge is unmatched, offering an idyllic setting for couples to indulge… This lodge has honestly been built for romance in every sense of the word, ensuring an unforgettable and intimate experience.
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2) The Skeleton Coast

Ok, we understand the name doesnโ€™t quite scream romance. But bear with us – sticking to the theme of seclusion and expansive landscapes. This part of the country is completely isolated from the rest of Namibia, let alone the world, giving you the sensation of escaping to another realm. With towering sand dunes and ancient shipwrecks, the Skeleton Coast feels like a mirage, yet its natural beauty is entirely real. It’s an isolated oasis, perfect for honeymooners looking to remove themselves from the world!

Embark on a flying safari to view the astounding Skeleton Coast! Spanning a spectacular 310 miles, it offers impressive views of captivating shipwrecks, secret rivers, ever-changing sand dunes, and deep canyons. You can also experience the thrill of tracking desert-adapted wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, lions, and brown hyenas in this uniquely romantic and adventurous destination. We’ve listed our favorite lodges for isolation in Namibia here.

Why Namibia is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Desert adapted wildlife like oryx, black rhino, elephant and lion
  • Sossusvleiโ€™s red desert dunes and dark sky reserve
  • Horse riding safaris across remote arid landscapes
  • Excursions and helicopter flips over the Skeleton Coast
  • Etosha Panโ€™s dramatic and diverse big game viewing

Our Top Honeymoon Safari Lodges in Namibiaย 

  • andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge | Namib Desert
  • Wilderness Little Kulala | Namib Desert
  • Shipwreck Lodge | Skeleton Coast
  • Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast
  • Little Ongava |Etosha Pan
  • Onguma Tented Camp | Etosha Pan

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Honeymoon Destinations in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, bordering South Africa, is a perfect untamed honeymoon destination, offering expansive, wildlife-rich areas. Experience the thrill of Victoria Falls and big game walking safaris in Mana Pools. With UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Victoria Falls and Mana Pools, the natural beauty and raw romance is unparalleled. Luxurious lodges, world-class adventure, and dining experiences complement these wilderness destinations, making Zimbabwe a serious contender for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Stanley & Livingstone, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

1) Victoria Fallsย 

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or the โ€œSmoke that Thunders,โ€ the world-famous Victoria Falls arguably needs no introduction. As a World Heritage Site, it is considered by many to be the largest waterfall in the world due to its height and the wide sheet of falling water. For honeymooners, this majestic corner of Southern Africa offers an array of romantic, luxurious lodges along the Zambezi River (both in Zimbabwe and Zambia).
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A pair of visitors looking out at a group of elephants at the Victoria Falls River Lodge
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Each lodge provides its own unique touch of romance, with game drives, romantic champagne cruises, and secret sundowner spots, ensuring an unforgettable honeymoon experience amidst the sublime beauty and thrilling adventure of Victoria Falls. Possibly the perfect spot to start or end any honeymoon. Read more: These are the 20 best honeymoon lodges in Africa
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Co-founder, Kyle Green, viewing Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

2) Lake Kariba at Bumi Hills

With the Zambezi escarpment as its backdrop and the spectacular vista of Lake Kariba in the foreground, African Bush Camps’ Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is the perfect honeymoon retreat. Enjoy luxurious surroundings, attentive yet unobtrusive service, and a range of water and land safari adventures.

African Bush Camps, Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe
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Expect to see elephants, lions, buffalo, along with an array of plains game and diverse birdlife. The secluded and intimate setting, combined with breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, makes it an idyllic spot for romance and unforgettable honeymoon memories.
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African Bush Camps, Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe

3) Mana Pools

This area is for adventurous couples who like to soothe their wild side with champagne and fine wines. Mana Pools is renowned for its dramatic wildlife encounters and grounding walking safaris. Picture elephant bulls reaching up high for the pods of the Ana tree, wild dog packs running across the open woodlands, lions and leopards patrolling the Zambezi River, and hippos populating the water channels.

 

This region exudes an atmosphere of wild authenticity and a unique magic that transcends wilderness expectations, making it an ideal destination for an adventurous and romantic honeymoon.

Wilderness Chikwenya, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Why Zimbabwe is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • The majestic Victoria Falls & adrenaline capital of Africa
  • Big game walking safaris in Mana Pools
  • Lake Kariba cruises and sundowners
  • Restorative game drives at Matusadona Hills
  • World-renowned Zimbabwean hospitality & safari guides
  • Zambezi River sunset cruises and game viewing

Our Top Honeymoon Safari Lodges in Zimbabweย 

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Honeymoon Destinations in Mozambique

While itโ€™s not ideal for big game safaris, Mozambique is making huge conservation strides, and is a perfect honeymoon destination with its long untouched beaches, warm Indian Ocean, and abundant marine life. With 1,550 miles of pristine beachfront and stunning tropical islands, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. After an exhilarating safari, unwinding on these beautiful shores offers the ultimate relaxation, making Mozambique an idyllic spot to seal your African honeymoon.
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Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique

1) Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago

Benguerra Island in Mozambique is the second-largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. This private oasis feels like time itself has stopped, forcing you to relax and unwind without a care in the world. There is ample marine wildlife nearby to discover during the day, followed by a calm sea breeze in the early evenings. Dinners are often served in special locations, making this a great choice for honeymooners who like to be pampered. The perfect way to indulge and recimince over your honeymoon!

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Why Mozambique is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Remote beachfront & island vacation โ€“ a perfect way to end a safari
  • Traditional sunset dhow cruises and boating activities
  • Thriving dugong population inside marine reserves
  • Renowned PADI scuba diving and snorkeling sites
  • Deep sea fishing and other marine activities

Our Top Honeymoon Lodges in Mozambiqueย ย 

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Honeymoon Destinations in Kenyaย 

Kenya, arguably the birthplace of traditional safaris, promises unforgettable adventures for honeymooners. Highlights include the Lewa and Laikipia conservancies, known for horseback riding, exceptional rhino viewing, and conservation efforts. Witness the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara from August to October.

Great Migration, Masai Mara, Kenya

For year-round excitement, the Masai Mara National Reserve offers thrilling safaris, including hot air balloons with champagne. Kenyaโ€™s diverse experiences, from breathtaking wildlife encounters to its conservation efforts, make it a perfect honeymoon destination.

Little Governorsโ€™ Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

1)ย The Masai Mara, Kenya

Possibly one of the first go-to destinations when honeymooners ask us what is possible, the Masai Mara offers a classic safari experience with exceptional all-year-round Big Five and cheetah viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Maasai community visits.

Famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration from August to October, it provides unparalleled wildlife encounters. For romantics, enjoy champagne before breakfast amidst this incredible wilderness. The Mara’s luxury accommodations ensure an unforgettable and intimate honeymoon, making it a perfect destination for adventure and romance. Read more: These are the best luxury lodges in the Masai Mara

2) Laikipia Plateau

For honeymooners who love to “rest actively,” the Laikipia region is perfect. Beyond the romance of viewing Africa’s iconic wildlife and untouched wilderness, Laikipia offers horseback and camel rides, adventurous hikes, and walking trails in a pristine Samburu-owned landscape. Encounter endangered black rhinos, Grevyโ€™s zebras, wild dogs, and more. The lodges here are homely and inviting, creating a warm atmosphere filled with the promise of adventure and unforgettable experiences. ย 

Why Kenya is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration from August to October
  • Year-round game viewing in the Masai Mara and private conservancies
  • Hot air balloon safaris over the meandering Mara River
  • Big tusker elephants at Tsavo and Amboseli National Park
  • Horseback riding safaris at Chyulu Hills, Lewa and Laikipia region
  • Authentic cultural experience with local Maasai & Samburu

Our Top Honeymoon Safari Lodges in Kenya

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Honeymoon Destinations in Tanzaniaย 

Tanzania, celebrated for its rich biodiversity, beckons honeymooners to explore its vibrant savannas and stunning 800-mile coastline along the Indian Ocean. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, a breathtaking display of millions of animals crossing the East African plains. Must-visit destinations include Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. A short flight transports you to Zanzibar, renowned for its โ€œSpice Islandโ€ charm. Tanzaniaโ€™s diverse experiences, from wildlife to pristine beaches, make it a iconic honeymoon destination.

A couple enjoying a meal outside at the Lemala Nanyukie Lodge

1) The Serengeti National Parkย 

Tanzania’s Serengeti is the epitome of a romantic East African safari. Known for its wide-open lands and the Great Migration, this national park teems with wildlife and luxury lodges, making it perfect for honeymooners. The Maasai call it โ€œa place where land runs forever,โ€ with sweeping grasslands, rocky outcrops, and mixed woodlands. Ultra-luxury lodges offer romantic sunsets and private views, providing an unforgettable safari experience that celebrates this magnificent wilderness.

Serengeti Bushtops, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

2) Ngorongoro Craterย 

The Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world, is a perfect honeymoon destination. Known as โ€œAfricaโ€™s Garden of Eden,โ€ it cradles over 30,000 animals on its nutrient-rich floor, offering an easy-going safari experience with diverse wildlife, including the Big Five. The surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area adds romantic adventure and cultural richness. This breathtaking sanctuary, steeped in history and natural beauty, promises an unforgettable romantic escape.
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3) Zanzibar

If you are looking to add a holiday from your holiday, then Zanzibar is the ultimate add-on to your honeymoon. Zanzibar offers pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. Stroll through Stone Town’s historic streets, savor exotic spices, and unwind in luxurious beachfront resorts.

Our go-to island for honeymooners is Mnemba Island, a private island off the coast of Zanzibar, where barefoot luxury tantalizes your senses. The island offers complete seclusion, incredible cuisine, fun day activities, and an entire private island to explore, making your honeymoon an unforgettable experience in this tropical paradise.

Why Tanzania is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration
  • Luxury mobile-tented camps in the Serengeti
  • Ngorongoro Crater UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Hot air balloon safaris in Southern Serengeti
  • The โ€œspice islandโ€ of Zanzibar โ€“ a lush island paradise
  • Rich snorkelling and PADI dive sites in Zanzibar

Our Top Honeymoon Safari Lodges in Tanzaniaย 

  • Lemala Nanyukie Lodge | Serengeti
  • andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas
  • Singita Fari Faru | Serengeti
  • Gibb’s Farm | Ngorongoro Crater
  • andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater
  • Zuri Zanzibar
  • andBeyond Mnemba Island | Zanzibar

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Honeymoon Destinations in Rwandaย 

Rwanda, an inspiring country that embodies love, forgiveness, and trust, is a perfect honeymoon destination. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” it offers breathtaking mountain landscapes. Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, provides intimate wildlife encounters.
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Singita Kwitonda, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
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Prestigious award-winning lodges ensure luxurious and romantic stays. Lake Kivu and its surrounding tea and coffee plantations offer a unique โ€˜Crop to Cupโ€™ experience. Rwanda’s blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility makes for an unforgettable honeymoon.
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Singita Kwitonda, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

1) Volcanoes National Parkย 

For many, Rwanda and gorilla trekking might not be the first choice for their honeymoon. But if you seek personal, authentic, and emotional wildlife encounters, gorilla trekking is unparalleled. Sharing this life-changing experience with your cherished partner is unforgettable. Located in northwest Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects mountain gorillas and magnificent mountain ranges. Its ecosystems include bamboo forests, grasslands, and swamps. This remote location allows visitors to track 12 habituated gorilla troops, with award-winning luxury lodges complementing your stay and occasion. ย 

Why Rwanda is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park
  • Hikes to Dian Fosseyโ€™s Gravesite and craters lakes
  • award-winning lodges with spa and wellness treatments
  • Golden Monkey treks in the Volcanoes National Park
  • City tour of the culturally & historically rich Kigali

Our Top Honeymoon Safari Lodges in Rwanda

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Honeymoon Destinations on the Indian Ocean Islandsย 

End your luxury safari honeymoon in the Indian Ocean’s island paradise. The Indian Ocean islands, like Mauritius and the Seychelles, offer idyllic escapes perfect for unwinding after a safari adventure. With pristine beaches, azure waters, and lush landscapes, each tropical island boasts its own unique charm. The Seychelles’ crystal-clear waters and lush forests, and Mauritius’ vibrant coral reefs and luxurious resorts, ensure an unforgettable and dreamy conclusion to your honeymoon.

Seychelles Honeymoon

1) Seychelles

And of course, what would a list of honeymoon locations in Africa be without Seychelles. This country in East Africa is regarded as the epitome of honeymoon destinations. Lodges and resorts are spread out over a selection of the 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. This gives honeymoon couples ample choice and depending on your budget, there’s something for everyone. If budget is no consideration, don’t miss the chance to check into one of the world’s most exclusive hotels; North Island.

Why Seychelles is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Explore allรฉe de Mai โ€“ a protected natural park and UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Discover Anse Source dโ€™Argent, a beach on the island of La Digue
  • Visit some 300 giant tortoises onย Curieuse & St. Pierre
  • Snorkel in the Sainte Anne Marine Park
  • Indulge in Seychelles city-life in the capital Victoria

2) Mauritiusย 

Mauritius, a volcanic island nation in the Indian Ocean, offers the ultimate honeymoon escape with stunning beaches, lagoons, and reefs. For active travelers, enjoy yoga classes, water sports, and exploring attractions like Balaclava Ruins, Flacq Market, Ile aux Cerfs, and the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel. Prefer relaxation? Enjoy private beach access and secluded spots. Our selection of luxury hotels ensures a memorable stay, blending adventure and romance seamlessly for an unforgettable experience.

Why Mauritius is a Perfect Romantic Getaway

  • Luxurious resorts and lodges offering top amenities
  • Mountain biking and hiking trails in theย ย Black River Gorges National Park
  • Experience the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamare
  • Cultural attractions like Balaclava Ruins and Flacq Market
  • An array of beach and marine activities in the Indian Ocean

Our Top Indian Ocean Luxury Lodgesย 

  • Anantara Maia Seychelles
  • ย Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa
  • Four Seasons Mahe Seychelles
  • Le Saint Geran | Mauritiusย 
  • Four Seasons Mauritius
  • Oberoi | Mauritiusย 

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?

If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.

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