Written by: Sean Messham
Romantic safaris have always held a special place in my heart – for one simple reason: I met my wife while guiding in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Yes, I’m a khaki-fever cliché (ask me about it sometime). But she wasn’t on a romantic safari – she was on her once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa. Eight years later, we’re still married, and I can say with certainty that safaris really do create unforgettable connections.
That’s because a safari is more than game drives and luxury suites – it’s about the quiet intimacies and extraordinary adrenaline-filled moments you share together. Think of morning coffee as the bush comes alive, sundowners while elephants wander past, or a candlelit dinner beneath a sky heavy with stars. Africa has a way of slowing you down, grounding you in the simple pleasures, and reminding you what matters most.
In this guide to the best romantic safari lodges in Africa for couples, we highlight the places that truly capture this magic. These aren’t just lodges with beautiful views – they’re destinations we’ve personally experienced and trust, chosen for couples who want more than a standard “click-and-go” safari. From riverside retreats in Zambia to private suites in South Africa and tented elegance in the Serengeti, these are the places where love and wilderness come together.
Romantic Safari Lodges for Couples in Africa
- Tengile River Lodge, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Londolozi Granite Suite, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Phinda Forest Lodge, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa
- African Bush Camps Lolebezi, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
- Victoria Falls River Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Vumbura Plains, Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
- Cottars 1920s, Masai Mara, Kenya
- Serengeti Under Canvas, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Singita Faru Faru, Grumeti Private Game Reserve, Tanzania
- andBeyond Suyian, Laikipia, Kenya
- Singita Kwitonda, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
1) andBeyond Tengile River Lodge
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa
Meaning “tranquil” in the local Shangaan language, Tengile River Lodge sits on the banks of the Sand River in the legendary Sabi Sand. From your private plunge pool or sunken lounge, it’s not uncommon to watch elephants, buffalo, or even leopards wander down to drink. I guided in this region for over three years, and I can say with confidence: few safari experiences rival the magic of game drives here. The lodge is exquisite, but it’s the wildlife that will steal your heart.
Ideal For: Luxury seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, couples craving privacy and exclusivity
Best Time to Visit: May – October (dry season for best game viewing)
Why We Love It
- Exceptional Big Five game viewing with unrivaled leopard sightings
- Expansive riverfront suites with private plunge pools and outdoor lounges
- Exclusive traversing rights across 26,000 acres of prime wilderness
- Complimentary Swarovski binoculars for each couple during their stay
- Strong conservation partnership with Panthera, supporting Africa’s big cats
Insider’s Tip: Most websites (and even AI) will tell you that the dry season is best—and they’re not wrong. But we’d suggest the shoulder seasons (April and October). These months give you the best of both worlds: exceptional game viewing in the Sabi Sand, plus more favorable weather in places like Cape Town if you’re starting or ending your safari there.
Explore our Tailor-made 14-Day Honeymoon Safari → Cape Town & Big Five Honeymoon
2) Londolozi Granite Suite
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa
Chances are you’ve seen the photo before: a private outdoor bath overlooking elephants drinking from the Sand River. Now you know where it comes from. Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites are set in the heart of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. With only three suites available – bookable individually or as an exclusive-use lodge – this is romance wrapped in privacy, wilderness, and style.
Ideal For: Honeymooners, couples seeking privacy, luxury travelers who value exclusivity
Best Time to Visit: May – September (dry season for high-density wildlife viewing)
Why We Love It
- Iconic outdoor granite baths with uninterrupted Sand River views
- Just three suites, ensuring unrivaled privacy and exclusivity
- Private, heated swimming pools for each suite
- World-class guiding and Big Five game viewing in prime leopard territory
- Access to the Londolozi Healing House for restorative wellness, yoga, and integrative therapies alongside your safari experience
Insider’s Tip: The Private Granite Suites are among the most in-demand in South Africa. Book well in advance – especially if you want the sole-use lodge option for a private celebration. And if you can, time your trip around a new moon: stargazing from your outdoor bath is unforgettable.
Plan Your Trip: Let Ubuntu Travel secure your stay at Londolozi’s most exclusive suites.
3) Phinda Forest Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
When Travel & Leisure photo and travel journalists Adrianna and Rafael chose Africa for their honeymoon, they spent three days at Phinda Forest Lodge – and described it as the best stay of their entire trip. Nestled in a rare and endangered sand forest, this award-winning lodge was one of the world’s first eco-designed safari retreats. After a complete renovation in 2024, it now offers a striking blend of floor-to-ceiling glass, modern design, and immersive nature – all set within the 73,800-acre andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.
Ideal For: Eco-conscious couples, design lovers, adventurous honeymooners
Best Time to Visit: May – September (dry season for big game viewing) | October – March (green season for birding and newborn wildlife)
Why We Love It
- Immersive setting within an ancient, endangered sand forest
- Floor-to-ceiling glass walls blending nature and luxury
- Newly renovated eco-lodge with cutting-edge design
- Exceptional cheetah and rhino sightings in Phinda’s diverse habitats
- Hands-on conservation activities, from rhino notching to pangolin monitoring
Insider’s Tip: Ask your guide about Phinda’s conservation activities – you may have the chance to take part in a rhino notching or pangolin research project, an unforgettable way to connect with wildlife.
Plan Your Trip: Ubuntu Travel will curate your stay at Phinda Forest Lodge, combining luxury, intimacy, and a deeper purpose.
4) African Bush Camps Lolebezi
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Set on 12 private acres within Zambia’s renowned Lower Zambezi National Park, Lolebezi by African Bush Camps redefines contemporary safari luxury. With bold, earth-toned design and uninterrupted views of the mighty Zambezi River, this camp delivers an experience that’s equal parts elegant and adventurous. In our latest blog, we wrote about how staying here is less about ticking boxes and more about embracing the wild rhythms of the river – hippos grunting in the channel, elephants wandering past your deck, and sunsets so good they make you forget your phone exists.
Ideal For: Eco-conscious couples, adventurous honeymooners, design lovers
Best Time to Visit: October (dry season for peak game viewing)
Why We Love It
- Striking, modern architecture blended seamlessly with Zambia’s wilderness
- Unrivalled riverside location offering hippo, elephant, and birdlife right from your suite
- Private plunge pools and shaded salas designed for couples who want both romance and space
- Exceptional activities: canoeing, walking safaris, fishing, and game drives along the Zambezi
- Strong conservation ethos through African Bush Camps Foundation, supporting local communities
Insider’s Tip: Don’t skip the canoe safari – drifting silently past elephants feeding on the banks is one of Africa’s most romantic (and exhilarating) experiences.
5) Victoria Falls River Lodge – Island Treehouse Suites
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
During our visit, we stayed in the exclusive-use villa on the mainland, but when we crossed over to see the Island Treehouse Suites, we were completely taken aback. Imagine a private island on the Zambezi, with full lodge staff catering to just a handful of couples. The suites themselves are sun-filled sanctuaries, with floor-to-ceiling glass, spacious decks, and private plunge pools looking straight onto the river. Waking up here feels like floating in nature’s embrace, yet with every indulgence close at hand.
For honeymooners, the Starbed Treehouses add another layer of romance – double-storey suites where you can fall asleep beneath an open African sky. And for couples who’d prefer to stay on the mainland, the Malachite Luxury Tented Suites provide another exceptional option, combining tented safari elegance with sweeping river views.
Ideal For: October (dry season, optimal safari & river conditions) | November – March (lush green season, dramatic Falls views)
Best Time to Visit: October (dry season for peak game viewing)
Why We Love It
- Private island experience with full lodge staff, designed exclusively for couples
- Gorgeous sun-filled rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass and private plunge pools
- Four Island Treehouses plus two Starbed Treehouses for sleeping under the stars
- Unique blend of indulgent romance and adventurous access to Victoria Falls
- Mainland alternative: Malachite Luxury Tented Suites for tented safari-style luxury
Insider’s Tip: Brides receive 50% off accommodation, making this one of the best-value honeymoon stays at Victoria Falls. Pair your stay with Zambezi River cruises, a helicopter flip over the Falls, visits to Devil’s or Angel’s Pool (July–January), or even a day of Zambezi white-water rafting.
6) Vumbura Plains
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Botswana’s Okavango Delta has an undeniable ability to slow you down. Drift quietly through lily-strewn channels on a mokoro (traditional canoe), watch elephants wade across floodplains, and then see it all from above with a hot air balloon or helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vumbura Plains has 14 luxurious suites, each with indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pools, and sweeping views of the Delta. The lodge’s setting is so intimate that leopards have even been known to drink from the swimming pool – an unforgettable reminder of how close you are to the wild.
Ideal For: Wildlife lovers, honeymooners seeking privacy
Best Time to Visit: June – October (dry season and peak Delta floods)
Why We Love It
- Explore the Delta by mokoro, motorboat, or on foot
- Exceptional Big Five game viewing in a pristine wilderness
- Rare sightings of sable and sitatunga antelope
- Helicopter excursions for breathtaking perspectives
- Private plunge pools and open-air showers for ultimate romance
Insider’s Tip: Take a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta. From above, the patchwork of floodplains, winding channels, and palm-studded islands comes alive in a way you simply can’t experience from the ground.
7) Giraffe Manor
Nairobi, Kenya
Possibly co-founder Leah Green’s favorite lodge (and where she dreams of bringing her daughters one day), Giraffe Manor is not only one of Africa’s most iconic properties- it’s also an unforgettable stop for honeymooners. Nestled on 12 acres of private land in Nairobi’s leafy Lang’ata suburb, this boutique manor shares its grounds with a resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes.
Imagine sipping morning coffee as a giraffe leans through your bedroom window, or enjoying afternoon tea with these gentle giants strolling by your table. It’s playful, romantic, and surreal all at once – perfect for couples who want their safari to begin or end with pure magic.
Ideal For: Honeymooners, playful romantics, couples seeking a “bucket-list” safari moment
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Why We Love It
- Intimate encounters with Rothschild’s giraffes, right from your suite or breakfast table
- Elegant, boutique-style manor with just 12 rooms and a timeless romantic atmosphere
- All-inclusive luxury with gourmet dining and curated wine pairings
- Convenient location (30 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), making it an easy pre- or post-safari retreat
- A storybook setting that blends nostalgia, romance, and conservation impact
Insider’s Tip: Giraffe Manor is one of the most in-demand lodges in Africa – honeymooners should book at least 12–18 months in advance to secure a suite, especially if traveling in peak safari season.
8) Cottar’s 1920s
Masai Mara Conservancy, Kenya
Step into safari history with a stay at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, a multi-award-winning property set on a private 7,608-acre conservancy bordering Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara. Family-owned for over a century, this heritage camp blends old-world elegance with modern luxury and conservation-driven values. For couples, it’s a chance to experience the golden age of safari with all the comforts of today.
Ideal For: Honeymooners, history lovers, couples seeking privacy with purpose
Best Time to Visit: July – October for the Great Migration; December – March for excellent year-round wildlife viewing
Why We Love It
- Romantic outdoor canvas bush bath, with sweeping savanna views
- Elegant 1920s-style tents furnished with antiques and four-poster beds
- Private conservancy location ensures exclusivity and fewer vehicles
- Guided walks and cultural visits with the Maasai community
- Award-winning sustainability and conservation leadership
Insider’s Tip: Time your visit between July and October when Cottar’s location near the Serengeti border offers a front-row seat to dramatic Great Migration river crossings. Book early – honeymoon suites are highly sought after during this season.
Plan Your Trip: Ubuntu Travel will design your romantic safari at Cottar’s, pairing the camp’s timeless elegance with personalized adventures in the Masai Mara.
9) Serengeti Under Canvas
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Unlike a traditional lodge, andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas is a mobile luxury camp that literally moves with the herds of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Relocated up to four times a year, the camp ensures you’re always in prime position for the most dramatic wildlife encounters – whether it’s calving season in the southern plains or the epic river crossings in the north. The beauty? You don’t have to chase the herds – they come to you.
Despite being mobile, this is no rustic camping experience. Expect chandeliers in the dining tent, silverware and crystal for your meals, ensuite bathrooms with heated bucket showers, and king-size beds with fluffy duvets. It’s the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and indulgent comfort.
Ideal For: Adventure-loving couples, honeymooners seeking exclusivity, wildlife enthusiasts
Best Time to Visit: July – October for the Great Migration; December – March for excellent year-round wildlife viewing
Why We Love It
- Mobile luxury camp that moves up to four times a year, keeping you close to the Great Migration
- Private butler service and candlelit dining under canvas or starlit skies
- Intimate ensuite tents with heated bucket showers and plush duvets
- Exclusive wilderness setting with only a handful of tents at each location
- Game drives timed to witness wildebeest calving, river crossings, and predator action
Insider’s Tip: Book early – during the migration, availability is limited as each camp only hosts a few couples at a time. Ask your Ubuntu Travel Specialist about adding a scenic helicopter flight over the Serengeti to complement your stay.
10) Singita Faru Faru
Grumeti Private Game Reserve, Tanzania
A truly authentic Serengeti sanctuary, Singita Faru Faru Lodge is ideal for couples looking to reconnect with nature in style. Overlooking the Grumeti River and set in front of a bustling waterhole, wildlife viewing here begins the moment you wake up – whether it’s elephants stopping for a drink or antelope grazing nearby.
Situated in the 350,000-acre private Singita Grumeti Reserve, Faru Faru offers privileged access to one of Africa’s richest ecosystems, part of the greater Serengeti-Mara migration corridor. Here, you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration without the crowds while enjoying Singita’s signature blend of luxury, conservation, and understated elegance.
Ideal For: Luxury seekers, couples craving exclusivity, conservation-minded travelers
Best Time to Visit: June – October (Great Migration viewing in the western corridor) ; December – March (lush green season, fewer visitors)
Why We Love It
- Prime location on the Grumeti River with continuous wildlife action from your suite
- Exclusive access to a 350,000-acre private concession within the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem
- Opportunities to witness the Great Migration in season, without the busy tourist routes
- Access to Singita’s anti-poaching observation post for sweeping views of the reserve
- Exceptional design that blends contemporary style with a natural, grounding atmosphere
Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss a visit to Singita’s anti-poaching observation post – an inspiring reminder of the reserve’s commitment to conservation, paired with some of the most breathtaking views in the Serengeti.
11) andBeyond Suyian
Suyian Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya
For honeymooners seeking a blend of solitude, luxury, and adventure, andBeyond Suyian is a standout favorite – ranked among the top choices by co-founders Kyle and Leah as their go-to romantic retreat. Set within 17,806 hectares of pristine wilderness in Laikipia, this lodge protects not only African wild dogs (its namesake in the Maa language) but also black leopards, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, and reticulated giraffe.
With world-acclaimed guiding and service grounded in ethical conservation, it delivers an immersive experience that you’ll want to linger in for 3–4 nights.
Ideal For: Luxury-seeking couples, adventure lovers, conservation-minded honeymooners
Best Time to Visit: June–September (dry season for wide-ranging wildlife viewing); November–March (green season highlights migration and newborns)
Why We Love It
- Sumptuous, spacious suites crafted with local materials and maximizing privacy and views
- Engaging, personalized experiences: horseback safaris, guided walks, camel treks, twice-daily game drives, and helicopter flights*
- Ethically guided game viewing with heartfelt insight into wildlife behavior and conservation
- A sanctuary that supports wildlife corridors across 200,000 acres of managed private land
- A quiet, romantic haven off the beaten track, where luxury meets nature’s finest
Insider’s Tip: Spa treatments can be arranged alfresco in your suite – a perfect way to unwind after your morning horseback ride or game drive.
Plan Your Trip: Ask Ubuntu Travel to curate a romantic escape to Suyian, balancing unbeatable luxury, up-close wildlife, and ethical safari storytelling.
12) Singita Kwitonda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The only lodge to share a border with the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park, Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge has the prime position to embark on a life-changing gorilla trekking safari. Here, we were left mesmerized by the views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura Volcanoes, and enchanted by truly authentic local hospitality.
Each suite is designed for soulful restoration, blending modern luxury with nature: timber-framed windows that open wide to the forest, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, private wellness spaces, and heated plunge pools with panoramic volcano views. Farm-to-table dining, inspired by Rwanda’s rich produce, enhances every stay with flavor and purpose.
Ideal For: Luxury seekers, active & adventurous honeymooners, conservation-minded travelers
Best Time to Visit: June – October (dry season, best trekking conditions) ; December – February (short dry season with lush landscapes)
Why We Love It
- Life-changing gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Bordering the park with unrivaled proximity to mountain gorillas
- Private heated plunge pools overlooking volcanic landscapes
- Farm-to-table dining showcasing local Rwandan flavors
- Akarabo Nursery — a conservation hub restoring forest habitat
Insider’s Tip: After your gorilla trek, book a private in-suite spa treatment. The lodge’s wellness team specializes in treatments that soothe sore muscles and create a deeper connection with the forest setting.
Suggested Itinerary: Pair your stay at Kwitonda with Ubuntu Travel’s Rwanda Gorilla Trekking journey for the ultimate luxury primate experience.
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