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The Most Romantic Safari Lodges in Africa

Written by: Sean Messhamย 

Itโ€™s time to get romantic! And no, not because Valentineโ€™s Day is just around the corner! But because, whether we like to admit it or not, it has been a challenging few years for everyone. Itโ€™s time to celebrate with your most significant other and start planning a journey that is intimate, restorative, for yourselves andโ€ฆ dare we say itโ€ฆ away from the large family and friend gatherings.ย 

Honeymooners, we have not forgotten the turmoil you have gone through, or perhaps are still going through… Let this be the start to the most romantic – and carefree – journey with us! After you scroll through these 8 incredible destinations, have a look at our new East Africa Honeymoon itinerary.ย 

So grab your partner, pour a cup of coffee (or perhaps a glass of wine), and dine on ‘Our Most Romantic Safari Lodges in Africa’ for 2022.

*PS: Valentineโ€™s Day is on February 14th, for those who didnโ€™t realizeโ€ฆ

andBeyond Tengile River Lodgeย 

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Meaning โ€œtranquilโ€ in the local Shangaan language, Tengile River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Sand River, where you can literally watch herds of elephant and buffalo come down to drink from your private lap pool or sunken outdoor lounge area. I guided in this region for over 3 years, so I am intimately biased, but you will struggle to surpass a South African game viewing experience here. There is just something quite magical, and almost surreal about what you get to witness on the game drives! The lodge is magnificent, but itโ€™s the safari that will steal your heart!

Why do we love it!ย 

  • Exceptional Big Five Game viewingย 
  • Private Sand River views from your luxurious and spacious suite
  • Private plunge pool with Sand River viewsย 
  • Exclusive 26 000 acre transferring rights in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
  • Complimentary Swarovski binoculars for each couple for during your stay
  • Dedicated partnership with Panthera – a fantastic big cat conservation organizationย 

Suggested Itinerary – Best of South Africaย 

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Royalย Chundu Zambezi River Lodge ย 

Zambezi River, Zambiaย 

If you read our previous blog, โ€œThe Best Luxury Bathtubs in Africaโ€, you might recognize the name ever so slightly. However, this is Royal Chundu Zambezi Islandโ€™s sister lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. We noticeably have fallen in love with this area and where the two lodges are situated. I think you can easily see why.ย 

The River Lodge has 10 suites scattered along the riverfront, providing uninterrupted privacy and views across the Zambezi River. Away from the romantic comforts of your suite, you have the opportunity to indulge in sunset river cruises. And for the adrenaline-seeking couples, adventure activities await at Victoria Falls.

Why do we love it!ย 

  • Close proximity to Victoria Fallsย 
  • Private and intimate views of the Zambezi River
  • Daily Sundowner river cruisesย 
  • Private riverside picnics
  • Adventure activities around Victoria Falls

Suggested Itinerary – Southern Africa Explorerย 

Greystoke Mahaleย 

Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

 

If you are looking for a combination of rustic romance and outbound adventure, then we would highly suggest the remote Greystoke Mahale. Situated along the white sand of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, encounter wild chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains National Park. Renowned as one of the best places to see chimps, the forest also offers a calming atmosphere with leisurely forest walks to incredible waterfalls and other remote rock pools.ย 

Greystoke Mahale has just six thatched bandas, each with its own private upstairs viewing deck, providing uninterrupted lake views during the day. You also have the option to kayak or sail on a traditional dhow at your leisure. Openly, just a perfect spot to get back in sync with each other and nature.

Why do we love it!ย 

  • Remote destination in the Mahale Mountains National Parkย 
  • 6 romantically rustic dhow wood bandasย 
  • Exclusive chimpanzee trekkingย 
  • Water activities on Lake Tanganyikaย 
  • Forest hikes with interpretative guideย 

Suggested Itinerary –Masai Mara and Serengetiย 

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Singita Kwitondaย 

Volcanoes National Park, Rwandaย 

Just take a moment to look at this heated outdoor plunge pool, with that exceptional view of the Volcanoes National Park. Kwitonda Lodge shares a 1.2km border with the famous Volcanoes National Park, putting you in close proximity to where about a third of the remaining wild gorilla population live. Imagine contemplating your gorilla trekking experience, with a glass of bubbles, enjoying these panoramic views of the volcanoes.ย 

In addition to your private plunge pool, each suite features a wellness treatment area, in-and outdoor fireplace with large timber-framed windows that seem to blend the boundaries of nature therapeutically into your luxurious suite.

Why do we love it!ย 

  • Lifechanging gorilla trekking experienceย 
  • Bordering the Volcanoes National Park ย 
  • Private heated plunge pools with panoramic viewsย 
  • Farm-to-table dining experienceย 
  • Akarabo Nursery – dedicated reforest and rehabilitation programย 

Suggested Itinerary Rwanda Gorilla Trekkingย 

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Elewana Loisaba Star Bed ย 

Laikipia Plateau, Kenya ย 

There is no doubt that this will provide you with one of the most memorable nights under the African sky.ย  Arguably one of the lesser-known destinations, the Loisaba Star Beds is situated in the 57,000 acre Loisaba Conservancy, northern Kenya. This area serves as one of the most important elephant movement corridors in the country.ย 

The accommodation is uniquely built on a rocky outcrop, with a sitting area, open-plan bathroom, and private deck overlooking this incredible and vitally important conservancy. At night, a romantic four-poster bed is conveniently positioned on the deck for you to enjoy a night like no other!

Why do we love it!ย 

  • A unique night under the African night sky ย 
  • Panoramic views with a private waterhole from your starbed
  • Sunrise and coffee overlooking the Loisaba Conservancyย 
  • Explore the conservancy on camels
  • Visit the Loisaba Conservancy Anti-Poaching Unitย 

Suggested Itinerary Ultimate Kenya Safariย 

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Vumbura Plainsย 

Okavango Delta, Botswana ย 

 

Botswanaโ€™s Okavango Delta has an undeniable ability to slow you down. Drift away and seamlessly explore the water channels on a mokoro (traditional canoe). And to fully appreciate the expanse of this unique wilderness, soar over this UNESCO World Heritage Site in a hot air balloon or helicopter.

Vumbura Plains has 14 luxurious suites, with each featuring indoor and outdoor showers, en-suite bathrooms, and private plunge pools overlooking the mesmerizing Okavango Delta. The camp is said to be so intimate, that elusive leopards come to drink from the swimming pool. Quiet and tranquil, this camp is perfect for you both!

Why do we love it!ย 

  • Mokoro rides and motorboat experiencesย 
  • Exceptional Big Five game viewing
  • Rare sightings of sable or sitatunga antelope
  • Hot air balloon or helicopter excursions
  • Private plunge pools and outdoor showersย 

Suggested Itinerary –ย Southern African Explorer

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andBeyond Mnemba Islandย 

Zanzibar, Tanzania ย 

Described as a โ€œromantic hideawayโ€, Mnemba Island is a small and intimate island off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar. With just 24 guests and the incredible staff on the island, you can conveniently choose what to do at your leisure.ย 

The island has 12 beach bandas, each with its own stretch on the beach front. Sit back and enjoy chilled champagne and locally, sustainably caught fish. Or choose from the myriad of marine activities from a cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat to snorkeling or PADI dives in the Mnemba atoll. The islandโ€™s marine conservation program deserves a special mention here too, as the conservation team has been monitoring and researching sea turtles here for over 20 years!

Why do we love it!ย 

  • Small and intimate private islandย 
  • Seasonal turtle nesting and hatchingย 
  • Romantic candlelit dinners on the beachย 
  • Exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities ย 
  • Marine Conservation partner – Oceans Without Bordersย 

Suggested Itinerary –ย Tanzania and Zanzibarย 

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Lemala Nanyukie Lodgeย 

Serengeti National Park, ย Tanzania ย 

 

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge opened just 4 years ago, and is situated in the eastern area of the Serengeti National Park, just a 60 minute game drive away from the Seronera airstrip.ย 

The fabulous canvas lodge is superbly located with outstanding views of the open plains. In the correct season, you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, but the area is more known for its large concentration of big cats! They have 15 luxurious guest tents, perfectly spaced apart for maximum privacy. Each tent features a spacious lounge and corner plunge pool, just perfect for looking across the grassy plains for elephant herds, giraffes, zebras and a variety of antelopes grazing.

Why do we love it!ย ย 

  • Incredible big cat viewing – especially cheetahย 
  • Great Wildebeest Migration (Seasonal)
  • Private corner plunge pools overlooking the Serengetiย 
  • Hot air balloon rides over the ‘endless plains’ย 
  • Separate spa tent for secluded relaxationย 

Suggested Itinerary –ย Tanzania and Zanzibarย 

 

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