Words by Yvonne C Mtengwa
The allure of Africa for honeymooners offers a heady mix of natural splendour; exceptional wildlife; eclectic culture and romance in bucket loads. Being immersed in nature with your loved one inspires a romance that can only be described once one has visited Africa. There are many things that bite in Africa, but the safari bug will leave you wanting more. The romance loving French call it “Mal de Afrique” which translates to “Africa disease” or a nostalgic “sickness” of a yearning to return to the continent. Here’s our top Africa picks for your honeymoon radar.
Star bathing sleep out in Botswana
Arguably one of the most sought out destinations on the continent, Botswana’s romantic appeal swept Meghan off her feet when Harry proposed to her here. The sweet solitude of a sleep out under the stars is a bonding experience for couples and allows a complete immersion in nature. With all the amenities one could need and the unparalleled luxury of feeling truly remote, the sleep out deck at Kanana in the Okavango Delta overlooks an expansive waterhole which plays host to hippo, crocodile, big cats and a myriad of bird life.
Botswana has some of the very best star gazing on the continent due to its vast open spaces and low light pollution, making it the perfect location to spot southern hemisphere specific constellations such as the Magellanic Clouds or the Southern Cross. Falling asleep to sounds of crickets, the rustling of leaves and nearby wildlife calls only enhances a safari experience, and the untamed beauty of the Botswana wilderness become the backdrop from an unforgettable honeymoon.
A bird’s eye view of the Busanga Plains Zambia
Cocooned in a luxurious, weaver bird inspired ‘nest’ with vast views over the Busanga Plains, the awe-inspiring Chisa Busanga Camp will exceed all honeymooners expectations in terms of safari. Intimate in its design, each of the 4 woven nest rooms are elevated above the ground with a large circular opening at the front, revealing view of the open plains and milky way lit skies. Remotely located in the lesser visited Kafue National Park couples will feel like they have the untouched wilderness all to themselves here. Game drives are in electric vehicles powered by the sun which allows for closer game viewing and a lower impact on the environment. Almost every sunset, a resident elephant herd wanders below and between the nests towards its preferred watering hole, giving guests an unbeatable sundowners view from the privacy of their rooms. The camps environmentally conscious design and exceptional and varied wildlife make it a unique destination for adventurous couples looking for an off-the-beaten track honeymoon.
An island retreat on the Zambezi River, Zambia
Cuddled up on a private island in the Zambezi River, Sindabezi Island lodge oozes romance due to its tranquil and heavenly setting amid the ebb and flow of one of the world’s great rivers. Nature therapy for the soul, the lodge allows newly-weds to immerse themselves in the serenity of the bush, knowing your only neighbours are the resident wildlife.
Capturing the authentic African bush camp experience in true luxury and style, couples can marvel at the views of the Zambezi River floodplain and Victoria Falls National Park from their open-fronted honeymoon chalet. Located 12km upstream from majestic spectacle of Victoria Falls couples can also tick off one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Time your honeymoon with the full moon and you might just be able to witness the lunar rainbow spectacular – moonbow – created by moon light as it is refracted through water particles in the air, and one of the few places on earth where this natural phenomenon occurs.
A blissful beach getaway in landlocked Malawi
On the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island sits Kaya Mawa, a boutique lodge that embraces honeymooners for an indulgently carefree getaway on the Maldivian-like shores of Lake Malawi. An effortlessly stylish lakeside retreat that exudes the intimacy and seclusion one would expect from a romantic beach honeymoon, though its unique location along the shores of Likoma Island make it much more special. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine sands, Kaya Mawa combines a beach style honeymoon with opportunities for cultural immersion and conservation. Lake Malawi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and world’s first freshwater marine reserve with hugely biodiversity waters and over 200 varieties of fish offering fantastic diving and snorkelling. Being closer to Mozambique than Malawi, Likoma Island has avoided large scale tourism development, preserving is natural beauty, providing an intimate, laid-back retreat for modern couples looking for a one-of-a-kind honeymoon.
