Travel

23 min read

16 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Africa to Visit This Year

June 12, 2024

16 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Africa to Visit This Year

Vows have been said, rings exchanged and now it’s time for your honeymoon! But with so many possibilities, how do you choose where to go?

Might we suggest skipping the traditional romantic destinations and setting your sights on somewhere a bit more adventurous?

How about sprawling soft-sand beaches, island getaways, dramatic waterfalls, virtually endless savannahs brimming with wildlife, and some of the most picturesque scenery on Earth? Head to Africa for a honeymoon that will stay with you forever!

Things to Note About Best Honeymoon Destinations in Africa

Prices in Africa can vary greatly depending on location, travel style, and season. Generally, East and Southern Africa tend to be more budget-friendly compared to North and West Africa. Here are some key factors to consider:

Accommodation: Opt for guesthouses, tented camps, or self-catering lodges instead of luxury resorts. Camping safaris or homestays can offer significant savings.
Transportation: Public buses and shared taxis are affordable options for getting around, but be prepared for longer travel times. Consider flying into smaller airports or regional hubs for cheaper flights.
Activities: Prioritize free or low-cost activities like exploring local markets, hiking scenic trails, or relaxing on pristine beaches. Bundle tours and activities for better deals.
Seasonality: Shoulder seasons (between peak seasons) often offer lower prices and fewer crowds.

To make your honeymoon convenient and seamlessly connected with loved ones, make sure you get a good eSIM package that works in your travel destination. MobiMatter is the ultimate eSIM marketplace that sells more than 700+ eSIMs across more than 190 countries! Check out this massive variety of eSIM packages just for Africa.

Now, check out our recommendations for best honeymoon destinations in Africa

Top 16 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Africa

1. Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park provides the stage for Africa’s famous Great Wildebeest Migration, but Tanzania is also a country of big cats, massive elephant herds and thriving chimpanzee-filled rainforests.

And with Zanzibar and its Crusoesque Indian Ocean islands like Pemba and Mnemba within easy reach, it’s the perfect ‘bush-and-beach’ African honeymoon destination.

Once on safari, you can look forward to expertly guided game drives and there’s usually an opportunity to go hot-air ballooning. If you stay in private game reserves, you can also add walking safaris, night drives, off-road game viewing, and even mountain biking to your list of Africa honeymoon activities.

Best time to go on a Tanzania honeymoon

Although Tanzania is considered a great destination for year-round game viewing. The most comfortable weather conditions in the country’s safari regions like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara are generally during the June to October dry season.

To witness the spectacle of the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, you’ll need to go on your Africa honeymoon between about November and August.

If it’s a tropical beach honeymoon in Africa that you’re after, the best time to visit Tanzania’s coast, Zanzibar and its islands is between June and March.

Why we love Tanzania for an Africa honeymoon

Witness the Wildebeest Migration while staying at intimate safari camps
Enjoy secluded safari experiences in Ruaha, Nyerere (formerly Selous) and Mahale
See the Big 5 in the Ngorongoro Crater while staying at luxurious cliff-top accommodation
Have romantic bush dinners under a blanket of stars
Crown your safari honeymoon on a private island in the Indian Ocean

2. Seychelles

Idyllic beaches, clear warm water and a massage for two – that’ll be the Seychelles. A scattering of islands in the Indian Ocean – some large, some not much bigger than a city block. The Seychelles has a well-deserved reputation for romance and enjoys equatorial weather.

Activities to look forward to include just about every water sport you can think of, but there is hiking and mountain biking too. As for where to stay, there’s no more iconic place than privately owned North Island.

This scrap of jungle-clad granite is the favoured African honeymoon destination for royalty and rock stars, guaranteeing a stay of unashamed but gentle indulgence at North Island Lodge.

The only accommodation on the island. Your palatial villa comes with its own pool and a lounge that can be converted into a private cinema. And chat to the chef about your favourite dishes and you can enjoy them at the restaurant or in your villa, served by candlelight.

Best time to go on a Seychelles honeymoon

Warm and sunny year-round make it a great spot for a honeymoon in Africa. The hottest months are December to April while the wettest are January and February. If you plan to scuba dive then April/May and October/November have the best underwater visibility.

Why we love Seychelles for an Africa honeymoon

Soak up the sun on some of the best beaches in Africa
Enjoy world-class luxury at award-winning resorts and stylish beach villas
Service is superb and logistics are easy
Head for the private islands to enjoy footprint-free beaches and copious towel space

3. Namibia

This friendly and easy-travelling country has excellent wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park, but its best African honeymoon destination has to be the Namib Desert.

During Namibia‘s dry season between June and October, the Namib is a mesmerising land of silent, primal beauty and night skies spilling over with stars. A visit to the famous Sossusvlei dunes – towering hundreds of feet above you – is a must-do activity.

You can walk up a dune to greet the rising sun or take a hot-air balloon flight for a birds-eye view. You’ll also explore the desert with expert local guides, on the lookout for unique wildlife in a surprisingly rich and diverse environment.

Best time to go on a Namibia honeymoon

The dramatic dunes at Sossusvlei can be visited year-round, and the dry winter months between May and October are widely regarded as the best time for game viewing in Etosha.

Why we love Namibia for an Africa honeymoon

Enjoy total privacy in a sparsely populated country of big skies and dramatic scenery
Go on a romantic hot-air balloon flight over the world’s oldest desert
Sleep in a star-bed in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Africa’s only Dark Sky Reserve and one of the naturally darkest (yet accessible) places on Earth
Revel in nomadic luxury in some of Africa’s wildest and most remote destinations like Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast and the Kaokoveld

4. Victoria Falls

With the mile-wide Zambezi River tumbling into the abyss, no wonder the Zambian name for Victoria Falls translates as ‘the Smoke that Thunders’. It is a destination as famous for its white-knuckle adventures like river rafting and bungee jumping as it is for romantic sunset river cruises and helicopter flights.

Best time to go on a Victoria Falls honeymoon

Experiencing Vic Falls as a best African honeymoon destination depends on your expectations. The waterfall is in full flow from about March to July – this is when you will get the most spectacular views.

From about September to December, there can be very little water going over Victoria Falls, and this is usually the best time for activities like white-water rafting and swimming in Devil’s Pool.

A good time to combine a safari with a visit to Vic Falls is between June and October, when game viewing is at its best in easily accessible destinations like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.

Why we love Victoria Falls for an Africa honeymoon

Stand in awe of the world’s biggest waterfall, a bucket-list experience
Go on a romantic helicopter flight over the waterfall
Stay at tranquil and secluded riverside lodges on the Zambian side of Vic Falls
Have a picnic lunch on Livingstone Island

5. Mozambique

Looking for that out-of-the-way beach retreat with plenty of romantic comfort and great weather for your honeymoon in Africa? Try the Quirimbas Archipelago.

A string of coral islands set along Mozambique‘s tropical Indian Ocean coast, the Quirimbas doesn’t get much colder than 24°C (75°F) at any time – day or night – and the water temperature starts at that and goes up to 30°C (86°F).

With much of the archipelago protected as a marine park, the Quirimbas is a natural choice for scuba divers and water sport lovers, but you don’t need to get your feet wet to enjoy the Quirimbas.

This is also a destination of beachside massages and sunset cruises in a traditional dhow sailboat. Accommodation is lightly sprinkled across the islands – elegant, intimate lodges that tend to be the only one on the island.

Best time to go on a Mozambique honeymoon

Go between May and September when there is barely any rain, and avoid the peak rainy months of January and February.

Why we love Mozambique for an Africa honeymoon

Tiny islands offer the perfect romantic retreats
Enjoy incredible snorkelling conditions
Explore enchanted forests and see unique marine life like turtles and dugongs

6. Botswana

Go on safari to Botswana and see what Africa’s wildlife was like in the days of the first European explorers: elephants in their tens of thousands, big cats, wild dogs and rivers full of crocodiles and hippopotamus.

Game drives are the main focus when on safari in Botswana. You’ll head out in the early morning and late afternoons to look for big game, then return to camp with a spotlight to catch nocturnal animals on the prowl. Many lodges are set on rivers or in the wetland wilderness of the Okavango Delta, enabling you to explore by motorboat and mokoro (traditional canoe).

Some camps have only three or four suites, making them very private and ideal for a honeymoon in Africa. Romance is provided by 4-poster beds, outdoor bathtubs and private plunge pools. And for a truly special experience, you can spend a night in a sky bed that is open to the stars.

Despite some camps being situated on remote islands in the heart of the Okavango Delta, they still take ‘glamping’ to a new level. Think spa facilities, swimming pool pavilions and in-room, wood burning stoves in the middle of the Kalahari.

Best time to go on a Botswana honeymoon

Thanks to a mild climate and an abundance of wildlife in heavyweight destinations like the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, Botswana delivers superb safari experiences any time of the year.

But if you want to go when temperatures are cool, there’s virtually no rain, and the risk of malaria is at its lowest, then opt for an Africa honeymoon during the dry winter months of May to October. This is also when animals are concentrated in ever increasing numbers around the dry season’s last remaining water sources, which makes for phenomenal game viewing.

Why we love Botswana for an Africa honeymoon

Glide through the Okavango Delta’s tranquil waterways on a traditional mokoro (think of it as the Venice of safari)
Combine luxury and adventure at intimate camps in remote locations
Enjoy some of the best water-based game viewing in Southern Africa
Spend a night in a romantic star-bed under the infinite Milky Way

7. Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls may be the obvious choice for a honeymoon in Zimbabwe, but this is big game country and home to safari destinations that are just as romantic but with a twist of adventure.

Top of our list is the world’s largest manmade lake, Lake Kariba, where a handful of lodges lie on wild lakeside shores, offering land and water-based game viewing as well as walking safaris and local community interactions. It’s an unspoilt landscape of savannah, open water and distant mountains, with sunsets reputed to be among the best in Africa.

For a more traditional safari experience on your Africa honeymoon, head to Mana Pools National Park. Rugged and beautiful, Mana Pools’ abundance of water is a magnet for animals like elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rare wild dog.

Best time to go on a Zimbabwe honeymoon

Go during the May to October dry season to avoid heavy rains and mosquitoes – the weather is coolest and driest from June to the end of August. September and October are very hot and dry months, but game viewing at this time is spectacular.

Why we love Zimbabwe for an Africa honeymoon

Easily combine Victoria Falls with a safari
Enjoy candle-lit dinners on the shores of Lake Kariba
Private and secluded camps in Mana Pools offer total exclusivity
Be accompanied by some of the best safari guides in the business

8. South Africa

Vineyards, semi-deserts and savannahs – the Rainbow Nation offers such a diverse set of destinations, it’s hard to remember you’re in the same country. And it’s this sheer diversity that makes South Africa one of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa.

In beautiful Cape Town, the attractions of the Cape Winelands are a little more sedentary and include fine food, wine, cheese and chocolate tastings. We recommend staying in Franschhoek while honeymooning in South Africa. Ringed by craggy mountains, this quaint town lies at the heart of the Cape Winelands and boasts the reputation as the culinary capital of South Africa.

Over in the Kruger, game drives are the main safari activity. We recommend staying in the Kruger’s private game reserves: conservation areas surrounding the national park that are famous for exquisite safari lodges and world-class service.

Not only will you be lapping up luxury on your honeymoon in South Africa, but you’ll also enjoy Africa’s best Big 5 sightings and special activities like guided walks and spot-lit night drives.

Plus, some of the best safari honeymoon destinations in South Africa offer star-bed sleepouts that will allow you and your partner to experience a night under the star-filled African sky.

Best time to go on a South Africa honeymoon

Safari destinations like the Kruger National Park delivers sensational game viewing between May and October (dry season), but honeymooners thinking about visiting Cape Town and its Winelands should know that this period is generally the area’s rainy season – especially from June to August.

While the Kruger’s risk of malaria is at its lowest during the dry season (May to October), South Africa’s malaria-free safari destinations like Madikwe Game Reserve and the Eastern Cape’s reserves offer great game viewing year-round.

Why we love South Africa for an Africa honeymoon

Experience culinary excellence and world-class amenities in Cape Town, the Winelands and Kruger’s private reserves
It’s easy to get around, thanks to fantastic logistics and tourism infrastructure
Enjoy the best Big 5 game viewing in Africa
It offers unbeatable value for money

9. Mauritius

Mauritius is a tropical playground set in the Indian Ocean, ringed by coral reefs, white sand beaches and clear calm water. It’s been one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for South Africans for many years.

World-class holiday resorts are scattered along the island’s coastline offering enormous swimming pools, endless water sports and shaded sun loungers a few steps from the sea.
The service at these resorts is superb, the facilities excellent and all tastes are catered for: that’s the beauty of a Mauritius honeymoon – it’s easy and stress-free with everything conveniently close at hand.

Best time to go on a Mauritius honeymoon

This gorgeous island has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round, but the best time to visit Mauritius is between May and November when the weather is cool, dry and sunny. During summer (December to April), the days can get hot and humid.

Why we love Mauritius for an Africa honeymoon

Stay at world-class African honeymoon resorts scattered along the coastline
Enjoy water sports like snorkelling, water skiing, parasailing and windsurfing
Secluded coves and private beaches offer luxury villas
Easily combined with a safari in Southern Africa

10. Kenya

Kenya’s Masai Mara, the destination that inspired Hollywood’s romantic ‘Out of Africa’, is indeed a land of sunlit savannahs, thundering herds of plains game, and the red-cloaked Maasai people.

And why not carry through the ‘Out of Africa’ motif to its logical conclusion? Angama Mara is an elegant safari lodge built where the film was made and you can even have a picnic for two in the very spot that every film buff will recognise. The ultimate activity on your honeymoon in Africa! Angama is also well located for the Wildebeest Migration as it enters its most dramatic chapter: the infamous river crossings.

We also recommend staying in the Mara’s private conservancies that neighbour the national reserve. These conservation areas are owned by local Maasai who lease it to safari operators in return for monetary compensation and other assistance like educational and healthcare programmes, or livestock and grazing management.

That means your Africa honeymoon has a direct impact on wildlife conservation and community development. Furthermore, these exclusive-use areas offer discreet service at intimate camps and a more tranquil safari experience away from the national reserve – which can get rather busy when the Wildebeest Migration rolls in.

Morning and afternoon game drives are the best way to see the Masai Mara’s wildlife, but many lodges offer hot-air balloon safaris too – complete with champagne breakfast – as well as chances to visit a local Maasai community.

Best time to go on a Kenya honeymoon

A generally benign climate and amazing year-round game viewing means it’s a place you can visit at most times of the year. Though we’d recommend avoiding the heavy rains during April and May.

Choosing the right time to go on your Africa honeymoon is important if you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration. The herds usually cross into the Masai Mara from the neighbouring Serengeti from about late-July, and stay there until about November (depending on the rains).

Why we love Kenya for an Africa honeymoon

Have a romantic picnic on the crest of the ‘Out of Africa’ hill that’s featured on the film’s poster
Witness the Wildebeest Migration
Go on a hot-air balloon safari at sunrise
Enjoy incredible game viewing – especially big cats (lion, cheetah and leopard)
Stay at luxurious and intimate camps in exclusive-use areas
Stay at the one-of-a-kind Giraffe Manor in Nairobi

11. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Egypt’s resort town of Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea, one of the country’s best places to visit, shines like an oasis against the backdrop of the Sinai Mountains.

The jewel along the golden coastline highlights Egypt’s lesser-seen coral reefs and palm-lined coast, serving as a grand setting for an unforgettable African honeymoon. Beach-goers can relax on the golden sands and dip into the waters of Ras Muhammad National Park, or enjoy some of the most treasured snorkeling and scuba-diving destinations the world has to offer.

Combine Bedouin culture with dinner beneath the starlight to uncover the treasures of contemporary Egypt’s focus on luxury and comfort. Whether hiking to the top of Mount Sinai, snorkeling at Tiran island, or simply lazing at your resort, Sharm El Sheikh represents a different side of Egypt for couples eager to blend ancient riches and immaculate seaside destinations.

12. Zambia

An underrated gem im Africa when it comes the pristine views of nature and experiences. Zambia is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa and you should definitely add it to your list. Its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife make it a major tourist magnet.

Zambezi RIver which flows through the country provides a plenty of opportunity for adventure and nature lovers. As far as romantic honeymoon destinations in South Africa are considered, the gushing Victoria falls have got you covered. You can even take plenty of safari rides in its numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Must experience In Zambia: A visit to the Victoria Falls
Places to visit: Victoria Falls, Kafue National Park, Lake Kariba, Kitwe
Things to do: Kayaking, Safari Rides, Bungee Jumping
Best time To visit: December to April, May-October

13. Madagascar

Far better than what Alex, Gloria, Marty, and Melman fantasized in the movie, Madagascar is one destination which feels straight out of your dreams.

Boasting of crystal clear beaches, natural pools, rich flora & fauna, and a shimmering coastline of about 5000 kilometres, Madagascar comprises of hidden gems that even the penguins don’t know of. It’s untouched beauty adding this place in the list of the best location for honeymoon in Africa.

Must experience in Madagascar: Witness the majestic Avenue of the Baobabs trees in Menabe
Places to visit: Ankarafantsika National Park, Lemurs’ Park, Parc Ivoloina, Amber Mountain National Park, Marojejy National Park, and more.
Things to do: Take a dip in the hot springs of Ranomafana National Park, hiking at the Isalo National Park, camping at Nosy Mangabe, and more.
Best time to visit: April to December

14. Malawi

The first thing that you’ll come across in Malawi is the friendliness of the locals. The second best thing with which you cannot help but fall in love is that of the Lake Malawi. Offering one of the best sites for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving, Malawi is truly a paradise for trekkers, hikers, and beach bums which makes it one of the best places for honeymoon in Africa.

Must experience in Malawi: Relish the best of snorkeling, sailing, and sunsets on Lake Malawi
Places to visit: Lake Malawi National Park, Lake Chilwa, Nyika National Park, Kasungu National Park, and more.
Things to do: Snorkeling, sailing, and safaris at Lake Malawi, wildlife safari at Liwonde National Park, and more.
Best time to visit: Early May to late October

15. Gambia

It is a strict no no to judge this gem of a place by its size. Though Gambia is the smallest country of the African continent, it is at par with the other honeymoon destinations in Africa due to its long stretch of exotic golden sand beaches. Also, Gambia happens to be one of the top-notch destinations that offers the best of birdwatching.

Must experience in Gambia: Enjoy fantastic bird watching and soak up the sun at the most exotic golden sand beaches in Africa
Places to visit: Abuko Nature Reserve, Kachikally Museum and Crocodile Pool, Kiang West National Park, and more.
Things to do: Shopping in Albert Market, camping at Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, horse riding by the beach, and more.
Best time to visit: November to February

16. Tunisia

A jewel located in the heart of the Saharan paradise, Tunisia is one of the most underrated honeymoon destinations in Africa. Set along the Mediterranean coastline, Tunisia is a perfect honeymoon spot for couples who are looking forward to a typical sun, sand, and sea vacation.

Must experience in Tunisia: Discover the city of Douz which serves as the Gateway to Sahara Desert
Places to visit: Bardo National Museum, Al-Zaytuna Mosque, Sousse Archaeological Museum, and more.
Things to do: Adore the Islamic art at archaeological museums, admire the Roman mosaics at the Bardo Museum, visit the Antonine Baths, and more.
Best time to visit: April to June

Planning Tips for Your Best Africa Honeymoon

1. Set a budget

Be realistic about your finances and prioritize the experiences most important to you. Consider allocating a larger portion of your budget for accommodation or activities based on your preferences.

2. Book early or last minute

Booking flights and accommodation well in advance can score you better deals. Alternatively, consider last-minute deals or shoulder seasons for lower prices.

3. Travel during shoulder seasons

Shoulder seasons, the periods between peak tourist seasons, often offer significant savings on flights, accommodation, and tours. While the weather might not be perfect in every location, you’ll benefit from fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

4. Consider alternative travel options

Public transportation, like shared taxis or buses, can be a budget-friendly way to get around, although travel times might be longer. Consider flying into smaller airports or regional hubs for cheaper flights compared to major international airports.

5. Pack light and utilize laundry services

Many budget-friendly accommodations offer laundry services, so pack light to avoid excess baggage fees. This allows you to explore different destinations without needing a large wardrobe.

6. Embrace local cuisine

Indulge in delicious and authentic local cuisine! Street food stalls and local restaurants offer a variety of affordable and flavorful dishes. This not only saves money but allows you to experience the local culture.

7. Self-catering and picnics

Staying in guesthouses with self-catering facilities allows you to prepare some meals yourselves. Stock up on groceries at local markets for a more budget-friendly option compared to eating out all the time. Pack picnic lunches for day trips or safaris to save on dining costs.

8. Take advantage of free activities

Africa offers a plethora of free or low-cost activities. Explore busy markets, visit historical sites, hike scenic trails, or simply relax on pristine beaches. Research free events or cultural performances happening during your visit.

9. Bundle tours and activities

Many tour operators offer bundled packages for activities like safaris, diving trips, or cultural tours. Bundling can often lead to significant savings compared to booking everything separately.

10. Consider volunteering opportunities

Combine your honeymoon with a meaningful experience by volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary, conservation project, or local community initiative. Several organizations offer volunteer programs with affordable accommodation and meals included.

Making the Most of Your Honeymoon in Africa

1. Pack smart

Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched for different activities. Pack comfortable shoes for exploring, a swimsuit for beach relaxation, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Consider local customs and pack clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.

2. Learn a few basic phrases

Learning a few basic phrases in the local language goes a long way. It shows respect for the culture and can help you navigate daily interactions. Phrasebooks or language learning apps can come in handy.

3. Embrace the unexpected

Part of the charm of traveling in Africa is its unpredictable nature. Be prepared for things not always going according to plan. Embrace the unexpected, go with the flow, and create lasting memories together.

4. Disconnect to reconnect

Africa offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the constant digital pull. Limit your phone usage and savor the present moment with your partner. Reconnect with nature, enjoy heartfelt conversations, and create a truly intimate experience.

5. Capture memories, tot just photos

While photos capture moments, truly immersing yourselves in the experience is key. Take time to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa. Spend evenings stargazing, enjoy romantic dinners under the African sky, or simply relax on the beach listening to the ocean waves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Honeymoon Destinations in Africa

Which are some affordable honeymoon destinations in Africa?

Cheap honeymoon destinations in Africa include:

Kenya
Zambia
Mozambique
Namibia

Which are best islands in Africa for honeymoon?

Best islands in Africa for honeymoon include:

Seychelles
Mauritius
Madagascar

References: