Africa may not be the first place that springs to mind when dreaming up a honeymoon but in actual fact it is one of the best places in the world for one. Africa offers a huge variety of destinations and experiences and is the best place for a “once in a lifetime” holiday. It is also a great place for offering a combination of experiences which can suit couples with different interests. And above all it is deeply romantic – why else would William propose to Kate in the foothills of Mount Kenya?
If you are looking for a combination of adventure and relaxation then a romantic safari staying in tented camps combined with a beach stay on the Indian Ocean comes highly recommended. What could be better that sitting out under the stars watching the embers of the fire glowing and reminiscing about the wildlife seen on the game drive earlier that day? Safari lodges and camps hark back to an earlier time and their very history is romantic in nature.
Then heading off for some well deserved relaxation you find yourselves on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Lying under palms trees, wading through the turquoise warm waters and exploring the long white sandy beaches before heading to a beachside restaurant for a lunch of locally caught fish – what could be better? The hotels and resorts on the Indian Ocean coasts of Kenya, Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar take some beating when it comes to romance and relaxation. There are some fantastic small, boutique hotels with only a handful of rooms which epitomise a romantic beach hotel. Zanzibar in particular offers some wonderful places to stay. There are some very historic hotels in Stone Town offering wonderful views of passing sailing boats with rooftop restaurants to watch the sun setting over the sea. The hotels in this part of the world range from barefoot luxury beach resorts to tiny, intimate places to stay, all on fabulous beaches.
If you and your other half fancy a bit of culture or sport then I would heartily recommend South Africa as a fantastic honeymoon destination. Sporting activities range from world beating golf courses to diving with sharks and everything in between. If cultural activities are more your thing then the bright lights of Cape Town beckon. If food and drink are more your thing then a tour of the beautiful South African winelands is a must. How about lunch on the lawn of a pretty Dutch colonial farmhouse followed by an afternoon of wine tasting before heading back to your hotel? Then if you wish to add on a great beach extension you can head to the white sandy beaches of Mozambique or Mauritius for some diving or even just some good old R&R.