You’ve probably thought about a South Pacific honeymoon, a Caribbean honeymoon, or a Mexico honeymoon. But have you ever considered an Africa honeymoon? The African continent offers plenty of inspiring settings and the opportunity for a highly memorable, unique honeymoon you’ll be recollecting fondly year after year.
We’ve selected 15 of the top destinations in Africa for a honeymoon that blends culture, charm, and scenery unlike anything else on the planet. Choose from among photo safaris, beachside paradises, cultural goldmines, natural wonders, and many other options. Whatever you decide, your Africa honeymoon will provide you and your special someone with much to explore along with plenty of private time to yourselves.
Let’s explore each destination, one by one, and everything it has to offer:
Best Destinations for an Africa Honeymoon
Madagascar
This island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa is rich with scenic treasures. Home of the lemur, the Republic of Madagascar has plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else on the planet, including the tall baobab trees that look like something from another world. It also has miles of pristine beaches perfect for romantic strolls and catching both sunrises and sunsets.
In Madagascar, honeymooners can enjoy these sites and activities:
- Hiking in the picturesque Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Swimming and windsurfing in the aquamarine waters of The Three Bays
- Exploring the surrounding secluded islands, including Ile Sainte Marie and Nosy Be
Best Time to Go
According to U.S. News, the best months to spend time in Madagascar are April to October. This is the dry season, with fewer rain and better opportunities to sightsee to the fullest.
What Makes It Great
Madagascar is a great destination for your Africa honeymoon because of its visual beauty and vistas not seen elsewhere. It’s an ideal place for relaxing and exploring at your own pace.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
In the nation of Kenya, you’ll find national parks and reserves that focus on conservation. Amboseli National Park is one of these places. Here, you can go on a photo safari and spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many other animals living in the wild. You can also see majestic, snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the savanna.
Here’s just some of what you can expect to do here:
- Spotting unique and endangered wildlife on a photo safari
- Seeing animals and beautiful vistas from above on a hot-air balloon ride
- Enjoying a sense of adventure in comfort at a luxury tented camp
Best Time to Go
June through October offer the best opportunities for seeing plenty of wildlife in the region. This period is the area’s dry season.
What Makes It Great
For a chance to see herds of large land mammals living in their natural habitat, you can’t miss a trip to Amboseli or any of Kenya’s other wildlife parks and reserves.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The island archipelago of Zanzibar is found off the coast of Tanzania. This African destination is a beach lover’s dream come true, with its inviting turquoise waters and palm-framed, white-sand coastline. Experience the rich culture of this island paradise that has been an important trade route hub throughout its history and today produces prominent spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg.
While in Zanzibar, enjoy these activities:
- Exploring Stone Town, a World Heritage Site in Zanzibar City
- Sunbathing at the island’s many beaches, including Nungwi and Kendwa
- Snorkeling in vibrant coral lagoons
Best Time to Go
The best months to visit Zanzibar are July to September, which are the dryer months. Just about any month, though, is great, with the possible exception of April and May when it rains more.
What Makes It Great
One word – beaches! But you’ll also find cultural treasures with strong ties to multiple regions. Having been home to different cultures throughout the ages, including Persian, Arabic, African, and Indian groups, Zanzibar provides an insightful glimpse into many different traditions.
Mozambique
The nation of Mozambique provides a romantic setting for your Africa honeymoon. Here you can explore cozy beach towns and hide away in secluded spots. Mozambique’s beaches are known as some of the best in the world. First-rate accommodations will make your stay here comfortable and luxurious.
Mozambique offers great outdoor opportunities, including:
- Visiting scenic beach towns with great vibes, like Praia do Tofo
- Shopping for local foods at the Mercado Central de Maputo
- Taking a leisurely bike tour that you can enjoy at your own pace
Best Time to Go
Mozambique is lovely any time of year, but you may opt for June to September for the best weather.
What Makes It Great
Beautiful, remote beaches, great towns, and clear waters are just some of the many reasons to book your Africa honeymoon in Mozambique.
Namibia
Located in southwest Africa to the north of South Africa, the Republic of Namibia offers both ocean vistas and desert landscapes for a striking contrast. Whether you opt for a road trip or plan to stay in one location, this nation offers much to explore.
Ideas for your Namibia honeymoon include:
- 4×4 adventuring on rolling sand dunes that meet the Atlantic Ocean
- Spotting rhinos and gazelles on a self-drive safari
- Soaring over the sites in light aircraft on a flying safari
Best Time to Go
For optimum wildlife viewing, go between July and October. Also consider going April through June when the weather is cool and comfortable.
What Makes It Great
Namibia offers a terrific Africa honeymoon destination for do-it-yourself adventurers looking for something a little different. There aren’t too many places in the world where giant sand dunes meet the sea.
Cape Town, South Africa
Staying in Cape Town for your South Africa honeymoon means being in a central location with all the amenities at hand and great day trips available to you. A Cape Town honeymoon offers access to incredible beaches, majestic mountains, a vibrant culture, and natural wonders. What more could you want?
Check out these activities in Cape Town:
- Visiting botanical gardens and riding a cable car at Table Mountain
- Dancing at one of the city’s bustling nightclubs
- Taking an excursion to the Cape of Good Hope, a natural, scenic area
Best Time to Go
Located in the southern hemisphere, Cape Town has its summer from December to March. The best times to visit this thriving city are spring (September to December) and fall (March to June).
What Makes It Great
The views, the hiking and beachcombing opportunities, and the beautiful resorts all make Cape Town a great honeymoon choice.
Mauritius
A Mauritius honeymoon is ideal for couples looking for an island getaway. This island nation is located east of Madagascar and offers lovely lagoons, reefs, and beaches to enjoy. The blue waters beckon, as do the interior mountains and the many spas and resorts that pamper to honeymooners.
While in Mauritius you can enjoy these activities:
- Kayaking or catamaran cruising along the coastline
- Sunset and sunrise watching on pristine beaches
- Scuba diving in magical underwater spots
Best Time to Go
April through June and September through December are two of the best times to enjoy everything Mauritius has to offer.
What Makes It Great
Like nearby Madagascar, Mauritius is a unique location with romantic beaches and sites you won’t see anywhere else.
Nairobi, Kenya
As the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi is a thriving metropolis that provides you with the nightlife and dining experiences you want as well as easy access to wildlife reserves. If you’re looking for the right mix of city life and wildlife viewing, this city is for you.
These are some of the many things you’ll want to experience here with your partner:
- Visiting museums and cultural centers, including a railway museum
- Exploring the Nairobi National Park, home to lions, zebras, rhinos, and other wildlife
- Touring a working tea farm
Best Time to Go
Nairobi is located just south of the equator, so the climate fluctuates little year-round. The driest, coolest months are July and August.
What Makes It Great
A honeymoon in Nairobi gives you the chance to experience life in a vibrant metro while enjoying unique nearby excursions.
Red Sea, Egypt
Several spots along the Red Sea coast in Egypt make great honeymoon destinations, including Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Marsa Alam. Known as Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, this region offers honeymooners a seaside experience and opportunities for yacht cruising.
Your Red Sea Riviera stay can include:
- Living luxuriously in all-inclusive beachfront resorts
- Kitesurfing, windsurfing, and other water sports
- Cruising and sailing tours
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are the best times to travel here, making March through June and September through December ideal months for a Red Sea honeymoon.
What Makes It Great
The all-inclusive resorts in an oasis setting and access to the Red Sea waters make this region fun for honeymooners.
Seychelles
This group of islands off the coast of East Africa offers honeymooners plenty of beaches and coral reefs to explore. Seychelles are home to rare animals, including the Aldabra giant tortoise and many species of birds.
In the Seychelles you can take part in:
- Snorkeling in clear waters
- Finding romantic, tucked away beach spots
- Exploring everything from temples to nature trails
Best Time to Go
The best months to travel here are May through November. Scuba divers will enjoy top underwater visibility conditions during April, May, October, and November.
What Makes It Great
Colorful coral reefs, gorgeous beaches, attractive resorts, and nature treks for a range of skill levels make the Seychelles perfect for a honeymoon escape.
Marrakech, Morocco
Exotic and steeped in tradition, Marrakech is an exciting city in the northwest African kingdom of Morocco. For honeymooners looking for a unique, worldly destination where the food is fabulous, the architecture is wondrous, and new discoveries exist at every turn, Marrakech is a great choice.
Here you and your love can engage in:
- Visiting palaces and gardens
- Shopping in the market square and specialty shops
- Taking camel riding tours
Best Time to Go
The best times to go to Marrakech are between March and May, as well as between September and November.
What Makes It Great
Honeymooners can enjoy a romantic, relaxing time in Marrakech, exploring tranquil gardens and architectural marvels at their leisure.
Malawi
For your Africa honeymoon, you might opt for Malawi, located in the southeastern portion of the continent. Even though this country is landlocked, its proximity to the enormous Lake Malawi offers opportunities for water activities like sailing and kayaking.
A honeymoon in Malawi can include:
- Visiting wildlife parks
- Staying at scenic ecolodges
- Swimming, sailing, and relaxing at Lake Malawi
Best Time to Go
The coolest and driest months are May through August, making these the best months for a visit to this nation.
What Makes It Great
A lot of honeymooners find Malawi to be a hidden gem, a place not as popular with tourists as other African destinations but every bit as authentic.
Cape Winelands, South Africa
Did you know that Africa has a number of wine destinations? One of the most famous is the Cape Winelands region in South Africa. More than 500 wineries can be found in this fertile wine-producing area. A stay here in the winelands east of Cape Town can be a culinary delight as you travel between Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek for wine tastings and restaurant hopping.
While you are here, why not partake in these activities?
- Going on guided tours and tastings at local vineyards
- Staying at historic, first-class hotels, estates, and resorts
- Visiting museums, art galleries, and cultural landmarks
Best Time to Go
The climate here is temperate. Best months to travel to the region are October through April.
What Makes It Great
If you’re thinking of honeymooning somewhere like California’s Napa Valley but in a totally different setting, consider Cape Winelands. By the way, this South African wine region produces the largest volume of brandy globally.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is an African ecosystem that encompasses diverse habitats, including grasslands, swamps, and woodlands. It’s an ecosystem that many different animals call home, from hippos to impalas. A visit to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is, for most honeymooners, an unforgettable experience. Seeing wildlife in a vast, natural environment is transformative.
Some of the top things to do at Serengeti National Park in Tanzania include:
- Viewing wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, lions, and leopards
- Spending nights under the stars in lush camp accommodations
- Interacting with people of the Serengeti, including the Maasai
Best Time to Go
Here you’ll find opportunities to view wildlife every month of the year. To go when there are fewer crowds, consider visiting between August and October or between November and June.
If crowds don’t matter and you’re looking for a specific season, know that the dry season is from June to October, and the wet season is from November to May.
What Makes It Great
Located south of the equator, this region’s seasons are opposite of the seasons in the northern hemisphere. Honeymooners may choose to travel here from northern climates during their winter months to get away from cold weather. The alure for many honeymooners is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see wild animals like giraffes and wildebeests living free in their natural habitats.
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
The spectacular waterfalls tumbling from the Zambezi River into a deep gorge are an impressive sight to behold. The falls form where Zambia and Zimbabwe meet, and views are breathtaking from both countries.
Things to do at Victoria Falls include:
- Sightseeing and viewing the falls from various vantage points
- Whitewater rafting in designated regions
- Interacting with rehabilitated elephants in a camp
Best Time to Go
The optimum months to view the falls, when they are at their fullest, are March through August.
What Makes It Great
A honeymoon at Victoria Falls is simply awe-inspiring. If you’ve been to Niagara and you want a similar experience in a completely different location, try Victoria Falls, staying at lush accommodations in either Zambia or Zimbabwe.
What to Expect from Your Africa Honeymoon
Whichever destination you choose, you’ll see unforgettable places and experience a diverse continent filled with rich culture and breathtaking scenery. Once you’ve made your selection, you’ll want to connect with an experienced travel agent who can make lodging recommendations based on your wish list and budget.
Here are things you’ll want to consider:
- When to travel to your honeymoon destination
- How many days to spend there
- Whether to choose one location or several to explore
- Choosing a honeymoon fund registry
- What honeymoon packages are available
- Your itinerary
- Making travel arrangements
- Health and vaccination requirements
- Getting your passport in order
- And more
For help with your Africa honeymoon, or for additional honeymoon ideas either in the U.S. or around the world, browse through Honeymoon Goals’ recommended destinations.
