A safari in Africa is the perfect option for couples that have seen it all. Imagine a once-in-a-lifetime trip where you spend days watching leopards and elephants drink from your lodge watering hole. Take it from someone enchanted by the epic outdoors and the romantic private pools, candlelit bush dinners, and relaxing spa treatments for two. Do you want to spot the Big Five, jet across desert dunes, or enjoy some R&R together on your deck with a rainforest view? There's a safari lodge perfect for you. Here are the sexiest honeymoon safari lodges in Africa.
Do you require a combination of rustic romance and outbound adventure? The remote Greystoke Mahale in Tanzania might be the answer to your prayers. It lies along the white sand of Lake Tanganyika. Renowned as one of the best places to spot chimps, the forest offers a calming atmosphere, leisurely forest walks, incredible waterfalls, and other secluded rock pools. Greystoke Mahale has just six thatched bandas, each with a private upstairs viewing deck providing stunning lake views. 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.
Singita Lebombo perches dramatically on a cliff offering unparalleled views of Kruger National Park. Lebombo's modern design is a counterpoint to the rugged landscape, making it a design landmark. The spacious interiors feature vast windows, which reveal the opposing outdoors. The fifteen suites cascade down the hill with bleached branches adorning the roofs while floor-to-ceiling windows let the light in, providing an airy feel.
Undoubtedly, this lodge will offer one of the most unforgettable nights under the African sky. Arguably one of the lesser-known destinations, the Loisaba Star Beds nestles in the 57,000-acre Loisaba Conservancy in northern Kenya. The area is one of the country's most critical elephant movement corridors. The unique suites lie on a rocky outcrop, with a sitting room, open-plan bathroom, and private deck overlooking this fabulous and vitally essential conservancy. At night, a romantic four-poster bed sits on the open deck for you to enjoy a night like no other!
Ngorongoro Crater lies on the rim of the beautiful caldera and is renowned for its luxury and spectacular views. Soak it all in with a cocktail on your deck, listening to the Maasai warriors' sunset chant. The lodge includes three intimate-but-interconnected camps. Dreamy touches like banana leaf-thatched roofs and local artwork firmly root you in the location. Floor-to-ceiling glass lets you relish the iconic crater views from your bed or private deck. Personal butlers see your every need, from drawing bubble baths to arranging romantic, intimate experiences.
Sir Richard Branson's safari camp, Mahali Mzuri, offers an extraordinary safari experience in the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Each of the 12 luxury tents is on a boosted platform and contains the following:
A spacious bedroom with an en suite bathroom.
Sitting area.
Deck overseeing the pristine landscape.
The camp nestles in the path of the Great Migration – you'll spot wildebeests, elephants, zebras, lions, buffalo, hippos, and more! The fantastic restaurant includes a wide selection of African and international dishes served in the main dining tent or the bush.
Are you looking for a life-changing gorilla trekking experience? Singita Kwitonda Lodge is the place for you; it shares a 1.2km border with the famous Volcanoes National Park, close to where about a third of the remaining wild gorilla population lives. Imagine considering your gorilla trekking experience from your private pool with a glass of champagne, taking in panoramic views of volcanoes. Each suite features a wellness treatment area in-and outdoor fireplace with large timber-framed windows that blend nature's boundaries therapeutically into your luxurious suite.
Royal Malewane is a luxury safari lodge with two outstanding lodging options – the classic and refined Malewane Lodge and the modern and intimate Farmstead. The wildlife experience is unequaled – Africa's most qualified guiding team will get you thrillingly close to the "Big Five" and convey fascinating insights into Africa's natural world. Pamper in sensual treatments at the serene Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa, and enjoy delectable cuisine accompanied by the region's finest wines under the African stars.
Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge in Zambia
Voted as the 4th Best Resort in Africa and 9th Best Resort in the World by Conde Nast, Royal Chundu lies on the banks of the Zambezi River bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. The peaceful hideaway celebrates romance and tranquility in a remote setting. Downstream is the roaring, thundering Victoria Falls. Royal Chundu contains two lodges, River Lodge and Island Lodge, with views of the Zambezi. Ten premier River Lodge suites, set among the trees, are nests of solitude and peace. The location enhances the magic of the spacious Island Lodge villas on the private Katombora island in the middle of the river.
Initially, I planned this as one blog, but Africa is home to some of the most incredible lodges worldwide, and I needed help to narrow down the choices. Even now, I am second-guessing myself; I had to leave many options off the list. This blog is Part 1 of the sexiest honeymoon safari lodges in Africa.