4 African honeymoon spots that tick all the boxes...
WHILE there are countless romantic places to choose from around the world, there’s something about an African honeymoon experience. It varies from soft-sand beaches to expansive savannahs bursting with wildlife. African honeymoon destinations are as diverse as the continent itself and can be experienced as stand-alone destinations or in combination.
Stephanie Aboujaoude, senior area director, marketing and communications, Middle East & Africa, of Radisson Hotel Group, which is rapidly expanding across Africa, shares her insight on the top romantic spots in Africa. Morocco
The country offers newlyweds some of the most special honeymoon experiences. Choose from indulgent hammams; luxurious, hidden riads embellished with elaborate design details; fine dining in historic palaces; sweeping coastline and mesmerising deserts. With so much to offer, Morocco is a paradise of exploration that will inspire a couple’s nomadic spirit.
Lest we forget the various traditional dishes you get to try, the best thing about travelling is that you get to try new foods and experiences. Don’t leave Morocco without trying one of these popular dishes: tagine, harira, and zaalouk. “As the gateway from Europe to Africa – with a wealth of legendary cities, Saharan dunes, snow-capped mountains, Mediterranean sun, sea, unspoiled beaches, and ancient history – Morocco is a dream destination for newly-weds in search of an unforgettable, all-year-round adventure,” Aboujaoude shares.
Tanzania
Tanzania is home to the best and biggest parks in Africa, including
some of the most varied and striking landscapes you’ll ever see, making it the perfect honeymoon safari destination.
Tanzania is home to the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti
National Park where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles brave the raging Mara River in search of fresh pasture every year.
The Serengeti National Park holds the title of a World Heritage Site. This is just one of the country’s seven World Heritage Sites.
World-famous Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and home to almost every kind of ecological system there is – from cultivated land to rainforest, alpine desert and summit – making it a magnificent sight to behold. And with Zanzibar within easy reach, Tanzania is the perfect “bush-and-beach” African honeymoon destination.
Zanzibar consists of four main islands and makes the perfect tropical honeymoon getaway for lovers who are seeking a mix of cultural exploration and white-sand beaches.
Zambia
Apart from being voted as the safest country on the continent to visit, Zambia boasts some of the most unspoiled and wild landscapes in Africa, an abundance of wildlife, culture, food and a myriad of intriguing attractions, which all make it an irresistible destination for honeymooners.
The popular attractions in Zambia include Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-tunya (the smoke that thunders) by the locals. Victoria Falls, is one of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Seven Wonders Of The World, with a rich archaeological history.
Livingstone is known as the tourist capital of Zambia and offers incredible experiences for adrenaline junkies, romantics, and explorers.
There is even a steam train ride over Victoria Falls bridge that you can experience, making it any honeymooner’s dream destination.
South Africa
From seaside escapes to romantic Wineland tours, mountains, bustling cities, nightlife boosted with culture, and authentic African safaris – a honeymoon in South Africa will give you a chance to explore everything.
If you’d like to explore an African safari destination, Kruger National Park is where you can spot the Big Five surrounded by wild natural beauty and modern luxury.
Johannesburg, still South Africa’s largest city, will top the list for couples who appreciate history and value activism. Couples honeymooning while also wanting to learn more about the country and its history can visit the former residence of Nelson Mandela – now the Nelson Mandela National Museum.
For a seaside escape, enjoy the waters of the Western Cape that will allow couples to enjoy both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean beaches, depending on where you are based, while the Cape Town CBD and the V&A Waterfront are bursting with chic restaurants for the foodie couples.
The Western Cape is also known for its rich wine regions such as Constantia, Stellenbosch, the Helderberg and more.
If you’re the type of couple that wants to explore one of South Africa’s hidden gems, the Eastern Cape is for you. With fewer tourists than its Western counterpart, the Eastern Cape is equally full of fun activities for newlyweds to enjoy.
Brave the waves at Jeffrey’s Bay or visit Addo Elephant National Park, or take a road trip of a lifetime from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape along the Garden Route, meandering along a nearly 200km stretch of coastline, where honeymooners will observe lush forests and dramatic seaside cliffs.
Africa has plenty to offer newlyweds, so before planning a trip to Europe or Asia make your way around Africa. And if it’s not your honeymoon, these locations also make great family holidays.