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The Best African Safaris for Couples, Adult-Only Lodges, and More

     

Romance awaits amid sprawling savannas and rolling sand dunes on an African couples safari. Embrace under starlit skies, awaken wrapped in each other's arms to the melody of birdsong, and venture hand-in-hand into the marvels of abundant wildlife roaming free across the open plains. 


Catch a glimpse of lions nuzzling at dawn. Sip champagne at sunset as elephants wander past. Lay entwined on a secluded beach, as the waves gently lap the shore. With candlelit bush dinners or the opportunities to dance barefoot in a luxury glamping site, you can create magical memories amid nature’s grandeur that will remain etched in your hearts forever.


Discover your oasis tailored to your idea of romance, where relaxation entwines with exclusive wildlife sightings as we reveal the most romantic destinations for the unique experience of the best African safaris for couples.



5 Best Destinations for Couples in Africa


1. Sabi Sands, South Africa


Intimate Sabi Sands is a private concession inside Kruger National Park. It sets the stage for romance with its seductive sunsets, lantern-lit bush dinners, and riverside picnics. Spot the Big 5 on a private game drive or listen to the yip of wild dogs, then unwind together in your lavish suite complete with an outdoor shower. Marvel at the Southern Hemisphere's stars from your four-poster bed or enjoy a couple's spa massage.


2. Okavango Delta, Botswana


Glide through lush waterways on a mokoro cruise built for two in Botswana’s tranquil Okavango Delta. Camp under the stars on your own island, serenaded by hippos and hyenas. Bond as you track endangered rhinos on foot before retreating to a luxurious tented suite. As you experience one of the premier safari destinations in Southern Africa, make a toast as the African sun dips behind papyrus reeds.


3. Laikipia Plateau, Kenya


On Kenya’s wild Laikipia Plateau, stargaze from your own sleeping alcove carved into the hillside. Awaken to views of Mount Kenya over a romantic breakfast in bed. Ride horseback past zebra and giraffe before a sunset picnic on your private veranda. Then soak in your outdoor clawfoot bathtub under the twinkling Milky Way to embrace a hidden gem in East Africa.


4. Masai Mara National Park, Kenya


Masai Mara National Park in Kenya contains equal parts romance and adventure. It’s the classic African safari destination and a treasure for couples looking for a traditional experience. Known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, you can take a private balloon ride soaring over grazing zebras or find intimate private dinners under the starlight as you learn how Masai Mara weaves a spell of discovery and tenderness.


5. Matobo Hills National Park, Zimbabwe


Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills National Park tantalizes you with its ethereal scenery and exotic wildlife encounters. Track white rhinos on foot through ancient granite outcrops before retiring to an exclusive camp. As the glowing African sun sets, you can toast to the spectacular colors while enjoying the solitude amid the timeworn hills.


The Best Time to Visit for a Couples Safari


The prime time for a romantic safari is during the dry season between June and October. Wildlife concentrations surge around water sources, temperatures are milder, rains subside, and scenery glistens under blue skies.


The shoulder season months in May and early fall November also have allure, with fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and specials on luxury accommodation. May ushers in new animal offspring while November showcases baby antelope and zebra. Migratory bird species abound during these months as well. You’ll enjoy more exclusivity in wildlife sightings along with romantic privacy.


The typical duration of a couples safari in Africa


The ideal duration for your couples’ safari is 7 to 10 days. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in 2 or 3 destinations at a relaxed pace. 


A 10-day Africa trip gives you time to combine a romantic safari with other excursions like Victoria Falls or time in romantic Zanzibar. 


What Are the Best Adult-Only Safari Lodges in Africa?


Adult-only accommodations remove families and kids from the equation, so you can enjoy a more exclusive atmosphere tailored to your preferred safari experiences. The best luxurious lodges for adults-only may feature lavish amenities from open-air soaking tubs to private plunge pools, lounges, and decks in remote natural habitat settings.


1. Mara Nyika


Located in the Mashatu Game Reserve, Mara Nyika offers a luxurious and intimate safari experience with spacious and stylish villas, indoor-outdoor showers, bathtubs, expansive decks, and private plunge pools. It’s a true oasis of tranquility.


2. Mnemba Island Lodge


This exclusive island lodge in Tanzania is an ideal choice for an adults-only island holiday. It offers a sublime experience with beautiful boutique accommodations and a range of activities. It’s consistently ranked among the top luxury resorts on the continent.


3. The Eyrie at Ol Lentille


Located in Kenya's Laikipia, The Eyrie at Ol Lentille is a delightfully intimate villa for couples seeking a romantic escape. It offers private villas with stunning views and personalized service. It’s the perfect spot for an intimate and secluded atmosphere.


4. La Residence


Situated in the Cape Winelands, La Residence is a romantic getaway that combines luxury African safaris with beautiful surroundings and a range of activities. While specifically in a safari destination, it’s an easy addition to your safari itinerary offering gourmet cuisine, rolling vineyards, and wine tasting as part of the romantic retreat..


Top Adult-Only Destinations in Africa

  1. Zanzibar, Tanzania: This archipelago boasts stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and a thriving nightlife scene. You can explore spice plantations, dive into coral reefs, and enjoy traditional Swahili cuisine.
  2. Cape Town, South Africa: This cosmopolitan city offers a unique blend of African and European influences. Explore world-class museums, hike to the top of Table Mountain, or visit the iconic Robben Island.
  3. Marrakech, Morocco: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this ancient city. Wander through bustling souks, relax in luxurious hammams, and enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine.
  4. Botswana: This safari paradise is often considered the best African safari destination and is home to incredible wildlife, from elephants and lions to cheetahs and giraffes. Embark on thrilling game drives, or take a traditional mokoro canoe through the Okavango Delta.
  5. Namibia: This diverse country offers stunning landscapes, from the Namib Desert to the Skeleton Coast. Go sandboarding in the dunes, visit ancient rock paintings, or spot wildlife in Etosha National Park.


Types of Romantic Accommodations for Couples on African Safari


Beyond lavish suites, explore exclusivity in ways only an African safari can offer. Find heavenly hideaways tailored for two and connect among the sounds of untouched nature accented with sweeping vistas. Discover the most breathtaking types of accommodations you may find across savannas, deltas, forests, deserts, beaches, and mountains ideal for your couple’s African safari.


  • Treehouse accommodations: Stay in a luxurious treehouse with billowing fabrics around you or on a private verandah, offering a unique and intimate experience under the vast southern skies.
  • Exclusive island stays: Spend a few nights on an exclusive or completely private island, either as the main focus of your vacation or after a wildlife safari, to relax and unwind on a surprising river island or when surrounded by the sea.
  • Mobile camps: Walk silently through the bush to game view on foot with your private safari guide, staying in a beautiful mobile camp at night that moves with you.
  • Luxury tented camps: Experience the romance of sleeping under canvas in elegant tented safari camps, offering a blend of luxury and intimacy.
  • Beach villas: Enjoy a beachfront villa with stunning ocean views and private access to the beach, perfect for couples seeking a coastal escape while also eager for access to wildlife experiences.
  • Safari lodges: Stay in a luxurious safari lodge with a classic African aesthetic, offering spacious suites, plunge pools, and Victorian bathtubs for a memorable safari experience.
  • Wine estate stays: Treat yourself to a stay in a vineyard in the Cape Winelands, offering a romantic getaway with some of Africa's best wine and beautiful surroundings.


Adult-Only Safari Experiences for Couples


For the ultimate passionate getaway, an adults-only safari offers exclusive experiences catering to couples. Indulge in privacy, sensuality, and the lavish pampering of a luxury excursion against an untamed wilderness teeming with wildlife as we reveal the top 10 romantic safari experiences:

  • Hot air balloon safari: Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. It's a unique way to enjoy the views and even see the Great Migration.
  • Bush dinner: Experience a romantic bush dinner under the stars, surrounded by the African wilderness, and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by your safari lodge.
  • Star bed sleepout: Spend a night under the stars on a star bed, listening to the sounds of the wildlife around you, and enjoy the intimacy of sleeping outdoors in the African bush.
  • Private game drive: Embark on a private game drive with your partner, led by knowledgeable guides, and explore the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of Africa's national parks.
  • Sundowner cruise: Enjoy a romantic sunset sundowner cruise on the Okavango Delta in Botswana, sipping on cocktails while watching the sunset and spotting wildlife along the waterways.
  • Walking safari: Embark on a guided walking safari, allowing you and your partner to immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness.
  • Horseback safari: Explore the African bush on horseback, enjoying the freedom and closeness to nature that this unique mode of transport offers.
  • Wellness retreat: Indulge in a wellness retreat at a luxury safari lodge, offering spa treatments, yoga classes, and wellness workshops to help you and your partner relax and rejuvenate during your African safari.
  • Stargazing excursion: Participate in a guided stargazing session under the vast African sky, learning about the constellations and enjoying the serene beauty of the African night sky with your partner.
  • Helicopter safari to a secluded picnic spot: Enjoy a thrilling helicopter safari over the African landscape, followed by a private picnic at a secluded spot, offering stunning views and intimate moments together whether on safari or when visiting Victoria Falls.

Tips for Planning an Adult-Only African Safari


Planning an adults-only African safari adventure requires strategic preparation to get the most out of your time alone together. We guide you through the key considerations for planning, from exploring sample itineraries to choosing your ideal destinations, or factors like privacy, activities, pace, and exclusivity. Here are some useful tips:

  • Inform agents you want adult-only lodging
  • Seek smaller, intimate lodges
  • Look for exclusive concessions away from crowds
  • Plan multiple nights for full immersion
  • Consult a specialist for personalized safari tours

Factors to Consider When Choosing African Safari Tours


Look for companies specializing in couples or honeymoon travel. Seek those offering personalized consultation and custom itinerary planning based on your unique wishes. Top operators have established relationships at adult-only camps. Ensure they have expertise and on-the-ground connections in the specific destinations or countries you aim to visit.


Quality operators generally have years of experience and understand the importance of providing 24/7 support in case of any travel interruptions or emergencies.


Leading companies like Born Free Safaris stand out through exceptional service, including timely responses, meticulous trip execution, and exceeding expectations throughout your romantic journey.


African Safari packages specifically designed for honeymooners


An Adult-only African safari allows couples to indulge in intimate getaways filled with unbelievable romance. You can unwind in a peaceful atmosphere during a safari package tailored to your preferred pace, preferences, and desires. 


Unique accommodation ranges from lavish treehouse suites to candlelit tents tucked into the bush. Bask in romantic experiences taking place under the stars to the sounds of the wilderness. Bespoke activities mean you enjoy privacy and exclusivity during adventures like champagne picnics, mokoro rides, and private plunge pools. Sensual couples' massages and dreamy outdoor showers enhance the adventure. With fewer vehicles around during an exclusive game drive, you can sight prime wildlife in seclusion. 


5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari Destinations for Couples


For the intrepid couple, an ordinary safari won’t do. Find our 5 off-the-beaten-path safari destinations for couples that can take you into hidden Namibia, wild Uganda, untouched Tanzania, and beyond. Explore where luxury lodges meet extreme isolation with mind-blowing adventures tailored to you.

  • Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia
  • Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
  • Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
  • Skeleton Coast, Namibia
  • Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa


Tips for Choosing the Right Safari for Your Budget


No matter your budget, share trip visions with a specialist to craft your ideal couples' safari. Compromise on lodging to budget more for exclusive wildlife experiences and activities for an unforgettable safari experience.


Choose the season that best fits your interests, pay attention to what you want most out of your experience, and—most importantly—disconnect from devices so you can better connect with each other. Contact Born Free Safaris to learn more about how to make your dream romantic trip come true.