The Most Romantic Safaris in Africa – Africa, The Paradise on Earth
Africa has proven time and again to be the perfect scene for legendary love tales. In 1952, following the death of King George VI, Princess Elizabeth, who was on a romantic getaway with Prince Philip in Kenya, became queen. Prince William also proposed to Kate Middleton at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya in 2010, before they went on a honeymoon in Seychelles.
While a young Lord Grogan trekked from Cape Town to Cairo to prove his love for Miss Gertrude Coleman-Watt. The African scenes are bounded by the snow-capped mountain ranges in the North and South, the unending plains that straddle Central and East Africa, and the long, warm and varied coastlines all around the continent, as well as the rich diversity of flora and fauna, which is the cherry on top.
Even with modern man’s intrusion, many places in Africa retain their magical, surreal appeal and remain a sanctuary for a troubled spirit, a feast for the thirsty eye. It is very easy and unavoidable to wax lyrical about Africa’s majestic safaris.
Choosing the best ones is largely a matter of personal preference, for that is what the sights and scenes across Africa offer, a personal journey in a tapestry of untold treasures. Without much of a tease, here is a glimpse of some of the most romantic safaris to sample when on your trip to this side of Eden.
1. Camp Nomade, Chad
Camp Nomade is situated in Zakouma National Park. As the name suggests, it is a mobile camp that moves with the wildlife migration to provide optimal coverage of the animals in their natural habitat. Decorated with a Chadian touch, the luxurious tents feature a canvas roof.
Here, herds of buffalo from the Central African savannah were preyed on by lions, making a playground. Baboons, jackals, hyenas, foxes and the endangered elephants make the safari richer. Every day, a variety of birds will crowd the park, and you’ll never get tired of the habitat from grassland plains to riverine forest to inselbergs throughout your safari.
2. andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, South Africa
From the comfort of your bathtub, bed or your private swimming pool, you can watch the game in their natural habitat. From a crocodile preying on a zebra to a monkey trickling her youngster, jumping from one tree, or simply being naughty, you can watch in detail in your comfortable suite.
The intimate and private romantic safari destination is situated at the edge of the forest, making it easier to experience the wonders of the wild without needing to walk from your suite to watch animals in action at the lodge.
3. Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Tanzania
Set in the untouched wilderness of the Serengeti plains in the Grementi Reserves, Singita Sabora covers over 350,000 acres. Couples get to experience 1920s tented camps and sip on their favourite sundowner on the deck, and watch shooting stars through telescopes allocated in every room. Or are served a feast under a starlit sky in the wilderness with no worries of attacking wild animals.
Other adventures include twice-daily game drives in open safari vehicles, nature walks, mountain biking, archery, hot air balloon rides, horse riding or a relaxing day by the heated plunge pool and Jacuzzi. But perhaps the annual Great Migration of wildebeest in the Serengeti is what you will never get over from this place.
4. Greystoke Mahale, Tanzania
A unique high-end remote beach camp located in the base of the densely forested Mahale Mountains National Park. It is home to one of the world’s largest populations of wild chimpanzees. The struggles to get into this paradise are worth everything.
In the evenings, you watch the sun set in harmony with Lake Tanganyika and then disappear in the hills of the Congo. You can also spot bush pigs, a variety of birds and butterflies, and leopards. The essence of swimming in the lake in a blue sky renews you.
And with hundreds of cichlids that have survived years along the shore, you can fish here in Greystoke while on the German warship “Graf Von Goetzen. And after that, you can relax and enjoy the Mahale Mountains.
5. Miombo Safari Camp, Zimbabwe
Located between Dete Road and Hwange National Park, the main entrance allows visitors to experience live scenes of a buffalo herd, an elephant herd, or a lion pride coming to drink at the waterhole, which is the main focus of the camp.
Miombo has relatively cheaper rates than camps set inside the park, hence it is always overbooked during peak season. It offers 4 elevated tented suites, 2 tree-houses, and four small brick and thatch rooms set back in the forest ground level.
The main dining area features a thatched-roof roof, while large teak trees provide shade to the pools during the hot seasons. The main gain is that it is the most accessible camp in Hwange, with a one-hour drive to Victoria Falls, and a three-hour drive from Bulawayo, making it a great choice for a couple on a tight budget.
6. Mwiba Lodge, Tanzania
In the south-west of Serengeti, stands a secluded, sophisticated haven known as Mwiba Lodge. The private 51,000-acre wildlife reserve is the brainchild of Texas billionaire Dan Friedkin.
His idea was to create an unparalleled luxury adventure experience in an exclusive destination, blending traditional and modern décor. Set among massive stone boulders, ancient coral trees and acacias, overlooking the Arugusinyai River, the interior designs feature textured creams paired with suede, tans, and accents of chocolate and charcoal.
Exquisite copper fixtures, large soaking tubs and private outside showers complete the room. Couples can enjoy the sights and sounds of parading animals, and three springs from the river as they take a dip in the pool.
7. Segera Retreat, Kenya
Enjoy a wide range of activities in a diverse landscape featuring both arid and savannah grasslands, waterfalls, rivers, and woodlands, and relive every romantic scene from the Oscar-winning film “Out of Africa” as it all began here in 1985.
This heaven, one of Africa’s great conservation success stories, is located on the Laikipia Plateau and its six timber and thatch villas are raised to look out to Mt. Kenya, fenced with cacti to protect from game attacks.
If you have ever dreamed of seeing a wild dog, a patas monkey or wandering and relaxing within a swanky oasis, this is it. Here, art and aesthetic experiences surround you at every turn, besides conserving the second-highest density of wildlife in Kenya. Paddock House, wine Tower and renovated stables make up the main areas.
You can sip wine from a collection of African and French reds and whites in the intimate wine tower bar, and dine in rooms filled with contemporary African art from the Zeitz collection, adding spice to the lodge. And for a wellness journey, Rasul Steam Tower & Spa has got you covered with refreshing saltwater pools.
8. Xaranna Delta Camp, Botswana
If you ever dreamt of a wonder and magic type of experience in a delta with the love of your life, then book a flight and head over to this camp. The safari experience is exclusive, intimate, and luxurious on the papyrus-lined waterways of the 272,000-hectare Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Here, there are just nine tented camps for your privacy and total experience. While on here, you can explore the countless islands of the Delta or embark on game drives in the floodplains or seasoned grasslands, woodland, shrubland, and savanna.
You will witness and track the Big Five, sitatunga antelopes, African wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, elephants, buffaloes and unique birds, frogs and fish. You can also explore the haunting sights, smells and sounds of the Okavango Delta.
9. Sirikoi, Kenya
The award-winning eco-lodge is situated in the beautiful and haunting Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on the northern slopes of Mt. Kenya in Laikipia. Sirikoi Lodge is a slice of heaven on earth with its effortless blend of luxury and the safari spirit in Africa. From walks in the bush and horse riding to helicopter tours and cultural outings of the Maasai II Ngwesi community, there is something for everybody.
Couples can choose to stay in one of the four luxury tents, each featuring a private veranda and living areas with a stunning fireplace, oversized bed and a Victorian bath and shower. Or they can stay at the secluded and private Sirikoi Cottage, which is made up of thatch and stone.
Here, on the large deck area, one can watch the buffalo and elephants roam in the nearby wetlands. The third option for couples is the Sirikoi House, a three-bedroom, exclusive house with its own kitchen, dining and living rooms, all decorated with items from around the globe.
And if that is not enough, an evening can be spent next to an open fire to cap your magical day in the world. From here, you can watch sunset across the distant mountain ranges as you reminisce about the endangered Grevy’s Zebra you two saw earlier in the Ngare forest.
