Start Planning Your African Safari Honeymoon

When my partner and I started talking about our delayed honeymoon, we wanted something that didn’t feel like the usual all-inclusive beach trip. We craved adventure, wildlife, and something that felt completely different from our everyday lives. That’s how we landed on the idea of an African safari honeymoon. If you’re in a similar spot—newly married, craving something unique, and looking for a trip that combines raw nature with unforgettable luxury—this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

We’re planning a trip for July or August, aiming for a 10-12 day itinerary (not counting travel days). I’ve been diving deep into research, talking to friends who’ve done safaris, reading trip reports, and comparing travel agencies. This article is my way of putting everything I’ve learned in one place.

Key Points

• Choose your countries and regions carefully – Each offers a different safari experience.
• Balance game drives with downtime – 5-6 days on safari is plenty; pair it with beach or city time.
• Work with a trusted travel agency or plan directly – Both options can work well, but compare costs and services closely.

African Safari Honeymoon: What Makes It So Special?

There’s something incredibly romantic about being completely immersed in nature—watching elephants walk past your tent, sipping coffee while lions roar in the distance, and falling asleep under the stars after a sundowner by the fire.

An African safari honeymoon blends luxury, adventure, and intimacy in a way that few other trips can. It’s not just about seeing animals—it’s about the rhythm of early morning game drives, slow afternoons, and the feeling of disconnecting from everything except each other and the wild.

You can go full luxury with boutique lodges or keep it more down-to-earth with rustic tented camps. Either way, the experience stays with you.

Where to Go for Your Safari Honeymoon

If you’re starting from scratch, the first thing to figure out is which country to visit. I went down several rabbit holes and realized that each region has its own strengths.

Here's what stood out:

• Tanzania is popular for honeymooners thanks to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. It's also easy to combine with a beach escape in Zanzibar. You’ll see many of the animals on this African safari animals list.
• Kenya offers iconic spots like the Masai Mara, plus options like African safaris from Cape Town if you want to include South Africa too.
• South Africa is home to the famous Kruger National Park and top-tier African safari hotels. It's also easier to do self-drive or semi-guided safaris here if you want more independence.
• Rwanda is known for gorilla trekking, which can be a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon add-on.

If you’re unsure which destination fits your style, this breakdown of African safari countries helped me a lot.

Planning the Ideal Itinerary

After all the research, conversations with friends who’ve done safaris, and hours spent obsessing over trip itineraries, we decided to break our honeymoon into two parts: 6 nights on safari followed by 5 nights of pure relaxation. That second half ended up being just as important as the first. After several days of early wake-ups and bumpy game drives, we were more than ready to slow down and savor the rest of the trip.

We did the safari first while we had the most energy. Then we shifted gears and spent time on the beach in Zanzibar. It was the perfect balance—adventure followed by rest. I’m so glad we planned it that way. By the time we reached the coast, we could fully enjoy the slower pace, sleep in, and just be together without a rigid schedule. It gave us time to reflect on everything we had just experienced.

Game drives are magical, but they are physically tiring. Most start at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m., and you’re in the vehicle for hours, sometimes on rough terrain, with the heat picking up fast by late morning. It’s totally worth it—seeing elephants, lions, and cheetahs in the wild is unforgettable—but it’s not what I’d call a restful vacation.

Zanzibar made for an easy and seamless transition from Tanzania. But honestly, I think any slower-paced destination would’ve worked well. We also considered a wine lodge in Stellenbosch or a bush hotel with a spa and plunge pool. I’d definitely recommend building in that time to decompress, especially on a honeymoon. If you’re starting in southern Africa, you might also want to check out all-inclusive African safari vacations—some packages make the whole experience easier to coordinate without needing to piece everything together yourself.

What About the Animals?

Obviously, the animals are a huge part of the draw. You’ll likely see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and much more. If you want to know what you might encounter, check out this African safari animals list.

If big cats are your dream, you’ll love this guide to the wild cats of Africa. Cheetahs, leopards, and lions are often a highlight of game drives. And the open landscapes of the African savannas offer great visibility for wildlife viewing.

Should You Use a Travel Agent?

We debated this a lot. Some people go DIY and book everything directly, others swear by agencies. I’ve found that agencies specializing in safari honeymoons often offer helpful extras like private guides, custom itineraries, and seamless transfers between safari lodges and airports. But you can also save thousands by booking direct if you’re willing to do the legwork—and sometimes the experience is just as good.

My tip: get quotes from at least two places, then compare against what you could book on your own. Even places like Costco Travel sometimes offer safari packages or discounted lodge stays, so it’s worth checking there too. Keep in mind that many African safari hotels offer honeymoon packages or direct booking perks if you email them and mention it’s your honeymoon.

What to Watch Out For: Safety and Costs

Like any trip, there are downsides—and I don’t want to sugarcoat that.

Game drives usually start super early, sometimes before sunrise. I’m a morning person, but even I had to psych myself up to be in a safari vehicle by 6 a.m. day after day. The drives can be bumpy and long, and by the fourth or fifth day, I imagine we’ll really be craving a slower pace.

Then there’s the insect situation. I’ve read mixed experiences—some people say it wasn’t bad at all, others dealt with mosquitos and tsetse flies depending on the region. We’re planning to bring lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and good repellents just to be safe.

And weather—well, that’s the wild card. Even in dry season, unexpected showers can happen. Some safari camps have canvas roofs, so I’m mentally preparing for a few damp mornings.

Safety was a big concern for us at first. There’s a lot of media hype about danger, but many safari destinations are well-established and very secure. If this is on your mind, I recommend reading this guide on the safest country in Africa to visit. It put my mind at ease.

As for cost, it’s not a cheap honeymoon, but it’s more accessible than I expected. This breakdown on how much safaris cost is super helpful. You can find everything from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury options.None of this is a dealbreaker, but I do think it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. If you’re curious about what could go wrong or what to prepare for, this guide on the most dangerous safaris in Africa is a good read—not in a scary way, just to stay informed and plan smarter.