Africa is the ultimate destination for couples.
Whether you’re dreaming of a serene beach getaway, an exciting safari, or a luxurious retreat in the heart of nature, Africa offers a wide range of options for lovebirds looking to add a spark of adventure and romance to their travels. From the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia to the vibrant culture of Zanzibar and the wild heart of the Maasai Mara, let’s look at some of the most romantic spots in Africa, where unforgettable memories are just waiting to be made.
What are the most romantic destinations in Africa?
That depends on the type of romance you’re after. Zanzibar is ideal for a combo of culture and relaxing on the beach. Namibia is great if you’re looking for seclusion and stargazing. Then you have Botswana or South Africa if a luxury safari sounds like heaven. And for world-class food, wine, and plenty of outdoorsy activities, South Africa’s Cape Winelands are the way to go. The list goes on and on!
What kind of romantic activities can we do in Africa?
It’s impossible to list them all (but you’ll find some excellent examples below). That said, you can look forward to everything from hot air ballooning over the Namib Desert to breakfast with giraffes in Kenya.
What is the best time of year to visit Africa for a romantic trip?
Again, it’s a matter of preference. The winter months are perfect for safaris and getting cozy in front of the fireplace. Summer and spring are great if you’re looking for warmth, fun outdoor activities, and, in some areas, fewer crowds. Keep in mind that every region has its own ‘best times to visit,’ so do your homework before booking (or let Team GILTEDGE do it for you).
Are there luxury accommodations suitable for couples?
Almost every accommodation provider in Africa caters for couples – from luxurious tented suites to premium hotel rooms, there’s certainly no shortage of luxury.
Without further ado, here’s a snapshot of what Africa has in store for lovebirds.
Africa’s most romantic experiences
Rovos Rail – The best of Africa
Most romantic activity: Hop aboard the vintage, wood-paneled coaches, and consider getting hitched Rovos-style before you do. Couples can say ‘I do’ in the gorgeous red-brick station building before enjoying a four-hour loop around Pretoria and boarding the ‘Champagne Train’ for a four-course meal paired with some of South Africa’s best wines.
Most luxurious accommodation: The Royal Suites. They’re spacious, elegant, and have a private lounge area and full bathroom.
Tintswalo Atlantic – Hout Bay, South Africa
Most romantic activity: At Tintswalo Atlantic, it’s less about what you do and more about where you are. Perched on a peaceful pebbled beach, the property is super private and intimate – in fact, you can only reach it via the resident shuttle.
Most luxurious accommodation: Inspired by islands from around the globe, each suite has its own charm and personality. All are spacious and luxuriously appointed and promise sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding mountains on a private wooden deck.
Birkenhead House – Hermanus, South Africa
Most romantic activity: Spend some time seaside foraging and picking mussels before savoring a delicious meal overlooking the ocean. There’s also a chance to enjoy a sunset South African braai (barbecue) on select occasions during the summer months.
Most luxurious accommodation: The ocean-facing Deluxe Superior Rooms, with large balconies for enjoying the view.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – Gansbaai, South Africa
Most romantic activity: With couples’ spa treatments under the trees, botanical safaris, romantic horseback rides, and intimate beach picnics, it’s impossible to choose just one highlight.
Most luxurious accommodation: The private villas (the Fynbos and Sunbird Villa) are the epitome of luxury. Each one has a private guide and access to a private airstrip and vehicle, a kitchen, swimming pool, gym, and cinema room.
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa – Cape Winelands, South Africa
Most romantic activity: Relaxing into one of the spa’s signature wellness journeys together, such as the ThalasoVine™ Wellbeing Spa Ritual, including an aroma sauna experience, vibromassage, pressure point scalp massage, and a long soak in a marine bath.
Most luxurious accommodation: The hotel’s Suites, promising various perks like underfloor heating and heated towel rails.
Saseka Tented Camp – Thornybush Game Lodge, South Africa
Most romantic activity: A quiet à la carte dinner in the bush, preceded by pre-dinner sundowners in the riverbed, lit up by flickering lanterns.
Most luxurious accommodation: All nine luxury tents promise a premium stay and feature an expansive private deck and pool.
Tswalu Game Reserve – Northern Cape, South Africa
Most romantic activity: Embarking on a private vehicle safari and spotting the reserve’s abundant wildlife. Other notable must-dos include picnic breakfasts and sleeping under Africa’s stunning star-studded skies.
Most luxurious accommodation: The Motse Camp, enveloped by indigenous gardens and built beside a busy waterhole. The camp’s nine suites all boast an en-suite bathroom, a sitting area with a wood-burning stove, and a shaded verandah complete with day beds.
Leopard Hills – Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Most romantic activity: A generous bush breakfast followed by a soothing couples’ Calabash Massage at the spa.
Most luxurious accommodation: The eight glass-fronted safari suites are equally luxurious. Newly renovated, they boast extended decks, pools, and spacious lounge areas. The bathrooms also feature underfloor heating and heated towel rails.
Kwitonda Lodge – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Most romantic activity: Getting creative with a pottery class at the lodge’s vibrant pottery studio.
Most luxurious accommodation: The seven one-bedroom suites all tick the boxes for an opulent escape. They have indoor and outdoor showers, an indoor bath, a comfortable sitting area, a fireplace, a heated plunge pool, and much more.
Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
Most romantic activity: The ‘Breakfast with Giraffes’ experience, where you literally enjoy your breakfast alongside the manor’s resident giraffes. Most of the time, they’ll be keen to sample what’s on your plate!
Most luxurious accommodation: The two suites are simply stunning, albeit slightly large for just two people. Most couples will be more comfortable in any of the superior rooms – choose between superior rooms in the historic manor house or in the garden manor. Some of the rooms offer access to the giraffes, and you can feel free to sneak them an occasional healthy snack.
Angama Mara – Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya
Most romantic activity: Tucking into a picnic in the same spot as Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in the Out of Africa movie or sipping sundowners on the Saddle featured in the film’s poster.
Most luxurious accommodation: There are eight tented suites, all with a super king-size, extra-length bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, an indoor and outdoor terrazzo shower, and a personalized drinks armoire.
andBeyond Mnemba Island – Zanzibar, Tanzania
Most romantic activity: A relaxing sunset dhow cruise. Your traditional dhow will be waiting for you in front of your villa, and you can wade your way towards it with a cocktail already in hand. The views are guaranteed to be stunning – don’t miss the opportunity to snap a photo of a sneaky kiss with the honeyed sunset and the Quirimbas Archipelago in the background.
Most luxurious accommodation: All 12 palm-frond bandas are equally chic, spacious, and packed with creature comforts.
Jack’s Camp – Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana
Most romantic activity: A scenic helicopter flip, allowing you to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Botswana’s landscapes, hand-in-hand.
Most luxurious accommodation: The nine spacious Bedouin-style tents are all spectacular, featuring indoor and outdoor showers, Persian rugs, a living area, and private plunge pools.
Linyanti Expeditions – Linyanti Wilderness Reserve, Botswana
Most romantic activity: Sleeping under the stars, thanks to the camp’s unique ‘star suite’ gazebo extensions. No worries about bugs getting in the way of your rest either – the entire extension is covered with mesh for peace of mind and peaceful sleep.
Most luxurious accommodation: The six luxury canvas suites promise opulence in the bush, each boasting an exposed kitchen, bucket shower, and full bar facilities.
Shipwreck Lodge – Skeleton Coast National Park, Namibia
Most romantic activity: Embark on a drive along the dunes at sunset, with a sundowner in hand and expansive views of both the desert and the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Most luxurious accommodation: The lodge’s cabins are what make it really unique – they’re designed to resemble the iconic shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast. There are 10 in total, each offering a sizable bathroom and a cozy fireplace – perfect for cuddling up in front of if visiting during the chilly winter months.
Kwessi Dunes – NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Most romantic activity: Hot air ballooning – providing an entirely new perspective on the reserve’s sprawling desert landscape, dotted with mauve mountains, and rolling, red dunes.
Most luxurious accommodation: Stay in one of 12 air-conditioned chalets. They all have indoor and outdoor showers and an open-air stargazer room.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
Most romantic activity: Stargazing. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is located near Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve, ensuring minimal light pollution and offering one of the darkest skies in the world. The lodge capitalizes on this with its own observatory, equipped with a state-of-the-art Celestron telescope.
Most luxurious accommodation: A stay in any of the 12 air-conditioned stone and glass suites is bound to delight. They even come with retractable skylights for in-bed star bathing.
The Victoria Falls Hotel – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Most romantic activity: Sitting down to a traditional high tea at the hotel’s Stanley’s Terrace, while admiring views of the Falls and the Zambezi River.
Most luxurious accommodation: The Presidential Suite is the epitome of over-the-top luxury at the hotel, but with three bedrooms, it’s a bit large for couples. The Premium Rooms are better suited, each with a king-size bed, spacious lounge, mini-bar, large bathroom, and full access to Bulawayo Premium Lounge.
Ready for a romantic escape to remember? Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day safari in Botswana, a ‘just-because’ vacation to reconnect in Namibia, or an anniversary trip to the Cape Winelands, Team GILTEDGE is here to ensure every detail fits in with your preferences. Contact us today.