For fanatic travelers the honeymoon is just as important as the wedding itself. In recent years it seems to have been a trend for normal holidays that traveling should be special, let alone honeymoons. Africa has also been very popular among honeymooners for some time. A honeymoon to Africa offers many possibilities and will undoubtedly be a trip to remember.
In principle, all countries in southern Africa are suitable for a honeymoon, because any holiday can of course be made into a honeymoon. In most cases, however, honeymooners want a quieter and relaxing trip. The combination of safari and beach is particularly popular here. With this in mind, we would love to share three options:
- South Africa in combination with Mauritius or the Seychelles
- Mozambique (usually also in combination with South Africa)
- Tanzania and Zanzibar
South Africa
One of the most popular honeymoon destinations is South Africa. This is partly because driving and navigating yourself in South Africa is very easy to do and because there are many different sights to see and visit. South Africa is also a very good choice for those who don’t want to drive too much. The journey can very well be limited to a smaller area with a huge variety of very different experiences and accommodations. Also, for example, domestic flights can be used to minimize driving times. What also makes South Africa a popular honeymoon destination is that it is logistically the easiest way to fly from Johannesburg to a beach destination, such as Mauritius or the Seychelles. Safari and beach can therefore be a perfect combination as well. Another nice fact: both South Africa and Mauritius are in the top 10 countries that you must visit according to the Lonely Planet 2020?!
Mauritius
For those who plan a relaxing beach stay during the honeymoon will certainly not be disappointed on the subtropical island of Mauritius. With a great climate, a warm ocean and a protective reef around the island, Mauritius has rightly gained a reputation as a sub-tropical beach paradise. Mauritius is located around 2000 km east of mainland Africa and is therefore literally in the middle of the Indian Ocean. A large part of the island is covered with sugar cane plantations and there are villages and towns, but for most honeymooners it is all about the beach. The north coast of Mauritius is the most developed, here you will find most hotels and also the main tourist entertainment centre Grand Baie. If you are traveling in the period where the northern half of the earth has summer, this place is a good choice, because even though it is winter there, it is still very pleasant on the north side because the wind comes from the southeast. For a trip in our winter, the east coast is a good option, because there is often a fresh breeze blowing here that illuminates the tropical humidity.
Seychelles
Another good option for a perfect beach holiday are The Seychelles, a paradise-like group of islands 1400 km from the African mainland. The Seychelles are located at the same level as Kenya and Tanzania, so a lot more north than Mauritius. It is one of the best places in the world for the classic “bounty dream” of white sandy beaches, surrounded by palm trees and boulders, with a clear azure blue sea full of beautiful fish and corals. The Seychelles actually consist of more than 100 islands that extend over a very large area, with only 80,000 inhabitants. More than half of the land has been declared a national park. These factors ensure that the Seychelles are indeed one of the most exclusive and quiet beach destinations in the world. The islands are close to the equator and outside the cyclone zone, so they can be visited throughout the year.
Mozambique
For a honeymoon that must contain both safari and beach, South Africa can also be combined with Mozambique. The most famous beaches in Mozambique are near Imhambane / Tofu and Vilanculos. The biggest attractions here are the beautiful coral reefs and the always warm Indian Ocean. These areas in particular are well-known for the excellent diving and water sports possibilities. Mozambique is probably on every diver’s bucket list, because of the chance to see a manta ray and whale sharks. Very exclusive lodges can be booked, often on private islands or on deserted beaches. These destinations have appeared in many “Most Beautiful Places in the World” lists, not only because they offer a lot of privacy, but also because the chance of encountering fellow countrymen is relatively low.
Tanzania & Zanzibar
Another beautiful honeymoon destination is Tanzania. The country is blessed with many national parks, each having their own beautiful features: The Serengeti National Park, world famous for the migration of huge herds of wildebeest, the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique place not to be found anywhere else on this planet, but also the less well-known but equally amazing parks such as Lake Manyara and Tarangire. A safari in Tanzania can easily be combined with a stay on the tropical island of Zanzibar. Along the coast there are countless good resorts with many facilities and views of an azure-coloured ocean that sparkles under the always shining sun. In other words: the perfect destination for a perfect honeymoon, but there is also plenty to do for those who do not want to spend the whole day on the beach. Think of snorkeling, boat trips, or a visit to the historical Stone Town.
Of course, these destinations are just a tip of the veil and every wedding couple has a different opinion about what the perfect honeymoon looks like. With our experience we are happy to help you creating a honeymoon that you will remember and cherish for the rest of your life.
