Kenya When to go: June to March After a quintessential English wedding, what better way to celebrate than to witness one of the mightiest spectacles in the natural world – the Great Migration, over a million wildebeest and half a million zebra surging through the vast swathe of the Maasai Mara. Stay in quiet, secluded camps, sleep under billowing mosquito nets and rise with the sun to head out and game view in the early morning. After an exciting safari head to the beach, on Kenya’s coast where traditional dhows wait to drift you over the water, and relaxation and seclusion is the watchword. Enjoy some honeymoon pampering or try your hand at fishing, or just soak up the ambience.
Madikwe and Mauritius When to go: April to December Head off for a week of romantic, lazy bliss relaxing on the paradise island of Mauritius and then dive into a safari adventure in the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. Fly to Mauritius for a week to relax after your wedding on a white sand beach by turquoise waters, being soothed by the shining sun. You’ll be pampered in a fabulous five star hotel with unrivalled levels of service and facilities. Then hop on a short flight to Johannesburg, then drive straight to your lodge. Witness amazing wildlife in this Big 5 Reserve and then at the end of each day relax in your luxurious suite.
Sabi Sands and Mozambique When to go: April to December If you are looking for a superb game viewing opportunity from the comfort of a romantic and luxurious lodge, the Sabi Sands in South Africa is a perfect option. Fly from London to Johannesburg overnight and be in the heart of the bush for lunch and an afternoon game drive! You do not even have to head out on safari to appreciate the game experience here; you can sit by your private plunge pool, sipping on a gin and tonic and watching animals go by! Then fly straight to Mozambique and find yourself in a remote beach paradise with world class diving, snorkelling and deep sea fishing. Fly from Mozambique direct to Johannesburg and back to London.
South Africa When to go: September to May If you are looking for a honeymoon that can combine a cosmopolitan city, fabulous restaurants, and a beautiful coastline then South Africa from September through to April is the perfect spot for you. Of course there is incredible game in Africa and safari is a great experience but it isn’t a must. South Africa has so much more to offer. Dine out at Michelin Star restaurants at a fraction of the cost, hike table-mountain, visit the many vineyards, relax at the beach and stay in cool, contemporary boutique hotels. Hiring a car means you are free to explore and get to know this little pocket of South Africa, with direct flights and minimum time difference it really is a fabulous option.
Tanzania and Mafia Island When to go: July to October and December to March Escape the crowds of the Serengeti and head to Southern Tanzania after an overnight flight to Dar es Salaam you will be at the lodge in time for lunch. Start with a few nights in The Ruaha where the game is plentiful with lots of cats and herds of up to one hundred elephants. Then fly straight into the Selous for a safari experience in the largest wilderness area in Africa, a vast expanse of scrub bush, open savannah, palm forest, lakes and mighty rivers. Here the options are endless, from fighting the elusive tiger-fish from the end of your rod, or simply drifting gently down river watching the crocs and hippos, to spending a night fly camping with only a mosquito net between you and the sounds of the bush. From here catch a flight to Mafia Island, a hidden gem of an island that is the epitome of barefoot luxury and the perfect place to relax before returning home.
Victoria Falls, Botswana and the Mozambique coast When to go: April to November This winning honeymoon begins with three nights on the Zimbabwean bank of the mighty Zambezi River, just above Victoria Falls, a great place to balance amazing activities with a bit of relaxation straight after your wedding. Fly into Botswana’s epic Linyanti for three nights on safari, such a beautiful part of the world and great to explore on foot, by mokoro (dug-out canoe) and game drive vehicle. Then it’s down to Johannesburg, to the Saxon to experience the mind-blowing tasting menu at 500, one of South Africa’s top restaurants before heading off early the next day to the Mozambican Coast for six nights on a white sand beach. Perfect!
Zambia and Malawi When to go: May to November For lovers of nature, keen on safari, look no further than a honeymoon in Zambia and Lake Malawi – an easy flight via Johannesburg to Zamiba means you will be game-viewing by lunchtime! Zambia’s camps are the best; remote, secluded, and very romantic, set in the heart of the African bush, surrounded by phenomenal wildlife and offering amazing walking safaris. Then finish your honeymoon with luxury on the beach at Lake Malawi for pampering, snorkelling and scuba diving among the brightly coloured cichlids. Warm lake breezes, sunshine, surf-fresh fish and gentle island walks are the order of the day here. Fly back via Johannesburg.