No longer content merely lounging by a pool, couples are craving an exotic and memorable trip to start their married lives, according to Kent Redding, co-founder of Africa Adventure Consultants (AAC). Increasingly, that more adventurous take on the honeymoon involves an African safari – including for celebrity couples like Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake, who chose Tanzania for their post-nuptial getaway, and Prince William and Kate, who chose Seychelles for their dreamy island honeymoon. Walking barefoot on a private white sand beach; sunset cruising in a wooden mokoro; tucking in for the night in a luxurious stilted treehouse; spotting lions from a motorboat safari on the Chobe River…an Africa safari honeymoon can be both wild and romantic. “You can still lounge by the pool,” assures Redding. “But why not make it a private plunge pool overlooking some of the world’s most famous wildlife viewing?”
An Africa safari honeymoon can be the adventure of a lifetime – and it can also be worry-free. The expert staff at Africa Adventure Consultants recommends these 10 tips for a stress-free safari honeymoon:
While a safari is exciting, it can be quite exhausting with early wake-up calls to catch wildlife at its best and long game drives. Our Journey Specialists recommend setting aside one or two mornings or afternoons of relaxation to enjoy Africa’s quieter side. We can arrange a couples massage under the African sky or you can lounge by your private plunge pool while watching the wildlife come to you.
As you work with your African safari travel planner to create your customized honeymoon safari itinerary, share your interests and what you’d like to experience while on safari. We have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that the safari you take is truly yours, not something imagined by someone else. We like to create some special-for-you romantic moments like a candlelit bush dinner or hot air balloon ride, allowing you to focus on each other and the special experiences you are sharing.
The wedding is over, so relax and enjoy the wonderful food and unique dining experiences. From gourmet meals on safari to cooking classes to wine tasting in South Africa’s winelands, there is no shortage of ways to indulge in food and wine on your honeymoon safari.
No need to lug everything and the kitchen sink. Most African camps have laundry service so you can pack fewer clothes – and save room for those only-from-Africa souvenirs and camera equipment to capture an idyllic safari photo.
There are many options on safari that can afford you a level of privacy and exclusivity that would be impossible in other destinations. We are able to arrange private charter flights, private vehicles for your game drives and transfers, private dining at your camp or lodge and private villas or even the exclusive-use of camps and lodges. We know that people are seeking places that avoid crowds – safari is the ultimate escape and we can make it as private and remote as you might seek!
Add some real adventure to spice up your relaxation with a little excitement – like white water rafting near Victoria Falls, driving an ATV through wide open spaces or riding on horseback as a safari activity.
Once you arrive on safari, leave any concerns in the capable hands of your camp manager who is used to navigating the blips of traveling in Africa. Africa Adventure Consultants staff is also available for any on-trip emergencies. Relax and enjoy the ride of being on Africa time.
East and Southern Africa offer some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. Africa is also home to a number of exquisite islands including Zanzibar, Pemba, Seychelles and many more. Splash in the surf on a secluded white sand beach – or take the opportunity to whale watch, visit penguins, snorkel or ride horses.
Budget enough to create the once-in-a-lifetime experience you envision. And if you need a little help, a growing trend has couples requesting money to help create special experiences in place of more traditional wedding gifts, often using online websites like honeyfund.com to point gift-givers in the right direction. Need help figuring out what is an appropriate budget for your honeymoon safari? Our expert Journey Specialists can help – contact us for a personalized quote.
You’ve done enough planning for your wedding. Let a specialized tour operator like Africa Adventure Consultants (AAC) help you design and plan a just-right trip personalized to you. AAC’s experts have visited the destinations and can give you firsthand feedback to ensure a unique and romantic adventure.
Mixing adventure and romance is nothing new for AAC’s Redding, whose wife is Kelly McElroy, co-founder of AAC. “We understand the potential of travel to provide profound connections and enduring memories,” says Redding. “Every couple’s dream honeymoon is unique. Couples can start by exploring our honeymoon safari trip ideas or start from scratch, requesting a completely customized itinerary.”
