February 2021

Welcome to Africa - Your Perfect Honeymoon Destination Part 1

Congratulations - you're engaged!

So the question has been popped, joyously accepted and a date for the nuptials set. The hard work starts now. You’ve turned into a superhuman team and now spend every spare waking moment worrying about details you had never even thought of before. Or at least the bride does. Does that colour bridesmaid dress really go with the flowers? Should you channel your inner Strictly for the first dance? And don’t even mention the seating plan…

Where to go on your honeymoon?

When talk turns to the honeymoon, that ultimate trip of a lifetime, you feel the pressure is on. Everyone you know has an opinion on what you should do, and where you should go. It can feel like a minefield and the world suddenly feels a very big place again. Many couples we speak to say they have been round in circles, and all the well-meant advice from family and friends has left them disorientated.

The traditional idea of spending two weeks on a tropical beach does look like paradise they say, and will certainly get the love on social. But (cue furtive glance) we think we might get a little, well bored, just sat on a beach. We like a bit of adventure on our trips too. Some culture or scenery first. And of course we’ve always dreamt of a safari. Although we would quite like a bit of beach time at the end too, cocktails on a sandy beach watching the sunset does look pretty Insta-friendly after all...

Welcome to Africa. Your perfect honeymoon destination.

At Knighton Reeve, we have years of experience planning luxury honeymoons to make your dreams come true. And most importantly, we will listen. Listen to what you really want to see and do. Then help guide you to find your personal paradise - not just tell you what to do. Let us take the stress out of this part of the planning, we know the tricks to make this a trip like no other.

We will have an honest conversation with you about budget, not because we are looking to spend it all for you, but because we understand there are countless pressures on wedding finances. Realistic expectations on both sides make the process much quicker for you. But one of the many joys of getting married is that honeymoon offers are real and genuine across Africa, from free nights to free flights, and all sorts of extra touches along the way. We know the deals, and how to use them to your advantage. And yes, you will be asked to take your wedding certificate as proof, you can’t just pretend, sorry!

Bush and Beach

It’s a term we use a lot. It covers any sort of combination of safari and sand - the ultimate winner for the honeymoon of a lifetime. But where do you start? Africa is a huge continent after all, and so diverse. Let’s take a look at the contenders with a quick highlights package of what, where and when.

South Africa

The Rainbow Nation has it all. Too much to cover in any one trip. For an adventurous yet relaxing honeymoon, perhaps start in vibrant Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities on earth. Next, picture-perfect vineyards to explore with world-class wines. Mountain backdrops and open roads throughout the country make it a perfect self-drive option, exploring at your leisure. Stunning coastlines adorn the Garden Route. At each turn you will find pretty little towns to spend the nights in boutique accommodation, with genuine warm hospitality. Thrill-seekers are catered for with many adventure activities throughout the country. Whether by bike, kayak, boat or bungee, you will always be left wanting more.

The Marine Big 5 offer an aquatic animal fix not found elsewhere. Then on land, find some of the best land-based safari options on the planet. From malaria-free Madikwe to the sophistication of Shamwari and Kwandwe, couples worried about extra medication need not fret. For the ultimate in exclusivity, head to the remote wilderness of Tswalu in the Kalahari. Big cat lovers will marvel at the game-rich Sabi Sands in the heart of the Kruger. And from sexy Singita to unbelievable Ulusaba, South Africa has it all.

Southern hemisphere summers bring warmth and sunshine to Christmas in Cape Town and the Winelands, though the cooler winter months mean game viewing is at its peak over the June to October period. Just curl up by the fire with a glass of red in the evenings. South Africa really is a year-round destination and can be as active or relaxed as you want it to be.

Botswana

Botswana is a real safari enthusiasts dream. The landscape and activities ebb and flow with the waters in the Okavango Delta, yet the desert of the Kalahari provides a stunning contrast. Small lodges, remote wilderness locations and high-class service means it is the perfect blend of romance and adventure. The most popular time to visit is over the UK summer, handily peak wedding season. In Botswana this is winter, but here it means clear blue skies and the waterways of the Delta being full.

A short flight whisks you to the desert, where you may get to meet meerkats or explore endless salt pans. At other times of year, Botswana plays host to the second largest zebra migration, which few have even heard of let alone witnessed. As with the rest of Africa, there is always something new to see at any time.

Victoria Falls

Straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe, the might of 'The Smoke That Thunders' truly has to be seen to be believed. Water levels peak around May, when the spray is so intense that the best views are obtained by helicopter. From the many walkways, the finest views are observed from June to August, when medium-strength water flow means memories can be captured best on camera.

Year-round though, the area around the Falls has grown to be the adventure capital of Africa. White water rafting, bridge swings, bungee jumps, canoeing…the list goes on. A quiet riverside lodge upstream provides a perfect haven to relax at the end of an action-packed day. The ease of connections to South Africa, Botswana and even Kenya mean Victoria Falls make an easy and exciting addition to many different trips.

For the truly adventurous, we can, of course, arrange beautiful trips in both neighbouring Zambia and Zimbabwe. In general, we find these appeal more to seasoned safari-goers, rather than a honeymoon offering the combination of activity and chill time, but if this is you then we’d love to speak to you in more detail about these incredible wildlife destinations.

Namibia

On the west coast of Africa, Namibia is open, dramatic and adventurous. It does not offer the traditional beach escape, either in its own right or a realistic combination due to its location. But for the couple looking to really escape everyday life, the contrast to home will rarely be felt more keenly. The vast distances mean you will need 2 to 3 weeks to do it justice. Even then you will always wish for more time. Drive times will typically be around 5 hours between stops, but a flying circuit is a possibility for those who want the high-life.

Intrepid couples will be rewarded with everything from sand dunes at Sossusvlei, to shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast. Fish River Canyon in the far south is the second largest in the world, whilst in the north Etosha National Park and Damaraland offer the traditional game and unique desert wildlife. Namibia certainly has its share of high-end lodges, but the focus here is more on the amazing scenery and feeling of absolute escapism that few other destinations offer.

Kenya

Romance and Kenya go hand in hand. Stunning National Parks throughout the country and warm, friendly people have long made for an engaging combination. The Masai Mara is rightly world-famous. Whilst the Great Migration is only in town for a few months over our summer, the Mara never disappoints, with a high concentration of game year-round. In fact, Ian was even wowed by the supposed low season of long rains in April and May. You simply can’t go wrong with Kenya.

From the mountains of Laikipia to the rolling Chyulu Hills, this is the scenery which shapes the soul. For an exceptional all-round experience, Kenya delivers in spades. And when weddings are typically planned a long way out, your honeymoon may just allow for the ultimate in unique experiences – waking up to feed the giraffe at iconic Giraffe Manor. But you have to be up early for this one, and we don’t just mean for breakfast. Space is extremely limited, even usually a year or more in advance.

Tanzania

Few words conjure up the magic of safari like the Serengeti. These 'endless plains' play host to the migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra across most of the year, but when they move on they always leave fantastic resident game behind. It means that, outside of the long rains of April/May, a honeymoon here at any time will leave you breathless. Combining the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Crater – home to some of the densest concentration of wildlife on the plant – gives an animal fix without rival.

Beyond the plains, Tanzania offers less well-known but equally stunning possibilities. Unwind on a slow safari around Tarangire and Lake Manyara, or experience the raw, untouched wilderness regions of Selous and Ruaha. Want some R&R with a real difference? Head to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and trek Chimpanzees in the Mahale mountains before enjoying sundowners on an uncrowded beach. Oh, and did we mention Kilimanjaro? A honeymoon may not be the time for a week-long trek, but chances are you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Africa’s highest peak at some point during your journey.

Rwanda

An up and coming honeymoon gem, Rwanda is small but mighty. Now offering a true East African Big 5 safari alongside its more famous primate tracking activities, this is home to boutique luxury that can make safari sexy. Stunning accommodation options like Bisate reflect Rwandan heritage and culture, on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Here you can tick off a real bucket-list wish – spending a peaceful hour with the majestic Mountain Gorillas.

The One&Only Nyungwe House in the southern rainforest allows you to combine activities like Chimpanzee treks with treetop canopy walks, and the downtime to just unwind and connect with nature. The main dry season of June to September, when Gorilla treks are less strenuous and the game viewing in Akagera is at its peak, mean it ties in beautifully for many honeymooners. But don’t leave it to the last minute – with just 96 permits per day for the Gorillas, exclusivity is guaranteed.

Tell me more about an African Honeymoon

Got more questions? Just give us a call on 01904 866 033, we’d love to talk to you. There is simply too much to cover in any guide, but we hope this gives you a flavour of the variety Africa has to offer. And if you are ready to hone up on all things beach related, head here for Part 2 of our honeymoon guide, and see where you might head next.