Cupid – stand aside, you have some competition. Africa's hoteliers have a real knack for creating some of the most romantic places to stay.

CHISA BUSANGA CAMP, ZAMBIA

Ever wondered what feathering your own ‘love nest’ would be like? Chisa Busanga Camp on the Busanga Plains, in the northern Kafue National Park, Zambia is the place to stay to find out! 

The ‘bird’s nest’ treehouse pods are inspired by the weaver bird nests that decorate the trees in the area. The four nests offer complete privacy and unrivalled views of the plains and a waterhole from the bed, deck or shower of the nest.

Powered by solar with electric game drive vehicle and bicycles to explore, the camp blends beautifully into its tree-lined environment. When the heat of the day hits there’s a communal plunge pool within the main camp and a fireside boma to share safari tales.

DESERT WHISPER, NAMIBIA

WOW! Looking for somewhere truly unique to spend time with a loved one? Desert Whisper, Namibia is a one-of-a-kind intimate desert hideaway, offering the ultimate in privacy for a couple.

Words will fail you when trying to describe this contemporary capsule retreat with spectacular views of the Namib desert. There’s quite simply nothing else like it!

Each ‘room’ has a view of this incredible landscape. Relax in the open-plan lounge and dining area. Take a dip in the plunge pool. Or take a shower in the wraparound glass pod. The desert expanse is always on the horizon. Solitude, luxury and privacy for an unforgettable romantic retreat.

DULINI LODGE, SABI SAND

Who doesn’t love a private plunge pool to soak away the day? David, Director at Knighton Reeve’s top tip – check they are heated. Nothing is more unromantic than finding yourself in a chilly plunge pool! Often referred to as cuddle puddles, the private plunge pools at The Dulini Collection in Sabi Sand are spectacular.

MAIA, SEYCHELLES

Maia perches on a dramatic hillside on the southwest coast of Mahé in the Seychelles. It’s quite a setting. But Maia is quite a place. It’s a honeymooner’s paradise: small and intimate, with the kind of attentive service you only get in a boutique hotel.

The idyllic thatched villas nestled on the hillside all have private infinity pools, sunken outdoor double baths and uninterrupted sea views. Speaking of the sea, make sure you pack your snorkel.

There’s a reef right in front of Maia that teems with brightly coloured sea life – the kind you usually only see in aquariums.

MNEMBA ISLAND, ZANZIBAR

Feel the sand beneath your toes as you enjoy the barefoot luxury of andBeyond Mnemba Island off the coast of Zanzibar.  You’ll have your own stretch of island paradise to explore.

Twelve rustic, yet chic bandas lead straight onto the beach, offering swimming and snorkelling whatever the tide.

Take in the sunset from your beach lounger with a glass of Champagne in hand or enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with the waves lapping at your feet. It’s the ultimate intimate beach escape.

OL LENTILLE, LAIKIPIA KENYA

It really feels like being on an island getaway when staying at The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille in the Laikipia region of Kenya. The perfect antidote to normal safari life, Ol Lentille is all about doing things at your own pace. If you want to safari, safari. If you want to unwind and enjoy endless massages on your deck, or gentle walks with your private Samburu guide, then do just that.

ROYAL CHUNDU, NEAR VICTORIA FALLS

Being WOW-ed comes with the territory at Royal Chundu Island Lodge. From a canoe trip down the Zambezi followed by a private breakfast, to a helicopter down the gorge into the Zambezi, a stay at Royal Chundu is about privacy and exclusivity. Hessah and Aggie, the managers at Royal Chundu know a thing or two about romantic lodges and how to manage them. A romantic bath is drawn on your verandah. They’ve still got a few things to learn about the Archimedes principle though!    

TSWALU KALAHARI RESERVE

Tswalu is, without a doubt, one of our favourite destinations in Africa. Booking a night on the Malori sleep-out deck allows you to wake up to one of the most spectacular dawns in Africa. Looking to arrive in style? You can ‘up the ante’ with a trip to the Malori sleep out in your own private helicopter.

For the ultimate private wilderness experience, Loapi at Tswalu is due to open later in 2023. A tented camp with private safari vehicle, guide and tracker – we can’t wait to hear more!

ZARAFA, BOTSWANA

Zarafa is spectacular. Situated in Northern Botswana’s Linyanti the lodge has a real romantic grace about it. The dark sleeper woods take you back to a yesteryear of safari romance. Safari wise you are hard-pressed to find a better area. Zarafa Camp does a huge amount in Rhino Relocation under the auspices of Rhinos without Borders. Reassuring to know that your romantic holiday is helping the conservation of a species.

UNIQUE ROMANTIC EXPERIENCES TO REMEMBER

Ok, so those with a keen eye will only have counted 9 romantic places to stay above. Yet Africa offers many more places to stay and unique experiences to complete the marriage of an ideal romantic escape. 

Looking for a unique way to celebrate with your loved one? How about a private lunch on an Indian Ocean sandbar in Mozambique? Or Fine Dining in the desert at the renowned Klein Jan at Tswalu? Perhaps private dining by candlelight in the milkwood forest at Grootbos or indulging in a gourmet picnic in the ‘Out of Africa’ spot at Angama Mara will get you feeling all sentimental and loved up!

At Knighton Reeve, we have lots of experience in creating romantic escapes and honeymoons you’ll love.

Find out more:

Luxury Honeymoon Destinations in Africa - Safari & Culture

Luxury Honeymoon Beach Destinations in Africa

Luxury Sleepouts under the stars in Africa

Contact us:

Email: africa@knightonreeve.co.uk or call: 01904 866 033