Plan A Dream Safari Honeymoon or Holiday With Me
There are some holidays and honeymoons my clients ask about again and again, and an African safari is right at the top of that list. With nearly 20 years in travel, and almost a decade as a Travel Counsellor, I’ve planned many many safaris (for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike!). One thing is always the same: people come home completely hooked. If you are curious about a safari honeymoon or holiday but not sure where to begin, this guide is for you.
Why Choose A Safari Holiday?
A safari holiday is a true bucket list adventure. Explore some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes on Earth, see iconic animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes up close, enjoy dream sunrises and sunsets, and feel a real connection with nature that few other trips will offer. Guests often tell me they imagine:
- Open 4x4s bumping across the savannah Iconic wildlife like the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo), plus giraffe, zebra and more
- Sundowners in the bush with the sky turning pink and orange
- Beautiful luxury safari lodges with firepits, pools and incredible food
That image is pretty accurate, and there are many different ways to “do safari”, from ultra‑luxury suites with private plunge pools and morning hot‑air balloon rides over the savannah, to simple tented camps on adventure tours that really immerse you in the culture of the bush. My job is to help you find the version that fits you!
The First Big Decision: Where To Go On Safari
There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer, so I always start with some simple questions: when can you travel, do you prefer rustic adventure or luxury, and do you have a destination in mind already?
From there, a few classic safari destinations tend to stand out.
South Africa:safari, city, coast and vineyards in one trip
South Africa is often where I send guests for their first safari. Reasons it works so well:
- Superb choice of private game reserves and luxury safari lodges
- Iconic spots like Kruger National Park or options for malaria‑free safaris (which families really appreciate)
- Extremely diverse, and easy to combine with Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route
- Surprisingly affordable compared with other safari destinations
Tanzania or Kenya: classic East Africa and the Great Migration
When travellers picture that classic “Out of Africa” feel, they are usually imagining Kenya or Tanzania:
- Sweeping plains in the Masai Mara and Serengeti
- The chance to see the Great Migration at certain times of year
- Big‑cat viewing, especially lion and cheetah
- Traditional 4x4 game drives and authentic tented camps, plus our unique Bush Rover experience with trusted local partners
- Easy to safari and beach along the Kenyan coast or Zanzibar.
Botswana: wild, remote and exclusive
For travellers who want a more off‑grid, exclusive safari experience, Botswana is ideal:
- The Okavango Delta with boat and mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris
- Quiet, intimate camps with a strong sense of wilderness
- Excellent for photographers and repeat safari travellers
- Trips that often feel more like an “expedition” than a holiday, while still being very comfortable and, in many cases, extremely luxurious
- Easy to add on Victoria Falls on the Zambia and Zimbabwe border
Namibia: desert drama and star‑filled skies
For those drawn to striking landscapes and big open spaces, Namibia is one of my personal favourites:
- Dramatic desert scenery and towering sand dunes
- Crystal‑clear, star‑filled skies with outstanding stargazing
- Remote lodges and tented camps that feel wonderfully off the beaten track
- A great choice for photographers, self‑drive adventures and travellers who love vast, crowd‑free wilderness
Uganda or Rwanda: once‑in‑a‑lifetime gorilla encounters
For those drawn to truly unique wildlife experiences, Uganda and Rwanda are incredible additions to an African adventure:
- Gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Bwindi (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
- Close‑up, permit‑controlled encounters that support the protection of these endangered animals
- Lush, mountainous landscapes that feel completely different to the open savannah of a traditional safari
- Opportunities to see other primates too, such as golden monkeys and colobus, plus rich birdlife in the forests
When Is The Best Time To Go On Safari?
This is one of the questions I am asked most, and the good news is that it is always “safari o'clock” somewhere!
In very general terms:
The dry season often gives the best game viewing, as animals gather at waterholes and the bush is less dense.
The green season brings lush landscapes, dramatic skies, fewer vehicles and excellent value, with lots of young animals and birdlife.
If you are hoping to catch the Great Migration or need to travel in school holidays, it is worth planning early. Part of my job is to match your dates with the places that will be at their best when you go.
What About A Safari and Beach Honeymoon Or Holiday Combination?
Many of my safari travellers choose to finish their trip with a few days on the beach. After the excitement of game drives and early starts, it can be lovely to slow the pace right down and enjoy some sun, sea and spa time.
Popular options include:
- Zanzibar, with its powder‑soft beaches, spice history and characterful boutique and all inclusive hotels
- The Kenyan coast, for laid‑back resorts, white sand and easy access from your East Africa safari
- Mauritius, with its luxury beach hotels, calm lagoons and delicious food
- Seychelles, for a really special, picture‑perfect island escape with dramatic granite boulders and turquoise water
For some safari honeymoon and holiday itineraries, it also works beautifully to add a city stopover in the Middle East, for example Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha or even Istanbul, either on the way to your safari or on the way home (and from these cities you can pop down to Maldives if you have the time and budget).
Why Contact Me For Your Safari Honeymoon or Holiday?
Safari planning can be a maze of national parks, private reserves, flights, transfers, park fees and seasons. It is a big investment, (both financially and emotionally!). It is the epitome of the bucket‑list trip, so it is important to get it right.
As your personal travel agent, I will:
- Take the time to understand what you want from your safari holiday
- Recommend destinations, lodges and tented camps that match your style and budget
- Design a tailor‑made safari itinerary, including pre‑ and post‑safari stays, transfers and guides
- Help you through practicalities like what to pack, tipping on safari, park rules and any health guidance
- Work closely with trusted local partners on the ground and be just a call or message away if you need support at any stage of your trip
Ready to start planning your dream safari honeymoon or safari holiday? Click on one of the below and let's take you to Africa!
