Safari & Adventure

South Africa

The Rainbow Nation has it all. For an adventurous yet relaxing honeymoon, vibrant Cape Town and the nearby Cape Winelands with its picture-perfect vineyards make an outstanding start. Mountain backdrops and open roads make South Africa a perfect self-drive option, exploring at your leisure. Stunning coastlines adorn the Garden Route.  At each turn find pretty little towns with boutique accommodation and 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, including world class whale watching. Then on land, find some of the best land-based safari options on the planet. From malaria-free Madikwe to the accessible Eastern Cape, there are plenty of options for those who don't want to take malaria medication. Big cat lovers will marvel at the game-rich Sabi Sands in the heart of the Kruger. Or for the ultimate in exclusivity, head to the remote wilderness of Tswalu in the Kalahari.

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. And when the evenings turn a little chilly, we suggest you snuggle up in front of a roaring fire with a glass of red wine or a hot chocolate laced with the local Amarula liqueur. South Africa really is a year-round destination and can be as active or relaxed as you want it to be.

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. The towns of Victoria Falls and Livingstone, either side of the Zambezi River border, offer everything from boutique guesthouses to full service hotels near the heart of the action. Alternatively, quiet riverside lodges upstream provide perfect havens to relax at the end of an action-packed day. The ease of connections to South Africa, Botswana and even Kenya make Victoria Falls an easy and exciting addition to many different trip options.

For the truly adventurous we can, of course, arrange beautiful trips in both neighbouring Zambia and Zimbabwe. We find these tend to appeal more to seasoned safari-goers but if this is you then we’d love to speak to you in more detail about these incredible wildlife destinations. Getting off-the-beaten-track opens up some of the most intimate experiences in Africa – from romantic sleepouts under the stars to authentic walking safaris deep in the wilderness.

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. You simply can’t go wrong with Kenya – even the green season months of April and May are rich with game if you are prepared to experience some dramatic skies and occasional downpour - but there are many hidden gems away from the most famous park of all.

From the mountains of Laikipia to the rolling hills of Amboseli and Tsavo, this is the scenery which shapes the soul. There is incredible wildlife viewing right across the country and many opportunities to experience it in unique ways. The African Pride team can suggest itineraries with horseback safari rides, cycling adventures, camel treks and of course hot-air balloon trips. 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.

Rwanda

A hidden honeymoon gem, Rwanda may be tiny but packs a mighty punch. Now offering a true East African Big 5 safari in Akagera alongside its more famous primate tracking activities, this is home to boutique luxury. For a super stylish experience, we can suggest stunning high end accommodation options around the country which reflect Rwandan heritage and culture in their design. If you prefer to focus more on the experiences, our team can suggest more budget friendly options so you can still tick off a real bucket-list wish – spending a peaceful hour with the majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.

The southern rainforests of Nyungwe allow you to combine activities like chimpanzee treks with treetop canopy walks, then spend downtime to just unwind and connect with nature. The main dry seasons of June to September and December to February - 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 to plan for Rwanda – with just 96 permits per day for the Gorillas, exclusivity is guaranteed.