An African Travel Specialist’s Top 10 Romantic Destinations

With 31 years of experience as African travel specialists, we’ve certainly explored all of Africa’s most idyllic destinations. Yet we always come back to these top 10 lodges for any - and all - romantic escapes. Be it honeymoons, perfect proposals, anniversaries, or Valentine’s gifts, these luxurious establishments give you the very best excuses to cuddle up close.

Valentine’s Isn’t a Cliche at These Luxurious Lodges

Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge, Cederberg, Western Cape, South Africa

Overlooking the panorama of the rugged, raw, yet staggeringly beautiful Cederberg Mountains, this five-star lodge offers an ‘away-from-it-all’ experience. No distractions or interruptions. Just the two of you surrounded by a mountain range of untamed open spaces, and plenty of spots to steal a kiss or three without any onlookers.

Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge is situated two and a half hours outside of Cape Town and the Winelands and spoils guests with many hiking trails, fields of flowers in Spring, and superb water activities during the summer months. With just nine suites, all complete with fireplaces and outdoor showers, feel like you’re the only ones under the setting Cederberg sun.

Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa, Hazyview, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Barefoot luxury and tented suites, Summerfields Rose Retreat exudes romance in all the right places. Situated just ten minutes from the Kruger National Park and close to the dreamy Panorama Route, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to taking your partner out on dates.

The famous Rose Spa is open daily, and ready to tailor treatments to remove all distracting aches and pains, rejuvenating your soul and opening you up to rekindling your love once again. Be pampered surrounded by bush-clad mountains on the banks of the Sabie River where you can catch a glimpse of the many crocodiles and hippos basking under the sun along its banks.

Tintswalo Atlantic, Hout Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Sitting at the foot of one of the most scenic drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak, Tintswalo Atlantic certainly has the right address if romance is what you’re after. Propose against the backdrop of the picturesque Hout Bay Harbour, the dramatic Sentinel Mountain Peak, and the crystal Atlantic Ocean below.

This exclusive five-star lodge has nine suites, each with its own island theme and captivating view that demands a bottle of MCC and a photograph or two. Finely dine at the recently opened Chefs Warehouse on the decks of Tintswalo, where oysters and risotto are always on the menu which has been specially designed for sharing between two. One doesn’t have to do much searching to find everlasting love at Tintswalo Atlantic.

Little Kulala, Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Namibia

Once farmland used for subsistence goat farming, this region had very little indigenous wildlife, but thanks to a story of love and commitment, Wilderness Safaris rehabilitated the area in 1996. Today it’s home to plenty of wildlife, and restored to its former glory. Little Kulala continues on this journey of finding everlasting love, offering a welcomed oasis situated along the dry Auab riverbed.

Inspired by the Dead Vlei, Little Kulala celebrates the splendour of the Namib Desert, with its eleven climate-controlled, thatched suites, each with its own private plunge pool to spend your afternoons swimming in each other's eyes. For the more adventurous couples, there are nature walks, eco-sensitive quad biking, and balloon safaris to gain a new perspective of this ancient desert. Spend your evening’s stargazing on your very own Star Bed and dream of your future together.

andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

Hidden in an ancient mahogany forest, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge blends into the natural setting of its breathtaking surroundings. Meticulously designed with all your comforts in mind, each of the nine treehouse suites has been crafted from local timber and makuti palm fronds. Here love means leaving minimal impact on the environment, but lasting memories in your hearts.

Most people think that the famous tree-climbing lions of the region have developed their habit to evade the annoying insects below, yet we believe that they want front row seats to watch your love story unfold in one of the last true wildernesses remaining. Are you ready for a romantic getaway like no other?

Azura Benguerra Island, Benguerra Island, Mozambique

A passion project built from the loving hands of the local community, Azura Benguerra Island is the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique. Paradise is personified here along a stretch of beach with no footprints apart from those of its guests. With just twenty villas available and Mozambican butler-hosts, forget about absolutely everything, and focus on each other for once.

Feast on the freshest of seafood captured only a few hundred metres from the shore, and spend your evenings trying out all the different cocktails on the board. Wake up to a morning of spa treatments and experience island life as it’s meant to be, stress-free and in touch with nature, where you can reconnect with each other.

Time + Tide Miavana Villas, Madagascar

Forget doves and enter a world of lemurs and chameleons. Time + Tide Miavana is the ultimate Valentine’s island getaway - or any romantic holiday for that matter, as the best time to visit is year-round. Surrounded by protected sprawling coral reefs, and pearly sand beaches, each villa celebrates this extraordinary setting.

Love is evident in every detail, from hand-dyed textiles mirrors, attentive butler services, and a private pool overlooking the azure sea. Time + Tide Miavana remains true to the island’s secluded roots so that you have all the privacy you need for a holiday of a lifetime with your one true love.

Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Nestled amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest, Tsala Treetop Lodge pays homage to the spirit of Africa with its legendary rhythm and ambiance. Every day spent in your enchanting opulent suite promises intimate moments and unrivaled scenery.

While it may be tempting to visit during the summer months, Tsala Treetop Lodge is also just the place to be during the winter months when the Humpback Whales frolic in nearby Plettenberg Bay. If you’re looking to explore the Garden Route together, be sure to add Tsala for memories that will last forever.

The Elewana Collection, Kenya & Tanzania

Find romance in the bush, or celebrate your love with an African safari tour set across Kenya and Tanzania. The Elewana Collection boasts sixteen lodges, camps, and hotels across the most iconic locations across these two East African destinations. As African travel specialists, we have experienced the entire collection, and we know exactly where to send you for an intimate and romantic safari experience.

From luxurious fly-in safaris to gourmet dining under the stars, the Elewana Collection has it all - and more, with its responsible tourism ethos and ecotourism rating. At each lodge, fall in love while helping the Elewana Collection show its love to the wildlife and local people you will come to adore.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Minimalist luxury, taking cue from Mother Nature to build a lodge ‘of the earth’ and for the earth, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge has been built with natural materials to complement the surrounding bush. While restraint and minimalist design are the order of the day, a stay at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is where you can let your love free.

Share moments of affection in front of the wildlife surrounding your suite, with nature on your doorstep, and an award-winning selection of champagne in your bar fridge. Toast to health, success, and everlasting love with the Big 5 as your witnesses.

We’re hopeless romantics, with 31 years of experience as African travel specialists, and on hand to tailor a romantic safari experience that fits your needs, budget, and interests. Whether it’s for Valentine’s gift that can be ‘opened’ year-round or an anniversary of a lifetime, let us arrange your romantic African getaway.

Want to start planning your romantic breakaway? Contact us