Best African Safari Tours for Couples in 2023

June 16, 2023

Planning an African safari tour for couples is an exciting endeavor that promises unforgettable experiences and precious memories. Africa’s vast and diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage offer a multitude of options for couples seeking adventure, romance, and exploration.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the best African safari tours for couples, providing detailed information about various destinations, accommodations, activities, and tips to make your safari journey truly exceptional.

1. South Africa:

1.1. Sabi Sands Game Reserve:

Location: Adjacent to Kruger National Park, in the northeastern part of South Africa.
Highlights: Sabi Sands is renowned for its incredible Big Five game viewing opportunities, offering a high chance of spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos.
Accommodation: Luxurious lodges and camps provide couples with an intimate and romantic setting, often featuring private plunge pools, spacious suites, and exclusive amenities.
Activities: Enjoy morning and evening game drives in open safari vehicles, guided bush walks, birdwatching, star gazing, and indulging in romantic candlelit dinners under the African sky.
Additional Attractions: Combine your safari experience with a visit to the nearby Blyde River Canyon, the Panorama Route, or the beautiful Cape Winelands for wine tasting and breathtaking landscapes.

1.2. Cape Winelands:

Location: In the Western Cape Province of South Africa, close to Cape Town.
Highlights: The Cape Winelands region is famous for its picturesque vineyards, gourmet cuisine, and stunning mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Intimate boutique hotels, guesthouses, and luxury lodges offer couples a romantic stay amidst the vineyards and lush landscapes.
Activities: Take private wine tours and tastings, indulge in gourmet food and wine pairings, explore charming towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, and enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding or hot air balloon rides.
Additional Attractions: Combine your wine tour with a visit to Cape Town, where you can explore iconic attractions like Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the vibrant V&A Waterfront.

2. Tanzania:

2.1. Serengeti National Park:

Location: Located in northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Maasai Mara Reserve.
Highlights: Serengeti is renowned for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate in search of greener pastures, offering a spectacular wildlife spectacle.
Accommodation: Couples can choose from luxury tented camps or lodges, often with private verandas overlooking the vast plains, providing an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
Activities: Embark on thrilling game drives, witness predators in action, experience hot air balloon safaris at sunrise, enjoy guided nature walks, and savor bush picnics and sundowner drinks amidst the wilderness.
Additional Attractions: Combine your safari with a visit to the nearby Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, or the pristine beaches of Zanzibar for a perfect blend of wildlife and relaxation.

2.2. Zanzibar:

Location: Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the eastern coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.
Highlights: Zanzibar offers pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a rich cultural heritage with its Arab, Indian, and African influences.
Accommodation: Luxury beachfront resorts and boutique hotels provide couples with private villas or suites, often with direct beach access and stunning ocean views.
Activities: Relax on idyllic beaches, enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in vibrant coral reefs, take sunset dhow cruises, explore the historic Stone Town, indulge in spa treatments, and savor delicious seafood cuisine.
Additional Attractions: Consider visiting the spice plantations, taking a traditional cooking class, or exploring nearby islands like Mnemba Island for private picnics and snorkeling.

3. Kenya:

3.1. Maasai Mara National Reserve:

Location: Located in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border.
Highlights: Maasai Mara is famous for its exceptional wildlife, particularly the Big Five, and is the site of the annual wildebeest migration, an incredible natural phenomenon.
Accommodation: Intimate safari camps and lodges offer couples an authentic and secluded experience, often blending luxury and eco-conscious practices.
Activities: Enjoy game drives in search of lions, leopards, elephants, and more, witness the breathtaking wildebeest migration, engage in Maasai cultural interactions, and embark on romantic bush breakfasts or sundowner picnics.
Additional Attractions: Consider adding a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park with its majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, or the pristine beaches of the Kenyan coast.

3.2. Diani Beach:

Location: Situated on the south coast of Kenya, near Mombasa.
Highlights: Diani Beach offers powdery white sands, warm azure waters, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking a beach getaway after their safari adventure.
Accommodation: Luxury beach resorts and boutique hotels cater to couples, offering private suites, beachfront villas, and exclusive amenities.
Activities: Relax on the pristine beach, go snorkeling or scuba diving in coral reefs, enjoy water sports like kiteboarding or kayaking, take sunset cruises, and indulge in spa treatments.
Additional Attractions: Explore nearby attractions like Shimba Hills National Reserve, visit local villages for cultural encounters, or partake in a romantic beach dinner under the stars.

4. Botswana:

4.1. Okavango Delta:

Location: Situated in the northwestern part of Botswana.
Highlights: The Okavango Delta is a unique inland delta, teeming with wildlife and offering exceptional game viewing experiences.
Accommodation: Intimate and exclusive tented camps and lodges provide couples with a luxurious and romantic retreat, often blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
Activities: Enjoy mokoro (traditional canoe) safaris through the winding water channels, embark on guided bush walks, take game drives, indulge in private dinners in the bush or on secluded islands, and go birdwatching.
Additional Attractions: Consider visiting the Chobe National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds, or take a scenic flight over the delta for a breathtaking aerial perspective.

4.2. Chobe National Park:

Location: Located in northern Botswana, along the Chobe River.
Highlights: Chobe National Park is known for its vast elephant population, diverse wildlife, and stunning riverfront landscapes.
Accommodation: Luxury lodges, tented camps, or even houseboats provide couples with a unique and romantic setting, often with panoramic views of the river and its wildlife.
Activities: Enjoy private boat safaris along the Chobe River, witness elephants bathing and drinking, take game drives in search of lions, leopards, and buffalo, and experience sunset cruises or fishing excursions.
Additional Attractions: Consider combining your safari with a visit to the nearby Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, for a truly awe-inspiring experience.

5. Namibia:

5.1. Sossusvlei:

Location: Situated in the southern part of Namibia.
Highlights: Sossusvlei is famous for its towering red sand dunes, striking desert landscapes, and surreal photographic opportunities.
Accommodation: Elegant desert lodges or luxury tented camps provide couples with comfortable and stylish accommodations, often with breathtaking desert views.
Activities: Explore the mesmerizing dunes, climb the famous Big Daddy dune, visit the Deadvlei pan with its iconic dead trees, take scenic drives, enjoy hot air balloon rides at sunrise, and stargaze in the clear desert skies.
Additional Attractions: Consider visiting the coastal town of Swakopmund, go on a desert-adapted wildlife safari in Damaraland, or explore the Fish River Canyon, one of Africa’s largest canyons.

5.2. Skeleton Coast:

Location: Stretching along the northwestern coast of Namibia.
Highlights: The Skeleton Coast is a remote and untouched wilderness, characterized by its rugged landscapes, shipwrecks, and unique wildlife encounters.
Accommodation: Intimate and exclusive camps offer couples a chance to experience the raw beauty of the region while enjoying luxurious amenities and personalized service.
Activities: Embark on 4×4 excursions along the desolate coastline, visit seal colonies, enjoy guided nature walks, take scenic flights over the dramatic landscapes, and enjoy beach picnics amidst the solitude.
Additional Attractions: Consider visiting the dramatic landscapes of Kaokoland, encountering desert-adapted elephants, or exploring the historic coastal town of Swakopmund.

6. Rwanda:

6.1. Volcanoes National Park:

Location: Situated in northwestern Rwanda, bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Highlights: Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, offering an incredible opportunity for couples to have close encounters with these majestic creatures.
Accommodation: Eco-friendly lodges and luxury camps provide couples with comfortable and immersive stays, often nestled amidst the forest.
Activities: Embark on gorilla trekking expeditions to observe and interact with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, visit golden monkey troops, go on scenic hikes, and engage in cultural experiences with the local communities.
Additional Attractions: Explore the scenic Lake Kivu, visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, or take a tour of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, to learn about the country’s history and vibrant culture.

6.2. Lake Kivu:

Location: Situated on the western border of Rwanda, shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Highlights: Lake Kivu offers a tranquil and scenic setting, with its deep blue waters surrounded by verdant hills and charming lakeside towns.
Accommodation: Boutique hotels and resorts along the lakeshore provide couples with a serene and romantic escape, often featuring private balconies or terraces with panoramic lake views.
Activities: Relax on the beach, take boat cruises to explore the lake’s islands, go kayaking or paddleboarding, swim in the refreshing waters, and enjoy spa treatments.
Additional Attractions: Explore the nearby Nyungwe Forest National Park, known for its primates and lush rainforest, or visit the vibrant city of Gisenyi for a taste of local culture and cuisine.

Planning Tips for African Safari Tours for Couples:

Choose the Right Time: Consider the best time to visit your desired safari destination, taking into account weather conditions, wildlife migrations, and tourist seasons. Consult with your tour operator for guidance.
Accommodation Selection: Opt for intimate lodges, tented camps, or boutique hotels that offer privacy, personalized service, and romantic amenities such as private pools, outdoor showers, and panoramic views.
Private Experiences: Look for safari tours that offer private game drives, guided walks, or exclusive dining options to enhance the intimacy and exclusivity of your experience.
Cultural Interactions: Incorporate cultural encounters into your safari itinerary, such as visiting local communities, interacting with indigenous tribes, or participating in traditional ceremonies or dances.
Photography Opportunities: Consider the photographic opportunities available in each destination and ensure that you have the necessary equipment and guidance to capture stunning wildlife and landscape shots.
Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any unexpected situations that may arise during your safari adventure.
Professional Tour Operators: Work with reputable tour operators specializing in African safaris, as they can provide expert advice, tailor-made itineraries, and ensure a smooth and safe journey for you and your partner.

Africa offers an array of captivating safari tours for couples, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you prefer the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara, the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, or the dramatic landscapes of Namibia, there’s a safari experience to suit every couple’s preferences and desires.

By carefully selecting destinations, accommodations, and activities that cater to romance and adventure, you can create a truly unforgettable African safari tour that will be cherished for a lifetime.