Custom Itinerary
Lindsay’s African Honeymoon
The hotels listed are for example purposes, but rates and availability are not guaranteed. Once we have a better idea of what you like, I can get the final pricing and include all your transfers between stops. Safari and beach prices are all inclusive of food and activities.
Start your trip in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. United offers direct flights from Newark (EWR) on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, so you can get there without too much trouble. If you are flying from LA, you can stop at London Heathrow en route, where there are regular flights.
Spend the first day relaxing and dining in Cape Town, followed by a coastal hike the next day. For the Winelands portion of your trip, you can either stay in Cape Town and take a day trip or spend a few nights there.
You can get a good hotel in Cape Town for a reasonable price, which can be a good time to save money for your safari. If you have enough miles, there are also a couple of Marriott options, but it might make sense to spend those in Mauritius if you choose that route.
Recommended Hotels (Price for 2 nights):
South Africa and the Greater Kruger National Park Area offer one of Africa’s most complete one-stop safaris. I generally book private reserves outside the national park, like Sabi Sands and Timbavati, to minimize the crowds. Depending on your budget and tastes, there are quite a few camps to choose from.
Other safari areas, like the Kalahari Desert or Eastern Cape, are also available for an extended safari or a more affordable option.
Recommended Lodges (Price for 5 nights):
Relaxing on the beach is a great way to finish your safari. Mozambique is the best beach getaway from South Africa because of its proximity and low-key vibe. Mauritius is also a good option – there are more resorts here, but prices are usually more affordable.
Recommended Resorts (Price for 5 nights):
Kenya is another great safari option that combines well with the beach, and there is a direct flight from Nairobi to New York. I would choose this over South Africa if you want more time on safari or are interested in culture.
Many Kenya itineraries start at an airport hotel for the night before departing on safari the next day. However, there are attractions like David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairbi National Park that can occupy a day or two.
The Mara is one of the world’s best-known safari destinations. I usually book private reserves along the park’s border to avoid crowds and maximize the safari experience. It’s fun to start with a romantic tented camp like Mara Expedition Camp to immerse yourself in the wild. Other options include House in the Wild, which is on a private reserve further north or the Elewana Camps, which are a good value.
Laikipia Plateau is a high-elevation safari area around Mount Kenya. The wildlife is quite good, but I would like to book it second because you will see everything in the Mara and can enjoy the range of activities here better. Horseback riding, walking, mountain biking, and helicopters are all great options.
My favorite camp here is Lewa House, but Elewana also has a Lewa Tented Camp, which is a good value.
After you return to Nairobi, you can connect to a flight to the coast for a beach finale. Zanzibar is the traditional choice, it is getting crowded, but there are a couple of resorts I like – Kilindi and Zuri. Nearby Pemba Island, a short connection to Zanzibar, has one of my favorite resorts, The Manta. They have incredible snorkeling and a commitment to supporting the local community. If you want a really off the radar spot near some historic towns, Manda Bay, on Kenya’s Lamu Island is a great choice.
Sample Itinerary with Costs: