Custom Itinerary
Angela’s Safari Honeymoon Lookbook
This lookbook provides a rough outline of a possible itinerary, helping us understand which types of lodges and experiences resonate with you the most.
After reviewing this, we can then update the itinerary to reflect your ideal trip. Note that availability is not guaranteed at these properties. However, I can usually find something comparable – there are lots of options. These are just some of my favorites to start the conversation.
I have listed published starting prices to give you an idea of what you will pay, but it can be variable based on season and room category. Safari prices are all-inclusive of food and activities. Mozambique has the only all-inclusive beach resorts. Park fees and transfers will be extra.
Flying from New York, you have direct flight options to both Cape Town and Johannesburg.
While Johannesburg offers more onward connections throughout Africa, Cape Town provides an exceptional introduction to Africa if you are interested in dramatic landscapes, world-class food, and hiking. It is a good place to shake off jet lag.
Your first safari destination should deliver comfortable, classic African wildlife experiences so you can settle in and check a bunch of animals off your list.
The best introductory safari regions are South Africa’s Greater Kruger area and Botswana’s Selinda or Linyanti.
The Sabi Sands and Timbavati Game Reserves, adjacent to Kruger National Park, offer some of Africa’s most reliable wildlife viewing, particularly for leopards. The reserve’s private traversing rights and off-road driving privileges create intimate wildlife encounters impossible in national parks.
One of Africa’s favorite safari properties, Londolozi offers luxury while retaining authenticity. The four camps within Londolozi each provide a different experience, from the family-friendly Varty Camp to the exclusive Pioneer Camp. Starting at $1,600 per person per night for Varty Camp. Learn more…
Located in the Timbavati Game Reserve, this contemporary-designed camp appeals to guests seeking modern aesthetics within an authentic bush setting. The camp’s elevated position provides excellent game viewing directly from the main areas. $1,800 per person per night – 25% off honeymoon offer available. Learn more…
This is likely the best bang for the buck wildlife experience in Africa. I have a lot of honeymooners who book it. It’s great if you’re saving for a splurge later in the trip. Perched on a scenic koppie (small hill) within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, this eight-tent property offers some of the best panoramic views in the Greater Kruger area. $1,150 per person per night. One partner gets 40% off on honeymoons. Learn more…
The private 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve represents one of Botswana’s most game-rich concessions and the nearby Linyanti Chobe area is one of the best places in Africa to see elephants.
The flagship property on the reserve features just three tented suites plus a two-bedroom family villa. The camp’s position on the Selinda Spillway provides year-round water access and attracts diverse wildlife. The experience includes private guides, custom safari vehicles, and the opportunity for both water and land-based activities. $2,630 per person per night – 1 night free until June 14th. Learn more…
A more intimate four-tent camp designed in the style of early African expeditions, offering a classic safari atmosphere at a more accessible price point. The same exceptional game viewing as Selinda Camp, but in a more rustic setting. $1,420 per person per night – one night free until Jun 14. Learn more…
The second safari destination should offer contrast and showcase Africa’s diverse ecosystems. These properties provide unique experiences unavailable elsewhere, from walking and canoeing to dramatic landscapes.
South Africa’s largest private game reserve covers 1,200 square kilometers of Kalahari semi-desert. This unique ecosystem hosts specialized species rarely seen elsewhere, including pangolins, aardvarks, brown hyenas, and desert-adapted lions with distinctive black manes. The property offers unparalleled privacy with guaranteed exclusive use of safari vehicles and expert guides. $2,500 per person per night – 1/2 off first night offer. Learn more…
A conservancy in South Africa’s Great Karoo region, offering unique landscapes reminiscent of East Africa. It is technically classified as Big 5, but there are fewer animals. However, there are excellent cheetah tracking opportunities. It’s one of the few places you can see them on foot! The dramatic scenery and conservation success story provide compelling alternatives to traditional bush experiences. They also have a great tented camp but its usually booked for groups in June. $1,150 per person per night. Learn more…
Located deeper into the Okavango Delta on a private island within the 77,000-hectare Duba concession, this intimate five-tent camp offers the most water-based safari experience in the Great Plains Conservation portfolio. Designed in expedition style recalling 1920s safaris, the camp excels at lion-buffalo interactions. The camp provides an excellent extension to Selinda Explorers for those seeking deeper immersion in delta waterways and classic expedition atmosphere with modern luxury amenities. $1,860 per person per night – 4th night free offer available. Learn more…
A sophisticated riverside lodge near Victoria Falls, offering excellent canoeing, fishing, and cultural experiences. The property provides a water-based safari alternative with opportunities to visit authentic Zambian villages while avoiding the crowds at Victoria Falls itself. Starting at $1,400 per person per night. Learn more…
Situated on private Kandahar Island within Zambezi National Park, these exclusive treehouses offer unparalleled proximity to Victoria Falls while maintaining complete privacy. The six elevated suites are accessed only by boat. The property combines luxury accommodation with excellent wildlife viewing directly from your treehouse, with elephants and hippos regularly visible from the elevated walkways. $1,600 per person per night. Learn more…
One of Africa’s finest authentic bush camps, this intimate five-chalet property on the Lower Zambezi River epitomizes the classic safari experience. The camp offers exceptional guiding standards in a rustic, unfenced setting where elephants regularly visit camp to drink from guest bathtubs and feed on winter thorn trees. The camp excels at walking safaris, canoeing excursions, and consistently delivers excellent leopard sightings. The main logistical challenge involves flying to Lusaka, then taking a charter flight to the park. Comparable camps can be found all along the Zambezi, but with the same travel issue. $1,510 per person per night. Learn more…
Conclude your honeymoon at secluded Indian Ocean beaches, accessible through Johannesburg connections. These destinations often require an overnight in Johannesburg. Still, they will reward you with pristine beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, and the perfect setting to relax after intensive safari experiences.
The Bazaruto Archipelago offers some of Africa’s finest beaches within protected marine reserves. Built entirely by the local community, this eco-friendly resort features 20 villas along pristine beaches. Each villa includes private pools, dedicated butler service, and immediate beach access. The 20-minute helicopter transfer from Vilanculos adds drama to your arrival while showcasing the archipelago’s turquoise waters. Starting at $1,000 per person per night – 25% off offer for honeymooners. Learn more…
A more contemporary beach property accessible by road and boat from Vilankulos, avoiding helicopter transfers. Stylish and quiet with dramatic architecture, it’s a great place to truly relax. Very intimate at only 6 rooms. However, snorkeling reefs requires prohibitively long boat excursions. Starting at $1,000 per person per night. Learn more…
Combines excellent snorkeling with lemur encounters at accessible pricing. The property offers unique wildlife experiences alongside pristine beaches, perfect for active couples interested in Madagascar’s endemic species. Starting at $500 per person per night. Learn more…
While requiring longer flights (5 hours from Johannesburg versus 1.5 hours to Mozambique), Seychelles offers granite boulder beaches and luxury service standards. Popular with my honeymoon clients seeking the perfect tropical beach resort. Starting at $1,700 per night for two. Learn more…
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