Do your honeymoon dreams include a pride of lions marching across the African savannah? A luxury tented camp in the path of the Great Migration will be a wild and wondrous welcome to your new life together.
There’s more than one way to experience Africa and our travel experts will help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams. Whether you’re looking to spend your week immersed in nature or sampling all the country has to offer, there’s something for every couple in Africa.
“Africa is brimming with diversity, from the breathtaking natural beauty of the grasslands, to the vibrant and varied cultures of the African people, to the magnificent sunsets,” said Toni McConnaughey, Luxury and Leisure Consultant, The Travel Team. “It’s an exotic place to enjoy an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. However, I can almost guarantee your first trip to this remarkable continent won’t be your last!”
Toni, an American Express South Africa Travel Insider, typically recommends experiencing the continent in one of two ways: an exclusive, extended safari adventure, or visits to stunning beaches, lush winelands and cityscapes before concluding the journey with an invigorating safari. Her instincts and experience quickly pinpoint which adventure her clients are up for.
“If you’re looking for what you see on television, traveling across the vast Serengeti amidst large groups of animals, an extended safari in Kenya or Tanzania is sure to deliver that type of experience,” said Toni. “On the other hand, if you are eager to explore more of the country, I recommend reserving the first part of your journey to visit the beaches of Zanzibar or Seychelles, the winelands, majestic Victoria Falls, or taking a rail journey throughout the continent, before embarking on a shorter safari in South Africa around Kruger National Park.”
An extended safari in the northern region of the continent is a nature-rich, experiential journey. Your stay can include a combination of accommodations, from small, rustic lodges with luxurious amenities, to well-appointed tented camps that immerse you in nature. A communal campfire is a nightly ritual on a Kenyan safari, and an incredible way to relive and reflect upon the day’s adventures.
With planning support from Toni, The Travel Team’s Peter Vukelic recently travelled to South Africa and enjoyed much of the scenic southern countryside. Peter’s trip started with a full-day guided tour of the Cape Peninsula. He then nourished his roots in the beverage industry with an exclusive look inside some of the most sought-after wineries in Stellenbosch, the thriving winelands just outside Cape Town.
“I always recommend concluding your trip with the highlight, the safari, and Peter’s trip was no exception,” said Toni. “Peter spent five days at Thornybush Serondella Game Lodge outside Kruger National Park.”
Beyond his daily dawn and dusk excursions into the wild with experienced guides tracking Africa’s Big Five, Peter’s must-dos while visiting Thornybush include: relaxing poolside with a good book and a three-course, candle-lit dinner on Serondella’s lush outdoor patio while the sun sets over the savannah and the stars begin to twinkle overhead. Sounds romantic!
Toni’s Travel Tips
- While new lodging is in development throughout Africa, Toni always recommends booking as early as possible. Nine to 12 months in advance is ideal.
- Visit gov to review recommended inoculations before traveling. Treatments to prevent malaria are most common when visiting Africa, however additional recommends are made for rural locations. Inoculations should be planned in advance as supplies have been known to run out.
- For a trip of this magnitude, Toni recommends at least ten days, including travel. Plan for a minimum of four nights and three full days on safari to get the most from this unique experience. For the best chance of viewing multiple species in large herds, head north to Kenya and Tanzania and plan a week-long extended safari.
Whether you’re looking to watch a pride of lions stroll across the savannah, or experience the natural wonder of Victoria Falls, or enjoy the serenity of a secluded beach on Zanzibar island, there’s something for every couple in Africa. Call Toni to begin your honeymoon plans, 716-862-7674.
