My guide to Africa’s most Romantic Lodges

30 Jan

Take a deep breath and picture yourself watching the African sunset paint the sky psychedelic colours whilst sipping champagne with your loved one, elephants silhouetted across the horizon and a lion calling in the distance. Africa's luxury safari lodges offer an unparalleled blend of adventure and romance, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable couples' getaway. Here are my top tips for romantics!

San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

For couples seeking otherworldly romance, San Camp's white canvas tents set against the ethereal landscape of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans create an almost surreal experience, the camp looks like a mirage, shimmering above the salt pans. This elegant camp, open during the dry season (April to October), offers just seven sophisticated tents decorated with classic safari antiques and Persian rugs.

The vast emptiness of the salt pans creates an incredibly romantic setting, especially during moonlit nights when the crystalline surface seems to glow, and on moonless nights the stars are extraordinary here so far away from light pollution. Couples can enjoy intimate experiences like quad biking across the pans, walking with the Zu/'hoasi Bushmen, or watching meerkats emerge from their burrows at sunrise. The camp's tea tent, with its billowing white curtains and cushioned floor seating, provides a dreamy spot for afternoon refreshments while gazing across the endless horizon.

Tuludi, Khwai Private Reserve, Botswana

Nestled in the wildlife-rich Khwai Private Reserve, Tuludi brings a fresh, sophisticated approach to romantic safari experiences. With just seven tree-house style rooms elevated amongst the treetops, each suite features a private plunge pool and reading room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the floodplains.

What makes Tuludi especially romantic is its location in one of the Okavango Delta's most game-rich areas, combined with thoughtful touches like private dinners on your deck and surprise champagne sundowners in hidden spots across the reserve. The main area's multiple decks and hidden nooks create perfect spots for intimate moments while watching wildlife below. Tuludi combines a playful element in it’s design incorporating a slide from the viewing deck library to the bar below - perfect for the young at heart!

Royal Malewane, Greater Kruger, South Africa

In the private Thornybush Game Reserve, Royal Malewane sets the standard for ultra luxury safari accommodation. Their Royal Suite is particularly popular with honeymooners, offering complete privacy and a personal chef, butler, and private game drive vehicle. The award-winning spa specialises in couples' treatments, making it perfect for romantic safari holidays.

The lodge's expert guides and trackers ensure extraordinary wildlife encounters, whilst the intimate setting - with just eight suites - maintains an atmosphere of exclusivity and romance. I’m shortly to stay at Royal Malewane so expect to hear more about this stunning lodge soon!

Saruni Samburu, Kalama Conservancy, Kenya

Dramatically perched on top of a rocky outcrop, Saruni Samburu offers one of Africa's most spectacular viewpoints for romantic couples. This architectural marvel features just six eco-chic villas, each with vast living spaces and private verandas overlooking the vast Samburu wilderness. The infinity pools seem to merge with the landscape, creating perfect spots for cooling off while watching elephants traverse the plains below.

What makes this lodge particularly special for couples is its combination of wildlife and culture. Besides exceptional game drives, couples can engage with the Samburu people, whose rich culture and traditions add depth to the safari experience. The spa's location, with its breathtaking views, makes couples' treatments an unforgettable experience. It’s also perfectly located to visit Reteti Elephant Orphanage, and a visit here is a guaranteed way to melt anyone’s heart!

Segera Retreat, Laikipia Plateau, Kenya

For couples seeking something truly unique, Segera Retreat's NAY PALAD Bird Nest offers one of Africa's most extraordinary romantic experiences. This architectural marvel, designed to resemble a giant bird's nest, sits above the treetops, offering 360-degree views of the Kenyan wilderness. Couples can spend the night surrounded by lanterns, watching shooting stars whilst listening to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.

The main lodge showcases the Zeitz Collection, an impressive contemporary African art collection, adding cultural depth to your luxury safari experience. Outside the lodge Segera’s 50 000 acres are exclusively private and boast an impressive density of wildlife, and offer a good range of exciting activities and cultural experiences with the local community.

Chongwe River House, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Set on the banks of the Chongwe River at it’s confluence with the mighty Zambezi this exclusive-use house redefines romantic safari living. The organic architecture seems to flow from the surrounding rock, with sweeping curves and open-air design creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of elephants drinking from the river, while the private pool appears to merge with the waterway below.

The house comes with a dedicated team including a private guide, chef, and house staff, ensuring every romantic moment is perfectly orchestrated. Whether it's breakfast in bed watching wildlife at the river's edge, or candlelit dinners under the stars, every detail is personalised for couples. I love Chongwe Camp - it’s location, its staff and the wildlife all contribute to a perfect escape for couples.

Little Kulala, Sossusvlei, Namibia

In the heart of the Namib Desert, Little Kulala offers an otherworldly romantic experience. Each suite features a private plunge pool and rooftop star bed, perfect for sleeping under the clearest, darkest night skies in Africa. The minimalist architecture seamlessly blends with the desert landscape, while floor-to-ceiling windows bring the dramatic scenery inside.

Couples can enjoy intimate hot air balloon flights over the world's highest dunes, private picnics in ancient desert valleys, and sundowners atop their own rooftop deck. The lodge's location provides private access to Sossusvlei, allowing couples to experience the iconic red dunes in perfect solitude.

Lion Sands Kingston Treehouse, Sabi Sands, South Africa

Taking the sleep-out experience to new heights, the Kingston Treehouse at Lion Sands offers one of Africa's most romantic overnight experiences. This treehouse luxe - an architectural masterpiece of glass and wood stands high above the wilderness, providing panoramic views across the famous Sabi Sands. Couples are escorted to their private treehouse at sunset, where they'll find champagne on ice and a gourmet picnic dinner.

The experience combines absolute luxury with thrilling adventure - you'll fall asleep to the sounds of the African night, perhaps hearing lions roar in the distance, while staying in complete comfort and security. The treehouse platform and private viewing deck create an immersive experience that connects you deeply with the surrounding wilderness. There are two other Treehouses available, Chalkley and Tinyeleti, but Kingston is the most weatherproof!

&Beyond Tengile River Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa

Hugging the Sand River banks, Tengile River Lodge offers contemporary luxury with a sustainable twist. Each of the nine floating suites provides complete privacy and floor-to-ceiling views of the river. The lodge takes pride in creating romantic moments, from surprise bush breakfasts to private dinners in their wine cellar. The style of the lodge is elegantly modern, adding a touch of avant garde cool to your safari experience.

The Sabi Sands' reputation for exceptional leopard sightings adds another layer of excitement to your romantic safari experience.

Tswalu Kalahari, Northern Cape, South Africa

Set in South Africa's largest private game reserve, Tswalu offers an unparalleled romantic escape in the magical southern Kalahari. The Motse and Tarkuni lodges provide the ultimate in desert luxury, with private pools, outdoor showers, and expansive decks overlooking the red dunes and ancient mountains. Tswalu is without doubt one of the most luxurious lodges I’ve ever stayed at and it’s setting amongst the red dunes of the Kalahari is remarkable.

What sets Tswalu apart for couples is the extraordinary level of privacy and flexibility. Each suite comes with a dedicated guide, vehicle, and tracker, allowing you to plan your days entirely around your preferences. Whether it's tracking desert black rhino, visiting the resident Meerkat colonies, sleeping under the stars at the Malori sleep-out deck, or enjoying a private dinner in the dunes, every experience is tailored for romance. The property's dedication to conservation and community adds depth to your stay, while their award-winning Klein JAN restaurant offers one of Africa's most memorable fine dining experiences.

Heading out at dawn across Tswalu’s vast red deserts

Practical Tips for Booking Your Romantic Safari

Best Time to Visit: Consider shoulder seasons (April-June or September-November) for better rates and fewer crowds. Outside of school holidays is best!

Duration: Plan for at least 3-4 nights per lodge to fully immerse yourself in the experience. At least!

Combinations: Many couples combine two different areas for varied experiences, if your budget can stretch to this it’s really worth it.

Special Occasions: Most lodges offer special honeymoon or anniversary packages, and there are good offers to be found for Honeymooners.

Transport: Consider flying between lodges to maximise your time and comfort, road travel can be rough and distances long.

Making the Most of Your Romantic Safari

To ensure your luxury safari experience is truly memorable here are some ideas to go above and beyond, especially if you’re thinking of making a grand romantic gesture!

Book private game drives for intimate wildlife viewing - this is a must do!
Request special romantic experiences like bush dinners, most lodges will be really happy to create a special setting for you.
Consider room upgrades for added luxury and privacy - or chat with me before hand for advice on the best rooms in the property.
Pack appropriate evening wear for romantic dinners - don’t go over the top but a change from grubby khaki might be nice 😉
Communicate special occasions or requests to the lodge team in advance - preferably when booking your safari

Final Thoughts

Africa's most romantic safari lodges offer more than just luxury accommodation; they provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences that couples will treasure forever. Whether it's sleeping under the stars, sharing intimate wildlife encounters, or enjoying world-class cuisine in the bush, these lodges have mastered the art of combining adventure with romance.

Remember to book well in advance, as these exclusive properties often have limited availability, especially during peak seasons.

Note: Rates and experiences may vary by season. Work with a reputable safari operator (me!) to plan your perfect romantic getaway.

Lucie Thaxter