An African Safari Wedding

Not just a wedding, an adventure.

Wedding season is fast approaching and after postponing their nuptials due to the pandemic, many couples are more than ready to tie the knot and they want something spectacular. Couples looking into a destination wedding are considering options that are safe, fit their budget, are family friendly and will accommodate everyone who wants to join in the celebration. They want a destination that will fulfill their dreams, have all the bells and whistles and an expert who will help them with all the details when they arrive. Then, there is the honeymoon to consider. Where do they go after the wedding without breaking the budget?

Why Africa?

An increasing number of couples are considering Africa as a destination where they can maximize their budget and amp up the romance. A destination wedding and/or honeymoon in Africa will provide couples with one of the most incredible adventures of their lives. It is unlike any other and limited only by the couple’s imagination. They have the option of a wedding ceremony on the great plains of the Masai Mara, next to the “Smoke that Thunders” aka the Victoria falls, or the dense bush in Southern Africa with wildlife posing almost on command. How many couples do you know with wedding pictures where wild lions are dozing in the background, or a leopard is looking on from a nearby tree branch? Just how much adventure a couple wants is up to them, but one thing is sure; while every wedding is special, a wedding in Africa will be spectacular, very different, and have pictures that will be the talk of every dinner party for years to come.

There will be early morning game drives snuggling underneath a blanket, led by experienced tour guides into the bush where you will encounter the most incredible wildlife scenery you can possibly imagine. Expect to see cheetahs, lions, elephant herds as well as wildebeest, zebra and a variety of antelope as the sun rises and the day begins. Walks in the bush during the day could be arranged, or the couple can enjoy a lazy day with lunch at the pool, overlooking animals grazing in the distance. 

During the sunset game drive, the couple will likely stop at a watering hole and be served cocktails while watching a variety of animals gathering to quench their thirst. There will be impalas nervously hovering while listening and testing the air for predators and depending on the timing, baby elephants frolicking in the water under the watchful eyes of the mother and herd. The adventurous couple could opt for nocturnal drives (with spotlights) or even on-foot tracking of big game, accompanied by an armed ranger team.  At night there is the option to unwind from the action-packed game drive or guided walks by sitting around the campfire and joining the other guests for drinks and dinner, or have a private dinner served in their suite. Imagine spending balmy nights under the stars enjoying a hot tub with bubbly overlooking the bushveld, in total privacy, or intimate dinners for two high up in a treehouse accessible only by raised walkways and swing bridges with a private deck overlooking a watering hole. 

Pricing

An African Safari wedding conjures up images such as sunsets over the Serengeti with lions roaring in the distance or sitting in gorgeous tents overlooking the bushveld while sipping on a tall cocktail reminiscent of Hemmingway-esque glamour, and a rather hefty price tag.  While the former is accurate, the hefty price tags do not have to be. There are many lodges where a couple and their families can have a spectacular, unforgettable wedding with all the bells and whistles, including game drives, mouth-watering culinary experiences, stunning landscapes and attentive staff without the high cost. You will find lodges offering less than sky-high costs with wedding and honeymoon specials everywhere in Africa.

If a couple loves the idea of an African Safari but wants something a little more traditional when it comes to lodging, there are several gorgeous hotels to choose from. Cape Town is particularly famous for its stunning sunsets and beautifully situated accommodations. The equally gorgeous and world-renown Wine Country in and around Cape Town is yet another option for a wedding or honeymoon.

The Honeymoon

Here is where Africa excels.  A couple can wrap up their wedding pictures or enjoy a final game drive looking for the Big Five in the African bush in the morning and be in Wine Country by the afternoon. Or they can cool off in the balmy waters of Zanzibar, Mauritius or Seychelles, tropical drink in hand enjoying a stunning sunset.

It is believed that Zanzibar has some of the best beaches in Africa. In the north, there are the silky beaches framed by the Indian Ocean with pristine, palm-fringed beach resorts. The east coast is more dramatic with rich coral reefs and sandbars. There are luxury hotels with a great party vibe, beaches that offer a local experience and others that are a favorite for those who love watersports. There are island hopping cruises and heritage experiences and for something different, visit The Rock, a world-famous restaurant that travelers can access via a quick swim during low tide. There is something for every budget here.

The island of Mauritius is famous for its pristine beaches and clear Indian Ocean waters and the scent of the frangipani. The vivid colors and cultural contrasts are quite an experience as it has a diverse cultural history. Port Louis is a beautiful blend of modern and colonial architecture which is a product of Dutch, French and British settlers with influences from India and East Africa. There are many activities for active honeymooners, and they are assured a fabulous culinary experience.

When one thinks of tropical island destinations, the Maldives and French Polynesia come to mind, but the Seychelles can easily hold a candle to both. This Archipelago nation is set just off the coast of East Africa and, like the Maldives, the islands of the Seychelles are surrounded by the dazzling waters of the Indian Ocean, and many feature idyllic, uncrowded white sandy beaches that easily rank amongst the most beautiful in the world. You will find a unique blend of Creole, African, French, British and Indian influences here and natural wonders such as the giant Aldabra tortoises, dense rainforests and indigenous flora. Several of these islands are connected by ferry or speedboat making island hopping a favorite pastime for honeymooners.

Whether you are newlyweds, renewing your vows, celebrating an anniversary or seeking a different and varied experience Africa truly has everything. Follow me here for more pictures and inspiration for a destination wedding to Africa.