Africa’s Most Romantic Destinations
Brought to you by Michele & Timothy from Atelier Africa
Imagine surprising your Valentine, celebrating your nuptials, renewing your vows, or commemorating an anniversary at one of the most heart-stopping destinations in Africa.
“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” – Nicholas Sparks
The best getaways, with the ones you love, do the same.
1. Kaya Mawa Lodge – Malawi
Discover Malawi’s own love island, Likoma Island, in the Warm Heart of Africa along the coastline of Lake Malawi.
Kaya Mawa means ‘maybe tomorrow’ in Chichewa/Nyanja, and the ethos of the paradise lodge situated on its white sandy beaches is in suiting with the lifestyle on offer – do as little or as much as you like at this carefree getaway, which offers blissful day after blissful day.
Dine by starlight on the beach; surrender to a revitalising couples massage at the Kaya Spa; snorkel in the turquoise waters of one of the world’s deepest lakes; marvel at the lake and beach views from your private deck and plunge pool; and even kayak, paddle board, sail, fish, and waterski along the coast.
2. Timamoon Lodge – South Africa
Discover a seductive lodge set high up in the hills, nestled above the Sabie River, offering unspoilt views and an eclectic, utopian feel at Timamoon Lodge.
Each exclusive and private villa boasts tropical gardens, pools overlooking exquisite views, fireplaces to cosy up to, oversized baths to float in and outdoor daybeds to rest in, with exotic artefacts and peacocks littered around the space, adding to the je ne sais quoi of this unique destination.
Whether you are looking for an adrenaline fix or want to dissolve away the stress of reality with some pampering, Timamoon lodge has it all. Book a natural and organic couples massage without leaving your villa; enjoy a charming picnic on the majestic Sabie River besides Timamoon’s little waterfall; or mountain bike to the Kruger National Park (just 2 hours/30 km away) to see the Big 5, view the Mpumalanga highlands, The Blyde River Canyon, and the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg during a road trip; and glide over one of the last remaining natural forested valleys along the Sabie River along an aerial cable trail.
3. Wolwedans – Namibia
Explore the Namibrand, south of Sossusvlei, at one of Africa’s most unique, remote, and off-the-beaten-track locations: the magical Wolwedans.
Slow down and reunite with your loved one and the rhythms of nature at one of the quietest places on earth, against a distinctive backdrop of awe-inspiring, pristine desert scenery.
Explore the unique landscape together, enjoying scenic drives; marvelling at the colours of the vast plains whilst sipping on sundowners; learning about the lives of the bushmen of times past; and discovering the diverse flora and fascinating geology of the NamibRand (some of which dates back millions of years). For a truly unforgettable experience, the two of you could also go on an e-bike adventure or horseback ride along the dunes; float above the world in a hot air balloon enjoying the star-filled night skies; and uncover the free roaming wildlife that find sanctuary in the desert.
4. Linyanti Expeditions – Botswana
Sleep under the stars in an intimate luxury camp, with only a mosquito net separating your love nest from the magical wilderness along the bank of the Linyanti River of northern Botswana.
Wake up to the melody of the Red-Billed Quelea and get ready for a romantic day of ticking off bucket list items together. Cruise off into the sunset; enjoy a delicious dinner for two; fly over the Linyanti Marsh in a helicopter; and unwind on a night safari ride or after a relaxing couples massage.
With contrasting landscapes of magnificent extremes – from the desert plains of the Kalahari to the lush waterways of the Okavango – Botswana offers an unprecedented range of landscapes and exotic wildlife, with national parks and private game reserves making up to 40% of its fenceless territory. Expect to see elephants (Botswana is home to the highest population in Africa), cheetahs, caracals, rhinos, and bat-eared foxes, to name a few.
5. Tongabezi Lodge – Zambia
Delve into tranquillity the moment you reach the hidden location of Tongabezi Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Just 12 km upstream from the famous Victoria Falls, this location allows guests to enjoy exhilarating water activities – like white water rafting and swimming in the Livingstone Island Devil’s pool – while still offering moments of tender reconnection while marvelling at Victoria Falls; taking a sunset boat cruise along the Zambezi; and indulging in a private dinner on a floating river sampan.
Expect to see a variety of wildlife during your stay, both along the riverside and at the Mosi-oa-Tunya or Chobe National Parks, just a stone’s throw away from this spectacular lodge.