9 Incredibly Romantic African Hideaways
Looking for the ultimate love nest in Africa?
Our resident experts at AAC tracked the most romantic properties in the African bush (it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it), and created this lovers list of the 9 dreamiest destinations in Africa.
Elephant Star Beds – Abu Camp, Botswana
The stars form the canopy over your bed and the rumbling snores of elephants are your lullaby when you overnight on this unique platform overlooking the boma where elephant slumber. Don’t worry about creature comforts out amongst the creatures, there’s a plush double bed and even an open shower with the same incredible views, says AAC senior consultant Kyle Witten. Don’t worry, the elephants won’t spy on you.
Suites with private plunge pools, hidden outdoor showers, double-sided fireplaces—no wonder ACC President Mark Nolting recommends this exclusive property on the Malilangwe Dam as his pick for most romantic spot in Africa. This exclusive and remote hideaway also has some of the most pristine scenery in Africa, virtually untouched by humankind. After a private game drive or walk, relax with tastings from the wine cellar stocked with incredible South African vintages or spa services (including open air couples massages — a unique, and memorable, way to enjoy the view).
Lion Sands Kingston Tree House, Sabi Sand, South Africa
Think tree houses are just for kids? AAC’s Kollin Buchholz and Cinthia Liza say this tree top aerie at Lion Sands’ will easily change your mind. There are few more romantic ways to sleep out under the great African skies than in an elegant canopy bed up in the tree branches, a gourmet picnic full of delicacies tucked way for you to nibble as you the evening skies unfurl—Just the stars, you, and your loved one.
Linkwasha Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
The newest lodge in Zimbabwe is also one of the most luxurious hideaways in the bush, with just seven plush tents with expansive views over the Pans. Linkwasha’s location in Hwange National Park makes it a magnet for incredible game viewing, with one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa; and the sleepout they offer is just one of the reasons it’s a favorite of AAC’s Alison Nolting and Szilvia Hegyi. The rooms, with their bleached wood, tree-top high ceilings, billowing curtains, and expansive glass walls feel like you’re in the pages of an Architectural Digest dream—It’s a contemporary cocoon for two in the great Zimbabwe wilderness.
Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa
If a city is your top choice for romance, this boutique hotel in Cape Town is for you. Sunsets are spectacular over the Mother City where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. And the ideal spot to enjoy them is exclusive Ellerman House hotel, where glass-walled suites tucked into the rocky cliffs offer a private sundowner spectacle every evening, with the glittering city just below. Kerry Purcell has more ideas of sundowner spots in Cape Town!
La Petit Ferme, Winelands, South Africa
Just five private cottages are set into this scenic vineyard, each with a secluded patio and plunge pool and cozy fireplace inside. Leave your wine hideaway long enough for a memorable meal at the onsite restaurant made for romantic tet-a-tets. Gourmet meals include lamb aubergine and house created bubbly that AAC consultant Sarah Taylor says she still dreams about.
Sayari Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania
Ideally located in the Serengeti where the great migration practically passes by the front door of your stunning safari tent, just one of 15 in one of the only permanent camps in the area. Expect soaking tubs for two with views over wildlife filled plains with the exceptional details that made this a recent National Geographic Unique Property of the World and one of AAC’s top Honeymoondestinations- a pick by both President, Mark Nolting, and safari consultant Frank Dix.
San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Kalahari, Botswana
Picture this – you’re sitting in the vast sand pans under the Southern Sky. Darkness falls like someone’s flipped a light switch. The stars surround you and feel like they’re at the end of your nose. The only thing you can hear is the sound of our own blood rushing through your veins. It’s an out of body experience says AAC senior consultant Lynne Glasgow. But wait – as the stars spin around you, dinner appears out of the darkness, with white linens, candles, and more. When you’re done with your meal, you blink and actual brass beds appear on the pan – creating one of the most magical experiences in Africa.
We can’t name all the famous couples who’ve honeymooned here (cough cough— Prince William and Kate; George Clooney and Amal – cough cough), but let’s just say that this lush island might just be the most romantic, private, and sexy spot in the world with miles of pristine sand, unique sea life, and service that makes every couple feel like visiting royalty. Each of the 11 very secluded villas have interrupted vistas over the azure Indian Ocean and the silky sand. Meals can be served in your private dining room or a table for two can be set anywhere on the island–each one a decadent, and decidedly romantic, surprise. Alison Nolting, senior consultant, honeymooned in the Seychelles (does that make her famous too)!
