A honeymoon to Africa and the Indian Ocean offers endless opportunities to experience new things as a couple, creating lasting memories. Endlessly romantic this part of the world lends itself to unforgettable honeymoons. Here are some tips when planning yours.
Start your honeymoon with relaxation
After the whirlwind of the wedding festivities it is well worth planning a few nights relaxation post-wedding.
Unwind on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar or Kenya, before going on safari in East Africa. A stay at the Victoria Falls or in Cape Town would be ideal for those continuing onto a safari in countries such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi or South Africa. If you would prefer to spend time on the beach instead then Mozambique, Mauritius and Lake Malawi are all great options.
If you are travelling a few months after your wedding you may choose to reverse this, so you go straight onto your safari and then have a few days R&R before coming home. Bear in mind that in many cases you could also sandwich any safari time with other destinations such as the beach, Victoria Falls or Cape Town and the Winelands.
Explore new destinations
Very often there are destinations which only one partner has visited, and would like to introduce to their partner. By going somewhere new for you both you are able to explore the new destination together, creating shared memories and new experiences.
Stay in different styles of accommodation
The range of accommodation options are extensive including stunning five star resorts, bare foot luxury, adventurous sleep-outs on safari and luxurious safari properties. By combining different styles throughout your honeymoon you only add to the overall variety you have enjoyed.
It is also worth considering a romantic night under the stars. This could be in a beautiful treehouse with stunning views, on a wheel out bed from your main room onto a deck or under a mosquito net for the ultimate adventure.
Include ‘once in a lifetime’ activities
Add to the sense of a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip by adding in activities you wouldn’t usually consider. Trekking the mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, hot air balloon ride over the NamibRand desert in Namibia, or over the herds of the migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, tracking rhino on foot, spending time on a remote Indian Ocean Island or perhaps taking a flying safari along the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, are all excellent options for this.
Don’t move too often
With any holiday there is a temptation to do as much as possible, and perhaps more so if a honeymoon is to a new destination. Stay in fewer places for longer. This allows you to relax a little, get to know the area and the guides and staff will get to know you, your likes and dislikes, increasing the personal service and touches you receive. It also has the advantage of helping to keep costs lower as there are less transfers required.
Plan your honeymoon as early as possible
It is worth planning and booking your honeymoon as early as possible. This will ensure you get the dates, properties and experiences, in the best order, that you would like. Often air fares are less costly, or reward flights can be used, and in some instances there may be early booking offers which can be used in conjunction with any honeymoon offers.
Honeymoon out of peak season
If you are not constrained to school holidays it is best to travel out of these times. It is likely that there will be more offers, and lower rates, available if you don’t travel in peak months. In addition, with fewer people travelling your destination will be quieter. When you are considering a safari travelling outside peak travel months will still offer excellent wildlife viewing and experiences.
Realistic budget
Planning a wedding, and honeymoon, is a costly undertaking. By setting a realistic budget and using a reputable tour operator you will be able to maximise your budget by making use of offers etc. A safari is often all-inclusive, dramatically reducing the need to set aside some of your budget for in-destination expenses.
Use a tour operator
A good tour operator will not only be able to take all of your ideas and wishes, however vague or disparate, and make suggestions and recommendations for you. By tailoring your honeymoon, you will ensure it is personal to you and takes in all your wishes. Very often they will often have access to additional offers not available otherwise, and of course by booking through a reputable operator, you are fully protected.
They will be able to take all the hassle out of it; providing comprehensive information about your destination, answering all those questions you may have before you go away, and using their knowledge and experience to ensure you have a wonderfully memorable honeymoon.
Planning your honeymoon is an exciting time and a safari and / or time in the Indian Ocean is an ideal and romantic destination. For more information about honeymoons, or if you would like to discuss other holidays, please give us a call or email Lucinda. We would be delighted to help you put together a fabulous holiday.