Best African Safari Tours for Couples
There are very few continents in the world that evoke as much romance and adventure as Africa. And what better way to combine adventure and romance than on a couples safari?
Going on an African safari as a couple is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed.
Whether it’s your dream honeymoon or simply a bucket list adventure you’ve always wanted to experience, a romantic couples safari is one of the most memorable holidays you’ll ever have together.
Which is why we have created our list of the best African Safari Tours for couples.
As well as outlining our recommendations of the best African Safaris for couples, we will also provide you with handy tips for choosing your next safari destination, on top of giving you an example safari tour for each of the African countries on our list.
Once you’ve read this article, you will know exactly where to book your next couples’ adventure.
So, let’s dive into: Best African Safari Tours for Couples
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| African Safari Destination | Safari Hotspots | Best Safari Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Masai Mara Reserve; Tsavo West National Park | Kenya Wildlife Safari Tour |
| South Africa | Kruger National Park | South Africa Lodge Safari |
| Zambia | Victoria Falls National Park; South Luangwa National Park | Zambezi Canoe Safari |
| Tanzania | Serengeti National Park; Ngorongoro Crater | Big Five Luxury Safari |
| Namibia | Etosha National Park | Wonders of Namibia |
| Uganda | Bwindi Inpenetrable Forest | Gorillas & Wildlife Tour |
| Botswana | Okavango Delta | Botswana Wildlife Safari |
African Safari Tour in Serengeti National Park - Tanzania
Best African Safaris for Couples
When thinking of embarking on a safari, we have no doubts that the African continent springs to mind. Africa is, indeed, the birthplace of safari. Even the very word ‘safari’ is Swahili (the main language of East Africa) for ‘journey’.
Not only do safaris ignite a spark of adventure, but they’re also the perfect activity for couples looking for a romantic escape to the wilderness.
Eating a candlelit dinner in the middle of the bush or sitting around a campfire reminiscing over the day's adventures are all part of the safari experience.
In this article, we will delve into some of the best safari destinations in Africa for couples so you can plan the perfect couples getaway this year. We outline the country you should visit, a proposed popular safari route in that country, and give our recommendation of the best-organised safari tour for couples in each destination.
We’ve split the article between 7 different countries, with each bringing something unique to the African Safari landscape.
Whether it’s encountering endangered primates in the jungle or witnessing the great migration over the plains of Africa, this list of the best African Safari Tours for couples is guaranteed to inspire your romantic couples safari.
Good to know: we have provided our recommendations for the best safari tour for couples in each country outlined in this list. For this, we have recommended a safari through TourRadar. They are our favourite way to book group/private tours. Ben booked a safari in Southern Africa in 2018 through TourRadar, and we recently returned from the ‘Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways’ tour through Central America, again booked through TourRadar.
1. Kenya
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Masai Mara Reserve
One of the world’s most renowned safari destinations, Kenya is a popular choice for couples embarking on their first-ever safari.
Home to the famous Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos) and 23 national parks, there are a number of safari routes that you can take throughout Kenya.
Thanks to its location, bordering Tanzania, it’s a very popular choice to combine the two countries for a longer safari trip.
Kenya is extremely rich in wildlife! Not only does it house the Big Five, but there are also zebras (a lot of zebras!), wildebeest, wild dogs, eagles, crocodiles, impalas, and so much more.
You certainly won’t go very long without spotting some amazing wildlife in Kenya during your couples’ safari.
Popular Safari Hotspots in Kenya
Tsavo West National Park - Amboseli National Park - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National Reserve
A particularly popular safari route in Kenya brings you to Kenya’s most popular Southern parks, including the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve.
Begin in the south at Tsavo West National Park - a great location to try to catch a glimpse of rhinos in the wild - and from there, head west to the stunning Amboseli National Park, famous for its large herd of elephants.
Amboseli is perhaps one of the more beautiful parks in Kenya, sitting under the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
From Amoseli, you can then travel through Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, although you won’t stop here. Instead, make your way northwest to Lake Nakuru. This park is known for its huge flocks of vibrant pink flamingos, which are pink in colour due to their algae diet.
Lake Nakuru is a wonderful area for bird watchers; pelicans, cuckoos, and eagles all call this lake home. It’s also one of the best places to see both white and black rhinos, as it houses a rhino sanctuary.
The final stop is also Kenya's most famous safari destination, the Masai Mara National Reserve. This is one of the best places in Africa to view big cats!
The ecosystem in the park, which hosts a staggering 90 species of mammals, has been classed as a world wonder. If you time your visit right between July and October, you may even catch the unbelievable great wildebeest migration.
Fun Fact: Ben visited Tsavo East National Park in Kenya when he was 8 years old and spotted Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, Wildebeest, and much more!
Mount Kilimanjaro looking over Amboseli National Park
Best Safari Tour for Couples in Kenya
Kenya Wildlife Safari by Intrepid Travel
Immerse yourself in the culture of the Maasai Tribe while embarking on daily game drives in the heart of Kenya.
This tour is great for adventurous couples looking for their first African safari destination as you will be staying in private tents, often wild camping beneath the stars with the sounds of the great animals to lull you to sleep!
Route: Nairobi - Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha - Maasai Village - Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nairobi
Wildlife highlights: Rhinos, Hippos, Lions, Leopards, Wildebeest etc.
Length of Safari Tour: 8 days, beginning and ending in Nairobi
Best time to go: Dry Season (June - October)
How to book: Book the Kenya Wildlife Safari Tour by Intrepid Travel online here
2. South Africa
Lions - Kruger National Park - South Africa
South Africa is without a doubt one of the most popular destinations in Africa for a safari, and thankfully, many of the best African safaris for couples can be found in South Africa too.
In addition to the amazing wildlife and landscapes, South Africa is known for its very forward-thinking, eco-conscious safari lodgings and hotels. These promise to offer a romantic experience for couples through outdoor dining beneath the stars and exquisite rooms built in harmony with the surrounding nature.
It’s difficult to imagine a more romantic couples safari destination than South Africa.
Popular Safari Hotspots in South Africa
Kruger National Park - Madikwe Game Reserve
While there are many private reserves that offer safaris, a particularly popular place in South Africa is the famous Kruger National Park, spanning two of the country’s provinces.
Kruger has a total area of 19,455 km2, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa. The landscapes of the park are vast and diverse. There is dense Bushveld (subtropical woodlands) as well as hills and lowlands.
All of this is easily accessed by miles of paved roads, making it one of the easiest parks in Africa to navigate and one of the most convenient National Parks for an African Safari Tour for Couples.
Due to Kruger’s vast size, it is recommended to spend a minimum of 3-4 days embarking on drives through different areas of the park. There’s so much to see, you could easily spend a couple of weeks here!
For the best animal safari spotting, stick to the central area of the park around the Sabie River or towards the Balule Game Reserve, where leopards and rhinos can often be found.
An alternative to Kruger is Madikwe Game Reserve, found next to South Africa’s Northern border with Botswana - the Big Five are particularly active in this, and it’s also a great place for avid bird watchers.
Rhinos - Kruger National Park - South Africa
Best Safari Tour for Couples in South Africa
South African Lodge Safari by Explore!
The ultimate all-in-1 Safari tour in South Africa that includes multiple game drives in Kruger National Park, searching for turtles in Kosi Bay, a mountain exploration in Ithala Game Reserve, and, as an added bonus, this tour takes you into eSwatini - so you can tick another country off your African bucket list!
Route: Johannesburg - Kruger National Park - Mkhaya Game Reserve - Ithala Game Reserve - Tembe Elephant Park - St Lucia Wetland Park - Durban - Johannesburg
Wildlife highlights: Elephants, Giraffe, Rhino, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Lions, Painted Dogs
Length of Safari Tour: 12 days, beginning and ending in Johannesburg
Best time to go: End of Dry Season (September - October)
How to book: Book the South African Lodge Safari online here
3. Zambia
Victoria Falls - taken by Ben in 2018 while volunteering in Zambia
Often overlooked in favour of more famous destinations such as Kenya and South Africa, Zambia is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to great african safari destinations for couples.
Zambia, located in southern Africa, is a landlocked country bordering seven countries, including Tanzania to the northwest and a small stretch of Namibia to the south.
Beyond safari, one of the biggest reasons to visit the country is because it is home to the epic Victoria Falls (the falls actually split the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe).
There are few things more romantic than standing at one of the viewpoints overlooking the majestic falls and listening to the water crashing into the mighty Zambezi River below.
Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and, along with the other rivers and waterways, puts Zambia near the top of the list for African countries with the most water.
This means that during a safari adventure in Zambia, you can experience canoeing down rivers or even staying on your very own private houseboat - making it a truly diverse and romantic couples safari destination.
Popular Safari Hotspots in Zambia
Victoria Falls - Lower Zambezi National Park - South Luangwa National Park
The ideal safari route in Zambia starts and ends at Victoria Falls. From here, you can make your way to Lower Zambezi National Park, which lies close to the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
This park is known for its hilly terrain and is an incredibly raw, untouched, and rugged reserve. There is a large elephant population in Lower Zambezi National Park, as well as lions, leopards, buffaloes, and more.
A third park to visit on your safari route through Zambia is South Luangwa National Park. As it sits at the far Eastern end of the Great African Rift Valley, the park has grassy lowlands, wooded terrain, and a major river running directly through it - where crocodiles and hippos are often spotted!
All of this creates ample opportunity to spot wildlife - in fact, South Luangwa National Park has one of the highest concentrations of game in all of Africa!
Fun fact: Ben volunteered in Zambia in 2018 and went on a number of game drives throughout the country. His favourite was Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which, despite not being home to lions, provided the chance to witness an array of African wildlife without another soul to be seen on safari. Volunteering in Zambia was an incredible experience and is one of our recommended Gap year ideas for couples.
Leopard - South Luangwa National Park
Best Safari Tour for Couples in Zambia
Zambezi Canoe Safari by Exodus Travels
Arguably the most adventurous African safari tour for couples on our list, the Zambezi Canoe Safari is a thrilling adventure along the mighty Zambezi River.
Of course, the main highlight of this tour is canoeing down the river from Lusaka to the Lower Zambezi National Park, but there are daily game walks and drives along the route to maximise your chances of seeing wildlife.
Worth noting: this is one of the rare safari routes in Zambia that doesn’t include Victoria Falls, so we recommend adding a few days to the beginning/end of this itinerary to visit Livingstone and the mighty Victoria Falls.
Route: Lusaka - Chiawa Game Area - Lower Zambezi National Park
Wildlife highlights: Elephants, Giraffe, Buffalo, Lions
Length of Safari Tour: 8 days, beginning and ending in Lusaka
Best time to go: June - October
How to book: Book the Zambezi Canoe Safari online here
4. Tanzania
Great Wildebeest Migration - Tanzania
Tanzania is perhaps the most popular country to go on safari in Africa. From the sprawling plains of the Serengeti to the magical Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is a country of natural wonder. You can easily spend 7-10 days seeing all of the different parts of Tanzania.
Tanzania sits on the east coast of Africa, just south of Kenya. It has a long stretch of coastline and is home to the roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania is a diverse country, not only in terms of wildlife but in terms of culture too, housing over 120 different tribes - it is home to the most languages of any African country.
Popular Safari Hotspots in Tanzania
Tarangire National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park
The three best parks to visit in Tanzania are packed together in the country’s north. Start your tour in Tarangire National Park, famous for its huge herds of elephants, often hundreds of members strong.
The dense foliage makes Tarangire a phenomenal park for birdwatchers. You can see storks, starlings, herons, hoopoes, brown parrots, and plenty more.
The best time to visit Tarangire is during the dry season (May to October) when herds of herbivores pass through the park on their annual migration. The only water remaining is usually in the park's river, so it attracts a diverse amount of animal life.
The next stop is Ngorongoro Crater, the most unique safari destination in Tanzania. The crater itself is one of the largest and most intact craters in the world, created when a volcano collapsed into itself, likely around 2.5 million years ago.
It is a vast green landscape which is impressive in and of itself. Elephants, lions, hyenas, impalas, warthogs, and more mammal species all live in the crater, but the highlight is definitely the endangered black rhino.
The final stop in Tanzania is the famous Serengeti National Park. The great wildebeest migration can be found here throughout most of the year. If you’d like to try to catch a glimpse of the river crossing, where the wildebeest risk their lives crossing crocodile-infested waters, visit between mid-August and mid-September.
The Serengeti is one of the most romantic locations in Africa and the perfect place to enjoy a bush dinner surrounded by incredible nature.
Wildebeest - Serengeti National Park - Tanzania
Best Safari Tour for Couples in Tanzania
Big Five Luxury Safari by World Adventure Tours
This African Safari Tour for couples in Tanzania really has it all. Travel through diverse landscapes including Great Savannah Plains and boggy swamps, while witnessing one of the world’s most awe-inspiring spectacles - the great Wildebeest Migration!
Staying in Luxury accommodation throughout the trip makes the Big Five Luxury Safari the most romantic couples safari tour on this list. It is truly unique!
Route: Tarangire National Park - Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Manyara
Wildlife highlights: Wildebeest, Zebra, Cheetahs, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Hippos
Length of Safari Tour: 7 days, beginning and ending in Moshi
Best time to go: Dry Season (June - September) to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
How to book: Book the Big Five Luxury Safari online here
5. Namibia
Namibia is on the west coast of the continent, just north of South Africa. A safari in Namibia is a distinctly different experience from other countries on this list, as it is one of the driest countries in the world.
The Namib Desert comprises more than 30% of Namibia and is one of the oldest deserts in the world and certainly one of the most unique landscapes on the planet too.
Zebras - Namibia
Popular Safari Hotspots in Namibia
Etosha National Park - Damaraland - Skeleton Coast - Sossusvlei
Kick-start your safari in Namibia with a visit to Etosha National Park. Etosha is named after the Etosha salt pan, which takes up the majority of the park.
The name Etosha translates to ‘great white area’, which is often mistaken for a snow-covered landscape instead of the savanna desert it actually is.
With dry, arid land all around you, this is one of the few oases in Namibia, making it a haven for wildlife. You will often see cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, and the rare black-faced impala.
To the southwest is the equally impressive Damaraland. This area is full of rugged, otherworldly landscapes and undulating terrain full of ancient rock formations.
You can see amazing natural formations such as the Vingerklip, which is a 35-metre-high rock formation atop a hill. Damaraland is a great area to take a romantic hike as well as enjoy a spot of bouldering.
In terms of wildlife, desert-dwelling mammals such as oryx (sometimes referred to as gemsbok), black-backed jackals and rock hyraxes can be found in abundance. Most sought-after, however, are the majestic desert elephants that migrate through the area.
After marvelling at Damaraland, pay a visit to the Skeleton Coast, an eerie coastline where the desert meets the sea that has famously claimed numerous ships and lives.
In the present day, you can visit safely by land, but hundreds of shipwrecks can still be found here, partly swallowed by the desert, as well as Cape Cross seals.
A final popular safari destination in Namibia is Sossusvlei. Found in the heart of the Namib desert, this area is perhaps best known for its breathtaking sand dunes.
It’s hard to imagine how any animal can call this desolate area home, and yet, remarkably, they do. Some of the animals you may see between the dunes are foxes, hyenas, oryx, porcupines and jackals.
Incredible Desert in Namibia
Best Safari Tour for Couples in Namibia
Wonders of Namibia by National Geographic Journeys
This in-depth cultural tour of Namibia offers the chance to experience all of the highlights of Namibia from the red-hued desertscapes of Sesriem, to the dramatic sand dunes at Damaraland.
This is the best African safari tour for couples that want to see as much of the country they are visiting as possible. Of course, you still get the chance to witness incredibly unique wildlife like Oryx and Jackals, but you also get to experience some of the most rugged and arid landscapes in Africa.
Route: Windhoek - Sesriem - Swakopmund - Damaraland - Etosha National Park
Wildlife highlights: Oryx, Springbok, Jackal, Hyena, Ostriches,
Length of Safari Tour: 10 days, beginning and ending in Windhoek
Best time to go: Dry Season (May-October) for best game viewing experiences
How to book: Book the Wonders of Namibia tour online here
6. Uganda
Gorillas in Bwindi Inpenetrable Forest - Uganda
Uganda is a wonderful and fascinating landlocked nation in Central Africa. Often referred to as the pearl of Africa, the country has a diverse tribal culture with more than 50 different tribes calling the land home.
The Ugandan people are well known for their welcoming generosity, something you are sure to experience during a romantic couples safari in Uganda.
In terms of wildlife, the country is particularly exciting as it’s one of only 3 countries where you can see the infamous mountain gorillas.
Popular Safari Hotspots in Uganda
Bwindi Forest Reserve - Kibale National Park - Murchison Falls National Park
Many tourists begin in Bwindi Forest Reserve, where you can go trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural jungle habitats.
Even though the gorillas are the obvious attraction here, the forest itself is spectacular. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with more than 200 different species of trees.
Further North you’ll find Kibale National Park - home to 13 different species of primates.
This includes chimpanzees, and several monkey species such as the blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, mangabey, and baboons.
Finally, continuing north is Murchison Falls National Park - the largest park in the country. The waterfall here (Murchison Falls) is regarded as the most powerful waterfall in the world.
Away from the Falls, in the park you can spot elephants, lions, leopards, crocodiles, giraffes, rhinos, and more.
Good to know: safaris in general can be quite expensive. This, in part, is due to the costs associated with protecting the animals you’re visiting. This is especially true when trekking to see Gorillas in Uganda. It is not unusual to pay £1500/$1900 for a 3-day Gorilla Trekking experience in Uganda.
Giraffes in Murchison National Park - Uganda
Best Safari Tour for Couples in Uganda
Gorillas and Wildlife Private Tour by Mukisa Safaris
Operated by Ugandan based Mukisa Safaris, this private tour takes you to the heart of Uganda.
Not only does it feature the once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Mountain Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, it also includes lion tracking, multiple game drives, a visit to Murchison Falls and even Rhino tracking.
This tour is the most expensive on our list of the best african safari tours for couples, but when you see the itinerary and the potential wildlife encounters on offer, it’s easy to see how every penny will be well spent!
Route: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - Murchison Falls National Park - Kibale Forest National Park - Kasenyi Plains - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - Lake Mburo National Park
Wildlife highlights: Mountain Gorillas, Lions, Rhinos, Hippos, Zebra, Giraffes
Length of Safari Tour: 10 days, beginning and ending in Entebbe
Best time to go: Dry Season (December-February or June-August) for best conditions for trekking to see mountain Gorillas
How to book: Book the Gorillas and Wildlife Private Tour online here
7. Botswana
Leopard relaxing in a tree in the Okavango Delta - Botswana
Botswana is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. It is home to diverse landscapes, an incredible array of wildlife and the awe-inspiring Okavango Delta - a safari adventure goldmine!
While it is a popular safari destination, it’s pretty easy to avoid crowds in Botswana as there are strict limits on annual tourist numbers and a whopping 45% of the country’s land is reserved for wildlife, making it a sparsely populated country where the animals can roam wild.
Popular Safari Hotspots in Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve - Okavango Delta - Chobe National Park
A popular starting point for many safari tours for couples in Botswana is Moremi Game Reserve, the oldest protected area along the Okavango Delta, where you can see the rare African wild dog.
From there, it is worth considering exploring the Okavango Delta - the largest inland river delta in the world.
It is a wild and untouched landscape and is a great destination to experience a boat safari to try and find hippos and crocodiles.
Going out in the evening across the Okavango Delta can offer a particularly romantic safari experience for couples. Enjoy a cocktail as you whizz along the waterways flanked by long grasses - if you’re lucky, you may even see elephants having a drink at the side of the river.
Finally, head northeast to explore Chobe National Park - which is very close to Victoria Falls. Similar to the Okavango Delta, this park is lush and green and full of wetlands. Here, you will find a massive elephant population as well as large prides of lions and vast buffalo herds.
While there are game drive opportunities at Chobe National Park, it is also another great place to go on a boat cruise. We recommend spending a night on a houseboat for a truly unforgettable experience.
African Wild Dogs in Botswana
Best Safari Tour for Couples in Botswana
Botswana Wildlife Safari by Explore!
So we know this African safari tour doesn’t exclusively visit Botswana, but we figured that an additional stopover in Namibia and Victoria Falls (Zambia) wouldn’t be a bad thing. Right?
On this epic 2-week adventure, you’ll spend a night in the heart of the Okavango Delta, explore some of Botswana’s finest game reserves, and witness herds of elephants and prides of lions in their natural habitat.
The standout experiences of the Botswana Wildlife Safari would have to be the Houseboat stay on the Okavango River and the optional (highly recommended!) river cruise in Chobe National Park.
Route: Victoria Falls - Chobe National Park - Nxai Salt Pans - Moremi Game Reserve - Okavango Delta - Victoria Falls
Wildlife highlights: Lions, Elephants, Antelope, Leopards, Giraffes
Length of Safari Tour: 14 days, beginning and ending at Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Best time to go: Dry Season (June-October) for best safari viewing conditions in Okavango Delta
How to book: Book the Botswana Wildlife Safari Tour online here
Tips for Choosing Your African Safari Tour for Couples
There is a lot to think about when choosing your safari destination. One of the main considerations is often cost, as experiencing a safari is not the cheapest thing to do.
Transportation, accommodation, meals, park entries, and guides all add up. With that being said, some countries have lower costs than others. For a more budget safari option, we suggest looking to South Africa or Namibia.
How you wish to get around can also affect which country you choose. For some destinations, such as Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, self-drive safaris can be a great option.
However, in central countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, booking yourself on a tour with a driver is the better option due to road conditions and restrictions in national parks.
Hippos wading through the water in the Okavango Delta - Botswana
Frequently Asked Questions about African Safari Tours for Couples
How much does it cost for 2 people to go on an African Safari?
There is a safari to suit every budget, so putting a general price on a 2-person safari is tricky. In general, though, an African safari costs anywhere between $150 and $1000+ per night. Naturally, wild camping in tents under the stars is going to cost a lot less than a night in a luxury boutique safari lodge.
Is an African Safari worth it?
This one is easy - an African Safari is 100% worth the money! Seeing some of Africa’s finest wildlife up close is a truly magical experience - one you will never forget!
Where is the best place to go on a safari for the first time?
For the most stereotypical first safari experience, we recommend visiting the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It’s famous for its immense game concentrations, and you can even stop by in nearby Zanzibar for a relaxing beach break to finish off your safari adventure.
What time of year is best for Safari in Africa?
Generally, the dry season (June-October) is considered the best time of year to go on an African Safari because the animals tend to be found in more concentrated areas, close to water sources.
There we have it, folks, a conclusive round-up of the best African Safari Tours for Couples. Now that you have an overview of what these 7 amazing safari countries have to offer, the only thing left to do is choose!
No matter where you end up, you’ll have an amazing adventure and see some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife. Be prepared, though, going on an African safari is kind of life-changing.
