Twin Centre Honeymoons to Africa
A once in a lifetime honeymoon doesn’t come around every day, so ensuring you get the most out of your experience is of utmost importance. While it might seem impossible to cram in everything you both want to do, there is an easy way to achieve honeymoon harmony for bride and groom. The answer is to transform your honeymoon into a twin centre holiday, which involves combining two or more destinations to encompass all the wants and wishes of man and wife. Working for luxury African travel specialists Mahlatini Luxury Travel, I have had the opportunity to learn about the myriad options available for a twin centre holiday.
These holidays are particularly well suited to Africa, thanks to the great diversity of activities and variety of beautiful landscapes the continent has to offer. You and your betrothed might wish to enjoy an action-packed safari before moving on to a tropical island beach break, all nicely wrapped in the same honeymoon parcel, ticking off the boxes for adventure, romance, and relaxation. There are hundreds of different combinations to choose from, and you might find your honeymoon falling across a few different regions or even across the boundaries of two or three countries. Perhaps you want to see Cape Town in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zambia, and experience a safari in Botswana; then you would be stepping into three different countries all within the same holiday.
South Africa is a country of choice for most newlyweds, as they scramble to find a destination for their twin centre escape. The country offers some truly breathtaking backdrops, glorious weather, and luxurious hotels and presents a wide variety of activities. A luxury safari to see Africa’s Big Five—a lion, an elephant, a buffalo, a leopard, and a rhino—is normally the highlight of such a trip. In terms of getting more for your money, there is a very favourable exchange rate that allows you to spoil yourself rotten, from romantic meals to spa treatments and, of course, huge shopping sprees. If you still find yourself wanting more, South Africa can be combined with any number of countries; the most popular for honeymooners are island beach locations such as Mozambique, the Seychelles, and Mauritius.
The picturesque island of Mauritius is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and as such is incredibly popular with couples on their honeymoon. Renowned for its elegant hotels, amazing local hospitality, and wonderful spas, the island’s stunning lagoons and glistening golden beaches add natural beauty to the luxury. You will find yourselves treated to special discounts and other extras by one of the many hotels and resorts tailored to meet the needs of honeymooners.
A quick jump across the South African border will leave you in sunny Mozambique. Here the small and private lodges provide intimate and rustic luxury, offering honeymooners a Robinson Crusoe-style experience and boasting gorgeous untouched beaches, which are perfect for diving. With crystal-clear waters it is a dream location for couples simply looking to get away from it all.
In spite of their distinction, even Mauritius and Mozambique find it hard to compete with the Seychelles. This glorious archipelago is perhaps the ideal honeymoon destination, with pure white beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, a mass of exotic greenery, and unforgettable sunsets. The Seychelles is quite simply one of the most romantic places on earth, something only furthered by the exotic island retreats it offers. Accommodation here affords guests the ultimate in stylish luxury, with private gardens and stunning coral reefs. Complimentary Champagne in your room is but one of the commonplace features honeymooners can expect from properties here, as well as discounted rates, sunset cruises, spa treatments, and candle-lit dinners.
If that sounds appealing yet you still yearn for a traditional safari experience as well, the Seychelles or Mauritius can easily be combined with Kenya. This destination conjures many of the archetypal images associated with Africa, from the vast savannah plains to the huge herds of animals to the hot air balloons rising high above the Masai Mara. It is the land that inspired the famous book “Out of Africa” by Karen Blixen and the film of the same name and no wonder: Kenya is an excellent place for sightseeing and wildlife viewing, especially if you choose to stay at one of the quieter camps. Visiting Amboseli, in the south of the country, also provides some of the best views of Africa’s highest mountain: Mount Kilimanjaro, found across the border in Tanzania. Packed full of sunset toasts, game drives, and adventure, Kenya proves to be one of the most memorable destinations for honeymooners.
If you decide Kenya is your safari destination of choice but feel visiting Mauritius or the Seychelles will be too far afield, the Tanzanian islands of Zanzibar or Pemba or the Kenyan coastline are on hand to provide a beach break that requires less travel to reach. Combining a stay in Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania is also an option.
Tanzania embodies the traditional African safari experience just as much as its neighbour Kenya and provides even more awe-inspiring scenery, from the unique Ngorongoro volcanic crater to Lake Manyara, which at certain times of the year is filled with innumerable flamingo. Zanzibar, meanwhile, is yet another place to find white, palm-lined beaches, warm tropical waters, and romance surrounding you.
The combinations to choose from, the list of destinations, and variety of activities are practically endless. With such diversity it can be difficult choosing which combinations will suit you best, but doing so can transform your honeymoon into the perfect start to married life. From gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda to walking the red dunes of Namibia to the vibrant nightlife of Cape Town, Africa possesses a colourful and fulfilling honeymoon experience you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
