The vows are exchanged, the champagne has been sipped, and now it’s time for the most important part of the wedding journey—your honeymoon. If you dream of luxury, adventure, and untamed beauty, these are some of the best safari lodges for a honeymoon in South Africa.
Picture waking up to golden sunrises over the savanna, sharing intimate candlelit dinners beneath a sky dusted with stars, and encountering Africa’s iconic wildlife in the most exclusive settings. From ultra-luxe lodges to remote hideaways, we’ve handpicked South Africa’s most romantic safari stays for an unforgettable honeymoon.
Why a Safari Honeymoon in South Africa?
Few destinations rival South Africa for honeymoon safaris. The country boasts world-class game reserves where five-star lodges blend seamlessly with wild landscapes. Moreover, couples can sip champagne from a private plunge pool as elephants pass by. They might also indulge in a couples’ massage at a secluded bush spa. In addition, sunrise game drives create thrilling moments that redefine romance.
Unlike traditional beach honeymoons, a luxury honeymoon safari in South Africa offers an immersive experience where each day feels different. Furthermore, the best lodges cater exclusively to couples, ensuring privacy and personalised service. With luxurious accommodation and all-inclusive gourmet dining, these retreats provide the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
The Best Safari Lodges for a Honeymoon in South Africa
Royal Malewane, Greater Kruger National Park
For couples who appreciate classic elegance, Royal Malewane is a timeless choice. Located in the Greater Kruger National Park, this luxury honeymoon safari lodge exudes old-world charm. Its suites feature rich antiques, Persian rugs, and grand four-poster beds. Each suite also has a private deck and plunge pool with uninterrupted wilderness views.
Beyond the accommodation, Royal Malewane is one of the best safari lodges for a honeymoon in South Africa. Expert-guided safaris allow couples to track the Big Five with Africa’s most skilled trackers. The bush spa offers ultimate relaxation after thrilling days on safari. Couples can also enjoy romantic bush dinners, where lanterns glow under the African sky.
Read more about Royal Malewane in our blog: The Most Expensive Safari Lodge: A Lavish Escape.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
For a honeymoon safari that feels almost surreal, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge offers something truly unique. Couples can spend a night in a private treehouse in the heart of the bush. Here, they sleep beneath the stars in a luxurious open-air suite. Safely elevated above the ground, they enjoy a luxury safari experience while listening to the distant calls of lions and hyenas.
Even within the lodge itself, romance is woven into every detail. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite nature inside, and outdoor decks overlook the Sabie River, where wildlife gathers to drink. The lodge’s fine dining, featuring South African wines and gourmet cuisine, makes every meal an event. An intimate riverside dinner or a post-safari spa treatment completes the perfect day.
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba blends exhilaration with exclusivity. Perched high above the landscape, the Rock Lodge offers sweeping views of the African bush, while the Safari Lodge invites guests in the wilderness with suites suspended along a dry riverbed.
Ulusaba is known for its highly personalised service, with each honeymoon experience tailored to the couple’s preferences. Whether it’s a private game drive, a sunset champagne toast from a hilltop vantage point, or a starlit dinner set deep in the bush, every moment feels cinematic.
Singita Ebony Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
If sophisticated luxury is what you seek, Singita Ebony Lodge delivers as one of the best safari lodges for a honeymoon in South Africa. Designed to blend seamlessly into its riverfront setting, this lodge combines African heritage with contemporary style. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide uninterrupted views of the Sand River, while private plunge pools and open-air pavilions allow couples to relax in complete seclusion.
Singita is also famous for its unrivalled wine collection, offering private tastings of rare vintages. Dining is an experience in itself, with meals crafted by world-class chefs using the finest local ingredients. And when it’s time for adventure, expert guides ensure up-close encounters with leopards, elephants, and rhinos.
Tswalu Kalahari, Northern Cape
For honeymooners seeking more than a traditional safari, Tswalu Kalahari offers an exclusive honeymoon safari in South Africa. Moreover, it sits within one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. The vast red dunes and golden grasslands of the Kalahari Desert create the perfect backdrop. Here, couples enjoy a luxury honeymoon safari lodge experience, private moments in the wilderness, and an intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Moreover, with just a handful of lodges on this 271,000-acre reserve, Tswalu ensures absolute exclusivity. Couples can also explore the desert on horseback, track elusive black-maned Kalahari lions, or unwind with a sunset picnic amid the dunes. Additionally, the Motse and Tarkuni lodges provide private chefs, butlers, and dedicated safari guides, making every honeymoon experience uniquely personal.
The Ultimate Honeymoon Safari Experience
Each lodge offers its own style of romance but shares one promise—an extraordinary honeymoon safari in Africa. Couples can enjoy spa treatments, private game drives, and starlit bush dinners. At these luxury honeymoon safari lodges, falling asleep to the sounds of the wild brings the perfect balance of adventure and intimacy.
.If you have enjoyed reading this blog, you might want to read our blog : South Africa Honeymoon- Is It The Perfect Destination.The Ultimate Guide
Ready to Plan Your Honeymoon?
At Marula Hill Travel, an award-winning travel agency, we specialise in crafting bespoke honeymoon safaris, ensuring every detail is perfectly tailored to your love story. We have access to some of the best safari lodges for a honeymoon in South Africa. So let us take care of the logistics while you focus on celebrating your new life together.
We’re Sian Loehrer and Vikki Jackson, the founders of Marula Hill Travel—and lifelong safari nuts. Our love for Africa began in the bush, from early morning game drives with coffee in hand to walking the savannah alongside expert guides. Those adventures inspire every tailor-made safari we design today. We believe planning African safaris should be seamless, personal, and full of joy. That’s why we combine first-hand knowledge, trusted partnerships, and genuine passion to create journeys that connect travellers to extraordinary wildlife, authentic lodges, and the soul of the continent. For us, it’s more than travel planning—it’s sharing the Africa we love.
📧 Email: sian@marulahill.com
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +27 82 459 0648
📸 Instagram: @marula_hill_travel
🌍 Website: www.marulahill.com
Your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon starts here. Let’s make it extraordinary.
