Don’t fly your beloved to the moon for a lingering kiss among the stars. Africa has its own ineffably romantic destinations, too. Read on to discover the tender side of this wild and beautiful continent.
Malawi
Malawi is perfect for nature lovers. Once unfairly dismissed as no more than a safari destination, Malawi is now rightly regarded as one of the few worthwhile wildlife-watching destinations around the world. Suspended in the clouds in Malawi’s deep south are the dramatic peaks of Mt Mulanje and the mysterious Zomba plateau, both a hikers dream, with mist-cowled forests and spectacular wildlife. Then, of course, there’s the shimmering mass of clear water that is Lake Malawi, fringed by golden beaches and perfect for snorkelling, diving, kayaking or just chilling out on the beaches.
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Pemba Island, Tanzania
Tanzania has it all – hospitable, welcoming people, arresting wildlife (considered by many to be the last word in safari), sun-kissed beaches, an exciting cultural backstory and, of course, tourist-pleasing Zanzibar. But for love, go for the roads less travelled. Pemba Island is relatively untouched by tourism and perfect for a time of full-blown romance.
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Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Enigmatic Mozambique beckons with its striking coastline, swaying palms, dune-fringed beaches, turquoise waters with pounding surf and graceful dhows, and endless opportunities for adventure. For the romantics amongst you, head for the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of six islands off the coast of southern Mozambique. The islands lie within the boundaries of Bazaruto National Park and are renowned for their pristine sandy beaches.
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Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has to be one of the world’s most beautiful cities. There are endless opportunities for vacationers here – from fun-filled days or lazy days on the beach to wine-tasting excursions (Constantia wine estates) and cultural activities (a visit to South Africa without learning about its torrid history is to miss a vital part of the country’s identity and to see how far it has come – and how far it still has to go). Really, you’re spoilt for choice.
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Kenya
Does Kenya need an introduction? Home to some of Africa’s best-known peoples (the Masai Mara, Samburu, Turkana, Swahili and Kikuyu) and the land of wildebeest and zebras, Kenya is also pretty hard to beat as a romantic destination. The secret’s already out about Lamu, officially the most pleasurable destination on the Kenyan coast (no cars around). But to visit Kenya and not go on a safari? No.
Kenya was our choice of honeymoon destination and, yes, I’ve saved the best till last. There are so many safari options to choose from while you’re there, but that in and of itself is a pleasurable exercise.
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Africa has countless romantic destinations that aren’t on this list – I couldn’t possibly accommodate them all in this post. So, where would you choose to visit for a romantic escape? Let us know in the comments.
Now visit: The most beautiful images of Africa
