If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable start to married life, few experiences rival the magic of a Botswana honeymoon. Imagine waking up in a luxury tented camp surrounded by the sounds of the wild, gliding silently across the Okavango Delta in a mokoro canoe, or sharing a candlelit dinner beneath a sky ablaze with stars. Botswana’s pristine wilderness and exclusivity make it one of Africa’s most romantic safari destinations – and with careful planning, it can be the honeymoon of a lifetime.
For couples considering this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this honeymoon safari guide will let you know what to expect and how to make the most of your time in Botswana.
Why Choose Botswana for Your Honeymoon?
Luxury lodges and mobile camps offer seclusion and exclusivity, while the landscapes – from the lush Okavango Delta to the vast, stark Makgadikgadi Pans – create endless romantic backdrops.
Botswana is renowned for its commitment to conservation and its focus on low-volume, high-quality safari experiences. Unlike busier safari destinations, you’ll often have entire stretches of wilderness to yourselves, heightening the sense of intimacy.
Top Destinations in Botswana for Newlyweds
1. The Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river known for its sprawling grassy plains which flood seasonally, attracting a vast number of wildlife. Glide through crystal-clear waters on a traditional mokoro canoe and watch elephants, antelope, and brightly coloured birds drift past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping into a dream and is one of the world’s most loved safari destinations for its biodiversity and wealth of wildlife.
2. Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is known for its immense elephant herds; a sunset river cruise here offers one of the most atmospheric wildlife encounters imaginable: elephants wading in the water and walking along the banks. This park is a popular stop along safari routes in Botswana to see elephant herds, Cape buffalo, hyenas, and more.
3. Private Concessions
Staying in private reserves allows for night drives, walking safaris, and fewer vehicles at sightings – perfect for couples seeking privacy. There are areas around and within national parks that are divided into several private concessions. Safaris here are a lot more flexible and offer many more activities, such as horseback riding and even night game drives.
4. The Makgadikgadi Pans
The Makgadikgadi Pans is a gigantic salt pan in the middle of the dry savannah of northeastern Botswana. The pan is all that remains of the former Lake Makgadikgadi, which once covered an area larger than Switzerland. For something entirely different, venture into these shimmering salt flats for a surreal landscape, quad biking adventures, and evenings stargazing in total silence.
Tips for Planning Your Safari Honeymoon
- Choose the right time of year: Botswana’s dry season (May–October) is best for game viewing and mokoro excursions, but the green season (November–April) offers lush scenery and fewer crowds – a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.
- Mix adventure with relaxation: Balance game drives and activities with downtime. Many lodges feature plunge pools, spas offering relaxing treatments, and private decks – perfect for honeymoon indulgence.
- Go private where possible: Opting for smaller camps or private concessions adds exclusivity and ensures a more personalised safari experience.
- Add a surprise element: Some couples choose to end their safari with a night sleeping under the stars on a raised deck. If this appeals to you, choose an accommodation that offers sleep-out experiences or star beds.
A Botswana Honeymoon: A Romantic, Exclusive Experience
What makes a Botswana honeymoon so extraordinary is not just the wildlife, but the feeling of seclusion and romance in the wilderness. From champagne breakfasts in the bush to intimate sundowners overlooking the savannah, every detail can be crafted to celebrate your new life together.
Image: Felix M Dorn, Unsplash
