The wedding dress has been unveiled, the speeches made and the cake cut, but there is still one royal wedding secret yet to be revealed – where the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex will go on honeymoon.
The final destination is unlikely to be revealed until the last minute, but in the meantime, we asked Marc Harris of Odyssey Travels to share his favourite stops for a right royal honeymoon.
The Hot Tip: NAMIBIA
Thought to be the most likely choice for the royal couple, Namibia is unlike anywhere else in Africa, or the rest of the world for that matter. The oldest desert on Earth is located here, as are the world’s largest sand dunes. As a consequence, Namibia is the only place you will find desert elephant and rhino, both uniquely adapted to this inhospitable environment. The light here is simply magical, making it a favourite with wildlife photographers. At four times the size of England yet just 1.2 million people, it’s also the perfect choice for anyone looking for seclusion.
Odyssey Travel’s top picks:
Serra Cafema
One of the most remote camps in all of Africa, Serra Cafema nestles on the banks of the Kunene River, with views of Angola across the water. It’s small, secluded and personal, making it a wonderful choice for a royal couple looking to escape the crowds. The camp is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Another dream lodge for anyone looking to escape the rat race, Hoanib is only accessible via light aircraft. But what makes it particularly special is that, unlike a lot of other Namibia camps it offers a combination of stunning scenery – with the renowned Skeleton Coast just a short flight away – and wildlife, with the indigenous desert elephant in abundance around the camp. This is a relatively new camp but has fast become one of our favourites.
Little Kulala
With undoubtedly the best location of all the dune camps and unquestionably the most luxurious in the region, this would be a perfect spot for Harry and Meghan to unwind while enjoying breath-taking views of the red dunes of Sossusvlei. Little Kulala is the only camp with direct access to Sossusvlei, via a private gate. Balloon flights followed by a champagne breakfast are also on offer.
The Humanitarian Choice: RWANDA
Both Meghan and Harry are known for their humanitarian work and a visit to Rwanda – another hot favourite – would be a great way for them to combine their passions with a little downtime. Meghan has visited the country before as a World Vision global ambassador and described the experience as ‘incredible’. It’s not hard to see why, with its unrivalled gorilla safaris and pristine landscape. Rwanda remains off the beaten tourist track, but is a magnificent experience.
Odyssey Travel’s picks:
Bisate
Only open since June 2017, this camp is located within the amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone next to the renowned Volcanoes National Park. It’s owned by the renowned Wilderness Safaris group which has taken great pains to create a lodge that blends with both its surroundings and Rwandan traditions.
Virunga Lodge
This is another wonderful lodge with stunning views of two sparkling volcanic lakes and the volcanoes themselves. Gorilla treks are a wonderful option from this lodge and you can even pay homage at Dian Fossey’s grave. Plus, there’s a complimentary massage to ease those aching muscles after a long trek.
Sabyinyo
This is Rwanda’s leading gorilla lodge and for good reason since it is situated on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans in north western Rwanda. The rainforests of the Virunga Volcanoes are the last refuge of the mountain gorilla and you are guaranteed a magical experience on a trek from this site.
The Nostalgia Trip: ZAMBIA
Harry and Meghan are no strangers to Zambia, having rounded off their visit to Africa in 2017 with a trip to stunning Victoria Falls. Rumour was rife that he was planning to propose on this trip, although as we all know he waited until they were back in London to pop the question. As beautiful as the Falls are, there is so much more to this wonderful country. Indeed, it is home to some of Africa’s finest walking safaris, perfect for a couple who like to get up close and personal with their surroundings.
Real Africa’s top picks:
Kaya Mawa
If Meghan and Harry were to choose some safari action in Zambia, we’d recommend they cap it off with a stay at this beautiful camp, located on Lake Malawi. Although a freshwater lake, its surrounding beaches are as beautiful as any you’d find by the coast and the service at Kaya Mawa is enough to make anyone feel like royalty.
Shumba
Located in Kafue National Park, this area is off the tourist track and the safaris are very exclusive. However, this is the camp to head for if it’s Africa’s big game you’re looking for. The Busanga Plains are famed for their large concentrations of predator species and Shumba is located right at their heart. The camp also offers night drives, which offer a completely different safari experience.
The Intrepid Adventure: BRAZIL
Harry’s first solo tour in 2012 took him to Brazil and Meghan wrote on her now-retired blog that she was keen to visit. While Africa remains the hot favourite destination, Brazil offers a completely different flavour – ideal for someone looking for a safari experience with a twist.
Odyssey Travel’s top picks:
Caiman Ecological Reserve
Buried deep in the immense tropical wetlands called the Pantanal, this former cattle ranch is the very definition of seclusion – indeed guests very rarely see each other. The lodge offers a variety of excursions, including jeep safari, canoeing, hiking and birdwatching. It is also part of the Onçafari programme, which promotes jaguar conservation in the Pantanal. A wonderful choice for a wildlife fanatic looking to get away from it all.
Cristalino Lodge
For many travellers, the Amazon *is* Brazil and this lodge – located in the Alta Floresta rainforest –is a particularly good choice for bird lovers. However, with more than 580 recorded species roaming this vast property, there’s something for any wildlife fan. The lodge runs small, daily excursions to explore the rich, local habitat. You can also travel the rivers in search of friendly pink river dolphins.
The Gastronome’s Paradise: PERU
Perhaps the royal couple might take inspiration from their official wedding photographer Alexi Lubomirski, whose mother is half Peruvian and plump for a trip to this gem of a country. Lima – Peru’s capital – is also earning itself a reputation as a foodie’s playground, with the ceviche a particular attraction. Of course, as a dedicated vegan Meghan would steer clear of this zesty seafood dish but we’re sure there would be plenty to tempt her palate.
Odyssey Travel’s top picks:
Hotel B
This elegant hotel is located in Lima’s creative heart, in the quieter district of Barranco. As well as making a great base from which to explore local art galleries and a stroll along the promenade with its views of the Pacific Ocean, the hotel’s acclaimed chef Oscar Velarde and his team serve up mouth-watering Peruvian-inspired meals.
Sol y Luna
Should Meghan and Harry want to escape the city and soak in some of Peru’s remarkable history, then we would highly recommend this hotel, located just two kilometres from Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It’s close enough to explore the area’s history and scenery while being just off the main tourist drag.
The Outlier: ANTARCTICA
Often described at the final frontier, Harry and Meghan could yet surprise us all and head for an altogether different sort of wilderness. Antarctica’s eerie beauty has long attracted the great explorers, but with a number of fantastic ships in the area, you no longer need to be a Shackleton to experience the wonder of this remote part of the world.
Odyssey Travel’s top pick:
RCGD Resolute
This ship was built with Antarctic conditions in mind and has the highest ice strengthened hull available. That means it can reach parts of the region much earlier than other vessels, allowing is passengers to see some of the most beautiful icy landscapes. It’s part luxury cruise – complete with sauna, pool and spacious cabins – and part traditional expedition with specialist guides on hand to bring this world to life.
