For many West African couples, the dream honeymoon used to mean Dubai or Europe. Today, more are looking across Africa, where beaches, wildlife and cities offer as much romance with shorter flights and, often, easier visas.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The island off the coast of Tanzania offers white beaches, turquoise water and the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets, markets and Swahili architecture. Couples can snorkel, take dhow sunset cruises and visit spice farms.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town combines city life, mountains and sea. Couples can take the cable car up Table Mountain, visit the Cape Winelands, drive along the coast to the Cape of Good Hope and see penguins at Boulders Beach.
Mauritius
The Indian Ocean island is known for luxury resorts, lagoons and a multicultural cuisine mixing Indian, African, Chinese and French influences. It is popular for all-inclusive honeymoon packages.
Seychelles
The Seychelles islands offer famous granite-boulder beaches, clear water and privacy. It is one of the more expensive options, suited to couples wanting seclusion.
Victoria Falls
On the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the world’s great natural wonders. Couples can combine the falls with a safari in nearby parks and sunset cruises on the Zambezi.
Safari in Kenya or Tanzania
The Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania offer wildlife viewing, including the annual migration of wildebeest, usually from about July to October in the Mara.
Closer to home
Within West Africa, Cape Verde, Senegal and Ghana’s own coast offer beach escapes without long flights.
Rwanda
Rwanda offers mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the hills and lakes around Lake Kivu and the clean, orderly capital, Kigali. Gorilla permits are expensive and must be booked in advance, and visitors are allowed about an hour with a gorilla family.
Practical tips
Visas. Visa rules differ. Some African countries offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival for Ghanaian and Nigerian passport holders; others require advance applications. Check early.
Vaccinations. Carry your yellow fever card, required by many countries.
Timing. Consider rainy seasons. East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands have different seasons from West Africa.
Budget. Package deals from travel agents can reduce costs.
Africa is big, varied and beautiful. A honeymoon on the continent can be the first of many trips the couple takes together to discover it.
