A Complete Guide to Honeymooning in Botswana
Written by Courtney Drysdale
Want to treat your special someone to an unforgettable romantic getaway? Look no further than a honeymoon safari in Botswana. This incredible destination has been the backdrop for many romantic stories, from royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle falling in love in the Okavango Delta, to silver-screen stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton choosing Chobe as the spot for their second wedding. Experience the best game viewing in the world and marvel at the sparkling waterways of the Okavango Delta, the secluded Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and more. There’s so much to see and do in the Okavango Delta to make it an utterly romantic honeymoon. Read on for our Complete Guide to Honeymooning in Botswana:
Where to Go
There are plenty of awe-inspiring honeymoon destinations in Botswana, but we’ll make the task of deciding where to go a little easier. Here’s our list of a few must-visit spots:
The Okavango Delta
Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Kalahari’, this inland Delta lives up to the expectations. Bursting with wildlife and spectacular scenery, this water wonderland will enchant and captivate you and your partner.
Where to Stay in the Okavango Delta
Skybeds
Experience the Okavango Delta from above at this unique and exclusive safari lodge in the Khwai Private Reserve. Perched high above the ground in raised suites, gaze over a waterhole frequented by plenty of wildlife including African wild dogs, lions and giraffes.
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
Nestled amongst indigenous trees sits a luxury Big 5 safari camp called Nxabega. Explore the surroundings on a game drive and enjoy sundowners on a Delta island before a private dinner in the bush.
Experience luxury in an unequalled and dramatic setting that is the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Explore the pans, witness the zebra migration on horseback, or pay a visit to a wonderfully quirky colony of habituated meerkats, before enjoying a gourmet dinner under the most-enchanting starry sky you’ve ever seen.
Where to stay in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Jack’s Camp
Set on a secluded section of the salt pans, Jack’s Camp pairs unparalleled luxury with an authentic safari experience. Explore the area on a walking safari, or pay a visit to the meerkat colony and witness magical starry nights out on the pans.
Meno a Kwena
Visit the camp where Prince Harry took Meghan Markle, a luxury and authentic tented camp overlooking the Boteti River. This camp makes a nice addition to your trip between Makgadikgadi and Okavango Delta.
From rolling red sands, to savannah and wildlife that is equal parts unique and photo-worthy — think cheetah, bat-eared fox, black-maned lion and more — the Kalahari is the perfect place to disconnect from the rest of the world and reconnect with each other in seclusion.
Where to stay in the Kalahari
Kalahari Plains
Experience the serenity of the Kalahari at this unpretentious and ideally-located lodge. Witness magical night skies and dine on local specialities like the Kalahari truffle. Explore the area with a local San guide and keep an eye out for oryx, black-maned lion, cheetah and bat-eared fox.
Famous for its rich wildlife and colossal elephant herds, the Chobe region is a must-see safari destination. Sip sundowners on a river barge or even make a day trip to the unforgettable Victoria Falls.
Where to stay in Chobe
Savute Under Canvas
Get the real safari experience at this remote but comfortable safari-tented camp in the Savuti region of Chobe. Famous for its game, including a pack of lions that are known to hunt elephants, this camp is sure to be a truly unforgettable experience.
Make your honeymoon even better
Why not combine a Botswana safari and a beach honeymoon? With international airports in both Kasane and Maun, there are plenty of flight options allowing you to hop over to Cape Town, KZN or other beachy destinations in South Africa.
When to go to Botswana on Honeymoon
Botswana has a semi-arid climate that is marked by 2 distinct seasons. The dry season occurs between April and September, and this is a great time to go game viewing and explore the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. However, the rainy season — which runs from November to March — has its own special draws. This is a great opportunity to spot baby animals and plenty of predators as the bush transforms into a lush oasis with the rains. Do note that some camps in the Okavango Delta close over this ‘low’ season but for those that are open, rates are usually much lower.
How to get to Botswana
There are plenty of flights into Botswana via the international airports in Maun and Gaborone, and charter flights into the Okavango Delta. There is also a decent road system. For more information on specific driving details in Botswana and other important details like visa requirements, check out our Botswana Pocket Guide.
Malaria is seasonal in the Okavango Delta and although well controlled, it’s best to have a chat with your doctor 1 month before your trip.
Try to wear neutral-coloured and airy clothing when on safari to blend in with the bush around you. For more tips about going on safari, check out this blog post.
If you’d like to do a self-drive safari, double-check that the roads you will be driving on during the rainy season are usable. Remember that Botswana is a very large and sparsely populated country, so plan your fuel consumption carefully to avoid getting stranded. Have a look at our blog post about the differences between self-drive and guided safaris.
With so much to see in Botswana, there can be no doubt that it is the ultimate romantic experience. Check out our Botswana Honeymoon Packages and trips, or read more about why Botswana is such a sustainable destination with plenty of other exciting and unique stays.
