The meaning of a romantic getaway varies from person to person. It could be a special night shared with a significant other in a beautiful bush lodge, with a candlelit dinner. Or a group of close friends on a sunset cruise celebrating a birthday. Or just time spent alone at a breath-taking ocean or waterfall destination, enjoying the serenity of an escape from city life.
Nicky Coenen, General Manager of The Last Word, says romantic getaways do not only pertain to experiences by couples – one can be travelling alone and still have a romantic getaway. “It is more about a feeling of mystery and excitement about the place that one is visiting; it is about romanticising a place, absorbing the culture, the heritage, the authenticity and the energy. It is about enjoying the connection with people and living like a local."
East Africa has some of the most incredible romantic destinations in the world, each offering its own unique touches to make it memorable and magical. A hassle-free experience from the moment of arrival, private deck dinners, candlelight pre-dinner bathing preparation, and even surprise bush cocktail venues in a serene atmosphere, are some suggestions from Nic Griffin, CEO of Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection.
Charmaine Taylor, Hospitality Manager at Lalibela, says being on safari is romantic in itself, with the added magic of elements like romantic private dinners on request, and secret spots in the bush for those surprise ‘will you marry me?’ moments. Vernon Wait, Lalibela’s Marketing and Sales Director, echoes this sentiment: “Just being here, seeing the animals in their natural state, being spoilt in the lodges with sumptuous food, and maybe even having one or two glasses of wine more than normally – we find this ambience combines to turn ‘Roberts into Romeos’, ‘Cliffords into Casanovas’ and ‘Gillians into Juliets’!”
Here are five of Tourism Update’s most romantic East African getaways.
Kenya: Great Rift Valley – Angama Mara
Angama Mara is suspended on the edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Whether your clients are drifting across the Mara in a hot-air balloon with their beloved, enjoying an idyllic picnic in the place where parts of the iconic safari romance, Out of Africa, were filmed, or succumbing to a new garden-to-table private dining experience in the Shamba – they will not be disappointed. Each of the 15 tented suites has endless vistas across the Mara, so there’s really no need to leave one’s room. Just watch the spectacle of nature from the (exceptional) comfort of the deck.
Tanzania: Grumeti Reserve – Singita Faru Faru
Situated in Tanzania’s Singita Grumeti concession, Singita Faru Faru offers a contemporary and ultra-luxurious lesson in the eloquence of understatement. Low-slung glass-fronted rooms overlook the Grumeti River, where the interiors resemble a 1940s botanist safari camp. If your clients are there to see the migration or simply commune with their loved one in nature, they are guaranteed a ringside seat complete with an ice-cold G&T, memorable campfire moments, delicious food, impeccable service and an overwhelming luxury of space.
Uganda: Rwenzori Mountains – Kyaninga Lodge
Experience the beauty and romance of Kyaninga Lodge, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the Rwenzori Mountains, and overlooking an extinct volcanic crater lake.
The lodge offers nine exclusive cottages made from hand-carved logs, and raised on platforms to maximise the views – cosy and rustic to enhance the enchantment of the escape. An indoor seating area leads to a private deck where morning tea can be enjoyed with a view. Exceptional classic European cuisine is served at the main lodge, with hand-picked ingredients from Kyaninga’s kitchen garden and the neighbouring markets. Guided walks are available around the Kyaninga crater lake and forest, or through the landscaped gardens.
Ethiopia: Simien Mountains – Limalimo Lodge
Ethiopia is one of East Africa’s most romantic destinations and Limalimo Lodge brings guests to the doorstep of the Simien Mountains National Park, to a simple yet luxurious and elegantly designed rural Ethiopian-style lodge. Twelve rooms are scattered among the trees, with views over the wooded hillsides, and a restaurant and bar area offer a terrace to relax on, with a warm fire pit to add a romantic ambience.
The lodge has been built using green technology, with buildings constructed from rammed earth, wood and thatch, producing walls that blend into the surroundings. From large acacia trees with hammocks, to inviting benches from which to watch troupes of Gelada monkeys passing through, Limalimo gives guests a down-to-earth romantic experience, immersed in Ethiopia’s striking escarpment.
Zanzibar: Next Paradise Boutique Resort
Situated on one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, Next Paradise Boutique Resort is a charming small hotel, known for its elegance, excellent food and intimate, quiet atmosphere.
Located 45 minutes’ drive from Stone Town and 30 minutes from Nungwi and Kendwua, it is centrally located for excursions across Zanzibar – from spice tours and swimming with dolphins, to big-game fishing, kitesurfing and snorkelling.
The hotel has two swimming pools and 20 fully furnished rooms, complete with air-conditioning and WiFi. An on-site restaurant offers delicious seafood dishes made from freshly caught fish sourced from local fisherman. The Mediterranean cuisine, with a touch of Swahili, brings the best of local flavours to the table.
And if the romantic interlude leads to that special ‘I do’ moment, Next Paradise is an exquisite wedding location, with dinner on the beach, live local music, Masai guard of honour, and a host of other memorable offerings to make your clients’ special day one they will remember forever.
Cathlyn Grieb, digital marketing assistant of Bushtracks Africa, wraps up a romantic African bush getaway beautifully: "If you’re after something different, more personal and off the beaten track then a remote African destination is ideal. Somewhere that allows you to escape from the rest of the world and enjoy the sounds of wildlife at night, while you gaze uninterrupted at the star-studded sky with your significant other. There are so many breathtakingly beautiful places across this amazing continent that are perfect for personal adventure and discovery, as well as intimate reconnecting with both nature and your loved one, all at once. That is truly a unique way to encourage romance.”
