So, you have your heart set on a safari honeymoon. To help you stake out stays fit for lion kings and queens, I’ve compiled my favourite honeymoon hotspots, from tiger-trailing in India to underwater excursions.
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka
Swimming Pool at Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka
Bed down in one of the boutique bungalows at Gal Oya Lodge, a clutch of back-to-nature bungalows set in magical, 20-acre private forest. Newly-weds will love the dazzling swimming pool set amid long grass, where you’ll spot the occasional elephant.
Hiking from Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka
Adventure options on this safari honeymoon are varied. Boat and jeep safaris are available, as are ranger-led hikes. Plus, you can also arrange to meet the Vedda Tribe, one of the last remaining forest-dwelling indigenous people of Sri Lanka.
Bungalows from £172 per night*. Includes breakfast.
Jamtara Wilderness Camp, Pench National Park, India
Eco-Friendly Tent at Jamtara Wilderness Camp, India
With just 10 eco-friendly tents, Jamtara Wilderness Camp is a fairytale jungle retreat set amid arjuna trees at the edge of Pench National Park. You’ll find no blow-up mattresses at this Kipling-style stay. Tents are decked out with wooden floors, comfy double beds and spacious bathrooms.
Swimming Pool at Jamtara Wilderness Camp, India
Head into the dense surrounding forests to spot tigers, elephants and a host of other furred, clawed and feathered creatures for an incredible safari honeymoon experience.
Luxury tents from £413 per night*. Includes all meals, two safari drives, snacks and tea in the morning and evening.
Gorah Elephant Camp, Garden Route and Winelands, South Africa
Tent at Gorah Elephant Camp, South Africa
Made up of 11 Victorian-style tents on the South African savannah, Gorah Elephant Camp is an idea spot from which to brave the bushveld in search of the big five. Or, you could just relax in the tempting rock-framed swimming pool…
Gorah Elephant Camp, South Africa
Wildlife isn’t the only attraction here. Each tent has jaw-dropping views of the plains, huge canopied beds, and comes with its own crystal decanter of sherry, perfect for toasting the sweeping South African sunset.
Tented suites from £838 per night*. Includes all meals and game drives.
Sal Salis, Nigaloo Reef, Australia
Sal Salis, Australia
Looking for something different on your safari honeymoon? Head to seaside safari spot Sal Salis, a remote beachside camp in Cape Range National Park near Australia‘s Ningaloo Reef.
Beach at Sal Salis, Australia
Here guests dine under the stars and spend wonder-filled days on underwater safaris. You’ll mingle with mantra rays, dolphins, sharks and shoals of uniquely coloured fish.
Wilderness tents from £876 per night*. Includes all meals, a selection of drinks, snorkelling equipments and guided activities.
Mahali Mzuri, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Mahali Mzuri, Kenya
Make yourself at home on the high plains at Mahali Mzuri. Guests can survey the savannah from one of 12 ingeniously designed tents, each with a private deck, free-standing bath tub and canopied four-poster bed.
Mahali Mzuri Plains, Kenya
Enjoy drives with expert guides, spa treatments with views over the seemingly endless plains, and delicious pan-African food served in the tented, wall less restaurant.
Tented suites from £1,263 per night*. Includes all meals and drinks, return transfers from the Olare Orok or Mara North Airstrips, and daily game drives.
*Prices correct November 2017
Guest post by Claire Wilson of Mr & Mrs Smith
Images from Mr & Mrs Smith
