Home to breathtaking landscapes, modern cities, and vibrant culture, East Africa offers some of the best destinations for couples seeking excitement, adventure and relaxation. East Africa is a place where couples can learn about different cultures, see wild animals in their natural habitat, and of course experience excitement and adventure, together. If you’re looking to plan a relationship refresh, couples escape or the perfect honeymoon that you and your partner will forever remember, look no further than East Africa.

Here are the top five couples destinations to visit while traveling through East Africa.

#1: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The best place in Tanzania to see the “big five,” the Ngorongoro Crater has been attracting couples for decades, with a sense of mystery, opportunity for an adventure and romantic setting. Located in a 14-mile wide volcanic crater, this destination provides stunning backdrops and scenery that you and your partner will love. From the top, the crater appears to be empty, but once in the crater itself you can see lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, and much more. Stay in one of several lodges located along the crater’s rim and spend the day sightseeing or visiting the Olduvai Gorge, a prehistoric site known for its fossil discoveries and contributions to evolutionary theories. At the end of your night, enjoy dinner at your lodge overlooking a spectacular sunset.

#2: Maasai Mara, Kenya

More adventurous couples should check out Maasai Mara National Reserve – especially if there’s a keen interest in seeing Africa’s most well-known animals. A haven for wildlife lovers, this national reserve is one of the best places in Africa to view wildlife, hosting over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds. Stay in one of the nearby luxury lodges for fine dining and a glamping experience like no other. Visit from July to October to see the wildebeest migration, or visit anytime to see the wild cats. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a hot air balloon safari at sunrise followed by a luxury bush breakfast with a champagne toast to start the day. This place is a prime spot for couples based on its scenery and wildlife, it’s the perfect place to take amazing photographs together or with a photographer. To gain some culture and perspective, take a visit through the Maasai villages by car or hike there yourself.

#3: Murchison Falls, Uganda

The power of Murchison Falls will take yours, and your partner’s breath away! The water surges through a narrow (6 meter) gorge before pushing onwards and cascading down over 400 feet in a series of three cascades. Not the average waterfall, I’d say. The astounding falls are best experience by boat below, or a 45 minute hike to the top. I suggest hiking up first thing and enjoy a catered breakfast at the top before jetting off on the days adventures. The main attraction is the falls but there is so much more to explore. Chimpanzee trekking in the lush Budongo forest, river cruises/safaris along the river nile, and of course an exhilarating safari to see four of the ” Big Five “, lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and over 70 other mammals, plus over 450 species of birds. Once you return to the lodge relax with a sundowner as the power of the falls roars in the background. Murchison Falls is truly the best for creating new memories with that special someone.

#4: Musanze, Rwanda

Home to most of the mountain gorillas left on earth, Musanze is a simple city with lots to do. This location is best for those who are do-it-yourself adventurers, as the city is not exactly set up for tourism but has so much to offer as one of the many couples destinations in Africa. Take a lake trip with a local fisherman to get out on the water, or visit the Volcanoes National Park to get up close and personal with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. If you’d prefer to learn about gorillas instead, head over to the Karosoke Research Center for fascinating wall exhibits and education to add to your gorilla spotting experience. Visit with the natives and check out the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to see artificial recreations and learn about the history and culture of the area. Cap off the day by camping at Buhanga Eco-Park to observe local bird species.

#5: Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of Botswana’s most prized natural wonders, and a perfect experience to share with that special someone. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an incredible vast and stretching delta inlet consisting of swamplands and natural islands. Due to it’s wild nature, Botswana is home to an array of wildlife including the ” Big 5 “, wild dogs, cheetahs, hippopotami, baboons, monkeys, hundreds of bird species and much, much more. An unbelievable, natural spectacle! Vast open skies, surreal landscapes, abundance of wildlife and breathtaking sunsets is what makes Botswana a couples dream location. 

Whether you plan on visiting East Africa on a honeymoon, relationship refresh or a once in a lifetime travel experience with your best friend, East Africa is the ideal place to visit together. Visit East Africa for adventure, excitement, and scenery so beautiful that the photos will never do it justice!

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