Home to breathtaking landscapes, modern cities, and vibrant culture, East Africa offers some of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa to take your new spouse for a trip of a lifetime. Though East Africa wasn’t always so filled with visitors, tourism boomed after its independence and continues to grow economically and culturally. This region contains several historical sites, as well as popular safari trips and deep tribal culture. Africa is a common destination for newlyweds because it is a place where couples can go to learn about a new culture together, see wild animals in their natural habitat, and investigate opportunities for excitement and adventure. If you’re looking to plan a honeymoon that you and your partner will forever remember, look no further than a honeymoon destination in Africa.

Here are the top five honeymoon 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 tourist couples for a lengthy period of time. 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. You can also visit Serengeti National Park or interact with those a part of the Maasai tribe. 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 wildlife 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 good night’s sleep. Visit from July to October to see the wildebeest migration, and visit anytime to see wild cats. If you’re feeling adventurous, try riding a hot air balloon or try your hand at camping in select areas. This place is a prime spot for honeymooners based on its scenery and wildlife, so 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: Jinja, Uganda

For people who love to be active and near the water, Jinja is just for you. Known as the source of the Nile River, Jinja offers several outdoor activities such as white water rafting, float trips, kayaking, and boating. Jinja is one of the most popular destinations for white water rafting in the world, and most people who visit are first-time rafters. For those who want a less intense experience, boat trips consist of slow sailing and even visiting islands along the way to Ripon Falls. For many of these trips, meals and beers are provided. Surrounded by nature, you can stay in various guesthouses among leafy suburbs – or even downriver to be closer to more activity bases. Jinja has a string of coffee shops and cafes along the river, as well as general Ugandan food for those craving a heartier meal. Though the rapids in Jinja are at risk because most were buried underneath a reservoir, the various activities available in Jinja keep it a place for amazing memories and one of the top honeymoon destinations in Africa.

#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 honeymoon 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. If you want to take a look around with the natives, you can 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: Nairobi, Kenya

Filled with city life, fine dining, shopping, and several other activities, Nairobi is the place for couples who are energetic and constantly on the move. If you still have yet to see Africa’s “big five,” visit Nairobi National Park and get a glimpse of your favorite wild animal. Just waking up from your slumber and can’t wait to see a wild animal? Stop by Giraffe Manor to have breakfast alongside these tall creatures for a meal to remember. For those who love education, the Nairobi National Museum will entertain you for hours with nature exhibits and bone and fossil displays. If you’re hungry after all the hustle and bustle, Nairobi offers a plethora of culinary options including seafood, barbeque, grilled, and local Kenyan cuisine. And when your sense of adventure continues to heighten after running around the city, try your hand at ziplining, nature walks, hiking, or archery at The Forest. Kenya definitely deserves some consideration when choosing one of the many honeymoon destinations in Africa. 

Whether you plan on visiting Africa immediately after your wedding day or in the future for a later honeymoon, East Africa is one of the most amazing regions to go with plenty of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa. You can sit on a beach anywhere, but to do it in a place full of rich cultural history and in close proximity to some of the most fascinating wild animals on earth is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t waste your honeymoon laying around and wasting time – visit East Africa for adventure, excitement, and scenery so beautiful you’ve only ever seen it in photos!

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