7 Romantic Safaris … Fall in Love with Botswana

There are few experiences in life that match up to the romance of a honeymoon safari or just an escape from our digital world. When it comes to travelling with your loved one, an experience in the African bush must surely rank as one of life’s top adventures. There’s the thrill of being up close to Africa’s wild animals, experiencing new senses – from the smell of wild sage, a powerful reminder of the bush – to seeing new species or behaviours: a stalking lioness, a bird of prey soaring above, or simply observing the beauty of being in a wild area, taking note of the trees, the music of the riverside or the evocative cry of an African fish-eagle.

At our Wilderness camps and lodges, there is no shortage of wonderful activities to try – ideal for creating long-lasting memories with your partner. Below, chosen in no particular order, are eight safari camps that are ideal for couples wanting to share in a life-changing and romantic adventure in some of Africa’s most beautiful wilderness areas.

Little Mombo – Elegance, Intimacy, Sophistication

Both Mombo and Little Mombo guests are spoilt with views of a floodplain that hosts an astonishing variety of wildlife. The abundance of life found here has accorded the area its name, “Place of Plenty.” With just four tents, Little Mombo is ideal for couples and small groups.

Enjoy twice-daily game drives, delicious bush brunches, private dining, and, if you feel like working up a sweat, make use of the gym, or enjoy quality time unwinding with a treatment at the spa. At night, slink into a bubble-filled bath, or cool off in your private plunge pool.

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Qorokwe – A Wealth of Wildlife

Qorokwe, situated in a high-density game area of the south-eastern Okavango, reveals a world of diverse habitats supporting a wealth of wildlife.

The camp comprises nine elegant tented suites, with en-suite facilities that include indoor and outdoor showers. The whole camp, including the magnificent main area, overlooks a lagoon while its infinity pool is a focal point for the expansive views.

Explore this productive game area on drives – both day and night drives are offered, on guided walks (on request) or, depending on season and water levels, by boat or mokoro. Scenic helicopter rides are also available on request – and if you’re looking for an indulgent pampering session, then be sure to book a massage for you and your partner.

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King’s Pool – Romance and Royalty

Steeped in nostalgia and named for Scandinavian royalty, newly-renovated and sublimely elegant King’s Pool overlooks a handsome oxbow lagoon of the same name in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Activities include day and night game drives, walks and a nearby hide for photography, as well a scenic helicopter ride – a thrilling opportunity to marvel at the formation of the Linyanti and its wildlife from above.

Another highlight is a ride upon the Queen Silvia barge – enjoy watching the sunset and toasting the day with your favourite drink – it doesn’t get much more romantic than this…

King’s Pool boasts eight luxurious thatch and canvas rooms, each with a large bedroom area and lounge leading to a verandah that soaks up the gorgeous views. At night, enjoy sitting under the stars in the camp’s open-air 'kgotla' – a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the African night, listening to the melodies of insects and frogs while sharing stories around a crackling campfire.

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Vumbura Plains – The Ultimate Okavango Experience

Vumbura Plains offers guests the best of both land and water experiences – the ideal way to explore the Okavango Delta, whether by boat, mokoro or on game drives. This large, lavish camp is contemporary in design with 14 rooms raised off the ground, each including a sunken lounge, sala and plunge pool.

Guests are spoilt with incredible game viewing and activities that allow you to truly immerse yourself in the wilderness. Bush walks are available as well as night drives looking for elusive and nocturnal species by spotlight.

Unwind in camp, enjoying the sunken lounge and sala outside your room or take a dip in the pool that overlooks the waterways and typical Delta scenery. Nights can be spent dining under the soft glow of lanterns on the main camp deck or in the privacy of your room.

Hot air balloon rides are offered from April to September, another romantic activity to enjoy, soaring above the serpentine channels of the Delta.

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Pelo – The Camp with Heart

The word Pelo in Setswana means ‘heart’ – a fitting name inspired by the distinct heart-shaped island in the heart of the Jao Concession on which the camp is built. This is the Delta as it is meant to be enjoyed – remote, genuine, and wild.

Pelo’s main area comprises a tented dining area and lounge situated under impressive wild date palms, jackalberry and Natal mahogany trees while the inviting plunge pool allows for refreshing dips in the midday heat. There is also an outdoor boma area and a raised lookout deck perfect for sundowners. The five intimate guest tents, complete with covered verandahs, have en-suite bathrooms with both an indoor and outdoor shower.

Activities at Pelo include boating, mokoro excursions, catch-and-release fishing and wilderness walks.

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Little Tubu – An Okavango Hideaway

Little Tubu has three traditional-style tents shaded by a riverine tree canopy, from where all look out over a seasonal riverbed. Elevated walkways link the tents to the main dining, bar and pool areas that are designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment and maximise the views of the Okavango. The style of the camp and the setting create an authentic sense of being in a remote wilderness, and truly on safari – in comfort and style, unquestionably in a wild place, among prolific wildlife.

Activities include game drives on Hunda Island, the largest dry land environment in this area – home to diverse habitats and a varied game-viewing experience. During winter (May to late September) and depending on water levels, boating, fishing and mokoro trips are offered.

For a romantic night out – the camp’s Star Bed is a wonderful way to thoroughly immerse yourself in all the sights, sounds and scents of the wilderness. A night you won’t easily forget!

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Jao – a Camp with Flair 

In the heart of the Okavango, ultra-luxe Jao is set amongst islands fringed with riverine forests and vast floodplains with prolific wildlife. The camp (rebuilt in 2019) comprises a main area elevated into the tree canopy, two exclusive villas and five twins all with private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers. The two Jao Villas, accommodating four people each in two identical guest rooms, share a main area, and also have an exclusive vehicle, guide, chef and butler.

The fresh and contemporary design, in the same lovely location, continues the sense of adventure that Jao has always prized, adding an element of surprise and delight in ever-evolving sculptural and architectural language.

Couples can enjoy a range of activities from mokoro adventures (depending on water levels and season), boating, game drives, bush picnics, time in the Jao Museum and Gallery or unwinding at the magnificent spa where you can choose from a full menu of spa therapies and massage treatments.

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