For a truly romantic getaway, get close to nature with your significant other at a spectacular safari experience. Across the stunning African subcontinent, from Namibia to South Africa, there are plenty of five-star safari lodges and experiences to choose from. Fulfil your dream of spotting the big five or sleep in a luxurious campsite looking up at the stars.
Helicopter safari, Namibia
There's no better way to see the vast plains of Namibia than from the bird's eye view of a helicopter. Enjoy a helicopter safari tour over the stunning Epupa Falls and above gigantic baobab trees, then stop off to see wildlife up close. A boat ride will glide you past crocodiles and animals grazing on the river banks, and a trip in a four by four will reveal colourful birdlife which live close to the water. The heli-safari then travels over the remote Marienfluss Valley, where you can see herds of springbok and oryx antelopes in full glory.
Royal Malewane, South Africa
For a truly VIP experience, stay at the Royal Malewane luxury resort in Greater Kruger National Park. This five-star hotel brings you up close to the big five, but with fine facilities that will make you feel at home. Guests are encouraged to enjoy safaris at their own pace, and outings on Land Rovers or open top Land Cruisers usually take place at sunrise or sunset. You can expect to see spectacular wildlife like leopards, lions, elephants and black rhinos up close. To unwind after your day, book a treatment at the onsite spa and dine at the resort's restaurant, which stocks an extensive collection of South African wines.
Serengeti mobile safari, Tanzania
A unique way of seeing Tanzania's incredible wildlife is through a mobile safari. Travel across the Serengeti on Abercrombie & Kent's nomadic tour, which allows you to travel at your leisure across the dusty plains, spotting endangered black rhino and vast herds of wildebeest, and stopping each night to camp in style. Their glamorous tents provide en suite bathrooms and hot showers. You'll be greeted each morning with a refreshing cup of tea and in the evenings you can enjoy superb camp cuisine in front of a roaring fire.
Masai Mara, Kenya
If your priority on safari is seeing big cats, the Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya should be your destination of choice. Base yourself at Cottars camp, a safari camp that's been in operation since 1919, and has retained classic 1920s style - you can sleep in cream canvas tents adorned with vintage touches like Persian rugs and zebra skins. Family tents even have living rooms with fireplaces to help you stay cosy during the evenings. During the day, drive through the vast surrounding plains, spotting cheetahs and lions waiting for masses of migrating wildebeest, and leopards sleeping in shady trees. After a day of wildlife spotting, cool off in the onsite 25 metre swimming pool or indulge in a treatment in the camp's spa.
Chinzombo, Zambia
Often voted Africa's best safari, Chinzombo is a luxury camp in Zambia offering a glamorous vantage point for the myriad of beautiful animals in the area, like zebra, kudu and impala. Choose from their series of six exclusive villas that have exceptional views across the plains, and enjoy dinner under the stars next to the warmth of a fire pit. Located in South Luangwa National Park, and close to the Luangwa River, you can expect to spot wildlife like elephants coming to drink here from the comfort of the resort, and during jeep outings you're likely to see animals totally unique to the area, like the Thornicroft's giraffe and Crawshay's zebra.