by Lauren Maker
East Africa is truly the ultimate safari destination.
With not only the world’s greatest diversity and concentrations of large mammals, including the Big Five, and over 1500 species of birds, this vast region is wild and untamed, where wildlife takes precedence and natural migrations are the focus.
Whether you’re enjoying a thrilling game drive, or simply transferring between camps – social distancing is an integral part of being on safari. Being out in Africa’s great open spaces gets you away from crowds and provides you with the best, healthiest environment to spend with a loved one.
With this in mind, safari destinations in East Africa offer the perfect backdrop to a romantic safari getaway. Whether you’re celebrating a special anniversary or enjoying that first blush of a honeymoon – these drop-dead gorgeous camps and lodges give you the ultimate ‘Out of Africa’ experience.
Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
Could there be anything more charming than eating your breakfast with a group of curious giraffes in Kenya? Without a doubt, this once-in-a-lifetime experience should be on your travel bucket list for 2021. We like to arrange a couple of nights at Giraffe Manor for all our guests arriving in Nairobi to prepare themselves for the greatest wildlife show in the world.
Situated on the outskirts of Langata on a 140-acre sanctuary, Giraffe Manor offers you close encounters with a resident herd of endangered Rothschild’s Giraffes. Expect these graceful animals to entertain you as they put their heads through the windows at breakfast. They love to be handfed!
Giraffe Manor hotel has 12 intimate suites, perfect for romance, social distancing and is the best way to start your safari in East Africa.
Angama Mara – Masai Mara, Kenya
Kenya’s Masai Mara is where the most romantic scenes from Out of Africa were filmed; and here sits Angama Mara, an intimate luxury lodge encircling 15 tented suites. This magical lodge is built on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, offering the most beautiful views of the Masai Mara plains below and outstanding game viewing 12 months of the year.
Inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air,’ Angama Mara soars 1,000 feet above the Masai Mara, and every morning, hot-air balloons in the distance glide past the floor-to-ceiling glass fronts of each suite. Your daily safaris are as exciting or as gentle as you choose, you can go as you please.
There is so much to experience and explore: walking safaris, garden-to-table lunches, photographic safaris, a gorgeous swimming pool, African art, clothing, and hand-crafted jewellery. Best of all is the amazing viewpoints, where you can enjoy a romantic picnic packed with love.
Sasaab Lodge – Samburu, Kenya
Attention to detail is clear throughout this beautiful lodge – set in Samburu National Reserve in Kenya – from personal service and incredible food, through to the elegant interiors styled with a contemporary North African design. Sasaab comprises eight individual rooms with thatched roofs, canvas sides and dramatic views down the river, over the bush and beyond. Small, intimate, and with a focus on serene living, Sasaab makes for a strikingly romantic safari getaway.
Each room is exceptionally designed with its own private pool and open veranda, making this another top romantic spot for couples to enjoy spectacular views of the Samburu.
The lodge is close to the heart of the community, making this an amazing Samburu cultural experience. Sasaab offers stimulating walks through the wilderness, game drives, outdoor dining, and a unique cultural experience where you can meet the Sasaab family.
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
This luxurious rim-side lodge is picture-perfect for romance, social distancing, and open spaces, under the magnificent African skies.
Each stilted suite is handcrafted and banana-leaf thatched, filled with graceful antiques and opulent furnishings. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom, filled with fresh roses, spacious showers, and chandelier-lit bathtubs, while floor-to-ceiling windows give you the best views of the vast Ngorongoro Crater.
AndBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge was simply made for romance! Dine under the starry night sky while enjoying views of the Crater below. Sip on glasses of sparkling wine, and enjoy superb gourmet meals courtesy of the in-house chef. Game-viewing here is exceptional. Enter the Crater through a lush highland forest, with sights of flocks of pink flamingos on Lake Magadi and vast numbers of animals on the Crater floor.
One Nature Nyaruswiga – Serengeti, Tanzania
Uniquely situated in Tanzania in the Nyaruswiga Hills region of the vast Central Serengeti, One Nature Nyaruswiga offers an incredible backdrop to the spectacular Wildebeest Migration and enjoys spectacular views of the plains below.
This luxury tented camp has just 14 suites, offering a full view of the savannah for miles around, and is fitted with stylish furnishings and amenities from leading luxury brands, with the finest level of attention to detail. If you are looking for a romantic escape, these tents are it!
The safari experience is sublime. The open-safari vehicles are perfect for photography, and being only intended for four guests, they offer added privacy and leg room. The vehicles are also fully equipped with binoculars, WIFI, as well as charging sockets for cameras and phones.
Time spent in nature is good for mind, body and soul! It is known to reduce anxiety and deepen your connections with your partner. Being out in the fresh air, in wide open spaces with beautiful landscapes is exactly what you need to start 2021 right.
Contact one of our dedicated Travel Planners to start planning your 2021 East African safari.
