While the wedding industry is experiencing its post-covid boom, the travel sector is not hanging behind and also rising in aftermath of the pandemic, however with quite a few shifts regarding traveler’s preferences. There has been a significant change in society’s perception of traveling. After being trapped at home for months and experiencing various limitations, a new demand for more purposeful travel has been established, especially when it comes to planning a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Couples tend to search for deeper meanings on their journeys, which would serve both personal and socially significant goals.
About the author:
Zhenya Swan is a Germany-based freelancer who specializes in travel, people’s stories, destination weddings and adventurous lifestyle photography, videography and journalism. Her passion for visual storytelling has driven her mission to create memorable and engaging stories through her work. With her unique eye and creative spirit, she captures each moment in an effort to bring stories to life for her clients.
In my practice as a traveler and a travel consultant, I have noticed that, for instance, southern Africa appears on “the best honeymoon destinations” media radars a lot more often and offers serious competition to well-known paradise-like Maldives, ancient and romantic Rome, or lush Hawaii. Tourists come to Africa to not only explore the breathtaking natural beauty and diverse cultures but also for the possibility of supporting conservation and sustainable tourism efforts. Choosing a travel destination wisely with the additional purpose of supporting the environment and local communities is becoming a positive trend for nowadays couples.
Southern Africa offers an array of various experiences that are sure to make any romantic trip unforgettable. As a novice, it is impossible to navigate among all the endless options you can read about, so I have chosen one experience that I would undoubtedly include in my itinerary when planning a mind-blowing honeymoon.
A Romantic African Safari in Botswana
If there was one travel experience I would do countless times, it’s an African safari.
An African safari is a journey through a land of breathtaking beauty, majestic wildlife, and endless adventure. It is a self-discovery, a revelation of finding your true self. It is an experience that can awaken the senses and stir the soul. But for those who embark on this journey with a loved one, it can be so much more.
Among all the safaris I have done, Botswana has been like nothing else. The Okavango Delta is considered one of the most unique and special safari destinations in the world. First of all, it is home to incredible biodiversity, including over 200 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, and countless reptiles, amphibians, and insects. It is a haven for some of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species, such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, and wild dogs. Secondly, it boasts it’s stunningly beautiful landscape, with crystal-clear waterways, verdant wetlands, and lush islands. Taking a helicopter scenic sunset ride over the Delta followed by a poetic sundowner in a picturesque spot overlooking wild animals is one of the most romantic experiences a couple can plan when on an African safari.
The Okavango Delta is relatively easy to access, with several airstrips and lodges located throughout the area. This makes it a popular destination for tourists looking for a more remote and authentic safari experience. Moreover, the government of Botswana preaches a policy of ‘Low impact, High-quality tourism’ and they only permit very limited numbers of camps, therefore a low number of quests visiting simultaneously. One of the main providers in the area, The Great Plains Conservation, is a private wildlife conservation organization with a focus on sustainable tourism opportunities in Africa. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience wildlife and nature in an unspoiled and pristine environment. The organization operates several private concessions in Botswana, including the Selinda Reserve, Duba Plains Reserve, and Zarafa Camp. These reserves are located in some of the most remote and untouched areas of Botswana, providing visitors with a unique and exclusive safari experience. They work closely with local communities to promote conservation education and sustainable development, and they also support research and monitoring programs to ensure that the wildlife populations in the area are protected. In addition to their conservation efforts, Great Plains Conservation offers a range of luxury accommodation options, including tented camps, lodges, and private villas. Guests can also always request special experiences like a private game drive with a romantic stop for a sunset, a dinner for two in a tent, bush walks, boat safaris, and other activities, all led by experienced and knowledgeable guides and excellently trained staff.
Not to mention, Great Plains Conservation is founded by an iconic and inspiring couple Dereck and Beverly Joubert who are significant figures in the world of filmmaking and conservation in Africa. They are a husband-and-wife team of wildlife filmmakers, conservationists, and National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence. They are known for their work in documenting the lives and struggles of Africa’s big cats, particularly lions, as well as their efforts to protect and conserve wildlife habitats. In addition to their filmmaking and writing, they are the founders of the Big Cats Initiative, a conservation program aimed at protecting and conserving big cats and their habitats worldwide. While visiting both the Duma Plains Camp and Selinda Camp, it is easily felt how their spirit and aesthetics of safari and a bygone era of travel influenced the interior and small details in each of the camps, how their love and passion for wildlife were transmitted to every single person working at GP
If you plan to do a safari-style photoshoot (which is a fantastic idea to save memories from the trip and I highly recommend it) in search of perfect safari outfits, I would suggest looking at D&B Explorer Collection, which is a fashion brand, launched by Dereck and Beverly.
The collection features a range of clothing items, including jackets, pants, dresses, and accessories, all designed with a modern twist on classic safari style. To understand the inspiration behind D&B’s safari clothes collection, it’s important to look at the history of safari fashion. The Safari style was first popularised in the early 1900s when wealthy Europeans and Americans began traveling to Africa for big-game hunting expeditions. These travelers needed durable and functional clothing that could withstand the harsh conditions of the African savannah, and so safari clothing was born.
Early safari clothing was characterized by khaki or olive green colors, sturdy fabrics, and practical features such as multiple pockets and ventilation. Over time, safari fashion evolved to become more stylish and sophisticated, incorporating elements of Western-style while still retaining its practical roots. Flagship camps of GPC have small curio shops that offer many different items from the collection to help you be in style and comfortable when on safari.
For photographers and photo enthusiasts, the camps are equipped with a range of prime cameras and lenses which guests can take on game drives, practice, then go to an editing room and try to select and edit their best photos. I probably wouldn’t expect anything less from such dedicated and passion-driven owners, and yet it was a huge bonus on the trip as I didn’t take a good lens for close-ups of animals. Moreover, all the game vehicles are specially designed and adjusted for photographers. So, there are open 4x4s with a maximum of 6 guests (private vehicles available), many of which come with stabilizing bean bags and camera mounts. Experiencing a photographic safari will bring your journey to another level and leave you with a few stunning shots, very much like the ones you have seen before in National Geographic Magazines.
“Because of our careers in photography, many guests and travelers to our camps expect something photographic, a cut above others. Often, very keen photographers want to learn more or improve upon this fantastic craft. With this in mind, we can enhance your safari with the photographic tuition and services of some of Africa’s best-known private photographic guides,” – Dereck explains his approach in the interviews.
So why choose Botswana for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway?
Well, imagine that. In the quiet of the night, you lay side by side in your tent, wrapped in blankets and listening to the sounds of the African bush. A lion roars in the distance, sending shivers down your spine. But your partner’s arms around you provide a sense of safety and comfort that is unmatched.
At that moment, as you lay under the stars, you realize that this is what love is all about. It’s about sharing new experiences and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s about feeling the rush of adventure together and finding comfort in each other’s embrace. And as you drift off to sleep, you know that no matter what the future holds, this moment will always be a cherished memory, a reminder of the love and adventure that brought you to this magical place.
Useful information and tips to prepare for your journey
Best season: between May and September because the Okavango Delta floods and attracts a large number of herds, whereas it is winter season and grass will be low which makes it easier to spot animals. The weather is milder and temperatures don’t rise as high, which helps animals to be more active.
Where to fly: Maun international airport, Botswana.
Useful information and tips to prepare for your journey
Best season: between May and September because the Okavango Delta floods and attracts a large number of herds, whereas it is winter season and grass will be low which makes it easier to spot animals. The weather is milder and temperatures don’t rise as high, which helps animals to be more active.
Where to fly: Maun international airport, Botswana.
Where to stay: Great Plains Conservation’s camps – Duba Plains Camp, Selinda Camp, Zarafa Camp – for the ultimate romantic experience.
Which movies to watch before the trip: A United Kingdom, Into the Okavango, Out of Africa, Surviving Paradise, Eye of the Leopard
Where to buy safari outfits: D&B Explorer Collection, Massimo Dutti, Reiss.
Where to find more information on the most fascinating African adventures and order a customized itinerary: @zhenyaswan
