We all know what romantic means. It’s being somewhere, with someone, in a setting which makes your heart flutter a little more than usual. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a honeymoon, or a special occasion, it just needs to be with the right person. Romance is experiencing something magical together. It is safe to say that a safari experience exudes romance – almost every aspect of your day ticks a multitude of the romance boxes. For the couples joining us in the near future, I thought I’d share my top 5 most romantic things to do at Londolozi for the ultimate romantic safari in Africa…

romantic

/rə(ʊ)ˈmantɪk/

Adjective

conducive to or characterized by the expression of love.

1.Star Gazing

Although this sounds like a cliché  romantic activity – you have not star gazed properly yet if you haven’t done it in Southern Africa in winter. You will need to rub your eyes a few times, to believe what you are seeing is actually real. The stars I have witnessed whilst at Londolozi have been the brightest, most clear and twinkly I am yet to see. Ask your ranger to take you out after sunset and discover the Southern Cross in all its glory. Top tip: bring along a bottle of delicious red wine to warm you up.

Make sure to look out for fireflies on your way – another piece of magic!

2. Picnicking

Another cliché title, but again like the African stars, a picnic on safari takes picnicking to a new level. Think delicious, fresh nibbles beautifully laid out, with only nature in sight. The melody of birds and the flow of the river merge into one hypnotic, blissful tune as you truly feel yourself disconnect from life’s hurry and connect with the pace of nature. This is quality time at it’s finest. Top tip: Bring a pair of binoculars.

3. Sunsets – the epitome of a romantic safari in Africa

“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa” – John Hemingway

I don’t need to tell those that have experienced this already, but it truly feels like you are surrounded by magic when gazing at a magnificent African sunset. It’s the panoramic view of nature that makes you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world; it’s the dust catching the light in the air; it’s taking in the last sounds of the day; and all they while having your favourite person with you. There is no ‘best’ sunset spot at Londolozi – but I’m sure your ranger will have his favourite view point to take you to.  Top tip: This is a fantastic time to have a South African botanical gin and tonic – the cherry on top of your romantic safari in Africa.

4. Healing House Body Activation

This is an interesting one. This experience, over time, has been a favourite for couples visiting us. The Body Activation experience is found in the River Room of our Healing House and involves three components: a rain shower, a cold plunge pool and a Himalayan Salt Heat Cabin. Christina Fox explains more:

This space is intimate and private and intentionally placed in a sacred corner of the property. Your only witnesses here are the vervet monkeys, trees and wildlife. Together you will be experiencing the rejuvenating effects of contrast therapy – combining the immune boosting benefits of both infrared heat therapy and cold exposure. This treatment encourages the release of dopamine, serotonin and other happy hormones – not to mention the benefits on your circulation and whole being. ⁠
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You will begin with a cleansing rain shower followed by an Infrared heat cabin with a Himalayan salt wall encased in glass and wood. You are able to see out towards the river and the northern tree lined ridge where you may spot a grazing herd of impala, a breeding herd of elephants or journey of giraffe. After your session in the heat cabin you move to the cold plunge pool. This is where you can have some fun trying to keep your partner in the pool for the duration of the timer. Using breath techniques, slowing your breathing and sinking into what can be an initially uncomfortable experience of cold. Shrieks of laughter are often heard at this point in the treatment. Enter in with an open mind and prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the elated feeling in your body and mind after the full session of three rotations. Guests leave this treatment energised and lighter than when they entered in. Often surprised by their own resilience and the profound benefit of the cold exposure.

Top tip: If you are there already, you may as well book the Healing House Signature Massage in the Rose Gold Room.

5. A Private Dinner to end off your romantic safari in Africa

If you are traveling with your partner make sure to request a private dinner. Most travellers will stay with us for a few nights and would have had dinners in our bomas and on the main deck (which are also musts). But after a few nights of these, a private dinner, on the comfort of your suite’s deck, is just what you’ll need. With the natural night sounds as your wind orchestra, lanterns as your source of light – enjoy your meal just the two of you. Top Tip: Find out which wine pairs well with your dinner that evening.

Looking back on these five points, there is one clear romantic element tying them all together – being immersed and surrounded by nature. A romantic safari in Africa is non-replicable. Mother Nature is the magic behind the scenes – she provides the perfect backdrop to all these experiences. For those that have visited us, let us know in the comments section below, which one of these five was your favourite experience.