Africa's Most Romantic Escapes

by Sandra Mallinson, 6 February 2008

The web is already saturated with 'spectacular sunsets' and 'candlelit dinners', so we sought out destinations that offer something a little different, while still including the time-honoured favourites. After all, those sunsets and dinners have become clichés for good reason.

Cycling from Beach to Beautiful Beach - Seychelles

For picture-perfect tropical beaches, La Digue tops the list. Although it's the fourth largest island in the Seychelles, you could probably cycle from end to end in about an hour. But that's not the point.

Instead pack a picnic basket for two and pedal off at a leisurely pace, past towering palm trees and ox-drawn carts, in the direction of Anse Source d'Argent. This magnificent stretch of sand, strewn with massive granite boulders, is one of the most photographed beaches in the world and after you've seen it, you'll know why.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Anse Patates in the north for a spot of snorkelling, or pedal up and over the island's hilly spine to discover three more exceptional beaches on La Digue's south eastern coast. During the heat of the day, find your own rocky cove for you and your loved one to enjoy in private.

Tell Me More: We'd recommend staying in one of the double-story bungalows at Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie. They're self-catering but you can either cycle down to the shops and buy some local ingredients for a romantic dinner for two on your balcony, or try one of the local restaurants.

Safari Sleep-Out - Kenya

The Loisaba Star Beds have aptly been called the "biggest bedroom in the world”. Imagine camping out under the stars in a remote section of wilderness, on a huge four-poster bed.

After a tasty dinner, you and your loved one can climb the ladder to a comfy bed positioned on a private wooden platform overlooking a waterhole. Snuggle under down duvets as night calls fill the air; the whoops of hyenas, chirps of cicadas and occasional grunt of a lion.

In the morning the dazzling Milky Way slowly fades and the colours seep back into the landscape together with the heat of the oncoming dawn.

The occasional zebra and elephant can be spotted having their morning drink at the waterhole, as your morning meal is brought up to you - breakfast in bed.

Tell Me More: Loisaba Star Beds are within walking (horse riding or even camel riding) distance of Loisaba Lodge, in a private wildlife conservancy on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau in Northern Kenya.

Wine Tasting on Horseback - South Africa

Picture you and your partner on two beautiful horses, picking their way through the wild fynbos and world famous vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley. Your guide leads you across a winding stream and up to the expansive lawns of the first wine farm.

There's nothing quite like sipping a chilled chardonnay or pleasant rosé in the shade of an ancient oak. Around you the vines rise up the foothills of craggy-topped mountains and the air is so calm that you become aware of even the softest sound.

The subtle mix of oxygen with the delicate bouquet of the wine will give you a slight buzz, as you mount your horses and set off in the direction of the next farm.

After a day in the saddle, you'll probably have worked up quite an appetite. Fortunately, this tree-lined town is known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, so you won't go hungry.

For a romantic atmosphere, sit out in the courtyard under the fairy lights at Rueben's or, for the ultimate fine-dining experience, book a table for two at Le Quartier Francais' award-winning restaurant, The Tasting Room.

Tell Me More: Franschhoek is just an hour's drive from Cape Town but we'd recommend staying at Franschhoek Country House. This restored 1890s manor house is known for its luxurious suites and high levels of service, and is a popular choice for a romantic getaway.

You, your Loved One and the Forests of Mahale - Tanzania

If you're looking for something decidedly different and truly remote, then we've saved the best for last. Greystoke Mahale is not only one of the best places in the world to see wild chimps, it's also a magical hideaway on the shores of transparent Lake Tanganyika; below a huge, storybook forest.

Each day starts with a chimpanzee trek but the going is not too strenuous as you wander along forest paths listening to the sounds of butterflies, birds and chimps as they flit through the branches above you.

Mahale is also a superb secluded beach location where you can stretch out on the soft sand, slip into the cool clear waters of the lake or take the dhow out to the best snorkelling spot.

In the evening dine on lake-fresh sashimi or gaze at the stars over cocktails at the bar on the rocks. After all, this is a place for you and your loved one to spend some peaceful time together, revelling in reclusive luxury.

Tell Me More: Greystoke Mahale is difficult to get to but the experience is definitely worth it. The lodge has only six bandas (wooden chalets), so there's plenty of privacy. Each open-fronted banda is dominated by a four-poster bed and has an upstairs chill-out deck overlooking the lake.

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