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Let me hype my motherland. A safari wedding in Africa is more than just a ceremony, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you and your guests will never forget. I promise it is a well-deserved hype. You will see that by the end of this piece.
Safari weddings are becoming more popular among couples. Whether you want to combine your wedding and honeymoon, support conservation and local communities, or simply have an unforgettable adventure, a safari wedding in Africa can offer all that and more.
- But how do you plan a safari wedding in Africa?
- What are the best destinations and venues?
- What are the tips and advice from experts?
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to plan your dream safari wedding in Africa and help you make it a reality.
Step 1: Start with a guest list
The first step to planning your safari wedding in Africa is to decide how many guests you want to invite. The number of guests will affect your choice of location, accommodation, and activities. You will need to consider the availability, capacity, and cost of the venues and services, as well as the travel preferences and needs of your guests.
choosing who to invite
To narrow down your guest list, you may want to invite only your close family and friends. These are people willing to share your adventure and support your vision. You may also want to send out your save-the-dates early and offer to help your guests with their travel arrangements, such as flights, visas, insurance, and vaccinations. You can also create a wedding website or a group chat to keep your guests updated and excited about your safari wedding.
Size of the guest list
Depending on the size of your guest list, you can choose from a variety of safari lodges and camps that can host your wedding. For example, if you have a small and intimate wedding, you may want to check out Khwai Leadwood in Botswana. It is a luxury tented camp. It can accommodate up to 16 guests and offers exclusive access to the Khwai Private Reserve. Here you can see elephants, lions, leopards, and more.
If you have a larger and more festive wedding you may consider Lewa Safari Camp. It offers stunning views of Mount Kenya, luxurious accommodations, and opportunities for game drives, horseback riding, and guided bush walks. This eco-friendly camp can host up to 28 guests, making it ideal for intimate or larger weddings.
Step 2: Choose a destination for your Safari Wedding in Africa
Choose a destination that suits your style, budget, and preferences. Africa is a vast and diverse continent, with many countries and regions that offer amazing opportunities for safari weddings. You will need to consider the climate, the wildlife, the scenery, and the accessibility of each destination. You will therefore be able to compare them with your expectations and requirements.
Some of the best destinations for safari weddings in Africa are
- Tanzania
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Namibia.
Each of these destinations has its charm and appeal.
Tanzania
A great destination for safari weddings if you want to witness the spectacular wildlife and scenery of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Kilimanjaro. Tanzania has a tropical climate, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari wedding is from June to October, when the weather is dry and cool, and the animals are easier to spot. Tanzania also offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, such as the Zanzibar Island, the Olduvai Gorge, and the Maasai villages.
South Africa
If you want to enjoy the diversity and sophistication of the Rainbow Nation South Africa is the destination. South Africa has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. Make sure to visit South Africa for a safari wedding from May to September. During this time the weather is mild and dry, and the wildlife is abundant. South Africa also offers a range of urban and coastal attractions, such as the Cape Town, the Johannesburg, the Durban, and the Garden Route.
Kenya for your safari wedding in Africa
For your African safari wedding, you will experience a classic and iconic adventure. Kenya has an equatorial climate, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. July to October is an ideal time to visit Kenya this is because the weather is dry and warm. This is also the time when the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra takes place. Kenya also offers a vibrant culture and heritage, such as the Masai Mara, the Lake Nakuru, the Lamu Island, and the Nairobi.
Namibia
Namibia is perfect if you want to explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Namib Desert, the Skeleton Coast, and the Etosha National Park. Namibia has an arid climate, with hot and dry days and cold and clear nights. The best time to visit Namibia for a safari wedding is from May to October when the weather is pleasant and sunny. Also, the animals congregate around the waterholes during this period. You will also enjoy a fascinating and diverse history and culture, such as the Swakopmund, the Windhoek, the Damaraland, and the Kalahari.
Step 3: Choose a venue for a safari wedding in Africa
You will need a venue that matches your vision, budget, and preferences. Different types of venues are available for safari weddings, such as traditional elegance, rustic luxury, or eco-friendly. Each type of venue has its advantages and disadvantages, and you will need to weigh them carefully before making your decision.
Traditional elegance venues
Are those that offer a classic and sophisticated style, with high-end facilities and services, such as catering, decor, photography, and entertainment. These locations are great for couples who want a formal and elegant wedding. They come with all the comforts and conveniences of a modern resort.
However, these venues may also be more expensive, less authentic, and less environmentally friendly than other types of venues. Some examples of traditional elegance venues are the
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Tanzania
- Singita Lebombo Lodge in South Africa,
- Fairmont Mara Safari Club in Kenya
Rustic luxury venues for a Safari Wedding in Africa
They offer a cozy and charming style with comfortable and spacious accommodations such as tents, cottages, or villas. These venues are the top choice for couples who want a romantic and intimate wedding. They are usually with a touch of adventure and authenticity.
These venues may however be less accessible, less secure, and less reliable than other types of venues. Examples of rustic luxury venues are:
- Sanctuary Kusini Camp in Tanzania
- Londolozi Tree Camp in South Africa
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp in Kenya.
Eco-friendly venues
They are popular for their sustainable and responsible style. They have minimal impact on the environment and the local communities, such as solar power, water conservation, and waste management.
Venues like these are ideal for a green and ethical wedding with a sense of purpose and contribution. However, they may be less comfortable, less luxurious, and less convenient. Here are Some examples of eco-friendly venues
- Wolwedans Dunes Lodge in Namibia
- Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana
- Segera Retreat in Kenya
It is important to visit the venue before booking or hiring a wedding planner with experience with safari weddings. This is to ensure that the venue meets your expectations and requirements. You can also check the reviews and ratings of the venues online, or ask for recommendations from your friends or family who have had safari weddings before.
Step 4: Plan the details
The final step to planning your safari wedding in Africa is to plan the details of your ceremony, reception, and honeymoon. There are many aspects to consider, such as
legal requirements,
budget,
itinerary,
backup plan.
You will first need to research and prepare the details of your wedding. For instance legal documents, contracts, deposits, and confirmations. You will also need to check the current travel restrictions and requirements.
Personalizing your safari wedding in Africa
It would help if you also personalized your safari wedding with your style, theme, and preferences, such as the dress code, the vows, the cake, and the favors. You can choose from a variety of options, such as traditional African attire, custom-made jewelry, safari-themed decorations, and local delicacies. You can also incorporate some cultural and ceremonial elements, such as a blessing from a tribal elder, a drumming session, or a fire dance.
Finally, it would help if you plan your itinerary and activities for your safari wedding and honeymoon. That is the game drives, the bush walks, the hot air balloon rides, and the spa treatments. You can also extend your stay and explore other destinations and attractions in Africa, such as Victoria Falls, the Cape Winelands, the Seychelles, or Madagascar.
Conclusion
A safari wedding in Africa is a dream come true for many couples who love nature, adventure, and culture. It is a unique and memorable way to celebrate your love and share it with your guests and the local communities. By following the steps in this article, you can plan your safari wedding in Africa with ease and confidence, and make it a reality that awaits you.
If you need more information and assistance, you can contact us at janesonglobal.com to start planning your safari wedding in Africa today.
