weddings & honeymoons

Surrounded by mangroves in the heart of the Makasutu Forest is Madina's floating lodges. Accessed by wooden walkways, or a canoe for the scenic route, the stilted and floating lodges feature luxurious interiors with high beamed ceilings and a roofless bathroom. Guests can spend the day in search of monkeys on the forest floor, exploring the River Gambia by canoe or relaxing on a day bed by the pool. gambia.co.uk

MAndinA lodGeS... the GAMbiA

SelouS SAFARi coMpAny... FAnjove iSlAnd, tAnzAniA

FAthAlA wildliFe ReSeRve... SeneGAl

Stay at the Fathala wildlife Reserve and you might just spot the endangered lord derby elan, the world's biggest antelope. Situated just across the Gambian border, the luxury tents at Fathala wildlife Reserve are prefect for couples that want the excitement of a safari but with the amenities of a five-star resort... think private jacuzzi, a sunset mangrove cruise and nights spent around the fire pit. fathala.com

offer clients a 'Robinson crusoe' experience at Fanjove island in Southern tanzania. Apart from the odd friendly green turtle, clients will have the island to themselves. Six eco-friendly private bandas have been built along the shoreline, each designed to minimise its environmental footprint. After a day exploring the island or snorkelling the coral reef, an open-air restaurant is the ideal place from which to stargaze. selous.com

luXuRy AFRicAn lodGeS

Offering wild encounters in romantic locations ranging from secluded islands to starlit plains, Africa is the ultimate

destination for that wedding or honeymoon wow factor, says Jessica Pook

weddinGS & honeyMoonS

weddings & honeymoons

FouR SeASonS SAFARi lodGe SeRenGeti...

tAnzAniA imagine starting married life overlooking a waterhole visited by the big Five, and whilst enjoying a candlelit dinner in the heart of the Serengeti. this experience is offered as part of a Four Seasons honeymoon package and includes a waterhole view room, a poolside dinner and a massage for the bride when booking a couple’s spa treatment. fourseasons.com

Richard branson knows all about luxury and his 12-tented luxury safari camp in Kenya proves it. located in the private olare Motorogi conservancy in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, it's perfectly placed to witness the annual migration. Romantic touches include a private picnic lunch, a starlit dinner with a butler and a turndown with rose petals, bubble bath, sparkling wine and a cosy corner on the deck. mahalimzuri.virgin.com

Santorini Mozambique offers the familiar whitewashed villas and azure sea views associated with instagram's favourite Greek isle, but within a rugged African landsape. the resort is situated on the red cliffs of Kingfisher bay overlooking the coral-rich bazaruto Archipelago. brides can enjoy 50% off a stay plus romantic extras. Activities include a horseback safari, scuba diving or a helicopter ride over the reef. santorinimozambique.com

MAhAli MzuRi... KenyA

GondwAnA ReSeRve... South AFRicA

SAntoRini... MozAMbique

ever feel like you're being watched? located on the popular Garden Route, this pool with a really wild view is at Gondwana Game Reserve. Gondwana offers year-round game viewing, with elephants, lions, hippos, and rare cape Mountain zebras in the vicinity. you'll stay in traditional Kwena huts, complete with skylights, and get treated to surprise bush breakfasts, romantic picnics and scenic sundowners.gondwanagr.co.za

weddinGS & honeyMoonS