Top 6 Romantic destinations this Valentine
It may sound cliché, but its reality: love is calling. Valentine’s Day, in fact an entire Valentine’s Weekend, is just a fortnight away, which is perfect for the man who has been waiting for the perfect day to pop the question. I have put together a number of romantic and captivating destinations across East Africa to save the memories. It’s no easy task to pick a few from the region’s myriad of treasures, but we’re sure that you will love these destinations, for making memories and sealing promises.
Bazaruto Archipelago-Mozambique
A lot has been written about this paradise – it has been voted No. 5 on Condé Nast Traveler Readers Top 30 Islands in the world. Daniel Craig of James Bond claims to have left a piece of his heart at one of the five islands – Vamizi, while the island Santa Carolina formed the location for Survivor South Africa Series 2010. Quite literally, this paradise is one of Africa’s destinations that blows one’s heart effortlessly. It’s a dreamy, barefoot luxury experience that will have all the cushioning while down on one knee should you consider popping the big question this San Valentine. Let the sound of the breaking waves, the singing of the rare birds and the whispers of the calming breeze be part of the new future leading up to the wedding bells.
Mnemba Island-Zanzibar
Renowned for pristine beaches, Mnemba forms one of Zanzibar’s Spice Islands. Discovered by the Arabs in the 18th Century, the alluring beach and the endless azure waters of the Indian Ocean has secured the island a rank on the list of world’s most romantic islands. This paradise, in the north east coast of Zanzibar offers rustic exclusivity for any couple wishing for a place that has the world on a standstill.
Sossusvlei – Namib Dessert
A truly unique and private setting, Sossusvlei in the Namib dessert is prehistoric and scenic in equal measure. The rise and fall of the sand dunes is completely breathtaking; dreamy and magical. Watching the mighty dunes, one can’t help noticing the bewitching scenery as the pink-orange tips rise to kiss the clear blue skies during the day, forming nightly surreal sensations as the sun goes down. A big plus for romantics in Sossusvlei, is the star stained nightly skies, perfect for open dinner settings and moon-walking.
East Africa’s Unique Canopy Walk – Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
If you are a bird watcher, you will find Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda a birder’s heaven. Nothing beats the canopy walk to stroll high above the trees in the park and see how things look from higher up. This dizzying platform runs across the massive and thick forested park, offering the visitor an uninterrupted bird view of the bird and plant life below. The park is located 4-5 hours’ drive from Kigali, with a picturesque landscape and backdrops to form part of the memories. Should you wish to break the journey, Nyanza King’s palace will be ideal. Consider booking into any of the nearby lodges or better still, take the weekend for a camping treat in the wild.
Rusinga Island Lodge-Lake Victoria
Eighty miles from the Maasai Mara stands an exquisite lodge with its well-manicured lawns kissing the shores of Africa’s largest fresh water lake, Lake Victoria. The resort is very popular for honeymoons, which makes it an ideal location for The Proposal and maybe a two day R&R to allow each of you take in the planning of a happily-ever-after. Sounds like fairytale? I know. Rusinga Island offers exclusivity coupled with tranquility, just the recipe for a memorable vacation.
Hot Air Balloon Ride-Maasai Mara
Peter Borchert, founder of Africa Geographic, recommends a sundowner balloon ride over the Mara as an escapade that ought to be on every adventurist’s bucket list. Renown for the great migration, the Mara has something to offer every new season; a ride over the vast ‘out-of-Africa’ setting will be a perfect surprise Valentine proposal for your Lady. Make prior arrangements with the attendants for anything that you may need to enhance this quaint experience. No need to sweep her off the ground, it’s already will be done for you!
