Barefoot beach honeymoons

If there’s one thing Africa’s absolutely amazing for, it’s the barefoot beach honeymoon.  If you want large, glossy polished resorts, there’s the odd one on Zanzibar, or on Mauritius, which can easily be linked up with a safari in South Africa. However, Africa’s mainland beaches and the surrounding offshore islands are blissful if you want something utterly natural and informal- luxurious, but feeling a million miles from the rest of the world.

Depending on the time of year you want to travel, and how remote you want to go, we’ve tested gorgeous deserted private islands in Mozambique, tiny rustic beach huts on the East African coast and, for the ultimate in off-the-beaten-track beaches, clear turquoise waters and miles of empty beachfront on Lake Malawi.

Mozambique’s usually the best choice for honeymooners in search of serious exclusivity- the private island experience doesn’t come cheap, but if you want to relax like royalty, in laid back comfort accompanied by utter discretion, this is the place to go.  Heading further north, the Tanzanian coast’s ideal for completely getting away from it all for a few days and can work well for a few nights relaxing before or after a safari. Offshore, in the Zanzibar Archipelago there’s something for everyone- tiny islet hideaways, the spice plantations and ancient town of Zanzibar Island and glorious diving and old world charm on Mafia Island. Finally, further north, the Kenyan coastline has some of the  most ravishing beaches on the continent, and is a mecca for kitesurfers. We’re fairly fussy about where we send people here- some beaches are a little overcrowded, but the other quieter spots are some of the very nicest in Africa.

Not sure what’d suit you? Just ask– we’ve been to most of them and can help you narrow down the options!

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