The wanderlust series: African honeymoon destinations to dream about from home

Matetsi Victoria Falls

Set on a private 15km stretch of the mighty Zambezi and just 45 minutes from Victoria Falls, Matetsi Victoria Falls is unique in that it offers guests both world-class safari experiences as well as an idyllic retreat from which to visit the Falls. Matetsi River House is the ideal place to reconnect, thanks to the spacious, exclusive-use four-bedroom villa that has been decorated in the same contemporary African style as the main lodge, complete with fire pit and private swimming pool. 

Guests are looked after by a dedicated team including a private chef, butler, guide and tracker during their stay and will explore the Matetsi Private Game Reserve's 55,000 hectares of pristine wilderness by foot, vehicle and boat, while great herds of elephant, buffalo and plains game delight and amaze. 

Guests are also able to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime adventures as for those staying four nights or more, Matetsi Victoria Falls offers a bucket-list helicopter ride where guests will pass over the thundering Falls, soar along the Zambezi River and the immense Batoga Gorge, then over to the Zambezi National Park for some aerial game viewing.

HOW:  Matetsi River House rates start from US$4,930 (approx. £3,859) per night on an exclusive-use basis for eight guests. Rates include accommodation, meals, house selection of non- alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, laundry and safari activities. https://matetsivictoriafalls.com/

Image courtesy of Tom Parker

Singita Castleton

Singita Castleton, surrounded by 45,000 acres of untouched wilderness in South Africa's Sabi Sand Reserve, has been given a refreshing new look and the exclusive-use villa now includes a brand-new yoga pavilion alongside its state-of-the-art and fully equipped fitness centre, and massage treatment rooms reachable through a private walkway in the tranquil gardens. 

The living areas extend outdoors onto deep, covered verandas overlooking a busy waterhole nearby where game regularly gather to drink. As part of Singita's Private Villa Collection, up to 12 guests of Singita Castleton will access exclusive comforts such as a private game-viewing vehicle and a personal staff team including a Field Guide, private chef and host meaning they can truly relax and enjoy travel once more. Game drives, mealtimes and activities are entirely according to travellers' own preferences giving them complete freedom to design their days as they wish. 

HOW: Rates for Singita Castleton start from £13,481 per night for up to eight guests. www.singita.com/lodge/singita-castleton