Let’s face it, most of us will confess to sitting at work daydreaming of a romantic weekend away. The plotting and planning can be fun and can start here! So don’t just dream about it, read on, grab your loved one, flee the responsibilities of your ‘real life’ for a while and book a romantic weekend away. Just picture it … a secluded room in spectacular surroundings with your every need taken care of, whilst all you have to do is lose yourself in your lover’s eyes.

We’ve cherry picked our best-kept romantic hideaway secret spots to include properties from around the African continent from love nests in the Masai Mara to magical treetop retreats on the Garden Route, there’s something to tickle every romantic’s fancy, be it celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon, or simply booking a romantic weekend away.

1. Tsala Treetop Lodge, near Plettenberg Bay

What could be more romantic than being suspended high above the forest floor of an age-old indigenous forest, with sweeping views over the treetops plus your very own private deck and infinity pool?

Tsala Treetops is the perfect romantic hideaway for anyone seeking a magical private sanctuary encircled by lush greenery. Situated in the heart of the Garden Route between the well-known tourist haunts of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, this unique lodge is the ideal place for couples to relax, connect with one another and celebrate their love. Tsala Treetop Lodge features ten private suites and six two-bedroomed villas, beautifully furnished with elegant and modern touches.

If you are looking for fine dining, exclusivity, romance and adventure in the heart of the Garden Route, then you’ll love Tsala!

Tsala Treetop Lodge
Tsala’s beautiful stone-masonry entrance sets the tone for a magical place
Tsala Treetop Lodge
With breathtaking views from open decks high above the indigenous forest, Tsala is the perfect romantic hideaway

2. Saasab In Samburu, Kenya

Part of The Safari Collection, Saasab lies perfectly placed on a rocky ridge above the Ewaso Nyiro River in the heart of Samburu, in north-central Kenya.

This is the ideal spot for a couple looking for complete privacy, exclusivity (as this is the only lodge for miles around) surrounded by true African wilderness and an immense variety of wildlife. Here you are bound to encounter large elephant herds, lion, cheetah and with a little luck leopard, as well as the Samburu Special Five which include the reticulated giraffe, Beisa Oryx, the endangered Gevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich and the Geremuk antelope.

The lodge offers nine Moroccan-inspired rooms that are beautifully decorated full of vibrant colours and oriental rugs, each with a spacious open-air bathroom, a private plunge pool and exquisite views across the Laikipia Plateau towards snowy capped Mount Kenya.

This is the ideal hideaway if you like sharing adventure activities such as going on camel rides through the bushveld, guided walks, enjoy stargazing or want to book yourself in for a couples massage at the top-notch SpaSaab.

Sasaab In Samburu
The sultry Sasaab In Samburu lodge is perched above a river teeming with wildlife
Sasaab In Samburu
With spectacular views and exquisite Moroccan-inspired architecture, this is every romantics dream hideaway

3. Alex Walker’s Serian The Nest, Masai Mara

If you love adventure and romance all rolled into one, look no further than the exquisite tree house that is The Nest!

Located in the private Pusinkariak area, a mere 50 meters from the Mara River, it doesn’t get any better than this for a romantic riverine hideaway. Accessed only by foot the tree house is perched in a lone Warburgia tree overlooking the river that is home to a lively pod of hippo and plenty of other wildlife.

A quick stroll away from the Serian, the tree house offers the perfect picnic spot after an exhilarating walking safari through 1.500 acres of private conservation area or a romantic overnight stay for two in nest-shaped beds.

This is a hideaway not be missed! The tree house even features a night vision camera and infra-red spotlight for night-time wildlife watching.

Alex Walker's Serian The Nest
Perfectly camouflaged and overlooking the famous Mara River, Alex Walker’s Serian The Nest is unmissable
Alex Walker's Serian The Nest deck
This is the ultimate love nest for couples seeking adventure and romance in East Africa

4. Tongabezi River Cottages, Zambia

Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia, just upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls, the River Cottages at Tongabezi offer guests sweeping views over the Zambezi River in an utterly romantic setting.

Designed to maximize the riverside views, the cottages have huge wood and glass windows and extensive sustainable pine decks on which to enjoy the views with your significant other.

Here your every whim is taken care of, and you can sit back and enjoy this private hideaway paradise close to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taking a boat trip across to Livingstone Island or experiencing the sheer wonder of Victoria Falls must surely rate as one of the ultimate romantic experiences.

Tongabezi River Cottages
Utterly enchanting, the Tongabezi River Cottages literally hang over the edge of the Zambezi
Tongabezi River Cottages
Set right on the banks of the Zambezi River with expansive decks and uninterrupted views this is a couple’s paradise

5. Miarestate, South Africa’s Wild Coast

What could be more romantic than a boutique hotel set on the beautiful unspoilt Wild Coast with its green hills, river valleys and breathtaking cliffs that lead onto exquisitely white beaches? Miarestate is just that, situated in the picturesque seaside village of Haga Haga and perched high above on a cliff with sweeping views over the  ocean and the pods of dolphin that swim up and own this coastline.

Enjoy time together on the small private beach at Miarestate, go whale watching, hiking or swimming, book a couples luxurious spa treatment or simply go on a scenic game drive to look for wildlife indigenous to the Eastern Cape that include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and assorted antelope. Either way, this magical place promises to have you and your better half hooked.

Miarestate
This beautifully appointed owner-managed boutique hotel is unique on South Africa’s Wild Coast
Miarestate
Miarestate is perched high on a cliff above a wildlife estate with panoramic sea views across white sandy beaches