If you’re looking for a list of the best locations to elope in Africa you’ve come to the right place! Below is a list of the top destinations from all over Africa along with detailed information for planning your elopement. From the most beautiful beaches in the world to cultural hubs, this list has it all.

 

AFRICA BEACH ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS

 

Mauritius

Described by Mark Twain and being the model for heaven, Mauritius contains some of the most stunning beaches in the world. If you want to elope on a beach in Africa with the bluest water and whitest sand Mauritius is your destination. Apart from its physical beauty Mauritius contains some of the rarest species of birds in the world, has delectable local dishes and an eclectic culture. The most ideal month of the year to elope in Mauritius is October. Mauritius can be reached via direct flight from London (12 hrs) and Johannesburg, South Africa (4 hours).

 

El Gouna, Egypt

An extremely romantic elopement location on the Red Sea. With stunning coral reefs, lagoons and a dramatic backdrop of mountains, El Gouna is one of the more unique locations to elope in Africa. El Gouna has plenty of hotels and resorts to help you plan your dream wedding or elopement. El Gouna can be reached by flying into Cairo and driving 4+ hours. The best time to get married in El Gouna, Egypt is April-June and September – November.

 

Seychelles

With thousands of spectacular beaches, the Seychelles are possibly the most exotic and romantic destination in the world to get married. This idyllic archipelago is world famous but still makes a great destination for couples wanting to elope on a island in Africa. Despite its remote location, the Seychelles can be reached quite easily via a direct 9 hour flight from London or via Doha and Dubai. The best time to visit is April, May, October and November.

 

Reunion Island

If you want to do more than lie on a beach during your elopement in Africa, Reunion island could be the way to go. Nestled in the warm Indian ocean off the coast of Madgascar, Reunion is paradise. Due to being an active volcano, Reunion is lush with vegetation and much more than just a beach destination. The rich culture also means you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, festivals and languages. The best time to elope on Reunion is between May and November when the weather is cooler and dryer. Visas are not required for most countries and the island can be reached via direct flight from Johannesburg.

Lamu, Kenya

While the Masai Mara gets all the glory in Kenya, Lamu is a great option for an elopement on the coast of East Africa. With no cars around, Lamu Town operates on a much slower place – perfect for those wanting ultimate relaxation. The small island of Lamu can be reach via direct flight from Nairobi and is best visited in January or Februrary, especially if you are combining it with a safari.

 

Zanzibar, Tanzania

World famous Zanzibar is exactly as amazing as everything you’ve read about it. Located in East Africa of the coast of Tanzania, this island is perfect for a beach elopement or wedding. Easy access from both South Africa and Europe via direct flights makes it a popular choice for many couples. Nungwi on the north tip of the island features the best beaches but is also the most popular. The east side of the island is much quieter and still makes for an incredible location to say I do. The best months to visit are June-October.

 

The Bazaruto Archipelago & Vilanculos. Mozambique

Wild Mozambique is known for its unspoilt beauty and perfect for couples wanting to “get away from it all”. The Bazaruto Archipelago features miles of pristine beaches and a number of stunning lodges in every budget. Mozambique is an attractive destination for South African’s wanting to elope as it is only a short direct flight from Johannesburg. The best time to visit these islands is from June-October during the dry season.

 

URBAN ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

 

Marrakech, Morroco

Easily one of the most popular locations in the world (let alone Africa) for couples looking to elope, Marrakech features rich history and fascinating culture. This city is a blend of old and new, with unique neighborhoods featuring narrow alleyways and market stalls to luxury villas and modern restaurants. A truly romantic city to elope in Africa featuring immaculate and ancient architecture. The best time to elope in Marrakech is from March to May and between September to November. The international airport has direct incoming flights from London and Paris and is also easily accessible from North America.

 

Chefchaouen (Chaouen), Morroco

Chefchaouen, or Chaouen, is a city known for the striking, blue-washed buildings of its old town and makes for an incredibly unique backdrop for an elopement. Perhaps the prettiest town in Morroco, Chefchaouen is well established in the tourism industry which makes eloping easy. Access is via direct flight or bus from Marrakech.

 

Cairo, Egypt

Imagine getting married overlooking the Pyramids of Giza? Cairo can accommodate any size, style and budget of elopement or wedding. It features a variety of different settings, from beaches to palaces. The best time to visit Cairo is the shoulder seasons of March – April and October to November. It can easily be reached via most major cities in the world.

 

Cape Town, South Africa

As a Cape Town wedding photographer I may be a little biased but this city truly is one of the most beautiful in the world and a top wedding destination. The range of options for your African elopement is endless –  from mountain peaks to beaches at the edge of the continent. The nearby winelands are also an amazing option. The affordability of South Africa helps put it at the top many best places to elope in Africa lists. Cape Town can be reached via direct flight from many locations in Europe as well as New York City. While the weather is great most of the year, the best time to elope in Cape Town, South Africa is March to May and September to November.

 

 

SAFARI ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

 

Okavango Delta, Botswana

If you are looking to elope on a safari off the beaten path, then Botswana is the perfect destination. The Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the delta and contains some of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. What makes Moremi Game Reserve an ideal location for an elopement is its accessibility. You have a range of accommodation, from luxury lodges to campgrounds for self-drivers.  The best time for eloping in Botswana is the dryer months of July – October. Outside of that much of the delta is inaccessible and many lodges are closed. Access is via flight from Cape Town or Johannesburg.

 

Masai Mara, Kenya

The great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara is one of the most incredible events on earth. You may be sharing your elopement location with millions of the animals but there won’t be anything else like it. The Masai Mara in Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world and for good reason. To take your elopement in Africa to the next level, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the savannah. Most safari trips depart from Naoribi which is a major hub for travel in Africa. The best times to visit is July-October.

 

Serengeti, Tanzania

The Serengeti borders the Masai Mara of Kenya and featuring many of the same characteristics, including the great wildebeest migration. The Serengeti is arguably the most famous safari destination in the world which makes it well suited to host your elopement. There are plenty of options for accommodation within the park, from luxury lodges to rustic campsites.

 

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

If I had to choose one location on this list to elope in Africa it would be the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. The crater is such an impressive site that you’ll have wondered if you’ve descended into a wildlife paradise. Considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Ngorongoro Crater is a jaw-dropping location to elope. You have the option of exchanging vows on the crater floor or high up on the terrace of the Ngorongoro Lodge, consistently named one of the best hotels in the world. This Unesco Heritage site is a spectacular Africa elopement location. The crater is only accessible by vehicle but most safaris depart from Arusha which is well connected to the rest of the continent. The best time to elope in the Ngorongoro Crater is from June to September when the wildlife viewing is also at its prime.

 

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger is the mightiest of South Africa’s national parks and simply put one of the best places to see animals in the world. Its accessibility both getting to the park and transport within is quite simple which makes planning your safari elopement much easier. Kruger national Park is accessible by flight from Johannesburg and the best time to visit is at the beginning or end of the dry season which is from April to September.

 

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Another incredible park in Botswana (the Okavango Delta being the other). Chobe national park contains more elephants (BIG ones) than anywhere else on earth. The elephants would be a big enough draw for this elite safari destination but Chobe is much more than that. This elopement location is not as easy to plan as others on this list due to limited lodges and services. Chobe National Park may feel far from the modern world but it easily accessible from Johannesburg and the best time to visit is April – May.

 

 

HISTORICAL ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

 

Lalibela, Ethiopia

For a truly unique African elopement location, Lalibela might be the answer. Monolithic 800 year old churches all carved out of solid rock means the backdrop to your wedding will be like no other. These still functioning churches are extraordinary in their architecture and nothing can really prepare you for for the first time you see them. For a truly unforgettable elopement location, consider Lalibela. Combine it with another location on this list (Simien National Park) for an unforgettable trip. Getting to Lalibela involves first traveling to Addis (well connected) and then taking a direct flight from there.

 

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Imagine having the last remaining wonder of the ancient world as the backdrop for your elopement. The extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer size will blow your mind. For a truly awe-inspiring location consider having a Pyramids of Giza elopement.  Getting here is quite easy and due to its close proximity to Cairo. The best time to elope to Giza is March-April and October-November.

 

Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands, South Africa

Whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture, rolling hills and vines as far the eye can see – Stellenbosch and the cape winelands are a wine lovers paradise. Situated just a short drive outside the world class city of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is extremely well set up for both weddings and elopements and you’ll have your choice of some of the largest and most beautiful wine estates in the southern hemisphere. The actual town of Stellenbosch has some beautiful streets which also make for beautiful elopement photos. The best time for eloping in Stellenbosch and the cape winelands is March-May and September – November.

 

Stone Town, Tanzania

Based on the island of Zanzibar and surrounded by incredible beaches, Stone Town is like stepping back in time. The narrow alleyways and rooftop cafes make getting lost a pleasure. My personal favorite location for eloping in Stone Town is the Emerson Spice hotel. The impeccable rooms and rooftop restaurant make for a truly unique wedding. The airport is just a short drive from town and serviced from both Europe and South Africa. Along with the beaches and safaris on the mainland, Tanzania is one of the premier elopement locations in the world.

 

EPIC ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

 

While all of the locations on this list could be described as epic, the ones below are truly jaw-dropping in their natural beauty and landscape.

 

Simien National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park is perfect for those wanting an adventurous elopement in Africa. A hiker’s paradise where the tallest peak is dubbed “God’s playground”, this park also contains wolves, baboons and an ibex found nowhere else in the world.  The Simien mountain range is terrific trekking territory but also easily accessible by car. One of Ethiopia’s first luxury hotels (Bale Mountain Lodge) is ideally situated in the park and provides the perfect starting point for your trip.

 

Nile River, Egypt

At 4,000 miles long, there are plenty of spots along the Nile River for you to elope – many of them the picturesque version too. Not only is Nile River a stunning place to get married but it is steeped in history, formerly being under the rule of Cleopatra. If you have an adventurous spirit consider eloping on a boat ON the Nile!

 

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Another of the seven natural wonders of the world to feature on this list, Victoria falls is a breathtaking location to get married. The waterfall as a backdrop, serene lagoons and surrounding wildlife make for an otherworldly setting.  Consider having your wedding at Victoria Falls from February to May when the water volume is at peak level. The falls are accessed by vehicle from Livingstone which is well connected to the rest of Africa and Europe. A number of luxury lodges along the Zambezi River make planning your elopement here a breeze.

 

Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia

Straight out of a scene from Mad Max, there truly is no other place like the Sossusvlei Dunes of Namibia. Perfect for those wanting and adventure elopement in Africa. Red sand dunes tower up to 300 meters above the valley floor. The pitch black trees dotting the landscape at nearby Deadvlei make for some epic elopement photos. Not necessarily an easy place to get too, Sossusvlei is best visited from July to October.

Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Often overlooked but incredible nonetheless, the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe deserve a spot on this list. Similar to the dunes above in terms of travel difficulty – Spitzkoppe is accessed by vehicle from Windhoek which is well connected internationally.

 

Drakensberg Mountains

The pride of South Africa, the Drakensberg Mountains are majestic, stunning and mysterious. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the mountains are perfect for those wanting and adventurous elopement in Africa. The best time to visit the Drakensberg Mountains is March – June and again from from September to October. The numerous luxury hotels and lodges in the mountains make planning your wedding much easier than many locations on this list.

 

Garden Route, South Africa

For those of you wanting to elope during a road trip in Africa look no further. The most famous drive in South Africa, the Garden Route winds through vineyards and along ocean cliffs. A popular trip for both tourists and locals, the Garden Route is dotted with wedding venues. My favorite two locations along the Garden Route are Knysna and Wilderness. The Garden route is located in the Western Cape and I highly recommend combining it with a trip to Cape Town.

 

Parc National Isalo, Madagascar

Epic desert landscapes, canyons, gorges and savanna-like plains make Parc National Isalo on Madagascar a wild place to elope. My pick for those wanting an African adventure elopement, Madagascar has so much to do: horse riding, via ferratas, mountain biking and swimming in natural pools. Avenue of the Baobabs at sunrise or sunset would make for a spectacular wedding backdrop. Madagascar is easily reached from both Europe and South Africa. I recommend going outside the rainy season which falls from late December to March.