Four ways to honeymoon in Africa and Arabia
Desert luxury in the Gulf, Mediterranean and Atlantic charm in North Africa, island villas in the Indian Ocean, or the classic bush-and-beach safari. Pick the route that matches your idea of romance.
A typical 10-day route for two, door to door from the USA
Where the money goes
Estimated budget for two for a typical 10-day route, in US dollars. The Gulf and North Africa land at the low end; island villas and safari camps at the high end.
| Category | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| International flightsUSA ⇄ Dubai, Cairo, Mauritius or Nairobi, 2 people. The Gulf and North Africa are cheapest; the Indian Ocean and safari routes cost most. | $1,800 – $4,000 |
| Accommodation (9 nights)About $300–$900 a night; luxury tented camps and island villas run higher. | $2,700 – $8,100 |
| Meals and diningSafari camps and island resorts usually include full board. | $900 – $2,000 |
| Activities and experiencesDesert safari, souk and medina guides, park fees, game drives, diving. | $800 – $2,500 |
| Transport in the regionRegional flights between countries, bush flights on the safari routes. | $700 – $2,200 |
| Ground totalAll costs on the ground, excluding international flights | $5,100 – $14,800 |
| Grand totalA typical 10-day route for two, door to door from the USA | $6,900 – $18,800 |
Estimates only. Prices vary by season, departure city and availability.
Option 1: the Gulf and Arabian nights
Dubai, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar in ten days of desert, souks and skyline.
Dubai, UAE
The Gulf and Arabian nights
- Burj Khalifa at sunset and dinner by the Dubai Fountain.
- Desert safari with a private dinner under the stars.
- Old Dubai by abra: the gold and spice souks.
Manama, Bahrain
Pearls and old souks
- Bahrain Fort and the Pearling Path, a UNESCO site.
- Dinner in the restored houses of Muharraq.
Muscat, Oman
Fjords and frankincense
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Mutrah Souq.
- Dhow cruise among the fjords of Musandam or the coast near Muscat.
- Day trip to Wadi Shab's turquoise pools.
Doha, Qatar
Art and the desert sea
- Museum of Islamic Art and the Corniche at dusk.
- Inland Sea dune bashing and a swim.
- Souq Waqif farewell dinner, then fly home.
Option 2: Mediterranean and North African charm
Alexandria, Hammamet and Agadir: sea, medinas and Atlantic sunsets.
Alexandria, Egypt
Mediterranean and North African charm
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Qaitbay Citadel.
- Seafood along the Corniche.
- Optional day trip to Cairo and the pyramids.
Hammamet, Tunisia
Medina and Mediterranean
- Walled medina and white-washed lanes.
- Thalasso spa treatments, a Tunisian specialty.
- Day trip to Sidi Bou Said and Carthage.
Agadir, Morocco
Atlantic sunsets
- Beach resort days on Agadir Bay.
- Souk El Had and the kasbah viewpoint.
- Day trip to Paradise Valley or Essaouira.
Option 3: Indian Ocean and safari escape
Island villas in Mauritius, the Seychelles and Madagascar, ending at Victoria Falls or in the Bazaruto islands.
Mauritius and Seychelles
Indian Ocean and safari escape
- Overwater or beachfront villa in Mauritius.
- Catamaran to Île aux Cerfs.
- Hop to the Seychelles for Anse Source d'Argent.
Tsarabanjina, Madagascar
Private island hideaway
- Constance Tsarabanjina: just 25 villas on a tiny island off Nosy Be.
- Snorkelling, diving and lemurs on nearby islands.
Victoria Falls, Zambia
The smoke that thunders
- Walk the falls at sunrise and swim at Devil's Pool (in season).
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi.
Bazaruto Islands, Mozambique
Alternative ending
- Instead of Victoria Falls, end on a Mozambique island.
- Dhow sailing, dugongs and empty dunes.
Option 4: bush and beach
The Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, then the Mozambique coast.
Bush and beach
Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique
- Two weeks combining the Great Migration with Indian Ocean beaches.
- Best from July to October for river crossings.
Masai Mara, Kenya
The Great Migration
- Twice-daily game drives with a private guide.
- Sunrise hot-air balloon over the plains.
- Visit a Maasai village.
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Crater and plains
- Fly or drive across the border to the Serengeti.
- Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for the big five.
Maputo National Park, Mozambique
Beach and wildlife
- Beachfront stay at Montebelo Milibangalala in Maputo National Park.
- Turtles, whales (in season) and lagoon kayaking.
Gorongosa Lodge & Safari, Mozambique
Alternative ending
- A conservation success story with lions, elephants and wild dogs.
- Lodge stay with guided walks and drives.
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Special notes for an intimate escape
Ideas that work on any of the four routes.
Private desert dinner
Skip the group camps and book a private dune dinner with lanterns, a chef and a stargazing guide.
Sundowners for two
Ask your camp for a private sundowner set-up on a kopje or riverbank, with drinks and a guide waiting nearby.
Logistics and travel tips
Visas
US citizens get visas on arrival in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain; Oman, Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania use e-Visas or ETAs. Check each country before you book.
Best time to go
Gulf and North Africa: November–April.
Indian Ocean: April–December.
Safari: July–October for the migration.
Health
Check vaccination and malaria advice for safari areas with a travel clinic.
Packing
Neutral colours for safari, modest dress for mosques and medinas.
Plan the Africa and Arabia trip at $345 – $940 per person a day
Browse tours and activities, or compare it with our 15-day Thailand honeymoon.
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