The ultimate guide to a safari and Maldives honeymoon

Looking for a post-wedding escape that pairs thrills with tranquillity? A safari and Maldives honeymoon is the ultimate power couple.

You’ll start this adventure by tracking the wild’s A-list animals in untamed national parks. Then, slow things down in the Maldives, where sun-drenched shores and sparkling lagoons make it easy to switch to island mode. With expert guidance and thoughtful planning, this extraordinary honeymoon is the perfect way to kick-start married life in style.

How to plan the ultimate safari and Maldives honeymoon

When planning a safari and Maldives honeymoon, it’s all about finding the balance between adventure and downtime. For most, three to five days on safari is the sweet spot. And adding a few extra days to explore cultural highlights or a gateway city along the way will give your honeymoon a little more spice.

In the Maldives, choosing an island that matches your idea of paradise is key. Resorts may seem similar at first – each on its own private island, surrounded by the blues and greens of the Indian Ocean – but look closer, and you’ll see they’re distinctly different. Take Kuramathi Maldives; it’s one of the bigger islands and a hit with food lovers, offering nine à la carte restaurants as part of its Select All-Inclusive package. Then there are more boutique gems like Kandolhu Maldives, a tiny isle with high-end inclusions and an upscale vibe.

With so much to think about, let our travel experts handle the details. We’ll shape your trip around your wish list so you can seamlessly move from safariscapes to island escapism without missing a beat.

Which safari destinations pair best with a Maldives honeymoon?

If you're after the full Out of Africa safari experience, head to Kenya or Tanzania before your island escape. In Kenya’s Maasai Mara, witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration or spot lions and elephants roaming the wide, open plains. Over in Tanzania, the Serengeti offers equally incredible wildlife sightings, with game drives giving front-row seats to predators on the prowl. To combine a safari in Africa with the Maldives, you'll usually travel via the Middle East, giving you the chance to add a touch of Arabian luxury with a stopover in Dubai, Ajman or Doha.

Africa is, of course, a classic for safaris, but if you’re after something a little different, Sri Lanka and India offer fantastic wildlife experiences too. Just an hour’s flight from the Maldives, Sri Lanka is home to ancient landmarks and headline wildlife like leopards and Asian elephants. In India, you can search for tigers in Pench National Park, explore the colourful chaos of Mumbai and then unwind Robinson Crusoe style in the Maldives.

Top activities on a safari and Maldives honeymoon

Game drives are the highlight of any safari honeymoon; you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a David Attenborough documentary. For an even closer connection to the wild, try a walking safari where the smaller details come to life, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon at sunrise. As the day winds down, nothing beats soaking in an outdoor bath under the stars or swapping stories around a crackling campfire.

In the Maldives, everything slows down in the best way. Dive into screensaver lagoons to snorkel with tropical fish or go deeper with a scuba session, swimming alongside megafauna like whale sharks and manta rays. A sunset cruise on a traditional dhoni boat is a pinch-me honeymoon moment and for a dining experience with a tropical twist, experience an underwater restaurant or enjoy a candlelit lobster feast on the sand.

Why a Maldives and safari honeymoon stands out for adventure seekers

A safari and Maldives honeymoon is ideal for couples who want to combine out-of-this-world wildlife experiences with serious relaxation. Here’s what makes this combination so exceptional:

Two honeymoons in one: Go from the wild heart of Africa or the lush jungles of Sri Lanka and India to the calm, turquoise waters of the Maldives.

Non-stop wildlife action: From land to sea, the adventure never stops. On safari, capture moments like lions on the hunt, elephants in the wild and giraffes grazing from treetops. Then, in the Maldives, grab your snorkel and swim alongside reef sharks or dive into hidden caves where rays glide through the blue.

Tailored for adventure: We’ll create extra-special moments to match your adventurous spirit –whether it’s private game drives tailored to your pace and interests, stargazing under the African sky or soaring above the Maldives' atolls in a seaplane.

Unforgettable moments: From watching wildlife on safari to serene sunset cruises in the Maldives, this is a honeymoon packed with bucket-list experiences.

The ultimate safari and Maldives honeymoon itineraries

Anything is possible when it comes to your dream honeymoon, but here are a few of our favourite combos:

Kenya and the Maldives: Start by scouring the savannahs for big cats and sipping sunset G&Ts in the world-famous Maasai Mara on a Governors’ Safari. Then snorkel in rainbow reefs and dine with your toes in the sand at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.

Tanzania and the Maldives: Look out for tree-climbing lions in Manyara National Park and enjoy game drives in the Serengeti on our Taste of Tanzania trip, then kick back on the powder-soft beaches of a stylish island like Velassaru Maldives.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives: Our Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary takes you through the highlights of the teardrop isle, from climbing iconic Sigiriya Rock to tasting tea in Little England and spotting huge herds of elephants in Minneriya National Park.

India and the Maldives: Discover the landscapes that inspired The Jungle Book, home to the legendary Bengal Tiger, before relaxing on a castaway isle – Sandies Bathala is all about simple style and sublime snorkelling.

What to pack for a Maldives and safari honeymoon

Packing for a trip this diverse means prepping smart for both destinations. For your safari, go with lightweight, neutral-toned clothes to blend in with the surroundings, and don’t forget sturdy shoes for game drives and bush walks. Sun protection is a must, so pack a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen. Binoculars are a game changer, bringing the wildlife action right into focus.

When it comes to the Maldives, think light, breezy clothing, plenty of swimwear and reef-friendly sunscreen for beach and snorkelling days. A lightweight cover-up or sarong will come in handy for lounging by the water or heading to lunch. And leave the heels at home – flip-flops will be your go-to footwear from beach to bar.

This feature was created on 21st October 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.