The Best Wedding Destinations & Venues in Africa

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas in The Seychelles Islands

We are living for African Wedding Week, aren’t you?! It’s been a thrill to share gorgeous African bridal fashion & yesterday’s incredible Mozambique wedding inspiration will be living in our dreams. But here we are at the crux of it all: it’s time to share our absolute favorite wedding destinations & venues across Africa!

Our good friend Mwai Yeboah – multi-award-winning destination wedding planner and founder of Exalt Africa – traveled from country to country this year to research her stunning new book about African wedding destinations. Written with Christina Holt, the book will be the first of its kind: a stunning art book that highlights incredible, luxurious places throughout Africa fit for the most fabulous of weddings.

Imagine zebras grazing through your reception as you marvel at Victoria Falls. Picture yourself in South African wine country, exchanging vows between the grapevines. Daydream of a beach wedding day on Seychelles’ white sand beaches & pristine teal waters. Africa is a vast continent consisting of tropical rainforests, white sand beaches, far-reaching deserts, rugged coastlines, snow-capped mountains and of course, savannahs filled with the world’s most treasured wildlife.

The book releases very soon – we’ll update this link when it’s ready to order! Mwai is gifting Bridal Musings readers an exclusive preview: eight of her very favorite wedding venues from her journey across Africa & its stunning islands…

“Africa lives within us. As I share my love affair with her luxurious wedding venues and acclaimed resorts, I hope it kindles a love affair of your own. I invite you to discover your new favorite wedding venue or bucket-list experience in Africa.” – Mwai Yeboah.

Zambia Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Guide – Love From Mwai – Exalt Africa – Joy Proctor Design – Stepan Vrzala – Exalt Africa – Bridal Musings 19

Photo by Stepan Vrzala via Bridal Musings

The Royal Livingstone in Zambia

Politically stable, English-speaking, and rich with luxe accommodations—Zambia is my all-time favorite African country for hosting a destination wedding.

If I had to choose just one venue in Zambia, it would be the iconic Royal Livingstone Resort, which beautifully blends exploration and adventure with opulence and luxury. The Royal Livingstone offers world-class spa treatments, the finest amenities, and an array of stunning ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces to choose from. My personal favorite is the open-air sundeck, where you have the striking sight of the rolling mist of Victoria Falls right at your back.

See this stunning venue & hotel featured frequently on Bridal Musings.

Royal Livingtone by Anantara – Zambia Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Guide – Love From Mwai – Exalt Africa – Joy Proctor Design – Stepan Vrzala – Exalt Africa – Bridal Musings 38

Photo by Stepan Vrzala via Bridal Musings

Tongabezi Lodge – Zambia Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Guide – Love From Mwai – Exalt Africa – Joy Proctor Design – Stepan Vrzala – Exalt Africa – Bridal Musings 15

Photo by Stepan Vrzala via Bridal Musings

Tongabezi Lodge in Zambia

An award-winning eco-lodge in Zambia, Tongabezi has everything couples need for an intimate elopement or hidden-away honeymoon. It’s tucked away on the banks of the serene Zambezi River just a few miles upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls (one of the world’s natural wonders). With private chalets that sit right on the river and plenty of river activities and adventures to embark on, it’s not difficult to see why Tongabezi was named one of Conde Nast’s Top 20 Hotels in the World.

My favorite part? Proceeds from your stay directly benefit Tongabezi Trust School, a school founded by the Tongabezi Lodge to give local children access to life-changing education….so your elopement or honeymoon definitely has a deeper purpose when you opt to stay at this acclaimed resort.

Photo by Stepan Vrzala via Bridal Musings

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Jack’s Camp in Botswana

Rugged and remote—yet incredibly refined—Jack’s Camp will bring you closer to nature while still ensuring you’re coddled in everyday comforts and high-end amenities. Expect luxury tents that boast indoor and outdoor showers, along with plunge pools on your own private veranda overlooking the expansive Makgadikgadi pans.

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Zambezi Queen in Botswana and Namibia – The Best Wedding Destinations and Venues in Africa – Exalt Africa – Love From Mwai – Bridal Musings 2

Zambezi Queen along the Chobe River in Botswana & Namibia

When love has swept you off your feet, why not keep on floating? This luxurious floating hotel offers 14 elegant suites with outer decks and the adventure of a lifetime along the Chobe River. Whether you opt for a standard suite or an upgraded master suite, the views from your room are as striking as it gets—expansive blue waters, the remarkable African landscape off in the distance, and refreshing river breezes all await right outside of your window.

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Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas in The Seychelles Islands

The ideal spot for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or intimate wedding, you’ll enjoy every moment on this idyllic resort.

Lounge on porcelain shores and swim in warm, calming waters as you soak in the rare splendor of Seychelles. Indulge in a soothing couple’s massage at the spa, paddleboard with expert instructors on the Indian Ocean, or embark on a helicopter tour with a glass of champagne in-hand on the way to the Aride Bird Sanctuary. From the soft sandy beaches and pristine teal water to the resort’s lush tropical gardens, you’ll find plenty of stunning sights at this rare hideaway.

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas as seen on Bridal Musings

Why Mozambique is the Perfect Beach Wedding Destination – Anantara Bazaruto Island – Joy Proctor Design – Love From Mwai – Exalt Africa – Bridal Musings 14

Photo by Stepan Vrzala via Bridal Musings

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort in Mozambique

A string of six majestic islands known as the Bazaruto Archipelago sits almost unspoiled off the coast of Southern Mozambique in Eastern Africa. A protected marine reserve, the largest island—Bazuruto—boasts a coastline of clear blue waters and soft sandy beaches that bear the footprints of few tourists. I especially appreciate the uninterrupted serenity you’ll find at this resort—while still having plenty of enriching experiences at your fingertips (think: whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and sunset sailing).

See this incredible resort in our feature: Why Mozambique is the Perfect Beach Wedding Destination.

Photo by Stepan Vrzala via Bridal Musings

One and Only Le Saint Geran in Mauritius – The Best Wedding Destinations and Venues in Africa – Exalt Africa – Love From Mwai – Bridal Musings 15

One&Only Le Saint Geran in Mauritius

The One&Only Le Saint Geran is a tropical island escape where crystal-clear azure waters allow for exhilarating water sports, exclusive yacht cruises, and colorful coral reef diving.

Spacious villas and suites impeccably adorned with high-end amenities make for ideal accommodations for you and your wedding guests—while everything from sunrise yoga sessions to moonlit dinners (prepared by acclaimed on-site chefs) will keep you balanced, nourished, and present as you prepare to celebrate your union or embark on a romantic honeymoon.

Wedding venue options include a private yacht, a beachfront villa, or La Pointe restaurant on a striking peninsula.

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Mont Rochelle South Africa – The Best Wedding Destinations and Venues in Africa – Exalt Africa – Love From Mwai – Bridal Musings 2

Mont Rochelle in South Africa

My ultimate dream venue for a wedding ceremony, you’d be hard-pressed to find the kind of views Mont Rochelle serves up anywhere else on Earth. A luxury 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard founded by Sir Richard Branson, expect to see plenty of lush rolling hills and enjoy glass after glass (….after glass) of incredible wine. Located in the small town of Franschhoek—which is considered the food and wine capital of South Africa—this wedding venue will absolutely speak to your soul if you consider yourself a discerning foodie or wine aficionado.

With an array of event venues to choose from—think: a modern Manor house, a three-tiered lawn in front of a spellbinding rose garden, a vineyard rooftop that serves up spectacular views, and a charming country-kitchen restaurant—you have plenty of opportunities and options to plan a celebration that’s just your style at Mont Rochelle.

Wesley Vorster Photography – Mont Rochelle South Africa – The Best Wedding Destinations and Venues in Africa – Exalt Africa – Love From Mwai – Bridal Musings 2

Photo by Wesley Vorster Photography

Giveaway

Exalt Africa is giving away a dream Zambian vacation with stays at both Royal Livingstone by Anantara & Tongabezi Resort! For details & entry go to Exalt Africa’s Instagram account & enter before September 10, 2021.

Follow our African Wedding Week coverage for more wedding destination guides, African bridal fashion & decor ideas & luxurious honeymoon inspiration.

The Founder of Exalt Africa, Mwai Yeboah is a multi-award-winning, international wedding planner and designer who helps culinary enthusiasts, fashion admirers, and adventure seekers plan experience-focused weddings that exceed their dreams and leave their guests in absolute awe. Read more from Mwai or explore her offerings by visiting her website.