Africa is growing more popular every year as a romantic destination. This charming and quixotic continent appeals to couples who want a unique, extraordinary trip to complement their unique, extraordinary love! Africa’s combination of stunning wildlife, adrenalin adventures, urban diversions, idyllic beaches, and exotic flavors are the perfect recipe for revving up the romance, whether you’re planning a dreamy destination wedding, an idyllic honeymoon, or a passionate couples’ getaway.

Let’s start with safaris. Plenty of luxury tented lodges amp up the romance factor with amour-inspiring amenities. For example, at Simbambili Game Lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve, each Moroccan-styled suite is carefully positioned to ensure privacy and includes a private plunge pool, a patio overlooking a watering hole, in-room aromatherapy and massage, and turn-down service with candles, champagne and a bubble bath. After a thrilling day of game drives or guided bush walks, couples can also enjoy private starlit dinners in the bush. Other lodges offer uber-romantic treehouse accommodation, where sweethearts can literally sleep under the stars, surrounded gentle breezes and the sounds of nature. Kenya’s Loisaba Conservancy, for example, features Loisaba Star Beds, which command sweeping views over the Loisaba valley and its permanent waterhole. Rustically designed to complement the surrounding environment, each star bed is raised on a wooden platform and features a handcrafted four-poster bed, a sitting area and open-plan bathroom with a view.

Photo: Enjoy sundowners at The Leopard Bar in Cape Town

If cities are more likely to ignite the fire of passion in you, Cape Town is an excellent choice. In South Africa’s vibrant, cosmopolitan capital you and your beloved can embrace the city’s lively blend of history, culture and geography by touring its colorful neighbourhoods, dining on its distinctive Cape Malay cuisine foods, or ascending the iconic Table Mountain. Then head out to explore the stunning seascapes of the Cape Peninsula, share a kiss on the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, take a leisurely drive along the cliffs of the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, or admire the cute penguins at beautiful Boulders Beach. Stay overnight at the remarkable Twelve Apostles Hotel, where romance is the name of the game. Savor the breath-taking sunsets at The Leopard Bar while you sip sundowners, have a couples’ massage in the outdoor gazebo overlooking the ocean, or enjoy a romantic picnic amongst the verdant fynbos of Table Mountain National Park.

The Franschhoek Valley, South Africa’s version of the Napa Valley, is perfect for couples who want to spend all or part of their vacation indulging in award-winning wines and fine foods. Quaint towns like Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl offer literally hundreds of vineyards, cellars and family-owned speciality shops where you and your sweetie can go wine-tasting or try South African favorites such as Rooibos tea, biltong, droëwors (cured meats), koeksisters and Amarula mousse.

If your idea of a romantic vacation involves lazing on a blissful beach and soaking up the sun, Africa’s got that too. Mozambique’s Benguerra Island, a gem in the heart of the Bazaruto Archipelago, is renowned for its pristine white sand, unspoiled coral reefs, snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. Azura Benguerra resort, which is set within a protected marine conservation area, offers many ways for couples to connect: you can explore the underwater wonderland, sunbathe on nearly deserted beaches, savor a couples’ massage, or enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner for two with the vast Indian Ocean as a backdrop.

African Travel, Inc.’s diverse, hand-crafted itineraries encompass everything from traditional game drives, to wine-tasting, to city sightseeing to scuba diving, plus a variety of luxurious extras, from sunset cruises to helicopter rides. “African Romance” is African Travel Inc.’s most amour-inspiring itinerary. Over the course of 12 days and two countries, honeymooners are treated to, sundowners beneath Table Mountain, and soothing beachside massages at an idyllic beach resort in Mozambique.