These are the perfect African destinations for a celebration – and many people miss them

Special occasions deserve extraordinary celebrations. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary, nothing compares to a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Our handpicked bucket-list destinations across Africa promise unforgettable memories. From the Seychelles’ pristine beaches to Rwanda and Congo’s wild forests, romantic rail travel or the plains of the Serengeti that stretch as far as the eye can see, each journey offers a unique way to commemorate your big moments.

Dip your toes into the Seychelles
The Seychelles offers an idyllic escape to a pristine marine paradise. The inner islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue boast fine hotels, stunning beaches, and vibrant coral reefs alive with parrotfish, batfish, and vibrant blue damselfish. Diving and snorkelling will make you feel as though you’re swimming through a living kaleidoscope. Afterwards, unwind on powdery white beaches framed by granite boulders and swaying palms. 

On Mahé, book a tour at the Takamaka Rum distillery, where the guides are humorous and the rum is award-winning. It’s also a beautiful setting to enjoy a cocktail. From Praslin, book a day of snorkelling with lunch on Curieuse Island where you’ll also get to see the giant Aldabra tortoises. La Digue is of course known for its picture-perfect beaches including Anse Source D’Argent, making it an ideal place to unwind. 

Private islands like Bird Island and North Island offer unmatched seclusion and the latter was chosen by Prince William and Kate for their honeymoon.

The outer islands are equally spectacular, home to marine life like sailfish and manta rays. With Blue Safaris, you can snorkel or dive alongside these majestic creatures, kayak into tranquil lagoons, and join conservation efforts like turtle nesting and at night, stargaze under unpolluted skies.

Gorilla Trek in Rwanda, Uganda or Congo
Few experiences rival the awe of standing a few meters away from a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.  In the heart of the rainforests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo (distinct from the Democratic Republic of Congo), trekking to see these magnificent creatures is a profound and unforgettable adventure.

In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, expert guides lead you through misty bamboo forests, their trails winding up steep terrain.  Each step heightens your anticipation until you enter the gorillas’ serene world. Watch them interact, feed, and rest, their gentle eyes meeting yours.

The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is similar to that of Rwanda, however, here the gorilla trekking permits are cheaper and the logistics are a bit more complicated.

In Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park, the journey shifts to the lowland rainforests of the Congo Basin. Tracking western lowland gorillas here feels more raw and intimate, with small groups of just four visitors allowed (excluding the guide and ranger). The forest’s rich biodiversity adds to the experience, offering glimpses of chimpanzees, water buffalo, forest elephants, and rare bongo antelope as you trek.

Enjoy elegance and adventure in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa, is the perfect destination for those who want a mix of luxury, culture, and adventure. Start your stay at Ellerman House, an exclusive boutique hotel poised on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, overlooking Bantry Bay. This Edwardian-style space blends sophisticated décor, impeccable service, and an enviable art collection, making it a sanctuary of indulgence.

Pair your city experience with a visit to the nearby Cape Winelands. Iconic estates like Vergelegen or Delaire Graff offer world-class wines, gourmet dining, and breathtaking landscapes. Toast to your special occasion with a glass of acclaimed Cape wine while savouring the tranquillity of the vineyards.

For those slightly more adventurous, consider hiking up Table Mountain (you can take the CableWay instead), or enjoy a helicopter ride along the rugged coastline. Cape Town’s coastline can be enjoyed from many exquisite restaurants with views, like Chef Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic, even if you’re not a beach person. However, if you do want to dip your toes in the ocean, visit Camps Bay, Clifton and the unforgettable Boulders Beach, where you’ll find the endearing African Penguins.

Experience the romance of train travel with Rovos Rail
The moment you step aboard Rovos Rail, you’re transported to a world of timeless elegance, making it the perfect setting for a milestone celebration. Gleaming mahogany panels and soft lighting set the tone, while the scent of polished wood and leather evokes an air of classic sophistication. 

Each suite exudes old-world charm, complete with polished wood, fine linens, and en-suite bathrooms that seamlessly blend vintage charm with modern amenities. As the train glides through South Africa’s sweeping savannahs and dramatic escarpments, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the tracks becomes a soothing accompaniment to your journey.

In the dining car, where you’re required to dress up,  you’ll enjoy the golden age of travel, indulging in a four-course meal paired with South Africa’s finest wines under glittering chandeliers. From the observation car, the open-air balcony offers a front-row seat to the gorgeous landscapes, while the lounge car provides a cosy setting for cocktails and conversation as evening falls.

One iconic journey is the four-night trip from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. Along the way, a game drive in Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park offers a chance to spot giraffes and, with luck, rhinos. The journey culminates at the majestic Victoria Falls, where you’ll witness the awe of “The Smoke that Thunders.”

Hot air balloon over the Serengeti
Hot air ballooning over the Serengeti offers a perspective that few ever get to witness. At dawn, you’ll ascend into the golden light, drifting silently above herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope. The serenity and beauty of this experience are almost surreal.

Back on the ground, you’ll be presented with a champagne breakfast in the bush, where you can toast to the extraordinary experience while surrounded by the sounds of nature. During your stay, you’ll also enjoy the Serengeti’s land-based safaris, which are equally remarkable. Guided game drives offer close-up encounters with big cats, elephants, and other iconic wildlife.

Uncover an Okavango Delta fly-in safari
A fly-in safari to the Okavango Delta is the epitome of luxurious adventure and well worth a special celebration. As your light aircraft descends over this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems, the patchwork of glistening waterways, emerald plains, and lush islands unfolds beneath you.

When you arrive, you’ll feel the Delta’s tranquility wrap around you, interrupted only by the symphony of bird calls. Glide silently through channels lined by reeds and water lilies on a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, expertly steered by a local guide. From this serene vantage point, you might spot pods of hippos lounging in the shallows and brightly coloured kingfishers darting overhead, all while absorbing the quiet rhythm of this wilderness.

For a contrasting thrill, a helicopter flight offers a bird’s-eye view of this sprawling oasis. With the doors off, you’ll witness herds of elephants weaving through palm-fringed islands, shimmering lagoons, and the sheer scale of the Delta’s labyrinth from above. 

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

P.S. Of all the places in the world to make special memories, we highly recommend these. If you’d like to uncover more about any of these destinations, reply to this email and we’ll happily assist.

P.P.S If we’ve missed any bucket-list African destination that you’d love to visit, let us know. We love hearing from you!