6 Best African Islands to Honeymoon (On a Budget)

Looking for the best African islands to honeymoon? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Whether you’re after adventure, luxury on a budget, wildlife, or peaceful seclusion, these African islands offer some of the most unique and romantic getaways.

Here are six of our favorite (and most affordable) African islands to honeymoon on - each a paradise for newlyweds. 

#1 Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

Starting with one of the most famous African islands, Zanzibar is known worldwide as an exotic paradise, conjuring up an air of tropical mystique. 

Known as the "Spice Island" because it has long produced spices such as cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon, this African island has played a key role in trade routes for centuries, creating a fascinating layering of culture and history. 

A visit to the capital, Stone Town, is a must, where you can soak in the island’s unique mix of African, Arab, and European influences. Wander the city’s ancient, narrow streets, soak up the flavors of the spice markets, and take a sunset dhow cruise for a truly magical experience.

Then head to one of Zanzibar Island’s many powder-soft sand beaches, where you can while away the days snorkeling, diving, and dolphin watching. 

This Tanzanian island's idyllic white sands, turquoise waters, and tranquil vibes make it one of the best African islands to honeymoon on a budget or in ultra-luxury. Whether you want to explore, soak in the culture, or simply relax on its beautiful beaches, Zanzibar is hard to beat as an African honeymoon destination!

A well-rounded island destination, Zanzibar is also a great place for families and friends to visit. There is plenty for everyone to do and see on the islands, young and old alike. A big plus of beach holidays in Zanzibar is that it's easy to get to and one of the most affordable African Islands for beach vacations.

Our 6-Day Zanzibar Honeymoon Package offers the perfect mix of adventure and romance, including dhow cruises, Stone Town tours, and more!

#2 Mafia Island, Tanzania

Further south off Tanzania’s coast, you’ll find one of the country’s lesser-known islands. 

While most people head to Zanzibar, few know that Mafia Island is home to equally beautiful white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, and stunning natural landscapes. 

As such, Mafia Island is a hidden slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean and definitely one of Tanzania’s top undiscovered gems. 

So, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path honeymoon paradise, Mafia Island is a great choice. It's a peaceful spot in East Africa, perfect for couples who want to escape the crowds and dive (literally) into nature. After all, the waters around Mafia are a protected marine park, making this African island renowned for its world-class scuba and snorkeling. 

With vibrant coral reefs and incredible marine life, this is a perfect African honeymoon destination for couples who love ocean exploring - think swimming with whale sharks, kayaking in tranquil lagoons, and enjoying sunset sailing trips to Mange Sandbank, where you can feast on seafood. 

Mafia Island really is a secret slice of Indian Ocean paradise and is undoubtedly one of the best African islands to honeymoon.

Want to experience this hidden gem? This romantic Tanzania safari includes a stay at Mafia Island as part of our budget 11-day Southern Tanzania Safari.

#3 Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar

Sainte Marie island, also known as Nosy Boraha, is a small island off the east coast of Madagascar. 

A hidden gem that combines rich history with stunning natural beauty, this is the perfect African island for couples seeking a romantic getaway with a touch of adventure. 

So, what makes this African island so special?

Known for its soft white-sand beaches, lush green landscapes, and calm, crystal-clear lagoons, couples come here for a secluded and peaceful piece of paradise.

One of the perfect African islands to honeymoon off-the-beaten-track, you and your partner can laze on tropical beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or wander through cashew and cinnamon groves - all without the crowds! 

Sainte Marie is also a fantastic spot for diving, with vibrant coral reefs that teem with tropical fish, sea turtles, and other exotic marine creatures. 

And if you come between July and September, you might just spot humpback whales migrating through the surrounding waters! Watch these majestic giants breach and play in the ocean for an unforgettable newlywed experience.

All these factors give Sainte Marie the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation and certainly make it one of the best African islands for honeymoons.

This Madagascar Vacation Package includes a stay at Sainte Marie and is perfect for an affordable yet unforgettable African honeymoon.

#4 Bazaruto Islands, Mozambique

If you’re looking for luxury, seclusion, and adventure all wrapped up in one perfect honeymoon destination, then the little-known Bazaruto Islands in Mozambique are worth knowing about! 

This stunning archipelago off the coast of southern Africa is home to crystal-clear waters and breathtaking coral reefs, where you can explore the Indian Ocean’s rich marine life and even dive with manta rays!

The archipelago’s pristine and secluded beaches also make the perfect setting to relax with your love in privacy - the kind of romantic setting you can’t argue with!

Create unique memories with a private beach picnic, explore the protected marine reserves filled with dolphins and turtles, or island-hopping on a boat safari to enjoy beautiful sunsets over the stunning Indian Ocean. 

The Bazaruto Islands are one of Africa's best-kept secrets, making them some of the best African islands to honeymoon.

This 14-Day Eswatini, Kruger & Mozambique Safari includes a stay at Bazaruto Archipelago, perfect for a honeymoon that blends adventure, African wildlife, and a romantic beach getaway.

For more about the best beaches in Mozambique, see Mozambique Beaches

#5 Nankoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi

If eco-conscious travel and intimate settings are high on your honeymoon wishlist, then Nankoma Island on Lake Malawi is a hidden gem you’ll quickly fall in love with. 

This African island is part of Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its marine biodiversity and natural beauty.  

The island itself is known for its sustainable accommodation options and peaceful, laid-back vibe - perfect if you and your sweetheart want to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. 

Spend your days kayaking through calm, crystal-clear waters, snorkeling with colorful cichlids, peaceful birdwatching, or simply soaking up the beauty of this serene paradise. Then, end your perfect days by watching the sunsets over the water from your lakeside lodge.  

This island offers the ultimate peace and relaxation, making it one of the best African islands to honeymoon, especially for nature-loving couples. 

Ready to unwind in nature? This 16-day Zambia & Malawi Safari and our Lake Malawi & Zambia Safari in South Luangwa Valley are just two of our budget safari trips that include a peaceful stay on Nankoma Island in Lake Malawi.

#6 Mboma Island, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

For couples looking for a wild element to their honeymoon, Mboma Island in the Okavango Delta has to be one of the most perfect African islands for newlyweds to honeymoon on.  

Gliding through the delta’s waterways on a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), you’ll have the chance to spot elephants, hippos, and even lions in their natural habitat. 

The delta’s remote location means you’ll be surrounded by nothing but wilderness and serenity - ideal for that unique romantic safari.

Staying in one of Mboma’s luxury safari camps, you can enjoy intimate evenings around the campfire under a sky full of stars, all while immersed in Botswana’s iconic landscapes. 

Start your days with an early-morning game drive and end them with a tranquil sunset boat ride - the stuff of dreams for an adventure and romance-filled African honeymoon. 

This blend of iconic wildlife, unique landscapes, and remote luxury makes Mboma Island undoubtedly one of the most unique African islands to honeymoon in the bush.

Check out our 5-Day Chobe & Okavango Delta Lodge Tour, which will take you to a secluded island in Moremi. 

Talk to a safari expert from African Budget Safaris for help planning an unforgettable yet affordable honeymoon in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

African Islands to Honeymoon in Style on a Budget

Whether you’re seeking wildlife-filled adventures, luxury beach retreats, or secluded eco-paradises, there are many incredible African islands to honeymoon. 

From the vibrant reefs of Mafia Island to the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta, these are some of the best African islands for newlyweds on a budget, promising romance, adventure, and memories to last a lifetime. 

If you're not set on an island getaway, one of the top African safari tours for couples could be your perfect romantic adventure.

So why wait? 

Start planning your perfect African honeymoon today to let the natural beauty of Africa's islands set the scene for your love story.

Plus, with African Budget Safaris' carefully crafted tours, you can experience these romantic island gems without the stress of planning! 

The safari tours linked above are just some of the trips we offer to these idyllic African islands.

Visit the African Budget Safaris website for more African trips, or speak to one of our African Travel Experts today for help planning your dream honeymoon in Africa.

Stephanie Parker Author

Stephanie Parker is a travel addict and creator of the budget travel blog Big World Small Pockets. Never one for staying still, she's always had to travel cheap to maintain her nomadic lifestyle … even into her 30s! Originally from the UK, Stephanie likes nothing more than adventuring around Africa on a shoestring, collecting stories she loves to share with a smile.

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