The winter months in the Zambezi Valley are beautiful!
Between May and August, there are clear skies, mild temperatures, warm sunshine, cozy campfires and stunning starscapes at night.
If you are planning a truly romantic engagement in a secret location, a spectacular destination wedding in an awesome wild setting, or the honeymoon getaway of your dreams, this is really the BEST time to do it!
Wild Zambezi's travel partners have come up with some wonderfully inspiring ideas for making sure that celebrating this very special time in your life will be something to remember forever! Have a look:-
INDEX (click to link, or scroll down)
1. Zambezi Cruise & Safaris (Kariba and its Lake)
2. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate (Victoria Falls)
3. Victoria Falls River Lodge (Zambezi River, Victoria Falls)
4. Wilderness Safaris - Chikwenya or Ruckomechi Camps (Zambezi River, Mana Pools)
5. Tiger Safaris (Zambezi River/Chirundu)
6. Spurwing Island (Lake Kariba)
7. Safaris 4 Africa (Lake Kariba)
8. Rhino Safari Camp (Lake Kariba)
9. Palm River Hotel (Zambezi River, Victoria Falls)
10.Jecha Point Fishing Lodge (Zambezi River, Chirundu)
11.Fothergill Island (Lake Kariba)
12. African Bush Camps (Mana Pools & Lake Kariba)
1. Zambezi Cruise Safaris (Lake Kariba)
The Ultimate Safari Wedding Destination
Lake Kariba is one of the most magical places to tie the knot. Say ‘I do’ on Kariba Safari Lodge's magnificent deck with the lake as your backdrop.
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris' stunning lakeside property in Kariba Town has sweeping views of Lake Kariba and the Matusadona mountain range.
While the massive body of water and the surrounding pristine wilderness create opportunities for a truly enchanting outdoor wedding, Kariba Safari Lodge's deck, the gardens and the beach provide the perfect safari destination wedding venue. And, Zambezi Cruise and Safaris are specialists at creating unforgettable land and lake experiences.
Winter on Lake Kariba comes with mild temperatures, warm sunshine and clear skies. On most Kariba winter nights, stars light up the sky while campfires keep you cosy. If this is not a perfect setting for a wedding, we do not know what is.
The deck at Kariba Safari Lodge sits atop 33 acres of forested hillside sloping down to the lakeshore and beach. The panoramic views of the lake from the deck provide a picture-perfect wedding venue. Crowned Eagle Boutique Hotel, soon to be opened, compliments Kariba Safari Lodge with her tasteful 13 en-suite rooms, ensuring that all your guests can be accommodated.
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris owns a large fleet of cruise boats that can be made available to you for your wedding, should you require them. These boats add that pizzazz to your Lake Kariba wedding to make it even more dreamy.
Of course, Zambezi Cruise and Safaris staff will help you create lasting memories on that special day.
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2. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate (Victoria Falls)
Weddings and Honeymoons
Victoria Falls is a dream wedding destination, and the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate offers a unique venue for both weddings and honeymoons. Situated just 4kms from the Victoria Falls and set amongst pristine bushveld overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole and the Zambezi National Park, our variety of accommodations are ideal for your dream wedding. Allow us to take care of all arrangements for your ceremony and reception, be it on the estate or at one of the many sites around Victoria Falls. We have a professional team of hoteliers, safari guides, beauticians and florists to attend to all your needs and make your day an outstanding success.
Accommodation options include the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the premium 20-room Victoria Falls Safari Club, the spacious 2 and 3-bedroom Victoria Falls Safari Suites (ideal for your bridesmaids and groomsmen) and the 2 and 3-bedroom excellent value for money Lokuthula Lodges (which may be booked on a self-catering or bed and breakfast basis).
The Residents’ Lounge located at the topmost viewing point of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and overlooking the waterhole, offers a stunning setting for an intimate wedding ceremony (and is a favourite spot for proposals too!), while The Amphitheatre, an open-air auditorium with a levelled stage area and surrounding terraced grass banks can accommodate larger wedding ceremonies.
The Nandi Gardens are perfect for an open-air wedding reception under the stars on the estate, while off property options for wedding ceremonies include a boat drifting down the Zambezi River or on the banks of the river.
An exclusive wedding package is also available for the bridal couple.
A luxury honeymoon at either Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or Victoria Falls Safari Club is the ideal springboard for a memorable start to married life. Newlyweds can cool in the swimming pool, enjoy sundowners at the Buffalo Bar or from the exclusive viewing deck at Victoria Falls Safari Club, dine at the MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, open on three sides and offering incredible vistas, or at the “must do” Boma – Dinner & Drum show! Private dinners can also be arranged.
After visiting the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, other highlights may include a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, highwire activities for the adrenalin “junkies” and a helicopter flip over the Victoria Falls, while onsite activities include the Vulture Culture Experience (a conservation project that aids the survival of these endangered birds), and the opportunity of a close encounter with elephants and buffalo at the Siduli Hide, located just next to the estate’s waterhole.
Contact us on to start planning for your special day!
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3. Victoria Falls River Lodge (Zambezi River, Victoria Falls)
Revel in Romance - Honeymoon Special
Victoria Falls River Lodge, situated on the Zambezi River just upstream of Victoria Falls (and within sight of the spray of the falls) offers a special for honeymooners travelling within 6 months of their wedding. The deal entails: a minimum 3 night stay, 50% off accommodation for the bride, with the choice of either a Luxury Tented Suite (pictured above left) or an Island Treehouse Suite (above right). When a honeymoon couple check in, a bottle of bubbly and a personalised note await them in their room. The special also includes a romantic private dinner for one evening and a spa massage voucher to the value of $120.
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4. Wilderness Safaris - Chikwenya or Ruckomechi Camps (Zambezi River, Mana Pools)
Honeymoon with Wilderness Safaris in Mana Pools National Park at Chikwenya or Ruckomechi camps.
Chikwenya Camp, located on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools has seven intimate tents located on low wooden decks with pine walkways linking them to the raised main area. The lounge, dining and bar area offer cozy spots of relaxation, and a pool and deck overlooking the Zambezi offer alternate spaces to enjoy the scenery and passing wildlife.
Ruckomechi with ten beautifully decorated en-suite tents that lie beneath the ana trees, best-beloved of local elephant for their nutritious seeds. The camp's central living space includes an inviting firepit for pleasant evenings beneath the African night skies. Other unique features include a pool which overlooks a broad sweep of river, an outdoor “bath with a view” in a secluded, scenic spot, and a romantic Star Bed by a busy waterhole. Activities at both camps include game drives, tiger fishing, game walks and river cruises. Open seasonally from April to November each year, Mana Pools is the perfect honeymoon destination.
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5. Tiger Safaris (Zambezi River/Chirundu)
Tiger Safaris, on the banks of the Zambezi River at Chirundu, is warm and lovely during winter with a cool breeze in the warm sun. Perfect weather for your very special day.
Wild elephants roaming through the camp among other intriguing wildlife can only enhance the experience. We have all the necessary equipment for hire and can put on a spectacular light show as well. Want your reception under a beautifully lit tree or a canopy of lights? We can try to make your ideas come to life. The beautiful sunsets over the river with its pristine sandbars offer spectacular scenes for your photography, with wildlife in the backdrops. Full catering is available. Want a lovely Potjiekos, a Smokey Braai or a Spit Roast? We have all these options and many more available. Care for a little fishing before the special moment? Our fleet will be ready and waiting with expert guides to make your day truly spectacular and exhilarating. A ceremony facing the magnificent Zambezi river, or a reception with it as the backdrop is truly awe inspiring. Later in the evening the party begins and under magical lights, it’s breathtaking. Choose us and let Tiger Safaris make your special day memorable.
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6. Spurwing Island (Lake Kariba)
Weddings at Spurwing Island
There’s something magical about being serenaded by the sounds of the bushveld as you say your vows under an African sky. For these wedding couples with a common love for the African bush there is no better setting to say “I do”. At Spurwing Island, the Matusadona mountain range as your backdrop, the shimmering waters of Lake Kariba in the foreground, and the distant cry of a fish eagle make for a truly memorable day.
Typically your ceremony will take place nestled under the dappled light of the fig tree, as the sun sets and casts the sky in a thousand shades of orange, pink and red. It’s then time to dine and dance under a blanket of stars.
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7. Safaris 4 Africa (Lake Kariba)
Guests of Harare-based DMC, Safaris 4 Africa recently enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon at Changa Safari Camp on Lake Kariba.
We knew they would love the specially appointed and comfortable East African tents located along the Lakeshore. They were able to enjoy their private deck looking out over the lake while being lulled to sleep by the soft lapping of the lake’s gentle waves. Their wishlist was to be close to nature but still enjoy the comforts of home, and Changa safari camp certainly delivered. The highlight of their ensuite tented unit was the outdoor bath – lit by candles for a truly romantic evening.
The camp delighted them with fantastic cuisine and, for their first honeymoon evening, they a organised special private, candle- lit, dining experience. During their stay they enjoyed game drives, boat cruises, fishing and walking with a guide. During their downtime they enjoyed the safari Spa and wonderful swimming pool.
If you want to store as many memories as possible on your Zimbabwe honeymoon then let our team at Safaris 4 Africa plan your trip of a lifetime.
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8. Rhino Safari Camp (Lake Kariba)
Rhino Safari Camp, on the shores of Lake Kariba, in the Matusadona National Park offers some very special qualities for honeymooners who want to escape to the beauty and simplicity of the wild.
Here's what to expect at this intimate little safari camp:-
- a peaceful sense of being in the wild, away from people
- tranquility and breathtaking scenery to inspire you at the beginning of a new chapter in life, together
- soul-touching moments like a cruise on the vast waters of Lake Kariba enveloped in the warm afterglow of the sunset with a cool gin and tonic in hand
- a breathtaking canopy of brilliant stars in the night sky
- the thrill of a drive or walk in the wild to meet the wild inhabitants of this remote and unspoilt paradise
- personalised hosting, unique accommodation and mouthwatering homestyle meals
Rhino Safari Camp is the perfect destination for a close to Nature honeymoon on the wild side.
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9. Palm River Hotel (Zambezi River, Victoria Falls)
An idyllic Riverfront Wedding Venue
The Palm River Hotel is an all-new, charming, tranquil and romantic wedding venue located just 4 kilometres from the Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls, along the banks of the majestic Zambezi River.
The hotel’s idyllic outdoor wedding settings are made up of well-manicured gardens that blend seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness. The neat lawns, framed by cobbled pathways, are sheltered from the warm sunshine under dappled shade cast from the surrounding indigenous flora.
The hotel is equipped with two stylish bar options, the first is centrally located in front of the main area of the hotel, while the second, named the River Deck, is placed down by the water’s edge: a dreamy setting in which wedding guests may soak in the magic of an African Sunset while overlooking the river and surrounding wildlife. Guests may also experience the waters of the Zambezi on the intimate Ra-Ikane River Cruise boats which launch from the River Deck in front of the hotel.
Inside, a grand dining hall provides an elegant and timeless dining facility. The spacious hall is complimented by sweeping garden views that flow out onto a panoramic vista of the Zambezi River.
With 73 rooms available, there are a variety of accommodation options for every guest to choose from including Deluxe Rooms, interleading Suites for families or Honeymoon Suites for couples featuring spacious, lush private balconies and starlit outdoor showers. The Palm River Villa showcases the hotel’s range of elegant room varieties and is a perfect option in which to host the bridal party or simply to be enjoyed by the newlyweds after their special day.
For additional accommodation options for larger wedding guest numbers, the Palm River’s sister hotel, Ilala Lodge Hotel, offers a further 73 rooms and is located in the centre of Victoria Falls town, less than 4km away.
From pre-wedding spa and beauty preparations through to romantic post-wedding relaxation, we look forward to creating an unforgettable riverfront wedding of dreams, here at the Palm River Hotel.
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10. Jecha Point Fishing Lodge (Zambezi River, Chirundu)
Jecha Point Fishing Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River just downstream from Chirundu specialises in winter weddings, with the majority of our weddings being in the cooler months between April and August.
The cooler temperatures, gorgeous sunsets and an abundance of elephants and other wildlife around camp, makes winter the ideal time to get married by the river!
Our specialty is personalised service and delicious food! Our brides work closely with us, to bring to life, their unique event. With onsite wedding hire decor and a ‘hands-on’ team, there is no need for coordinators or outside caterers - definitely no ‘copy and paste’ weddings here!
Our weddings are limited to a handful each year, to ensure that you get the most unique, tailor-made experience! The resident wild elephants, are often our uninvited (but much loved) celebrity guests, and the Zambezi River is our exquisite backdrop at Jecha. With scenery as beautiful as this, even the most simplistic decor is sufficient for your wedding to be a breathtaking event.
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11. Fothergill Island (Lake Kariba)
In these times of roller coaster emotions - will we or wont we? – wedding planning, a bride could do a whole lot worse than endure a luxury, custom made, intimate celebration on an island in Lake Kariba!
Fothergill Island offers the option of a smaller group, in a high end, classy setting.
Each of the seven Lake and Bush Suites has its own sitting room and plunge pool with an outdoor hanging day bed to enjoy a leisurely drink and watching the wildlife go by. Two of them have families in mind and have two bedrooms each.
As if these weren’t enough, the three Island Suites offer superlative comfort and privacy, offering views, from magnificent four poster beds, over the Lake, from raised platforms and walkways. These suites share a private sitting room, bar and dining facility, and overlook a private pool. In the Island Suites you can expect to be treated with complete discretion and an extremely focused attention to detail.
Just because you are on an island, this does not mean that you have limited activities either! Expect to find kitted-out rods and all you need for a successful fishing trip, as well as the best qualified guides to take you walking or driving to see some of the big game on offer.
Our management and staff are always on hand to help you decide just how you would like your Big Day to look. The smaller numbers mean that we can be as flexible as you deserve, and we look forward to making it the beautiful, elegant event you have always dreamed of.
Think about it. You can serve your guests wine…. or champagne, steak……. or oysters….. you need to only work out what they deserve……. something different and specific to you, a day none of you will forget!
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11. African Bush Camps (Mana Pools & Lake Kariba)
In 2020, our priorities may have shifted to what ‘really’ matters: spending quality time with our loved ones and making more moments count! Although the pandemic may have kept many individuals from creating meaningful connections at face value, others may have experienced love in a different way. Many couples had to postpone their large weddings for the safety of their families and friends in 2020. But even as the world shut down, love was not cancelled.
DESTINATION - MICRO-WEDDINGS
While the stress of whittling down that (ever-growing) guestlist seems like an ongoing process, 2021 has given prospective newlyweds the chance to celebrate their new chapter with close friends and family. This year has seen the micro-wedding trend surge. If it is challenging to decrease the numbers on your wedding, a destination-micro-wedding at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, with stunning hilltop views over Lake Kariba can be the perfect solution! Having your wedding here allows for a unique and highly personal event, bringing together a small group of loved ones to celebrate safely and in style.
...And if weddings are not on the cards yet, consider a custom proposal at one of our stunning locations. We recently coordinated a memorable proposal on a private island near Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.
