One of the most memorable elopements I have ever photographed was also my first safari wedding—Kris & Cuan. Their luxury desert lodge took them out on multiple safari tours, gave them a room that they could see a backlit watering hole from, and threw them a private multi-course wedding day dinner outside framed by “hides” (wooden blockades that kept animals away in the dark). It was an amazing intersection of cool activity, great adventure vibes, and accommodations that made the whole thing feel super special.
I’ve made a point of meeting animals and taking photographs on every single continent, so when it comes to planning an incredible safari elopement, I’ve got you! I’ve photographed 300+ elopements all over the world and I know exactly what you need to consider, how to plan a great safari, and how to figure out if it’s right for you.
This guide will take you through all of it while also giving you some of the best places to safari in the world, so keep reading!
Or, if this is all a bit much right now, I also have an interactive map that will let you just explore locations! You can filter by scenery, activity (like safaris!), and season to narrow down your list from nearly 600 spots all over the world.
To know if a safari elopement is right for you, let’s jump straight into some pros and cons.
Pros of a Safari Elopement
Views of incredible animals
One of the main and most obvious draws for doing a safari tour! This is your chance to see animals you never get to see except at the zoo… but out in the wild, living their lives in their natural habitat. The thrill of spotting a lion or watching an elephant walk slowly past a watering hole is incredible.
Options for private tours
Unlike some other activities, it’s super easy to book a private tour. You can absolutely go with a group or a big caravan if you’d like, but if it sounds like way more fun to just share this moment with your partner alone, you’d be surprised at how many places will give you just that!
Luxe lodging opportunities
Whether you want to stay on national park grounds or in a private resort area, there are luxury camps and palatial hotels around so many safari tours. Staying in one lets you have a beautiful blend of wild outside and amenities inside that will leave you feeling like you found an oasis.
Memorable adventure
Something I love about safari elopements is that it’s a nearly guaranteed break from your every day. If you’re looking for an activity for your elopement day that’s going to feel really distinct and remarkable, safaris are a fantastic option.
Totally unique experience each time
There is no safari experience on Earth that’s going to be identical to yours. Animals are living creatures with their own moods and patterns of behavior, which means you’ll never see the exact same creatures acting the exact same way!
Cons of a Safari Elopement
Remote location
For a good safari, you have to go where the animals have enough space to roam. Which means you will need to travel farther than a city center or airport to get there… which also means more time and travel costs.
Travel requirements
Depending on where you’d like to go, different countries have different requirements for entry. Be sure to check for passport, visa, and vaccine requirements before booking your safari trip in any country.
Timing
If you’re looking for certain animals, migration events, or seasonal watering holes, you’ll need to keep timing in mind! Like I mentioned earlier, these are wild animals with no guarantee of viewing, so you have to know when to come and how to find them.
But don’t worry—I’m here to help! I’ve been all over the world and I’m here to help you overcome any obstacles on your way to having your dream elopement day.
What’s Next? Steps to plan a safari elopement.
1. Pick an animal that you’d like to see.
One of the easiest places to start with planning a safari elopement is just by thinking about what animals you’d ideally like to see. This is a super fun part that you can make a date night out of! Create a wishlist of animals in the land, sea, or sky that you want to visit and then look for places that have them. Also look at what time of year is best to see them so that you know how to time your visit.
2. Research tour companies.
Once you’ve settled on an area that has animals you’re interested in, look for tour operators in the area. If you’ll be near a national park, some of them run their own safari drives or dives. Different companies will have varying options for what time of day they can take you out, privacy, and what amenities they come with.
3. Research lodging options.
Some tour operators come packaged with a place to stay, but if they don’t, you can take time to look into other options for camps, lodges, and transportation at this step. You may be surprised to find that some of your favorite tour options actually require you to stay at their lodging to access the game drives on their property! Pick something that makes you feel really special—it’s your wedding day! Be sure to also look up what you’ll need to enter the country if you’ll be leaving your own.
4. Coordinate with your photographer (and anyone else).
If there’s any other vendors you’ll need (like, say, an awesome elopement photographer), be sure they’re available on the day you want to book your tour first. The last thing you want is to get all the way through this planning process, only to realize your favorite lodge, photographer, or caterer doesn’t have your date available.
5. Book some combination of steps 2 & 3… and enjoy!
Once you’ve settled on what tour company you want and where you want to stay, you’re good to book! You’re all set to have an epic adventure on your wedding day with the love of your life.
If you need more help with steps 1-3, I’ve got your back! When you hire me as your elopement photographer you get curated location lists, custom recommendations for places to stay, expert help on permits and travel regulations, packing lists, planning guides, unlimited consultation calls, and more. Because your elopement should be cause for celebration, not stress. You can contact me here to get started!
What’s the best time of year for a safari elopement?
Honestly, the answer to this question depends a lot on what animals you want to see!
For example, if you want to get to see the Great Migration of wildebeest in Africa, that will typically land you somewhere between May and November, depending on where you will be watching from.
However, if you want to go to Costa Rica to see leatherback sea turtles hatch, you’ll have to be there in a very specific window of time, usually in March.
The best way to pick a time of year for your safari elopement is by starting with step one from above and letting the animals you want to see guide your timing. When in doubt, consult with experts about the natural schedules of the wildlife! Also keep in mind environmental seasonality, like dry seasons and monsoon seasons which may impact wildlife presences.
This is also true when it comes to picking the best time of day for your safari. While some animals only come out in the morning, others will naturally be nocturnal. Your tour guide operator will likely already have options ready for you to guide your experience based on the animals that will be out at a given time of day. For many species, they will be most active early in the morning or in the afternoon as the heat of the day ebbs off.
Best locations for a safari around the world
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha is a nature lover’s paradise. The park is home to so many different kinds of animals, including zebra, elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, hyenas, wildebeest, giraffes, and so many more. There are over 114 species to be found here! This park also offers a super unique stay, in that you can lodge on park property at several different camps, many with direct views of watering holes and amenities for humans like restaurants. The Etosha Pan offers incredible salt flats with unbeatable views of the sunrise and sunset that would be a beyond epic place to have your ceremony (the salt flat is so large it can be seen from space!).
Best for seeing: Black Rhinoceros, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Giraffes and Zebras
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Safari, Jeep/4×4, Camping
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the best known in the country. There’s no shortage of options for activities here, but the 4X4 game drives are among the best around. You’ll have options for sunrise, sunset, night, or even all-day drives that give you a chance to see the park’s amazing wildlife for yourself. You can find big cats here, like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as other large animals like rhinos, wildebeest, and zebras.
Best for seeing: Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Rhinoceros, Elephants and Buffalos
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Safari, 4×4/Jeep, Night Drives
The Galapagos, Ecuador
If you want to see wildlife in action in their natural habitat, there are few places in the world that can offer it to you on par with the Galapagos Islands. These islands are protected conservation areas, so whether you’re looking in the sea, the sky, or on land, you’re going to see some of the most amazing animals on the planet—some of which can only be found here. Safaris and water excursions are common here, and there are many local guides around waiting to take you on small group tours that respect the animals living conditions while also letting you make your trip memorable by having once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. You can also stay in safari camps on the islands, which keep you immersed in the wild landscape with animals all around you.
Best for seeing: Sharks, Sea lions, Seals, Penguins, Turtles, Rays, Mantas, Marine Iguanas, and Giant Tortoises
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Diving, Snorkeling, Boating, Hiking
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is special for a few different reasons. It’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the largest calderas in the world, and it shares ecologically important land with southern Kenya. For many, though, the crater is primarily a safari site—especially for folks looking to see the critically endangered black rhino or the world’s densest lion population. There are tons of options for tours and safaris here, including multiple days and even multiple countries!
Best for seeing: Buffalo, Lions, Elephants, Leopards and Rhinoceros
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is synonymous with seeing incredible wildlife. If you’re interested in a safari elopement, you could time it here along with The Great Migration and see millions of wildebeest in one place! After you’ve gone on your safari tour, there are plenty of places to stay on park grounds and get treated to a special meal on your elopement day that’s rich in local flavor.
Best for seeing: Wildebeest, Black Rhinoceros, Lions, Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Leopards and Zebra
Best months to get married here: Year Round
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning
Masai Mara, Kenya
Masai Mara is a safari destination in a national reserve along the border of Kenya and Tanzania. In addition to the standard Jeep safaris here, they also offer exciting options like hot air balloon safaris! Time your visit with The Great Migration for the chance to see millions of herbivores trek across the plains.
Best for seeing: Wildebeest, Rhinoceros, Lions, Elephants, Cheetahs and Zebra
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4 Safari, Hot Air Ballooning
Okavango Delta, Botswana
This delta is known for its insane variety of wildlife, which come from all over to use the flooded plains as watering holes each season. It’s best to visit in the summer, which is after the wet season has officially ended but the waters are at their peak. If you’re looking for a specific game reserve here, you can look to spots like the Moremi Game Reserve to offer guided safaris and accommodation with great views.
Best for seeing: Hippopotamus, Elephants, Crocodile, Lions, Giraffe and Leopards
Best months to get married here: October to March
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Boating, Scenic Flights
Kanha National Park, India
Big cat lovers, you’re going to enjoy this one. Kanha National Park is famous for its safari offerings in open air Jeep tours. But what the park is perhaps most known for is its tiger reserve, which is one of the largest in the country. That means that when you visit here, your odds of being able to see some of these incredible animals goes up a ton! You can also find foxes, jackals, hyenas, and boars. There are even great lodging options right next to the park!
Best for seeing: Tigers and Panthers
Best months to get married here: December to March
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Safari
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Located in northern Botswana, the Chobe National Park is most famous for its elephant population. If you want to see these gentle giants, this is a great place to spend your elopement! There are lodges on the park grounds that give you great amenities while also letting you spot wildlife from your balcony. Safaris are the main attraction here and will let you spot elephants, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, and rhinos. Visit during the dry season for your best chance at seeing all the species on your list!
Best for seeing: Hippopotamus, Elephants, Cape Buffalo and Lions
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Boat Safari, Jeep/4×4
Antarctica
Yep—you CAN get married in Antarctica. It’s only been possible to perform a legally binding marriage here since 2022, so you can be sure that this is an extra unique spot if you’re wanting an elopement somewhere truly one of a kind. And if you love penguins and have dreamed of getting married amongst them, this is a top-notch spot to do it, as more live here than anywhere else in the world. This is also a great place to go seal or whale spotting! No matter how you get here or what species you see, an elopement here would be memorable for decades to come.
Best for seeing: Penguins, Whales and Seals
Best months to get married here: December to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park is a world heritage site known for its large populations of wildlife. There are dozens of safari options here and a super wide variety of wildlife—from large cats to elephants to hippos and more. Visit during the dry season when the park’s four main watering holes fill up and animals come from all over to stop and fill up. As a bonus, there are tons of places to stay that will give you an up close look at the park’s wildlife!
Best for seeing: Elephants, Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile and Lions
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Safari
Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
This is the largest salt pan in the world! This spot is located in a national park of the same name and is known for its sheer size and vastness. You can take a safari tour through the pan and see huge zebra populations and one of the only two breeding grounds for flamingos in southern Africa. Safaris at night are also super popular here, as the park offers insane stargazing from the total lack of light pollution from anywhere around.
Best for seeing: Wildebeest, Zebra, Flamingos
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Safari, Stargazing
Kaziranga National Park, India
For Indian safaris, this spot has so much to offer to your elopement day. Set inside a national park, a tour through this area will find you amongst the rhinos, tigers, water buffalo, and elephants among others. This is a conservation area first and foremost, so you can see protected bands of wild animals in their natural habitats, totally untouched by human hands. Not to mention, this area is super beautiful.
Best for seeing: Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Tiger, Leopard and Indian Elephant
Best months to get married here: December to March
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Safari
South Georgia Island, British Overseas Territory
Between the southern tip of South America and the continent of Antarctica, South Georgia Island is known for being the home of seals and penguins in particular, making this a destination for animal lovers. This island is only inhabited by research stations, meaning there are no human settlements standing between you and nature here. It also has no predator animals, which increases your chance of seeing animals here! Visit during January for peak wildlife activity and the warmest months of the year in one of the coldest places on Earth.
Best for seeing: Penguins, Seals, Whales
Best months to get married here: December and January
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya
Mara Naboisho specializes in two things—nature conservation and great accommodations. With nine different wilderness camps to choose from, you have plenty of options for luxury stays that still keep you out in the action of the animal kingdom. There are lots of safari options here, from walking, to night, to full-day, to half-day. And with their work in predator conservation and various wildlife trusts, you can be sure that the animals here are in the best habitat.
Best for seeing: Lions, Elephant, Giraffe, Wildebeest and Zebra
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking, Safari, Night Safari
Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Corcovado sports SO many animals—367 kinds of birds, 140 kinds of mammals, and 117 kinds of reptiles, among others! Taking a private safari or wildlife tour around the park has a chance of letting you spot tapirs, pumas, monkeys, macaws, and so many more. This park feels wild and untouched, which means the animals’ habitats are largely undisturbed. Many of the tours will handle getting you to and from the park as well as lunch, meaning all you have to do is enjoy the trip!
Best for seeing: Tapirs, Pumas, Jaguars, Monkeys and Macaws
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Safari
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
If you’ve been on safaris before or just really want to make your first one count, the Samburu National Reserve is a great pick for making sure your experience stands out. This spot is known for its variety of rare animals, like Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe, and the Somali ostrich. This reserve offers both fly-in and drive-in safari tours so that you can pick whichever option is most convenient for you on your day! Stay in a luxury camp on site after to enjoy the ambience for a while longer.
Best for seeing: Lions, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Cheetah, Hippopotamus and Giraffe
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Safari
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire National Park is a haven for safari lovers who specifically want to see birds! This park sports over 500 bird species. Then when factoring in all the additional ways to see the wildlife here on foot, vehicle, hot air balloon, or via vehicle at night… Tarangire becomes a clear standout from the crowd. You’ll also see massive herds of elephants here, if creatures with four feet on the ground are more your speed!
Best for seeing: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Zebra, Wildebeest and Cape buffalo
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Safari, Hot Air Balloon
How to choose the right guide for your safari
Packages will vary drastically depending on what part of the world you’re in, but ideally, you’ll find a provider with a combination of knowledge about local animals, access to touring equipment, and amenities that you’d like to have.
For example, some safari tours in Africa are sourced from national parks and sanctuaries whereas others are based out of resorts with luxury lodging. It all depends on the type of tour experience you want to have!
Picking a local operator who is from the area, knows how to see the wildlife in an ethical and safe way, and that provides the level of amenities that you’re looking for is the key combination when it comes to finding the best provider for you! This will leave you not only with an experience that feels fitting for your wedding, it’ll also give you several successful wildlife sightings.
Pro tips for your safari elopement
If there’s anything that your heart is set on and you’re staying at a resort that runs its own tours, 100% talk to your tour guide!
I’ve seen safari lodges put together truly beautiful experiences for couples that went above and beyond the standard provisions or tours that they provided. These resorts want you to love your stay, and communicating with them is the best way to find out if they can help you accomplish your big goals!
Additionally, you’ll want to plan to say your vows somewhere other than on the actual safari tour itself. Tours are limited in time and usually require everyone to stay in the vehicle (be it a boat or 4X4) for the safety of both you and the animals. Plan the safari as a great activity for your wedding day and say your vows before or after somewhere beautiful.
What to wear while on safari
For many kinds of safari tours—especially those on a 4X4—your wedding attire may work for your excursion! However, if you’re doing anything where you’ll have to move around more, the answer for what to wear gets more complicated.
In general, the best clothing for safaris will be:
- Light colored
- Protective
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Layered
- Easy to move in
But, as with many things that we’ve gone over so far, this will change a lot from location to location! If you’re on a penguin safari in Antarctica instead of a tiger safari in India, naturally, you’ll need to dress in very different ways.
Dressing in light neutrals and avoiding bright or dark colors will assist in protecting you from parasites, help you remain unseen around the animals you’re hoping to observe, and won’t hold in heat so that you can stay at a comfortable temperature.
If you need something waterproof, with more layers, or with more sun protection, you may opt away from wearing your wedding attire during your safari tour. White clothing makes for a great alternative that still feels celebratory, looks excellent in photos, and will let you fit all of the environmental needs of your surroundings!
NOTE: In some countries, wearing camouflage is prohibited. Sticking to solid colors in light or earth tones is an easy way to avoid this.
What to pack for a safari elopement
There are a few key things that you’re going to want to make sure that you have in your bag no matter where you’re going on safari! Here’s a list of items to make sure that you have in your bag if you’re going to have a safari wedding.
- High quality SPF
- Bug spray (make sure yours is approved for the environment)
- Comfortable hiking boots with cushioned socks
- A suitable hat to keep the sun off of your face
- Sunglasses
- Vaccine certificates if required
- Passport and travel paperwork if traveling internationally
- Binoculars
- Headlamps and extra batteries
- A protective bag if you’re bringing a camera
- Field guide for wherever you’re traveling
- First aid kit with medications, including motion sickness if needed
- Waterproof and windproof layers
- Plug adapters if traveling internationally
- A suitable protective layer for your neck, be it a thick & sweat wicking scarf or a lightweight neck gaiter
- Your wedding attire
- Rings for your ceremony
- Vows
- Any gifts, mementos, sentimental items, or letters you want to have during your ceremony
- Anything you need for your hair and makeup for the ceremony
- Microspikes if needed for the terrain
- Under layers for your wedding attire if needed, like nude leggings or long underwear
Before you zip up your bag, make sure you consult with your tour provider to make sure there’s no additional specialty items that you need to bring. If you’re traveling to Antarctica, you will likely need to add some specific gear to this list—like these incredibly stylish protective glasses both my camera and I had to wear while we were there. Or it could be as simple as, “This resort has a pool, so remember your swimsuit!”
How to pack a wedding dress:
- Fold carefully along any seams
- Roll it up tightly
- Put it in a waterproof bag, like a trash bag
How to pack a suit:
- Keep it in a lightweight garment bag
- Either:
- Gently fold or roll the garment bag
- Gently fold & clip the bag inside of your suitcase
Costs of a safari elopement
Price is an important factor in any trip, but especially with safaris. Prices vary drastically around the world and tend to be a “low floors and high ceilings” situation, with there being anything from cheap DIY tours to all-out luxury options. Here are some averages from a few different countries. Keep in mind that some of these options are multi-day, all-inclusive rates and involve the tour, a place to stay, and food! Always research what’s included in your quote and be sure to add in anything else you’d have to pay for yourself.
Prices can range around:
- Africa: $3000
- India: $200 (tour only)
- Antarctica: $10000
- The Galapagos: $5000
But please note: these are estimates! I can help you do more research before you book a tour to make sure you’ve got the best option for you with everything that you want to have.
Safaris are easy places to weave in luxury options to your wedding day, so be sure to consider what factors are important to you and what would make your wedding day feel extra romantic, special, and celebratory.
Overview
Safaris are amazing, once-in-a-lifetime activities that guarantee you that no one will ever have an experience quite like yours, because the animal kingdom never has the same day twice! If you’re a wildlife or nature lover, a safari elopement can be an incredible chance to get out with your partner and do something incredibly meaningful on your wedding day. And, because so many safari options have the option for luxury lodging, it can also have the benefit of making you feel pretty pampered along the way!
Some of my favorite elopements of all time have been safari weddings, and I would love to make yours everything you’ve been dreaming of. I can help you with expert travel planning, vendor recommendations and research, detailed packing lists, and pro human and wildlife photography, so that you never have to worry about a second of your trip being undocumented. If you have questions or are ready to hand over the details to a professional, contact me here! I’ll make sure that your planning process is smooth from the very start so that you never have to worry about a thing.
And if you’re not sold on a location yet, that’s okay! I can also help with that. In the meantime, you can check out my searchable location database stocked with 600+ locations for eloping around the globe. You can filter by everything from activity to season to scenery so that you only get what’s relevant to you.
Talk to you soon!
