One of the most memorable elopements I have ever photographed was my first safari wedding—Kris & Cuan. Their luxury desert safari 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.
Planning your own safari elopement can feel really intimidating at first, but I’m here to help! There are three main things you should keep in mind: if this experience is right for you, your budget, and what animals you’re hoping to see during your safari.
If you’re asking… how the heck would I know if this is right for me? Keep reading, I’ve got your back. I’ll break down pros/cons of including a safari, next steps, and some great locations along with what animals you can find there and when you should go!
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, and season to narrow down your list from nearly 600 spots all over the world. Click here to go straight to the map!
Pros
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. 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 stays 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
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.
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.
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 game drives. Different companies will have varying options on what time of day they can take you out, private drives, and what amenities they come with.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Cost
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.
Africa: $3000
India: $200 (tour only)
Antarctica: $10000
The Galapagos: $5000
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.
My personal picks for epic safaris around the globe:
Here are 18 of my favorite places to go on safari globally, along with what animals you can find there and when you should visit!
But before we get into them, don’t forget, I also have a searchable interactive map that you can visit that’s stocked with hundreds of locations that you can filter through! Click here to skip the list and go directly there and use tags like season, activity, and scenery.
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 in
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
I know how difficult it can be to narrow down your elopement location to the one that feels right for you… I’ve done it for my own wedding in 2019! That’s why I created my location database stocked with hundreds of hand-picked spots for you to filter through using tags for scenery, activity, and season. So you can see what’s actually useful to you, and not just what Instagram thinks is popular. Click here to be taken to the database!
When it feels hard to choose and planning becomes stressful and overwhelming, remember you have an expert in your corner. I make sure that my clients never have to wade through feelings of overwhelm or panic during the process—only the excitement and joy that they should feel while getting ready to get married! I craft bespoke itineraries for your entire elopement, curate location lists based off of my decade of experience and your wishlist, give you resources on everything from guides on what to expect next to tailored packing lists for your locations, provide pro info and suggestions when it comes to things like permits, and so much more.
If you’re ready to ditch the spreadsheets and lean into feeling truly celebrated and at ease, reach out to me! I can’t wait to hear how we can make your wedding day special.
