The rise of wildlife safaris as a honeymoon destination

Romance, tranquility and nature’s bounty—honeymooners agree a cocktail of these is what they seek out once the wedding heels and tuxedos have been packed off. Post the buzz of Instagram reshares from their special day and once ready to switch on their airplane mode, safari holidays seem to be at their peak as a choice for honeymooners. 

This trend is not limited to India alone. Across the globe, destinations like Sri Lanka have caught the attention of honeymooners seeking a blend of cultural richness, wildlife adventure, and intimate moments.

Amrit Rajaratnam, owner of The Warden’s House in Sri Lanka, shared the growing number of honeymooners choosing safari parks for their post-wedding retreat. “In Sri Lanka, we’ve noticed a lot of honeymooners frequenting our safari parks for multiple reasons,” he said. “A place like The Warden’s House, for instance, is situated at the cusp of wildlife and culture in a relatively undiscovered part of Yala National Park,” he says. 

The retreat allows sunrise safaris where you can spot local wildlife such as elephants, sloth bears, and spotted deer, but also predators such as leopards, crocodiles, and jackals.

For couples looking for an alternative to the traditional beaches of Koh Samui, or an Instagramable city honeymoon—safaris are a no brainer. And it’s not just for the adrenaline rush of encountering wildlife, it’s about truly being in a “do not disturb” zone. 

That’s what happened to Ashdin and Khushnaz Turner who wanted to ditch tropical islands and sunny shores for tranquil forests. As content creators who lived in a whirlwind of travel, events, and social media, they craved a getaway that offered quiet. And a deeper connection with nature and each other. “We’ve been to Kanha, Tadoba, Jalana… we’ve been to several, the one I love the most was Kanha,” shared Khushnaz. 

While a honeymoon allows the couple to cut off from the world before they get back to the grind, a safari goes over and above to increase intimacy. For couples like Ashdin and Khushnaz, who had spent months preparing for their wedding, the structured yet relaxed rhythm of a safari honeymoon was a welcome escape. Khushnaz shares, “What I really love about the safari is that for those 3-4 hours, you’re cut off from everything. You’re just within nature, and it’s beautiful. I’ve even done a night safari, which was one of the most unreal experiences of my life.” 

For Khushnaz, the appeal of the safari wasn’t just about spotting wildlife—it was the immersive escape. “I like the peace and quiet, the fact that it helps you switch off and be one with nature,” she says. “There have been times when we’ve not even spotted anything, but still, the entire process of being on that safari is liberating for me. It just makes me feel calmer, and definitely recharges me. We do at least one safari a year ever since our honeymoon 24 years ago.”

The magic of a safari trip for couples isn’t just in the wildlife encounters—it’s in the rhythm of the journey itself. The early morning wake-up call, the crisp air filling your lungs as you set out in an open jeep, the anticipation of what the day might bring. Some moments are heart-pounding, like the sudden rustle of leaves before a predator steps into view. Others are surprisingly tender—watching a mother elephant nudge her calf forward, or sitting in hushed silence as the golden light of dawn washes over an endless stretch of grassland. And when the day winds down, there’s an undeniable romance in retreating to a lodge deep in the wilderness, where candlelit dinners come with a soundtrack of cicadas and distant calls of the wild. It’s a trip where every moment feels both intimate and untamed. 

But that’s not all–most safari destinations offer other adventures, too. The experience at Yala, for instance, is also coupled with cultural experiences. Rajaratnam adds, “There’s also the chance to visit the nearby Sella Kataragama temple in the afternoon when it’s too hot to visit the national park and sightings are rare.” The Warden’s House adds on to your experience to give you a taste of Sri Lanka with their curated signature menu featuring authentic local preparations like string hoppers, coconut sambol, kiri hodi, and curries. 

Whether it’s watching a leopard stalk gracefully through the bushes, a crocodile bob in and out of the swamp, or the white-bellied sea eagle eating her breakfast of sea snakes, there is a sense of adventure in a safari, where no two days are alike. 

Lead image: Nuno Oliveria for Brides Today

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