After breaking away from the African mainland about 180 million years ago and breaking away from the Indian subcontinent about 90 million years later, Madagascar developed its completely unique ecosystem in splendid isolation. Ubiquitous African wildlife such as monkeys, elephants and big cats never lived here – instead, this jungle-dripping island is home to lemurs, chameleons and thousands of rare birds, many of which are found nowhere else elsewhere on Earth. I was meowing, a luxury retreat on a private island just off the northeast coast of Madagascar, combines wilderness adventures with toe-in-the-sand relaxation. The resort’s turquoise-striped helicopters whisk guests on tours and picnics in ancient baobab forests, while water-based activities include whale-watching expeditions and diving around rainbow-hued coral reefs. Back at the resort, the grand villas are garden-clad with heaps of privacy and offer in-room spa treatments and candlelit beachside dinners.
See the Serengeti from above
Photo: Getty Images
As one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense regions, Tanzania’s Serengeti is an excellent—and extremely popular—destination for first-time safari goers. During high season, tourist Jeeps can seemingly outnumber the park’s animal residents – so it’s worth seeking out its uncrowded corners. Among them is the neighboring Grumeti Game Reserve, a 350,000-acre stretch of the Serengeti’s western wildlife corridor, where safari trooper Singita has set up a constellation of camps and lodges. Sasakwa Lodge it’s the most luscious of the bunch, a modern take on an antique-filled Edwardian mansion with wide-angle views of the vast savannah that stretches out below. The Hillside Suite is its crown jewel, with two wooden outdoor decks, a private lap pool and floor-to-ceiling doors and windows that frame those spectacular Serengeti sunsets. Of course, game drives and bush walks are part of the package, but consider signing up for a hot air balloon safari to really entice your significant other.
Cross the continent on a luxury train
Photo: Rovos Rail Tours