Are you bored of the traditional wedding venues, such as churches, hotels, or gardens? Do you want to have a more adventurous and unique wedding experience? Do you want to save money and avoid the stress of planning a big wedding? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may want to consider having a safari elopement.

A safari elopement is a type of wedding where you and your partner travel to a safari destination, such as Africa or India, and get married in the wild, surrounded by nature and wildlife. It is a great way to have a romantic, intimate, and memorable wedding, without the hassle and expense of a conventional wedding. However, it is also a challenging and risky wedding, as you will have to deal with the unpredictable and dangerous elements of the wild.

In this article, I will give you some tips and advice on how to plan a safari elopement, based on the experience we have at Janeson Weddings. By the end of this article, you will be ready to say “I do” in the wild comfortably.

Choose your destination

The first step to planning a safari elopement is to choose your destination.

There are many safari destinations in the world, but not all of them are suitable for a wedding. You will need to consider the following factors when choosing your destination:

Considerations

• The legal requirements: Some countries have strict and complicated laws and regulations for getting married, such as residency, paperwork, fees, and witnesses. You will need to research and comply with the legal requirements of your chosen destination or get married legally in your home country before or after your safari elopement.
• The weather and season: Some safari destinations have harsh and extreme weather conditions, such as heat, rain, wind, and dust. You will need to check the weather and season of your chosen destination. This will help you in planning your safari elopement accordingly. You may want to avoid the peak seasons, such as summer and winter, and opt for the shoulder seasons, such as spring and autumn, when the weather is more pleasant and the crowds are less.
• The wildlife and scenery: Some safari destinations have more diverse and abundant wildlife and scenery than others. You will need to choose a destination that matches your preferences and expectations. One that offers the best opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife and scenery would be ideal. You may also want to choose a destination that has a variety of habitats, such as savannah, forest, desert, and wetland, and a variety of animals, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

Some of the most popular and recommended safari elopement destinations are:

1. Kenya: Kenya is one of the most iconic and classic safari destinations. It offers a variety of landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. You can witness the great migration of wildebeest and zebra in the Masai Mara, explore the diverse ecosystems of the Amboseli, or enjoy the stunning views of Mount Kenya. You can also experience the rich and colorful culture of the Maasai, Samburu, and Kikuyu people, and learn about their traditions and customs.
2. South Africa: South Africa is one of the most diverse and modern safari destinations. it has a combination of nature, culture, and luxury. You can see the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) in the Kruger National Park. You can then proceed to admire the scenic beauty of Cape Town or indulge in the gourmet food and wine of the Cape Winelands. You can also visit the historical and cultural sites of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, and learn about the history and heritage of South Africa.

1. Botswana: Botswana is one of the most exclusive and pristine safari destinations. You will have a unique and intimate safari experience. You can explore the vast and untouched wilderness of the Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park, and the Kalahari Desert. you will see some of the rarest and most endangered animals, such as the wild dog, the cheetah, and the rhino. You can also stay in some of the most luxurious and secluded lodges and camps, and enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own safari vehicle, guide, and chef.

Choosing accommodation for Safari elopement

The second step to planning a safari elopement is to choose your accommodation.  consider the following factors when choosing your accommodation:

• The location and accessibility: Some accommodations are located in remote and isolated areas. They are difficult and expensive to access. You will need to check the location and accessibility of your accommodation and plan your transportation accordingly. You may need to take a flight, a drive, or a boat to reach your accommodation, and you may need to pay extra fees or taxes to enter the national parks or reserves.
• The facilities and amenities:  You will need to check the facilities and amenities of your accommodation, and prepare your necessities accordingly. You may need to bring your own devices, chargers, adapters, and batteries. you may also need to use solar power, generators, or candles for lighting. Just make sure to do some research.
• The style and atmosphere: Some have different styles and atmospheres, such as rustic, elegant, or exotic. choose an accommodation that matches your style and offers the best setting for your wedding. Tip,  you may want to choose an accommodation that has a romantic and cozy feel, such as a tent, a cabin, or a treehouse, and that has a stunning and scenic view, such as a river, a lake, or a mountain.

Some of the most popular and recommended types of accommodation for a safari elopement are:

1. Tented camps: Tented camps are one of the most authentic and adventurous types of accommodation. They have an aura of close and intimate connection with nature and wildlife. You can stay in a spacious and comfortable tent, with a bed, a bathroom, and a veranda, and enjoy the sounds and sights of the wild. You may also choose to dine under the stars, around a campfire, and share stories and experiences with other guests and staff.
2. Safari lodges: Safari lodges are one of the most luxurious and sophisticated types of accommodation. You can stay in a stylish and elegant room, with a king-size bed, a jacuzzi, and a balcony, and enjoy the amenities and facilities of the lodge. They may include a pool, a spa, and a gym. You can also dine in a fine restaurant, with a gourmet menu and a wine list, and enjoy the views and ambiance of the lodge.
3. Safari houses: Safari houses are one of the most exclusive and private types of accommodation. You will enjoy a personalized and customized safari experience. staying in a spacious and cozy house, with a living room, a kitchen, and a garden would be a great choice for enjoying the privacy and flexibility of your own house. You can also have your own safari vehicle, guide, and chef, and choose your activities, meals, and timings.

Choose your activities

The third step to plan a safari elopement is to choose your activities.

A guide to choosing your activities

• Availability and timing: Some activities are only available at certain times of the day, week, or year. You will need to check the availability and timing of your preferred activities to plan yourself accordingly.
• The duration and distance: Some activities are longer and farther than others, and they may take up a lot of your time and energy. Make sure to check the duration and distance of your activities beforehand and plan your itinerary accordingly.
• The difficulty and safety: Some activities are more difficult and risky than others. Some may require a certain level of fitness, skill, and courage. You will need to check the difficulty and safety of your activities and plan your preparation accordingly. In addition to that you may need to have a medical check-up, travel insurance, and a safety briefing before your activities.

Some of the most popular and recommended activities for a safari elopement are:

1. Game drives:
2. Walking safaris:
3. Hot air balloon safaris
4. Cultural visits

How much does it cost to have a safari elopement?

The cost of having a safari elopement depends on several factors, such as

•  destination,
•  accommodation,
• activities
• wedding ceremony.

Based on our experience as global wedding planners, the average cost of a safari elopement can range from $5,000 to $20,000 per couple, excluding flights and visas.