Extraordinary Journeys Selects Top Eight 'Buddymoon' Safari Getaways

By Newsroom Jan 12, 2018 11:08am

Extraordinary Journeys has listed its top “Buddymoon” getaways in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and the Seychelles. Designed as a honeymoon for newlyweds and their closest friends, "buddymoons" prioritize shared experiences over seclusion and constant romance. To cater to this growing trend, Extraordinary Journeys has identified eight exclusive-use villas, lodges and private islands where shared accommodations and experiences are the focus of the trip.

Arijiju, Kenya

Arijiju, the new private safari home in the Borana Conservancy in Kenya, accommodates up to five couples and has luxury amenities and numerous excursions. Arijiju has a spa and hammam, a gym, a clay tennis court, squash court and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can explore the African sanctuary on morning and evening game drives, guided walks, mountain biking on trails and horseback safaris across Borana and beyond.

Laragai House, Kenya

Like Arijiju, The Laragai House is located in the Borana Conservancy, offering views of Mount Kenya and the Lolokwe and Wamba Mountains. Laragai House's outdoor offerings include game drives, mountain biking and horseback riding in the savanna, where guests can see buffalo, eland, giraffe, lion and cheetah along the way.

Highlights of the Laragai House include The Borana Spa—offerings massages, reflexology treatments, manicures, pedicures and facials—and the pool house, complete with a bar, kitchen and bathroom. The house can accommodate up to 17 guests.

Thanda Private Island, Tanzani

This private island retreat off the coast of Tanzania includes an indoor aquarium, grand piano, wine collection, cigar humidor, glass rim-flow swimming pool and a wrap-around dining area with 180-degree views of the ocean.

At Thanda Private Island, guests can visit the white-sand beaches for snorkeling, sailing and kayaking or simply for relaxation and sunbathing. Travelers can also add in excursions to neighboring islands to explore 11th-century ruins and get to know local communities and their traditions. Thanda Private Island’s five suites can house 10 guests.

Singita Serengeti House, Tanzania

Set in the Grumeti Reserve, situated adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Singita Serengeti House is a private retreat designed for exclusive use for families or friends to enjoy shared experiences in nature. The private retreat houses up to eight guests in its four suites.

New, casual, living spaces include an eat-in kitchen and media room, a full gym adjacent to the extended outdoor sala and a brand-new tented spa suite at the updated tennis pavilion. Guests at Singita Serengeti are encouraged to experience the surrounding wildlife with its safari drives, guided walks and community visits to nearby villages.

Tanda Tula Field Camp, South Africa

Tanda Tula Field Camp is ideal for “buddymooners” seeking a classic, on-demand, tented safari experience under the wide open African sky. The mobile explorer-styled camp is located within a 6,500-hectare private concession, giving guests the freedom to experience the African wildlife.

The primary focus of this getaway is big-game walking safaris led by expert guides and trackers who can teach guests new skills, from wildlife tracking to recognizing and understanding the medicinal properties of the region's plants.

The Tanda Tula Field Camp consists of four custom-designed tents for eight guests, with en-suite open-air bush bathrooms, and a communal mess tent.

Singita Castleton Lodge, South Africa

Formerly a private family home, Singita Castleton is an exclusive-use lodge set within 45,000 acres of private reserve. Offering accommodations in individual cottages located within the grounds, Singita Castleton has a swimming pool, wine cellar, gym, tennis court, gardens and a spa treatment room.

Game drives, walking safaris, star gazing, mountain biking and community visits are available for guests as well. Singita Castleton accommodates 10 guests.

Leobo Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Leobo Private Reserve is an entirely private 20,000-acre estate in the Waterberg Mountains. “Buddymooners” are encouraged to kayak, quad bike, helicopter, stargaze, visit ancient caves, camp with hippos or explore the bush by horseback, then hang around the firepit with a drink of choice. Comprised of nine chalets, Leobo provides room for up to 20 guests.

North Island, Seychelles

North Island is a luxury private island resort in the heart of Seychelles. The 5,000 square-foot resort has 11 private villas with direct beach access and artisan furniture. North Island's Villa North is ideal for the actual honeymooners: it includes almost 8,000 square feet of multi-tiered space with an marble bathtub, private plunge pool and a leadwood bridge.