After two kids and numerousadventures together, Prince William and Kate Middleton recently celebrated their 5-year wedding anniversary. But, before they were parents to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the royals were just a couple of lovebirds wantingto spend their lives together.
It took years of ups and downs, but Will finally popped the question to longtime girlfriend Kate in 2010 at the remote Rutundu Log Cabins in Kenya. The Prince, who chose the isolated spot because he had fallen in love with it two years earlier during a visit to the country, has made his love of the area widely known.
Secrets of how the royals travel
Not only did the 33-year-old propose to his wife in Kenya, but he has also decorated his son PrinceGeorge's nursery in an African theme. "Africa is mysecond home," William said in footage filmed for a Sky1 documentary in2010. "When I step off the plane I'm like, 'Yes, I'm back.’"
As patronof the Tusk Trust since 2005, William has also spoken numerous timesabout animal conservation and the importance of preventing poaching. But, William isn’t theonly fan of the stunning continent. Celebrities and royalty alike are taking amore adventurous approach to their honeymoons and vacations with exotic, remoteand luxurious, safaris in Africa quickly becoming the ultimate VIP holiday.
Nicky Hilton headed toBotswana with her new husband James Rothschild after their July 2015 nuptials, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel called Tanzania home for their post-wedding getaway,and Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard made headlines back home after they shot a spoof music video while on safari.
Nicky Hilton's luxurious Botswana honeymoon
So what does it really take to have a celeb- and royal-worthy vacation in one of the continent's gorgeous locales?Here is your guide on how to plan the ultimate romantic safari escape with options in three countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Where To Go:From endless plainsto picturesque beaches, a trip to Kenya will take your breath away. Andconsidering Prince William deemed the country the perfect place to propose tohis bride, it’s safe to assume you’ll feel like royalty. Thestunning Serengeti is situated in the southern part of the country and carriesover into Tanzania where even more adventure awaits.
The country holdsAfrica’s tallest mountain and its biggest lake, making it perfect for a thrillseeker. The wildlife is a sight to be seen as 10% of the world’s lionpopulation can be found in Tanzania’s largest national park. Perhaps that’swhat Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel found intriguing when they traveledthere for their honeymoon.
But, if you need tokick back with your feet in the sand after your long days on safari, then Zanzibaris the place for you. Its tropical landscape and rich history is perfect forthose who like to stay active and explore but also have an inclination to justchill out.
Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry's African adventures
Where to stay:For a taste of whatlife is like for William and Kate in Kenya, the Mara Bush Houses offer totalseclusion and freedom. The animals strolling in front of the houses give youyour own personal safari. You can totally design your itinerary from start tofinish leaving you with a unique experience that cannot be replicated withrates starting at $400 per person per night.
If romance is whatyou’re seeking, check out Gibb’s Farm in Tanzania. What began as a coffee farm in the 1920shas now grown into a luxurious and rustic group of cottages good for exploringLake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater – a.k.a. a beginner's safari. Starting at$320 per person a night, the property’s lush gardens offer an oasis from thecity and its organic food selection will restore you.
PRINCE HARRY'S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA AND LESOTHO: A PHOTO GALLERY
What's the one thingbesides luxury and romance celebs and royalty want most in a getaway? Privacy.You'll get all of the above by staying at Tanzania's Namiri Plains tented camp ($350-$875per person per night) in the Serengeti as there's no other property within anhour drive. It's remote, romantic and luxurious and, not to mention, prime realestate to watch big cats do their hunting.
To continue thatultra privacy minus the wild animals, then head to Matemwe Lodge in Zanzibarwhere rates start at $360 per person per night. The property boasts just ahandful of private two-story villas with endless Indian Ocean views and comeswith a private butler, perfect for a traveler who doesn't feel like leaving their villabut still wants the benefits of a beach vacation.
WINTER GETAWAYS OF THE STARS
What to Do:After a day of exploration and adventure in Tanzania,you can take a much-needed break at the spa at Gibb’s Farm. Indigenous Maasaihealing techniques will help you feel completely rejuvenated in the comfort of yourown cottage. Staff will meet with you personally so you can have an entirely unique spaexperience designed for your needs.
Meanwhile, the blue waters of Zanzibaroffer an endless opportunity for adventure. You can go deep-sea fishing,snorkeling, kite surfing, and kayaking. Explore the underwater species with aguided reef tour and discover animals you’ve never seen before. If history is what you’re seeking, discover the richculture with a spice tour or a trip to Stone Town, where shoppingfor blue-violet Tanzanite is a must.
Prince Harry gets up close and personal with rhinos in Africa
From big cats to rhinoceros, you’ll beable to see all the exotic animals you could possibly imagine. Watch thousandsof wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles fill the Serengeti in both Kenya and Tanzaniaduring the Great Migration in late November and December. Asilia Africa, which organizes visits in both countries,provides top-notch guides who go through extensive training and will take youout for hours to find the Big Five: African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard,and White/Black rhinoceros.
