RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

Pucker up this Valentines and beyond

25th January 2012 Print
Giraffe kiss (c) Mike Cook

Finding true love can be a complicated game when it comes to the animal kingdom, and the East African Crowned Crane, found in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, is well-known for its elaborate mating ritual. Wing flapping, head bobbing and dancing around in a circle are just some of the male’s preliminary overtures, but for the incurable romantic the breathtaking backdrop of the caldera will probably suffice.

The Big Five hotspot made it to number one on Acacia Africa’s 2012 fairytale hit list (11-day Highlights Of Tanzania overland expedition (save £138pp) now from only £950pp, departing 20 February), Namibia’s Spitzkoppe following as the perfect place for a more secluded proposal (11-day Cape Desert Safari overland expedition (save £79pp) now from only £579pp, departing 16 February). Stealing its way into the top three, the remote province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa also features, the location ideal for adventurous twosomes opting to ditch the candlelit dinner for culture (6-day Lesotho, Battlefields & Zululand small group safari from £578pp, monthly departures).

As a leap year, females will be in the driving seat when it comes to popping the question, and according to research 80 per cent of men would accept a proposal from a woman*. With that in mind, Acacia Africa have mapped out three wildlife destinations where you can hint at the idea of getting hitched.

Pucker up in South Africa – It started with a kiss, well more like a battling of the beaks. Visit Boulders Beach near Cape Town and you’ll find the Jackass Penguins, their name referring to their distinctive mating call which bears similarities to a braying donkey. If you need to get your man in the mood travel from March through May. Extend your trip with a pre or post city stay in Cape Town from £23pp/per night (twin room accommodation only).

Giraffes mate throughout the year, males often following the females around for days on end. Thankfully, popping the question is a much less complicated affair, and the endless plains of the Serengeti are bound to melt the heart of the most confirmed batchelor. 21-day East African Explorer overland expedition (save £142pp) now from only £1,391pp, departing 09 March.

If you really need to point your man in the right direction there is always the Mara. From June-July the wildebeest arrive and begin their mating ritual. Dominant bulls give out a nasal “frog like” call to attract their “would be” partners. Certainly not a noise your loved one can ignore, around 250,000 or so will be making themselves heard in unison, and without a doubt, the game reserve is the perfect place for a proposal. 13-day Kenya & Tanzania Adventure overland expedition from £1,458pp.

The above prices include camping accommodation, transport, most meals, services of a tour leader/guide and local payment. Excludes return flight. 20% discount available on February 2012 overland departures. 15% discount available on March 2012 overland departures. Discount excludes local payment. Subject to availability.

For more information, visit acacia-africa.com.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Giraffe kiss (c) Mike Cook