A Safari Romance

6.6/10 · 1,283 ratings20231h 24mWeirdness 3/10Bingo card

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The premise

Megan Henry, a down-to-earth wildlife biologist, working on a project that will foster protection of wildlife in Africa, is forced to team up with a theme park designer, Tim Ericson who wants to create an over-the-top safari attraction.

How unusual is it?

Honestly? Not very — and that's the charm. It plays the hits, which is exactly the point for a cozy night in.

A rare specific

Tap to find the other Hallmark movies that share it.

Who’s in it

Behind the camera

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Wait, what?

The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.

  • The protagonist's specific academic focus on dung beetles as a character quirk
  • The concept of a 'robotic lion' theme park ride being the central professional stakes
  • The recurring '18 lions' joke used to scare the city-dwelling characters

Every trope, all in one place

Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 24 to find more movies that do the same thing.

How it all plays out

Already seen it, or just can’t wait? Open this up for the whole story, ending included.

Full story (spoilers)
The film begins at the Ukubuyela Endle reserve in South Africa, where Megan Henry is balancing her work as a park ranger with the final stages of her PhD in Ethology. Tim Erickson, a theme park designer from New York, arrives with his videographer Darius to gather research for a high-tech, immersive safari ride. Their professional relationship starts on a rocky note when Megan catches Tim flying a drone in a protected area, explaining that drones are strictly prohibited because poachers use them to track rhinos and elephants. Tim quickly apologizes, and as Megan guides him through the reserve, they develop a mutual respect. Megan shares her dream of completing her research on elusive white lions, while Tim expresses his desire to create an attraction that captures the true essence of the wild without harming it. The arrival of Amy Bradshaw, Tim's college ex-girlfriend and the daughter of the man who recently purchased Tim's design firm, introduces a major conflict. Amy is now Tim's boss and is determined to secure a massive contract with Chipperfield Theme Parks. She views the safari purely as a business asset and repeatedly ignores Megan's safety protocols and conservation ethics. Tensions peak when a drone is spotted again near a hyena den, leading to a formal complaint that threatens Megan's ranger license and her ability to finish her PhD. Megan initially suspects Tim, causing a rift between them. However, Darius eventually confesses that he flew the drone under pressure from Amy's demands for aerial footage. Realizing Amy's lack of integrity and her disregard for Megan's career, Tim confronts Amy and quits his job. Before leaving for New York, Tim leaves Megan a thumb drive containing footage of the white lions he managed to capture, which will help her thesis defense. Back in the United States, Tim partners with his old boss to start a new company, rehiring the staff Amy fired and winning the Chipperfield contract on his own terms. He returns to South Africa to surprise Megan with a virtual reality prototype of his attraction that features her research. He proposes that they build a life together where he can work remotely while traveling with her for her conservation projects. The movie concludes with Megan successfully defending her thesis and becoming 'Dr. Henry' with Tim by her side.

Beat by beat

  1. Opening

    Tim and Darius arrive at the reserve and are immediately reprimanded by Megan for using a drone in a protected area.

  2. Inciting Incident

    Tim apologizes for the drone incident and Megan agrees to be his guide, leading to a series of romantic and educational safari drives.

  3. Midpoint

    Amy Bradshaw arrives as Tim's new boss and ex-girlfriend, creating professional pressure and romantic jealousy.

  4. Conflict

    A second drone incident occurs, leading to a threat against Megan's ranger license and a breakdown of trust between Megan and Tim.

  5. Climax

    Darius confesses to flying the drone for Amy; Tim confronts Amy about her behavior and quits his high-powered job.

  6. Resolution

    Tim returns to South Africa with a new business plan that allows him to support Megan's research while they pursue a relationship.

24 tropes in one movie

We counted 24 distinct Hallmark tropes packed into this one — a genuine greatest-hits reel.

How it stacks up

Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.

Rating 6.6 vs every rated Hallmark moviemedian 6.4This movie · 6.6567

Higher-rated than 66% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.

Where this one fits

The corners of the catalog A Safari Romance belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.

Lines worth quoting

The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.

  • “So, all of this equipment just to make a fake savanna and fake lions that jump out and go 'roar'.”
    — Megan HenryWhen Tim explains his theme park attraction concept.
  • “Poachers use drones to find our rhinos and elephants, so they will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
    — Megan HenryExplaining the high stakes of the park rules to Amy.
  • “I don't need you to bolster my career. And honestly, I don't know if I could ever work with you again.”
    — Tim EricksonTim confronting Amy before quitting.

Meet the characters

Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.

  • Megan Henry

    Lead

    Park Ranger and PhD Student

    PassionatePrincipledResourcefulProtective
  • Tim Erickson

    Love interest

    Theme Park Designer

    Romantic interest

    CreativeAmbitiousApologeticKind
  • Amy Bradshaw

    Antagonist

    Corporate Executive

    Tim's boss and ex-girlfriend

    EntitledManipulativeCareer-driven
  • Darius Pacheco

    Supporting

    Videographer

    Tim's colleague and friend

    LoyalTalentedGuilt-ridden
  • Mom Nozi

    Supporting

    Lodge Owner

    Mentor and employer

    WiseWelcomingCommunity-minded

Questions people ask about A Safari Romance

Where can I watch A Safari Romance?

A Safari Romance is available via fuboTV, Philo, and Hallmark+ Amazon Channel. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.

How long is A Safari Romance?

A Safari Romance runs about 1 hour and 24 minutes, and was released in 2023.

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