Best Local Honeymoon Hotspots in South Africa
The date is set, the venue is booked and the invitations have gone out. Everything is meticulously planned for the perfect wedding and as the old saying goes, all’s well that ends well. How does a wedding end? With the perfect honeymoon at a romantic destination of course!
Not all honeymoons are about sleeping late and lying by the pool all day. Many couples want to make their new start at a location that offers fun-filled activities like diving courses, golf lessons, hikes, canoeing, surfing and windsurfing. But there’s a lot to be said about cocktails on the beach, a beautiful private suite and spectacular sunset views. We’ve got the perfect recommendations for honeymoon packages in South Africa and internationally, including all-inclusive, honeymoon suites and the best places to consider for an affordable honeymoon.
Here are some suggestions of our best South African honeymoon destinations for 2021:
Kosi Forest Lodge
The lodge is described as an enchanted hiding place – a wonderland of forests and waterways. Kosi Forest Lodge is situated within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. There is limited electricity, and candlelight gives the lodge a warm, romantic ambience reminiscent of wild Africa. Activities include forest walks, birding, fishing with traps, turtle tracking, boat trips on the lake, snorkeling and tours to the Kosi Bay Mouth and Tembe Elephant Park. You’ll truly fall in love with nature here.
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve
Privately owned and with a passion for conservation, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve is home to numerous endangered species that have been successfully rehabilitated and reintroduced into South Africa’s malaria-free Great Karoo. Accommodation is in restored Cape Karoo houses or luxury tents that have all the essentials. Visit the breathtakingly beautiful Camdeboo National Park and the quaint town of Nieu Bethesda and enjoy a Karoo honeymoon in style.
Cathedral Peak Hotel
With a staggering array of facilities, activities and adventures on your doorstep, you’ll never want for entertainment at Cathedral Peak Hotel. Unrivalled access to the Drakensberg mountains sees 18 stunning walks and hikes leaving from the hotel, ranging from gentle riverside strolls to scaling the summit of the Cathedral Peak itself. Those looking for more speed will revel in mountain bike trails, jogging routes, horse rides, quad biking and a helicopter for nearby sightseeing flights. This area is fittingly an UNESCO World Heritage site. For a fun and adventurous South African honeymoon, this is your pick!
Safari Plains
Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province, guests are invited to relax and rejuvenate in the tranquil African bush. The natural beauty of the wide open savannah, with spectacular vistas are a melting pot for a majestic wilderness destination. Luxury tents and fine dining add to the ambience of your special occasion; the ideal romantic bush break.
The Oyster Box Hotel
Occupying a majestic location on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal province, is The Oyster Box, which is as famous for its remarkable coastal views as the understated luxury and gracious hospitality. Take walks on the beach, enjoy spa treatments and indulge in superb cuisine at the Oyster Bar, The Grill Room and the never-ending curry buffet.
Thornybush Game Lodge
This luxury safari lodge is set within Thornybush Private Game Reserve on the border of the Kruger National Park, and is the perfect setting for a Big 4 safari, complete with luxury accommodation and delectable cuisine to make your honeymoon in the African bush even more memorable.
Honeymoon Destinations in the Western Cape:
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Set on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park, just meters from the Atlantic Ocean, this luxury Red Carnation hotel enjoys sweeping sea views and the serenity and privacy of a country hotel, just minutes from the vibrant heart of Cape Town. Relax by the pool, take mountain walks with a packed picnic, enjoy ‘Tea by the Sea’, experience an incredible tasting menu in the Azure Restaurant, or enjoy a private movie night together.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, this oasis is a magical wilderness retreat among open plains, sandstone formations and ancient bush art sites dating back 10,000 years. Renew your mind and body on walks and hikes, canoeing, fishing, birding and game drives. Dine under the stars or in a restored and rustic shepherd’s cottage. This truly is a special and wellness focused destination for a very special honeymoon.
AfriCamps at Oakhurst
For something totally different take a glamping honeymoon on a working farm near Wilderness in the heart of the Garden Route. The well-equipped self-catering tented accommodation is set on a wooden deck overlooking rolling green fields and the beautiful surrounding Outeniqua mountains, with grazing cows and horses creating a truly authentic farm experience. Activities include canoeing on the farm dams, hiking, horse riding and cycling. After a day on a nearby beach you can relax in your private wood-fired hot tub while the braai coals glow in the dark.
Whether you’re looking for a bush break honeymoon, a fun-filled resort experience or simply a chance to get away from it all in the heart of the wilderness, there are many romantic honeymoon destinations and experiences that will suit you and your loved one. Contact us today to start organising your South African honeymoon package.
