Written by Lauren Maker
From Cape Town to the Kruger Park, love is in the air on a honeymoon in South Africa, the perfect choice for city, bush and beach vacations.
A Cape Town honeymoon blends the cosmopolitan energy of the Mother City with the charm of the Cape Wine Country, while a luxury honeymoon safari in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is equally unforgettable.
Indulge in candlelit dinners for two on a private beach or sleep beneath the stars in a luxury treehouse. Whether you’re making your first memories together as a married couple or celebrating your wedding anniversary, take your pick from the best honeymoon destinations in South Africa.
Singita Boulders Lodge (Travel + Leisure Safari Lodge Winner 2019)
Built around an enormous boulder with wraparound views of the breathtaking Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Singita Boulders Lodge is a one-of-a-kind destination. Its handful of glass-fronted suites are each an oasis of tranquility, complete with sumptuous bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, an expansive living area with double-sided fireplace, mini-bar and fridge and private wooden leisure decks with a heated plunge pool.
Why we love it:
- Award-winning safari lodge accommodation including private lounge with fireplace and pool.
- Legendary wine cellar stocked with world-class vintages from South Africa’s best estates.
- All-inclusive stays, including meals, drinks, twice-daily game drives, laundry services (and for the those who are keen, complimentary Cuban cigars).
- Exquisite cuisine and private dining options.
- Unrivalled Big 5 game viewing.
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Singita Ebony Lodge
Another renowned Singita property, Ebony Lodge is set among enormous trees on the banks of the Sand River. Here you can expect a contemporary interpretation of classic safari, inspired by the adventure and charm of old-world explorers’ camps. Each of the twelve glass-fronted canvas suites includes its own private heated plunge pool, fireplace, outside shower, and en-suite bathroom with romantic Victorian bath.
Why we love it:
- Outdoor decks suspended off the riverbanks invite laidback dining and relaxing.
- Access to 45,000 acres of an incredible wildlife sanctuary.
- Unrivalled game and frequent leopard sightings.
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Lion Sands River Lodge
Lion Sands straddles both the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve and Kruger National Park and is home to an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. Of its four luxury riverside lodges, we love the chic interpretation of the traditional safari lodge at River. Only eight Luxury Rooms, six Superior Luxury Rooms, and four River Suites (each with a private plunge pool) are set along a path to reveal splendid river views and make for an intimate safari experience.
The iconic Treehouse experiences (Chalkley Treehouse, Kingston Treehouse, and Tinyeleti Treehouse) are not to be missed. These are the ultimate bush bedrooms where romantics, adventurers, and solitude seekers can discover the magic of a night out in Africa in complete luxury, falling asleep counting the shooting stars. Experience Africa at her finest.
Why we love it:
- Every dining experience is memorable, from pop-up bush breakfasts to riverbed dinners. Kosher cuisine is freshly prepared on-site in a separate kitchen and there are expert wine pairings with every meal.
- Access to 12,500 acres and the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere.
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Tswalu Tarkuni Lodge
For a South African honeymoon with a difference, head to the Kalahari Desert for a luxury safari at Tswalu Tarkuni Lodge. A calm oasis featuring just five suites, you’re guaranteed privacy. There’s no schedule or ‘itinerary’ here. You can choose what to do, when it suits you, from game drives to spa treatments. Did we mention you get a personal chef?
Why we love it:
- Shady salas offer calm and contemplation.
- All activities are tailored to your preferences, from game drives and bush walks to horseback safaris.
- Luxurious suites, each with a private pool, fireplace, deck and personal chef.
- A private vehicle, personal field guide and tracker for game drives.
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- Cape, Cederberg & Kalahari Wilderness Safari
- Why Mindfulness? Our guide to taking it all in on safari
Thornybush Saseka Tented Camp
Situated on the banks of Monwana River in the Thornybush Game Reserve, Saseka Tented Camp combines natural, sustainable architecture with cutting-edge design. Each of the eight luxury tents have their own private deck and pool – perfect for couples on a romantic South Africa safari.
Why we love it:
- You can enjoy game viewing from the comfort of your private deck. The elevated tented suites are surrounded by enormous trees and offer fantastic views of the riverbed.
- There’s a cosy library space with a fireplace for the winter months.
- Private dining in the riverbed is a highlight.
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If you’re planning your dream honeymoon or romantic getaway for 2022 or into 2023, then chat to us – we have some spectacular honeymoon safaris in both Southern and East Africa. Need more inspiration? Check out our guide to the top safaris in Africa.
