Written by Lauren Maker

South Africa is well known for its beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches and wild bushveld where many romantic experiences abound.

If you’re looking to plan an African honeymoon or romance in 2023, then here are our top 5 most romantic honeymoon destinations in South Africa. 

Cape Town, South Africa 

Picture-perfect beaches, a vibrant city setting, and a rich culture is what you’ll find in a Cape Town holiday. From majestic mountains to swimming with the penguins, to award-winning wine farms and fine dining restaurants, your trip is sure to be memorable.  

Chapmans Peak, Cape Town

We recommend visiting an outdoor market to enjoy the local organic fare, enjoy a drive along the winding roads leading to the spectacular Cape Peninsula and marvel at the spectacular views along Chapman’s Peak, the perfect spot for a romantic picnic. Table Mountain offers incredible views across the City Bowl and along the Atlantic Seaboard, while a wander through eclectic Bo Kaap is the perfect precurser to a romantic dinner overlooking the sea. 

The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town
  • Best time to visit: September to May 
  • How to get there: Fly into Cape Town International Airport, 30-minute transfer into the city.   

Our Best Cape Town Honeymoons

Franschhoek, Cape Winelands 

The Franschhoek Valley is in one of the most beautiful parts of the Cape Winelands.  This mountainous area forms part of a natural valley leading into a quaint little village, which still retains its French Huguenot atmosphere. Here you will find some of South Africa’s award-wining wines and top fine dining restaurants, as well as lovely bistros and eateries on the sidewalk of the famous French-inspired main road. 

Franschhoek

You are spoilt with many outdoor areas where you can soak up the fresh air and sunshine, picnicking spots, mountain biking trails and some of the incredible gardens, delis and shopping found on the many wine farms in and around the town. There are also many spas in this area, so why not enjoy a couple’s massage overlooking the Franschhoek Valley and Wemmershoek Mountains? 

Spa treatments are a must-include
  • Best time to visit: September to November 
  • How to get there: A road transfer from Cape Town to Franschhoek takes about 45 minutes, it’s approximately 80kms.  

Our Best Winelands Honeymoons

 
The Garden Route, Western Cape

The beautiful coastal drive that extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape through to St. Francis at the start of the Eastern Cape is called the Garden Route, and provides the perfect setting for an ultra-romantic honeymoon.

The scenic Garden Route

Enjoy a trip from one quaint town to the next, bringing with it magical scenery, beautiful beaches, and indigenous forests. There are many activities to enjoy along the way, including canopy tours, the Cango Caves in Outdshoorn, the estuary and lagoon of Knysna and one of the oldest trees in the world in the Tsitsikamma Forest. Visit Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay, enjoy a gourmet meal at a top notch romantic restaurant, or embark on a golf and spa retreat by the coast. 

Fine dining experiences
  • Best time to visit: May to August 
    How to get there: The closest airport is George Airport from here you will only be 10 minutes to start your Garden Route journey from there. 

Our Best Garden Route Honeymoons

Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga

Remove the trappings of city life and spend time in the wilderness of the Kruger National Park. This world-famous reserve is well known for its excellent Big 5 game viewing, spectacular bushveld landscapes and luxurious safari lodges and tented camps.

Lion Sands Narina Lodge

Experience the best of the Kruger with guided game drives, walking safaris, a relaxing spa treatment on your private deck or sunset drinks overlooking the waterhole. For a truly special romantic experience, why not sleep under the stars in a custom-built treehouse? 

The unique treehouse experience at Lions Sands in Kruger
  • Best time to visit: All year around 
    How to get there: There are 3 airports that you can fly into, depending on which lodge and area you decide, all 3 airports are easily accessible from Johannesburg or Cape Town.  

Our Best Kruger Honeymoons

KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

KwaZulu Natal is brimming with adventure, culture, scenery and miles of sandy beaches. Enjoy warm water swimming and surfing, engage with the rich Zulu and Indian cultures, and find that perfect spot for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Kosi Bay, KwaZulu Natal

is one of our favourite little beach towns, with magical sunsets and luxury five-star hotels along the beachfront. Make sure to visit The Oyster Box for high tea and cocktails on the terrace! Just a short 4-hour transfer through the rolling hills surrounding Durban, and you’ll find yourself in the indigenous bushveld and along coastal estuaries, for game viewing, luxury lodge living, fishing and even turtle watching! 

Oysters and sunset drinks at The Oyster Box, Umhlanga
  • Best time to visit: October to December 
  • How to get there: Arrive at King Shaka Airport International Airport transferring you to Umhlanga in 30 minutes. 

Our Best KwaZulu Natal Honeymoon

South Africa is a romantic destination, and we can hand-pick and tailor your honeymoon around everything and anything you love. We have it all!  

Speak to one of our Travel Planners to get your honeymoon planned. We’re available on WhatsApp or you can reach us via our enquiry form

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