South Africa Honeymoon Guide | Safari & Beaches

Endowed with stunning landscapes, golden beaches, wildlife – studded plains and emerald vineyards, South Africa offers one of a kind honeymoon experience especially for adventure-seeking couples.

Newlywed couples on a South Africa honeymoon will enjoy the unique boutique hotels and resorts, close up viewing of lions, cheetahs and elephants among others in national parks and private reserves on game drives. For culture and dining, Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront have plenty of posh and trendy restaurant, where you will be able to sample African wine and delicious fare.

When planning your honeymoon in South Africa, here is a guide to get you started. From the best months to visit to experiences to indulge in.

What to Do on a South Africa Honeymoon

South Africa offers a range of activities you can enjoy on your honeymoon, explore everything from history to the beach and safari. Here are some of the experiences that should not miss on your South Africa Honeymoon

1. Safari in Kruger National Park
2. Explore Johannesburg
3. Visit Cam

Best Time to Honeymoon in South Africa

South Africa is a year round destination with pleasant conditions throughout the year, however the best time to visit for honeymoon holiday depends on what your interests. South Africa is a large country with four seasons

• If you are interested in spotting big game on a safari on a safari honeymoon. May – September is a great time as it is cooler, drier and less rainy.
• If you are interested in exploring the vibrant Cape Town, the summer months (November to February) are great time to take in glorious sunsets.

Highlights

• Best Weather: This depends on the region of South Africa you are visiting, but autumn and spring are usually ideal.
• Festivals: The Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March is one of the biggest jazz festivals in the world. For wine lovers, the Stellenbosch Wine Festival in July, held in Grahamstown, is one Africa’s largest and most colorful cultural events, showcasing everything from live music and dance to theatre and art exhibitions.

Tips for Planning a South Africa Honeymoon

A honeymoon in South Africa is a perfect gateway for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Honeymooners can see the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffaloes) as well as other animals including zebras, cheetahs and hippos among others in their natural habitat.

South Africa’s diverse landscape including coastline, mountains, grasslands and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Winelands are a prime location for an authentic African wine tasting experience.

To get to South Africa, it is a long way from home so expect about two days of travel to this beautiful country (for getting their and back). Couples with less time to spare, consider other honeymoon destinations before purchasing your plane tickets. Also, South Africa is made for exploration; honeymooners who want to sit back and relax might find it more fun at an all-inclusive resort in another destination.

Is South Africa Safari? – This beautiful country is safe, but though some governments like US warns crime and civil unrest are common in the country and urges travelers to exercise caution. Ensure you are always with someone you trust.

Entry Requirements: Most travelers from all over the world require a valid passport at least one month beyond your expected departure from South Africa. Also, you will need 2 consecutive empty visa pages per entry, otherwise you may get turned away.

Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, including English, Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans.

Location: South Africa is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, boarded by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini.

Currency: The South African Rand (ZAR)

Getting around: Domestic flights, car rentals, taxis, trains, public transportation and tour buses.

Things to do on a South Africa Honeymoon

Take a Safari in Kruger National Park

Newlyweds seeking to spot all the Big Five in their natural habitat, include Kruger National Park on your honeymoon itineraries. Couples can head out on multi-day safari tours on which you will spot these fascinating animals from the comfort of your open safari vehicle.

Because of the no boundary between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, your Kruger Safari delivers a combination of wild natural beauty and modern luxury. Animals roam freely between the two protected areas, increasing your chances of spotting lions and rhinos.

Explore Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city is a must visit for couples on a South Africa honeymoon. Nelson Mandela once called Johannesburg home, and couples can visit his former residence – currently known as The Nelson Mandela National Museum, offering a look at his life and impact on the fight against Apartheid.

Other amazing sites to visit in Johannesburg include The Apartheid Museum and Hector Pieterson Museum.

Visit Cape Town

You can never run out of things to do in Cape Town in a South Africa Honeymoon, this famous city on the southwest coast of South Africa sits beneath the 3,558 foot, flat-peaked Table Mountain. The city offers both Atlantic and Indian Ocean beaches.

Note: Atlantic Ocean beaches are cold year round, though the water is chilly at Clifton Beaches, the white sand and crystal-clear waters are serene. Boulders Beach is famous for its warm Indian Ocean waters and penguin sightings.

The V&A Waterfront has chic restaurants and shopping perfect for visitors who enjoy shopping. Honeymooners can also continue the history lesson of South Africa they started in Johannesburg by taking a day tour to the Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned.

Raise a Glass in the Western Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands where the finest African wines are grown and produced, is home to regions like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Stellenbosch is larger and has a college-town feel at times, whereas Franschhoek is walkable and exudes a small-village charm.

When you are not wine tasting, peruse the streets for local bistros.

Take in the Sights in the Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape is a hidden gem with fewer visitors than its Western counterpart. It is full of fun activities, though. Ride the waves at Jeffrey’s Bay or visit Addo Elephant National Park. You can get to Eastern Cape from Western Cape by taking the road trip of a lifetime along the Garden Route, situated along a 124-mile stretch along the coastline, honeymooners can take in lush forests and dramatic seaside cliffs during the ride.

Best Hotels and Resorts for South Africa Honeymoon

South Africa offers a range of honeymoon accommodations ranging from luxury safari lodges and eco resorts to boutique hotels found in several cities.

Mount Nelson

Mount Nelson, Belmond Hotel is an upscale hotel situated in an unpretentious spot in Cape Town near several local attractions like the iconic Table Mountain and the white sand beaches of Clifton.

As a couple, if you are not exploring the town, you can bask in plush and posh accommodations, including plunge pools and airy rooms, which embody the ease of a Cape Town getaway.

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is situated off Cape Town suburb of Camp’s Bay, this five-star boutique hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is a perfect place to watch the sun set into the ocean.

The hotel is also a short distance from Table Mountain and V&A Waterfront. For beach loving couples, you will be staying close to the top waterfronts in Camp’s Bay.

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa features 70 country-chic rooms, a spa and swimming pools.

Plettenberg Hotel

Located on the Garden Route, Plettenberg Hotel is ideal for honeymooners who want to explore the golden sand beaches of the Indian Ocean and stay in five-star accommodations. The hotel has 35 beauifully appointed rooms and two family-style villas boasting the most breathtaking vistas in South Africa, with views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand of Indian Ocean.

The list of best hotels and resorts for South Africa honeymoon is endless, other options include

• Teniqua Treetops
• Franschhoek Boutique Hotel
• Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch
• Cape Grace
• Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa among others.