Whether you prefer a beach getaway or a luxury safari experience, newlyweds have unlimited honeymoon accommodation options in South Africa. Here are eight of the most romantic honeymoon resorts in the country.
Flycatcher Castle, Graskop
Flycatcher Castle, situated on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, is close to scenic wonders, such as the Blyde River Canyon, and the Kruger National Park is less than an hour’s drive away. There are different suites on offer, but the Mozart Suite is the grandest and most opulent. The room is decorated with beautiful antique furniture, from velvet curtains to ornate frames, and boasts awe-inspiring views of the wetland.
Great Fish River Lodge at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
At Great Fish River Lodge, guests truly get a feeling of the enormity of the African continent. The lavish suites offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape and have been designed to complement it. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors fold back to reveal uninterrupted vistas, and the en suite bathrooms are complete with a bath and indoor and outdoor showers.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cederberg
Kagga Kamma in Cederberg allows guests to get close to nature in the most unique way possible. Their private, natural Open Air Room, approximately seven kilometers from the main lodge, is set between rock formations overlooking the fynbos plains. Sleep under the stars and awake to an African sunrise, and spend lazy days in your own private rock pool or “star bath”.
Kosi Forest Lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KZN
Kosi Forest Lodge is a tranquil honeymoon destination where couples can lounge at the pool while watching hippos in the nearby lake. The secluded forest cabins have outdoor bathrooms set in soft, white sand under magnificent tree canopies. There are also romantic boat cruises on offer, perfect for enjoying sundowners and watching the sun set.
Lion Sands Game Reserve, Kruger National Park
Lion Sands offers different accommodation options, from the exclusive Ivory Lodge, with deck, lounge and pool, to Tinga and Narina Lodges, complete with private plunge pools and decks overlooking the Sabie River. The styles of the lodges differ but each is immaculately decorated, from bold and modern interiors to rustic, relaxed spaces. Set within the Kruger National Park, a guided safari is a must when visiting.
Madikwe Game Reserve, North West
Madikwe’s ultra-luxury lodges offer a five-star experience, where meals are tastefully prepared and the accommodation is among the finest in South Africa. Honeymooners can look forward to private plunge pools, outdoor showers and private viewing decks, all set within the African bush. There’s also a first-class spa for those looking to completely unwind.
Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Marataba is an all-year round safari destination, within Marakele National Park, Limpopo. The park is situated in the Waterberg Biosphere, a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve. The canvas-and-stone tented suites at Marataba Safari Lodge are all beautifully furnished, with a combination of modern and traditional elements, and accommodation includes all meals, two game drives per day and much more.
Thonga Beach Lodge, KZN
Thonga Beach Lodge is a perfect destination for an idyllic beach honeymoon, where honeymooners can enjoy candlelit dinners on the beach deck, take romantic walks on an endless, pristine wilderness beach, scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, relax at the spa, and enjoy excellent cuisine. The thatched bush suites offer ocean or forest views, as well as complete privacy for newlyweds.