Southern Africa offers a wide variety of unique, scenic & romantic getaways found nowhere else in the world.
The sharp contrast of the cold Atlantic Ocean, teeming with life, with the arid stretches of the Namib Desert is a scene to behold, with a hidden secret that rears its head at night– the Milky Way. Sossusvlei is a stargazer's paradise, and, as a result, a romantic’s playground. Every night the sky is lit up by stars from within our galaxy and its neighbors in a truly epic display.
These majestic waterfalls and their surroundings are ideal for honeymooners looking for an awe inspired few days. The rush of the Zambezi River’s water over the edge of the falls, the mist sent into the air and the sound of ‘thunder’, as the natives call it, is a unique scene to behold. Further up the Zambezi, boat rides over these same waters, or paragliding over the river-shaped canyons just beyond the falls, are just some activities newly-weds can enjoy here.
Sossusvlei is home to numerous small and intimate lodges. These lodges occupy remote settings under star-studded night skies. You will experience a general feeling of being one with nature, which adds to the romance associated with this desert environment. Lodges in the region offer various pampering treatments that include couples massages. In-room candle-lit dinners or private picnics are sure to enhance your romantic getaway.
Practically a private island for every couple, pristine beaches with crystal clear waters and protected coral reefs warmed by ocean currents with scenes that would meet anyone’s expectations of what they imagine tropical paradise to be. The flourishing local turtle population is perhaps a great attraction for some, though the exclusivity and luxury of the place should attract any newlywed. There are many island vacations one could take around the world, however, few offer the Quirimbas Archipelago’s standards. Nature truly meets luxury in this place, and few places are as ideal for honeymooners.
The Okavango Delta is most certainly a prime safari enthusiast’s destination. As the waters of the surrounding river’s flood the basin, huge concentrations of wildlife are attracted to this dry season oasis. Lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, the endemic Sitatunga and many more animals come here in huge numbers, while bird species like the Fish Eagle and Saddle-billed stork can also be spotted. Boat trips and sunset safaris all around this African Eden, as it has been called, will leave you and your partner feeling part of this paradise.
Mountains, beaches, safaris and history are all reasons to visit this wonderful South African province. The Drakensberg Mountains are filled with views of untouched hills, hiking trails, mountain streams and indigenous artworks, making it a perfect getaway for newly-weds, especially those looking for a secluded, cozy atmosphere. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg national park, and its surroundings, are the best-kept parts of this extraordinary region, where honeymooners are encouraged to explore the terrain, the beauty of the landscape and possibly discover parts of themselves along the way.
The Garden Route is the heartland of South Africa’s endemic plant species. Long stretches of road here reveal little but the beauty of the natural fynbos species that have decorated the landscape for millennia, that is, apart from the Outeniqua mountains and the famous Knysna forests. Above all else, this region boasts as being true to its roots, and playing an active role in conservation, allowing honeymooner's and other travelers alike to see landscapes that may not quite resemble any other on Earth. The eastern parts of this region are also home to the only true forest areas in the whole of South Africa, where pygmy Elephant species once roamed and South Africa’s national tree, the Yellow wood, still stands tall.
This very secluded chain of Islands, like its cousin already mentioned on this list, is truly a spectacular place. From scuba diving, to bird watching, to beach side relaxation, it offers all you need from an island getaway. The edge this haven has over more typical or well-known island refuges is its seclusion and wilderness. The six islands that form part of the Bazaruto Archipelago are not tourist crazed, but instead boast to be one of the most exclusive and private island sanctuaries on Earth, making it a honeymooners paradise. The ocean, the beach, the wildlife, the reef and the weather are all there for you to enjoy, without having to lay eyes on anyone but your partner.
The Sabi Sands is a favorite safari destination among many travelers that have enjoyed the experience its exclusive private lodges have to offer. Located next to the Kruger National Park, a visit here is almost guaranteed to be dominated by breathtaking scenes of the big 5. Daily safari rides will take you closer to the wild animals Africa is most famous for than you have ever been before. The lodges here are as luxury as they come, but with a wild feel– a view of a dry river bed from your bathroom, or of a small dam from your porch, perhaps. For honeymooners after the wilderness of Africa, this is an ideal choice.
Cape Town is perhaps one of the most culturally rich cities in Africa. It is renowned for attractions like Robben Island and Table Mountain, but there is more to this city under the surface. Its vibrant culinary scene, appreciation for contemporary African art and proximity to some of the most intriguing nature areas in South Africa earn Cape Town its place on this list. Boulder’s Beach, a famous nesting ground of the African Penguin, Table Mountain National Park and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are three of the many nature areas that warrant a day visit while in the city. Cape Town offers something for everyone, which is why it would make a fine destination for prospective honeymooners to consider.
