Africa : Safari honeymoon in South Africa

Our safari honeymoons in Africa begin in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, which is also known as Egoli (The City of Gold). On arrival you will be met and transferred to your opulent hotel for check-in. All of the hotels on this tour are of a world class standard and boast luxurious amenities in order to make your honeymoon extra special.  Once you and your partner have had time to refresh, you will begin an afternoon city tour of Johannesburg. During this fascinating sightseeing tour you will see the Stock Exchange, the famous diamond company De Beers, and George Harrison Park - the place where gold was first discovered in the late 1800’s.  The tour also consists of visits to the influential Northern Suburbs of Johannesburgh: Rosebank, Sandton, Houghton and Hillbrow.

Spend the first night of your honeymoon in The City Lodge Sandton (or similar).

In the morning depart from Johannesburg and travel to the early gold mining town Pilgrim’s Rest, passing Middelburg, Dullstroom and Robber’s Pass en-route. The town was founded in the 19th century after rich deposits of alluvial gold were found there. You and your beloved can enjoy a romantic stroll around Pilgrim’s Rest, which is known as a living museum because many of the remaining Victorian buildings are still in use today.

Following the visit to Pilgrim’s rest the tour continues to Sabie, where you and your beloved will witness the magnificent Lone Creek Falls. This National monument is a truly breathtaking sight, you will be awed as you watch its effervescent waters cascade from a height of 60 meters.

Overnight stay in the Lone Creek River Lodge or similar.

Today you will take a scenic tour to see some of South Africa’s most beautiful natural wonders. Sights of the tour include: The Pinnacle, God’s Widow, Bourke’s Luck Portholes, Lisbon Falls and the Three Rondavels at the Blyde River Canyon. Enjoy a romantic walk along the cliffs to enjoy a panoramic view of this untouched paradise, which will no doubt be ingrained in your memories for years to come.

After touring these unforgettable sights we will arrive at the Balule Private Game Reserve, ready to explore Africa’s wildlife. In the afternoon you will head out in an open vehicle on one of the most thrilling of all your honeymoon safaris in Africa. On your return enjoy a romantic outdoor dinner under the stars (weather permitting).

Overnight stay at the Mohlabetsi Game Lodge or Edeni Game Lodge or similar. 

Begin the day with an early morning hike followed by a delicious breakfast. Then you will be transferred to the spectacular Kruger National Park. The park spans a massive 2 million ha, making a truly epic backdrop to all of our safari honeymoons.  Africa boasts breathtaking sunsets, which you will have a good view of during your stay in the Kruger National Park.   

Overnight stay in Skukuza Rest Camp, or similar, Kruger Park.

Wake early for a morning safari in an open top vehicle before returning to camp for breakfast. The rest of the morning can be spent relaxing in the exotic setting of the Kruger National Park. In the afternoon we travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland, journeying through epic mountain scenery and visiting the Ngwenya glass factory en-route. After driving through Mbabane - the capital of Swaziland, we will arrive at your next hotel, which is just outside of Mhlambanyatsi.

Overnight Stay in the Forester’s Arms Hotel, or Lugogo Sun or Similar.

After an early breakfast journey to the Malkerns Valley where you will visit Swazi Candles to watch locals hand mould wax into an array of incredible shapes. The journey then continues to Ezulwini Valley, past famous monuments including the Houses of Parliament and the independence stadium. At the local craft market you will have the opportunity to purchase mementoes of your honeymoon.  We then continue towards the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game reserve, passing Africa’s industrial centre Manzi, and Big Bend, a large sugar plantation on the South African border.

After checking into the game reserve mid afternoon you will have time to relax and explore the grounds. Later you will go on an early evening game drive in an open safari vehicle searching for nocturnal animals, on one of the most memorable rides of our honeymoon safaris in Africa. 

Overnight stay in the Hilltop Camp, Hluhluwe game Reserve or Bonamanzi Game Reserve

Today you will go on a game ride into the epic wilderness of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National park. Later you will join a boat cruise, which sails along the estuary of Lake Lucia - a World Heritage site. On this romantic boat trip you will see a variety of species of bird, including the Fish Eagle and Goliath Heron. During this safari on the lake the boat’s skipper will unveil the world of the crocodile, hippo and other mysterious inhabitants of the “deep”. After sharing this incredible journey with your loved one, you will both travel to Durban where you will check into a luxurious lodge.

Overnight stay at the City Lodge Umhlanga or similar.

Journey further inland for a brief city tour of Pietermaritzburg, the vibrant capital of the KwaZulu-Natal. During the tour you will be shown the railway station where Mahatma Ghandi was thrown off the train because of his skin colour, and the waiting room where he formed his philosophy of passive resistance. Also included is the Church of Vow which was built after the Battle of Blood River between the Voortrekkers and the Zulus in 1838.

Following the city tour you will journey to see the breathtaking 100m high Howick Falls, and the monument which marks the place where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962.

Our honeymoon safaris in Africa then then continue through the picturesque landscape of the Natal Midlands, eventually leading to the Weenen Game Reserve. The afternoon will be spent on a safari in the hope of seeing white rhinos, giraffes and zebra in their natural habitat.

Following the safari you will be given the opportunity to see the place where Winston Churchill was arrested during the Anglo-Boer War. After a day of seeing an astonishing selection of Africa’s wildlife, natural wonders and historical sites travel to your luxurious hotel, where you can spend a romantic evening admiring the dazzling views and enjoying sundowners.

Overnight in the Sandford Park Hotel (or similar).

Following a delicious breakfast travel through the remote island of QwaQwa, which is a former bantustan/homeland. Around lunch time we will reach Sentinel Peak, a majestic mountain which stands 3200m above sea level. This is the perfect spot for newlyweds to enjoy a picnic, after which you can stroll to viewpoints were you will be able to witness the sheer drop into the Amphitheatre.

If you are feeling energetic you can partake in a strenuous walk, followed by a steep climb up a chain ladder to the summit (dependent on weather conditions). From the top of the Sentinel you will discover the source of the great Tugela River, which rushes over the edge of the mountain’s edge, falling down for hundreds of meters. After spending the day amongst epic mountainous landscape return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay in the Sanford Park Hotel (or similar).

Depart your opulent hotel after breakfast and drive to the area surrounding Giant’s Castle. Just a short walk away you will discover some of the most well preserved ancient rock paintings in Africa. In the afternoon you will continue to Durban, the last city stop on our safari honeymoons in Africa.

Overnight stay in City Lodge Umhlanga (or similar).

Durban is a vibrant melting pot of the Eastern, Western and African cultures. The city boasts an endless summer climate, warm sparkling oceans and golden beaches. In the morning you will go on a dazzling city tour on which you will be able to view the picturesque blue lagoon at the mouth of the Umgeni River. Here you can take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Durban’s majestic bay. Later you will travel past the Marine Parade, a huge entertainment resort which is also known as the “Golden Mile”.

The tour thens continue towards Point Waterfront and though the lively city centre, passing a number of historical monuments on the way. As the route veers into Durban’s bustling centre you will have the opportunity to witness the Second Railway Station, the City Hall, post offices and barter for souvenirs at an Indian market.

 The last stop of the tour is the tropical haven of Durban’s Botanical Gardens, which boasts an array of trees and plants from all over the globe. The highlights of the garden include its famous cycad collection and its beautiful orchid garden.  When the city tour ends you have the option of visiting the Ushaka Marine World, a phenomenal aquarium which also has a variety of shops and restaurants. 

Enjoy the last evening of your honeymoon with a meal in one of Durban’s many incredible restaurants. Then enjoy a romantic walk under the starlit sky along the seafront before returning to your hotel.

Spend the last morning of your unforgettable honeymoon soaking up Africa’s sundrenched weather on one of Durban’s beautiful stretches of beach. Alternatively you can buy last minute souvenirs from the nearby shopping and entertainment centre.  Later transfer to Durban’s international airport for you return flight to the UK.  If you have any questions about our safari honeymoons in Africa please call to speak to one of our experienced travel advisors.