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 It's
a special occasion, and you've dreamed of spending
your honeymoon somewhere truly memorable. You're
probably well-traveled, having sampled Europe,
Hawaii or other interesting locales. But now
something farther away and more exotic beckons,
offering a once in a lifetime experience as
well as an opportunity to relax after the exciting
wedding. This is what you'll find in both South
Africa and the nearby beaches of Mozambique,
and with the right properties, a luxurious experience
at a good value.
 After
a long flight, you finally arrive in the beautiful
South African city of Cape Town. A focal point
of culture, scenery and cosmopolitan chic, you
are excited by the sense of possibility in this
world class city. While many couples opt to
stay in the busy Victoria and Alfred Waterfront,
your home in Cape Town is the tranquilly situated
yet conveniently located Four Rosmead Boutique
Guesthouse. A 15-minute walk to evening hot
spot Kloof Street, and a 10-minute taxi to the
waterfront, Four Rosmead, on the slopes of Table
Mountain, offers a charming base from which
to explore the city, or simply have a drink
while relaxing by the pool. Your room offers
fluffy beds and sparkling bathrooms, perfect
as you sleep in after a long day of travel to
Africa.
 As
your energy returns, take an afternoon to see
the waterfront, and have lunch al fresco at
one of the many outdoor restaurants. Afterwards
stroll around the waterfront, checking out the
shops, outdoor entertainment venues and possibly
the aquarium. At some point, if the skies are
clear, by all means head to Table Mountain -
the famous cable car whisks you upwards in just
two minutes, where you'll be rewarded with fabulous
views of the city below, and the Twelve Apostles
Mountains to the south. Also be sure to check
"what's on" in Cape Town - with many theaters
and other performance venues, you'll have plenty
to enjoy once the sun sets.
After
your taste of Cape Town, you'll sample another
iconic destination within South Africa, only
45 minutes away - the Cape Winelands. Comprised
of quaint towns and hectares of vineyards, it's
only a short drive but a totally different experience
from the city. The focus here is on food, wine
and remembering the many pleasures of life,
at a pace much slower than at home. You'll have
a rental car delivered to you in Cape Town,
and after an easy drive, the city is left behind,
and you've arrived at another lovely guesthouse,
Le Petite Ferme.
 Located
near the wine-centric town of Franschhoek, Le
Petite Ferme has only 5 guestrooms, ensuring
warm hospitality and attention to detail. They
also have a terrific gourmet restaurant, open
only for lunch and offering a combination of
inspired cuisine and spectacular valley views.
While in Franschhoek a visit to some of the
many vineyards for tastings and tours is definitely
in order. Unlike much of California's Napa Valley
these vineyards are smaller and less commercial,
often resulting in a more personalized expedience.
At every turn you'll have access to some of
Africa's best restaurants and most celebrated
chefs, who choose to locate their award winning
restaurants here for the wine, fresh produce
and beautiful setting.
 So
far you've been absolutely amazed - this is
not what you expected from Africa! The next
leg of your honeymoon journey also promises
amazement, but this part is definitely
more like what you envisioned. It's time to
go on safari! Returning to Cape Town's airport,
you'll now fly east to Mpumalanga Province.
Upon arrival in Nelspruit, you will be collected
for a short road transfer to the Jock Safari
Lodge, located on a private concession within
the famous Kruger National Park. Your first
impression of Jock is one of luxury - you'll
have one of twelve thatched suites, and once
you see the giant soaking tub and your private
plunge pool, you'll realize that you'll be able
to indulge while still having a fantastic safari
experience!
 It's
a good thing you've incorporated some leisure
time to this point since your morning game drives
start bright and early at 5:30 am. Not that
you mind - the sheer excitement you'll feel
knowing you'll share daybreak with untold numbers
of rare and exotic animals is enough to get
you out of bed willingly. Rhinos so close you
can look them in the eye, breeding herds of
elephant in search of food, graceful giraffe,
impala dashing across the landscape... the list
of incredible animals you'll see goes on and
on. Expect within a few game drives to see the
Big 5, although don't be disappointed if one
species proves elusive as there is so much else
to enjoy while at Jock.
After
the morning drive and a hearty breakfast, it's
time to relax. Take a cooling dip in your private
plunge pool, fall asleep in an oversized chair,
or bask in your giant bathtub. Be sure to rejuvenate
because at 4:30 pm, you are off for another
adventure into the bush to see how the wildlife
spends its afternoons. At the end of each fulfilling
day, relax over a delicious dinner and reminisce
about your sightings.
 After
three days on safari, you'll be very sad to
go - the lodge and your game drives have been
phenomenal. But it's now time for some final
relaxation, after all, you don't want to return
home needing a vacation to recover from your
vacation! So, onto the beaches of Mozambique!
You'll fly from Nelspruit right to the coastal
town of Vilanculos, where you will catch a boat
for the short ride to Bazaruto Island in the
Bazaruto Archipelago, home to miles of white
sand beaches and bright blue water.
 This
part of your honeymoon is all about the sea,
sun and sky. Your home here will be Indigo Bay
Resort, a luxurious hideaway that provides just
the right mix of pampering and amenities.
While there you might surprise your new spouse
with a traditional African "bush bath", choose
an afternoon of world-class diving and snorkeling,
or sample the fine spa menu at the wellness
center. Anglers enjoy excellent fishing, and
if you have the urge to explore you can visit
the interior of the island and its small village
to learn about its people, flora and fauna.
Make sure to set aside an evening for a sunset
cruise on a traditional Dhow sailboat as you
toast to a wonderful last stop on your honeymoon.
It's been a fun, fascinating and above all fulfilling
two weeks spent in southern Africa, and now
you return to Johannesburg for your international
flight home. What a perfect beginning to your
marriage - you'll be energized to continue discovering
the world and each other over the next years,
and will no doubt swear that some day you'll
come back to Africa.
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Couples who want the highlights of South Africa
combined with some time on the beach. Those
who value fine accommodations but don't require
the pinnacle of luxury.
Who
should avoid this trip:
Those desiring 5-star accommodations across
the board. Those who do not want to self-drive,
and those who are uncomfortable taking multiple
flights (some on small planes).
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