Spectacular Days and Luxurious Nights in South Africa

African SunsetCosmopolitan Cape Town, the rugged coastline of the Garden Route, and the private reserves of the Kruger National Park - can one ask for a more wonderful combination of destinations on a South African honeymoon? It only gets better as you realize you will stay at some of the very best and most luxurious accommodations in each, with the opportunity to be pampered at every turn as you explore the wonders that South Africa offers to honeymoon travelers.

The first stop is Cape Town - a simply stunning city with jaw-dropping scenery that will captivate your eyes and hearts as you uncover its charms over the next several days. As you'll be tired on arrival, you'll want to take advantage of your hotel, the luxurious Cape Grace, located on the lively Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Allow yourselves a day or two to adjust to the time zone, to the environment, and to being married. Sleep late, have a gourmet breakfast in bed, and find an hour or two to visit the hotel's inviting spa for a stress reducing massage that is sure to work out all the kinks from your long flights.

Cape GraceWhen the spirit stirs you, Cape Town offers untold opportunities for exploration, dining, art and adventure. One day you'll have a driver at your beck and call to take you to the Cape Peninsula to see the national park's wild coastal scenery. In town, a visit to trendy Kloof Street for dinner can liven your nights as you sample cuisine that would rival any around the world. The shopping is terrific too! All the while you'll be in awe of the ever-present Table Mountain and surrounding peaks - one evening you must take the opportunity to go to the top and watch the sun sink below the horizon and gaze down as the city lights shine below. Incredibly romantic!

Mont Rochelle HotelIf you enjoy fine food and wine, your next stop, in the Cape Winelands, is sure to be a treat. A mere 45 minutes from Cape Town, you'll have a car delivered to the hotel, then take the short drive to South Africa's gourmet heartland. As you arrive, you'll see rugged mountains underscored by vineyards at their base, accented by the incredibly charming Cape Dutch architecture of the wine estates. You can taste South Africa's best wines at various cellars, meet winemakers, eat at some of the country's top restaurants, and explore the pretty towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. When not sampling the amazing wine and cuisine, take time out to visit the spa at your lovely guesthouse, Mont Rochelle, near Franschhoek. Your room is one of the more spacious on the property, with valley views and a private terrace - perfect for sipping a glass of Pinotage during a lazy afternoon.

The PlettenbergWhile you could surely spend half a lifetime unlocking the pleasures of Cape Town and the Winelands, it's on to the coast along the famous "Garden Route". Your home for the next few days will be The Plettenberg, located in the bustling seaside town of Plettenberg Bay. This Relais and Chateaux hotel features traditional, understated décor, oversized rooms, and sea views over the beautiful beaches on either side of the promontory on which it sits. You'll arrive by charter flight into the nearby Plettenberg airport, and perhaps, along the way, you will have been fortunate enough to see whales from the air! If not, be sure to take a whale watching excursion to view these magnificent creatures up close. There may be opportunities to spot fur seals and dolphins as well. Here you can unwind by the pool, try your hand at surfing, hit the links, take a fabulous hike on the Robberg Peninsula, or participate in any number of relaxing or adrenaline seeking activities. You soon come to understand why this part of South Africa is appealing to the local population!

Royal Malewane ElephantWhile you've loved the city, wine region and the coast, you've chosen South Africa as your honeymoon destination in large part because of the amazing opportunities for safari, and you won't be disappointed. You'll fly to the regional airport of Hoedspruit, where you'll be met and escorted to the exclusive yet relaxed Royal Malewane Safari Lodge. On the edge of Kruger National Park and with access to the park and nearby private reserves, it offers the best of all safari worlds. Talented rangers track and find game, including the "Big 5", with expert precision. Every game drive brings a new experience and an incredible window onto the animal kingdom, inspiring your awe at every turn.

Since you have the time, a special treat while staying at Royal Malewane is to take an "Elephant Backed Safari" at the nearby Camp Jabulani. Here you can sit astride an African Elephant as you make your way (silently) through the bush, with views of giraffe, zebra and other creatures. Simply memorable!

Royal MalewaneThe Lodge itself welcomes you like no other - imagine you are staying with your best friends who simply happen to own a series of luxurious villas in the bush! Villas are appointed with four poster beds, oriental carpets, and lovely hardwood floors. Your bath is grandiose and perfect for washing the dust away after a fulfilling day on safari. Indulge in a private gourmet bush dinner, accompanied by the sounds of nocturnal animals and the warmth of your bonfire as it takes the edge off the evening's slight chill. All of this and more is possible at Royal Malewane.

The lodge and your daily safaris have been phenomenal, and you may shed a tear or two when it's time to leave this wonderful environment and the many animals you've come to love in such a short time. It's been a fun, fascinating and above all fulfilling two weeks spent in South 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 be back.

Who will enjoy this trip:
Couples who want the highlights of South Africa combined with world-class accommodations. Those who value and seek luxury and pampering as part of their honeymoon.

Who should avoid this trip:
Couples on a tighter budget may still like these destinations but would likely choose different accommodations. Those who prefer not to take malaria medication. Those who prefer a more conventional and active beach destination may wish to add Mozambique or an Indian Ocean Island, or reconsider Africa altogether.

Honeymoon Details...

Length:
14 days / 13 nights
(not including travel time to/from Africa)

Locations:
  • Cape Town
  • Cape Winelands
  • Garden Route
  • Thornybush Private Reserve
next to Kruger National Park

Hotels:
  • Cape Grace, Cape Town
  • Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek
  • The Plettenberg, Plettenberg
Bay
  • Royal Malewane, Thornybush
Private Reserve

Transportation:
  • Private car and driver for
transfers
 
• Internal charter flights

Special features, activities and inclusions:
  • Full breakfast for two daily at
Cape Grace
  • Spa treatment while at Cape Grace
  • Private driver/guide for a day
trip to the Cape Peninsula
  •
Gourmet dinner one evening at Mont Rochelle
  • Whale watching excursion in
Plettenberg Bay
  • Daily breakfast at The
Plettenberg
  • Meals, drinks and game drives at Royal Malewane
  • Elephant back safari Jabulani
excursion at nearby Camp

Jabulani                                  • Couples massage at the
Royal Malewane Spa

Price range:
$7500 - $8700 per person
(not including taxes, service or non-charter flights, or international flights)

Exact price will depend on time of year and personal travel preferences.

Customization:
Location, hotel and activity choices can be modified according to your interests and budget.

How to purchase:
1. Review our Terms of Service
2. Call us at 800.205.3314 to
start planning your trip!

 


 

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