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 Cosmopolitan
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.
 When
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!
 If
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.
 While
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!
 While
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!
 The
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.
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