South Africa Honeymoon Safaris

4.6/5 – 716 South Africa Reviews

The variety of attractions and easy travel conditions make South Africa a great choice for a honeymoon. While the wildlife viewing is superb, few people come here for a stand-alone safari. Cape Town, a cosmopolitan and scenically beautiful city, is just one of the other top attractions the country has to offer. But South Africa’s biggest drawing card is the variety of its landscapes; rugged mountains, fairy-tale forests, grassy savannah and the stark beauty of the desert. The country’s network of 19 national parks and hundreds of other reserves protects a rich mosaic of habitats and a corresponding diversity of animals. Meanwhile, offshore of the 2,850km coastline, an exceptionally rich marine life inhabits a parallel world.

1-20 of 287 honeymoon safaris to South Africa

6 Questions About South Africa Honeymoon Safaris

Expert

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and photographer. She and her husband form a team who write and update many travel guides. South Africa has been her home for the last 25 years. She has traveled around the country extensively, visiting all its parks and reserves regularly for work and leisure.

› More about Ariadne

Is South Africa recommended for a honeymoon safari?

“While South Africa caters to any kind of visitor, honeymooners will be thrilled to have a choice of enchanting destinations suitable to couples wanting to spend time together. There is so much to see and do. When putting together an itinerary you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. South Africa’s incredible landscapes bring out the romantic in most of us. These peaceful surroundings offer the perfect environment to focus on a loved one. Picture waking up together and listening to the chorus of African birds or watching a herd of elephants with their babies at a waterhole. In the evening you could be gazing at the stars far away from significant light pollution and cuddling up after dinner at the campfire while listening to a hyena whooping in the distance. A honeymoon safari is all about sharing these kinds of special moments together.”

How many days is ideal for a honeymoon safari in South Africa?

“It’s hard to say how many days you need for a honeymoon safari in South Africa. However, if you’re coming from far away, you’ll probably want to make the travel worthwhile. A honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, so you shouldn’t rush it. I think you should be away for at least 10 days; more is obviously better. Most visitors to the country combine a safari with other trip components, such as time in Cape Town or on the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal. To get to see a fair amount of South Africa’s attractions, you really need a two- to three-week tour. However you plan your stay in South Africa, you should always be realistic and not try to cram in too much. A full itinerary looks good on paper, but quality time in fewer locations usually makes for a better holiday. With limited time you can make use of the good network of domestic flights or you can focus on one area, such as Cape Town and the Garden Route, or Kruger National Park and surrounds.”

What are South Africa’s most romantic places for a honeymoon safari?

“There are some very romantic spots in South Africa, ideal for a honeymoon safari. The world-renowned Kruger NP is a great choice. While the south of the park has the highest animal densities, the north sees fewer visitors. For a very exclusive experience, you can treat yourselves to a couple of days in one of the private reserves of Sabi Sands. Packages here are relatively pricey but they include five-star luxury accommodation ideal for an intimate holiday. Further south is the cluster of Zululand reserves. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is very scenic and well-known for its healthy rhino population. The beautiful coastline makes this part of the country another favorite with newlyweds. Cape Town and the winelands feature on many honeymoon itineraries, and the drive along the Garden Route is arguably the most picturesque in the country. This area isn’t known for its wildlife, but there are several good safari options here all the same. Addo Elephant National Park is a Big Five destination, and elephants are particularly relaxed here. For more luxury and exclusivity, consider a stay at one of the Big Five private reserves in the area, such as Kwandwe and Shamwari Game Reserves. They offer superb wildlife viewing in a similar style as at the more well-known Sabi Sands. ”

Can we extend our honeymoon safari with some days on the beach or Cape Town?

“When going on a honeymoon safari in South Africa’s parks and reserves, you might want to add on a few days to explore some of the country’s other attractions. Cape Town, with its vibrant city life, wild surroundings and world-class fine-dining restaurants, is a winner on any honeymoon itinerary. And who doesn’t want to spend the last days of their honeymoon relaxing on a tropical beach to enjoy some sand and sun, and most of all, each other’s company? The KwaZulu-Natal coast, with its warm subtropical waters, is most suitable for a conventional beach stay. The popular Garden Route, with its mountains, forests, lakes and endless beaches along the Southern Cape, is mostly explored on a road trip between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. While these beaches are picture-perfect, the mild climate and rough waters make the Garden Route more suitable as a general travel destination. Although the South African beaches don’t lack in beauty, they are relatively unspoiled and there are few resorts offering typical beach-holiday packages. For a real sea-and-sand honeymoon getaway, you might prefer to add on a few days on the tropical islands of Mauritius or Seychelles.”

Are there special honeymoon safari packages available in South Africa?

“Several highly rated operators offer honeymoon safari packages to this varied country. South Africa ticks all the boxes for a romantic holiday. When planning your honeymoon safari, your operator will suggest an itinerary with carefully selected destinations and lodges. A lodge might be chosen because of its honeymoon suite featuring special touches, such as an alfresco shower for two, an amazing view or a private outdoor area to relax. Your operator will inform the lodges and the staff will go the extra mile to make the experience extra special. It’s all in the details: rose petals on the bed, an impromptu bush dinner under the stars and perhaps a spa treatment for two.”

Will we get enough alone time on a honeymoon safari in South Africa?

“A honeymoon safari is the ultimate occasion to spend precious time with the person you love. You won’t want the distraction of lots of people around you. Therefore I would recommend booking a private safari as opposed to a group safari. Not only will this be more intimate, it will also give you more flexibility. At the end of each day, your guide will discuss next day’s program with you and you’ll be able to make minor changes as long as it fits within the itinerary. You’ll be able to skip the odd game drive and have a relaxed morning at the lodge. The staff might be happy to organize a private breakfast in your suite. Or you might decide to spend the afternoon together at a waterhole, watching animals coming to drink. Even on a private tour there will probably be some shared activities, such as game drives or a boat trip, but there will always be plenty of opportunities to spend time alone, without other guests or even your guide.”

South Africa Safari Reviews

4.6/5 716 Reviews

Expert

Lucy Corne –

Lucy is travel writer for a range of publications, including Lonely Planet's guides to Africa, Southern Africa and South Africa.

An array of animals

5/5

Of all the African countries people visit on safari trips, South Africa is probably the easiest to travel around. Infrastructure is excellent, accommodation for every budget is abundant and wildlife-watching opportunities stretch far beyond...

Full Review

Expert

Mike Unwin –

Mike is an award winning wildlife writer, editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.

A world in one country

5/5

South Africa’s astounding array of landscapes – from semi-desert to savanna and snow-capped mountain to coral reef – means it offers a greater variety of wildlife experience than any other African country. There are surely few other...

Full Review

Natulia –

Reviewed: Sep 11, 2021

Tourico Vacations "Loves South Africa"

5/5

Planning a South African vacation is a great idea not only for you, but your entire family. The country has so many things to offer everyone. You can plan a romantic holiday with your partner in the beautiful Cape Town or Johannesburg, or...

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Alan –

Reviewed: Jul 14, 2021

5/5

South African parks are affordable compared to Botswana and Zimbabwe. The big five look the same any where in Southern Africa so decide why added expense and four extra days of travel with petrol costs make it worth while. If you are in...

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Candee –

Reviewed: Apr 24, 2020

Miraculous!

5/5

Our trip to South Africa and Jamila Lodge in the Welgovenden Game Park was a trip of a life time! Sandra Nicol at Traipsing Through Africa made it all happen with the upmost care, excitement and precision. Sandra contacted me and...

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D. K. –

Reviewed: Apr 24, 2020

Absolutely fabulous!

5/5

Our safari to Madikwe Game Reserve was spectacular. We saw more wildlife than we could have hoped for; the accommodations and food were outstanding. Our guide went out of his way to show us all that he could. I hope to come back and spend...

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South Africa Honeymoon Safaris

5-Day Kruger & Sabi Safari

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4-Day Sabi Sand Reserve Luxury Safari, Greater Kruger

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5-Day Open Vehicle Kruger Park Safari from Luxury Lodge

14-Day South Africa and the Tropics

8-Day Kruger Safari & Cape Town

11-Day Exclusive Safari and Cape Splendour

3-Day Kariega Game Reserve - Affordable Luxury Safari

4-Day Greater Kruger Safari with Bateleur Safari Camp

3-Day Luxury Tour - Greater Kruger and National Park

4-Day Safari & Private Reserve Highlight

7-Day Luxury+ Week South Africa - Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

10-Day Highlights of South Africa Safari

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6 Questions About South Africa Honeymoon Safaris

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

6 Questions About South Africa Honeymoon Safaris

Is South Africa recommended for a honeymoon safari?

How many days is ideal for a honeymoon safari in South Africa?

What are South Africa’s most romantic places for a honeymoon safari?

Can we extend our honeymoon safari with some days on the beach or Cape Town?

Are there special honeymoon safari packages available in South Africa?

Will we get enough alone time on a honeymoon safari in South Africa?

South Africa Safari Reviews

An array of animals

A world in one country

Tourico Vacations "Loves South Africa"

Miraculous!

Absolutely fabulous!