Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event, and you want your honeymoon to match the sentiment. Have you been busy brainstorming honeymoon ideas and asking yourself where the best honeymoon destinations are? How do you find a honeymoon destination that will have as profound an effect on you as your wedding? The short answer to these questions is: South Africa. 

Why honeymoon in South Africa?

With Cape Town as your home base, South Africa’s varied landscapes, buzzing food scene, world-class wine, and safari options are all at your fingertips. Here are the top six reasons why South Africa should be your honeymoon destination – picked exclusively by honeymoon couples who’ve experienced it firsthand! 

Blue Flag Beaches

It’s not always easy to find a destination with city life and the country’s best beaches in one place–but in Cape Town, it’s all possible. Camps Bay is arguably the best city beach on the planet: a strip of golden sand with umbrellas and loungers that hosts spontaneous volleyball games, edged by a strip of bars and restaurants, and backdropped by the Twelve Apostles. Sundowners at Camps Bay is the quintessential way to cap a day of city discovery. 

World-Class Wine

South Africa is the best place to go on your honeymoon if you appreciate excellent wine. The country is renowned for its wine production and beautiful, countryside vineyards. Take a day-trip to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, just two of the many wine-producing regions and home to exceptional wine estates. You don’t have to leave the city to experience the superior wine scene though. A wine pairing with dinner at one of Cape Town’s finest restaurants is a favorite experience of honeymooners in South Africa. 

Captivating Culinary Scene

Cape Town is quickly becoming an esteemed culinary capital and is a top honeymoon destination for foodies. Couples who like to indulge in local cuisine are spoiled for choice with restaurants. The farm-to-table movement is booming, but the core of South African fare is rooted in its history. Indigenous African dishes blend pleasantly with Asian-inspired curries and tangy sauces with an overarching European theme.

Table Mountain Trek

One can’t travel to South Africa without venturing to the top of Table Mountain, the symbol of Cape Town looming over the city skyline. Seen from nearly everywhere in the city, Table Mountain cannot be ignored for long. Ride a cable car to the top without exerting much effort, or take a guided hike and summit in about 2-3 hours. No matter how you reach the top of Table Mountain, you’re rewarded with uninterrupted views of Cape Town and breathtaking ocean vistas. 

 

Safaris

Imagine spotting lions, rhinos, and giraffes in the wild with your new partner. An extraordinary experience neither of you will soon forget is a safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve or Kruger National Park. Spend one day in an open-air jeep, soaking up the landscape and spotting wildlife, then spend the next in the lodge’s luxurious spa, pampering yourselves for hours. A safari in South Africa brings together the best of both worlds – adventure coupled with total relaxation. 

 

For the Adventurous

Is there a more memorable way to commemorate your new union than by submerging in shark-infested waters together? Cage shark diving is hugely popular in South Africa and considered a very safe way to see these magnificent ocean-dwellers up close. This is one activity that will certainly get your adrenaline pumping and probably bond you for life!

Prepping For Your Honeymoon in South Africa

Need tips on how to prepare for your honeymoon in South Africa? Check out my answers to the top five questions I get from honeymoon couples before they travel to South Africa:

1. Should I invest in a camera or take a pic with my phone?

If you can afford the investment, purchase a camera. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A great camera gives you the option to zoom in and out on the animals during safari, and in general, produce the best quality pictures of the most memorable trip of your life!

2. What should I wear on safari?

Light-weight, light-colored pants; shorts; long shirt; windbreaker. Bring a light jacket or fleece for the morning as it can be chilly, and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

3. Should I book restaurants in advance or just wing it?

It depends on when you travel to South Africa. Reservations during high season are strongly recommended. If you want to dine at Cape Town’s best-known restaurants, reservations are recommended in any season and should be made up to a month in advance.  

4. Should I stay in Cape Town or split my time up in the Winelands?

 Split it up! The winelands are absolutely breathtaking with their rolling mountains and vineyards. I highly recommend a bit of city life balanced by the tranquility of the winelands.

5. Should I get a sim card?

Not necessary. Purchasing an international plan on your current phone carrier is the best and easiest way to stay connected in South Africa.

6. How much money should I withdraw?

How much money should I withdraw? I recommend $50 USD a day to cover tipping for drivers, porters, and vendors who may not accept credit cards.

 

Ready for the best honeymoon experience in South Africa? Let’s start planning now!