Kathryn Mason takes you through the magical landscape, wildlife, sights, smells and taste sensations of South Africa, positing it as one of the top destinations for a honeymoon that combines both relaxation and luxury with a bit of adventure…
Well-known for it’s prolific safari scene and world-famous wines, South Africa has long been considered a wildlife lover and foodie’s paradise. However, with its rich culture, melting-pot history, pristine beaches and spectacular scenery, this southern gem is so much more than a whistle-stop taste of the continent, and is fast becoming one of the world’s most exciting honeymoon destinations. Blending the romantic luxury of popular beach hotspots such as the Caribbean, the character and cuisine of the French Riviera and adventurous nature of New Zealand, South Africa is perfect for couples who seek a more active pace for their honeymoon without sacrificing any of the comfort.
Greeted by some of the most friendly and welcoming people in the world, its clear from the outset that the South Africans know how to treat their guests. From taxi drivers and waiters, to hotel staff and tour guides, no request is too much and there is always someone on hand to help or advise. It’s this personal service and attention to detail (along with, of course, the impeccable food and drink) that makes it such a fantastic place for that special holiday.
With so many beautiful spots in South Africa, it may seem daunting to try to take it all in within one trip, but it is possible to sample much of the wonderful sights and tastes it has to offer in a fortnight visit. The most popular way of seeing the Western Cape and stunning craggy coastlines of the country is the Garden Route, aptly named for its green, mountainous landscapes. No trip to this part of the world would be complete without the Big Five though, which can either be incorporated by flying north, to one of the country’s famous safari parks or as part of the Garden Route.
CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDING AREA
As the provincial capital of the Western Cape and legislative capital of South Africa, the coastal city of Cape Town is nestled in the foothills of the iconic Table Mountain, giving it an inclusive and contained feel.
The chic and modern V&A Waterfront is popular with tourists, offering a vast selection of restaurants and upmarket shops. Though arguably a little soulless in comparison to the bustling streets of the city centre, it is definitely worth a visit, if only for the fabulous indoor food market at the Wharf which runs daily with a mesmerising array of culinary concoctions to sample. The Waterfront is also where trips to the infamous Robben Island depart from at regular intervals throughout the day. Meaning ‘Seal Island’ in Dutch due to its large population of furry friends, this 5km-round island has gone through a variety of guises over the years, but is most famous for housing the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for almost 20 years. Weather-beaten coastlines frame this World Heritage Site, which can be explored on frequent guided bus tours taking in colonies of African penguins, the island’s church (strangely popular for weddings) and of course, the prison itself, known now as the Robben Island Museum. Showing how far the country has come since the apartheid years, fascinating tours around the museum are conducted by former prisoners, offering unique, first-hand knowledge of this dark part of history, making it an incredibly humbling experience that really hits home.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the Waterfront area is the only – or best – spot for tourism, entertainment and a lavish meal though. The views may be great at the Waterfront, but to capture the real buzz of this urban paradise, you can’t beat the Kloof Street area, found directly below the majestic Table Mountain. Boasting unique and quirky bars including Mother’s Ruin (South Africa’s first gin and cocktail bar) and candlelit dinner settings such as Kloof Street House and Societi Bistro, there are some wonderful spots for a special night out, all within walking distance of one another.
The surrounding area of Cape Town is just as impressive as the city itself, with dramatic sea cliffs and land ends. Just an hour’s drive south of the metropolis, along the craggy coast, past seaside towns and white sand beaches, is Cape Point, the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula in Table Mountain National Park. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, this mountainous landform is a spectacular sight and perfect place to stop for a short walk. Driving back up the coast, another must-see stop-off point is Boulders Beach, a bay sheltered by granite boulders, which is home to a growing colony of friendly and inquisitive African Penguins.
The piéce de résistance of Cape Town, however, has to be it’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain. Standing tall at over 1,000 metres above sea level, this magnificent landmark offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the city, bay and surrounding area. The flat-topped surface of the mountain is accessible by a mesmerising revolving cable car (which is an exciting experience in itself), though this is weather dependant, so its recommended to check whether the cable car is running on the day of your visit. Queues also tend to be lengthy, so booking your ticket in advance and allowing enough time is advisable. On a clear day, you can easily spend a good hour and a half walking around the mountain top, in awe of the inspiring rocky vistas – a truly unforgettable experience.
THE WINELANDS
From Cape Town, it is a straight-forward and easy drive towards South Africa’s legendary wine region, just east of the city. Most guidebooks direct visitors to the University town of Stellenbosch, the second oldest European settlement in South Africa after Cape Town and a great base for days out at the countless surrounding vineyards. Another option is to stay right in the heart of the action by residing in one of the luxurious Farm Hotels, offering a unique, hands-on experience.
For a more intimate and peaceful experience, though, head to the smaller settlement of Franschoek. Translated as ‘French Corner’ in Afrikaan, this one-road valley town lives up to its name, offering a microcosm of European sophistication set against the backdrop of the region’s dramatic green and mountainous landscape. Home to an array of award-winning restaurants, including Foliage and La Petite Ferme, as well as wonderful artisan cafés and quirky art and craft shops, Franschoek is a treat for both the eyes and taste buds.
The main attraction for this area, though, is obviously the wine. Taking in the spectacular scenery alongside the delicious produce, the hop-on, hop-off Wine Tram is a great way of sampling some of the finest wines in South Africa (if not the world) at a relaxed and laid-back pace. For couples craving a more personal experience though, there are also private tours available where you can indulge in a chauffeur-driven day of tastings at some of the region’s highly acclaimed wineries. Combined with a morning of horse riding amongst the rolling vineyards, this is a wonderful way of enjoying the breathtaking landscapes whilst bringing the history of the region to life.
PLETTENBERG BAY
A 5-6 hour drive from the winelands along the beautifully scenic Garden Route takes you to the immaculate beaches of Plettenberg Bay and the lush jungle terrain of Tsitsikamma National Park.
At the heart of the Garden Route is the peaceful, upmarket holiday town of Knysna. Whilst the area is fairly touristy and centred around luxurious holiday and retirement apartments, the striking Knysna Heads (two dramatic sea cliffs) offers impressive vistas and a chance to explore the area’s unique flora and fauna at the Featherbed Nature Reserve. It’s real selling point for honeymooners, is Knysna’s extensive idyllic and tranquil lagoon, perfect for romantic sunset cruises accompanied by a chilled glass of champagne!
Travelling further along the coast, the road leads to Plettenberg Bay, home to a vast stretch of white sand beach. Here, at this popular seaside holiday town, there are opportunities to view dolphins frolicking in the waves and a huge Cape fur seal colony on the Robberg Peninsula. The real wow-factor lies further east, though, when you arrive at Tsitsikamma National Park, a 50-mile coastal reserve famed for its indigenous forests, striking coastlines and intense 5-day Otter Trail hike. Sides of paths are scattered with South Africa’s unique dassie rats, bathing in the sun, as the walking trail takes visitors to the impressive Storms River Mouth, with a wide, dramatic swing bridge joining the gorge which you can kayak through or enjoy a gentle stroll.
Top Tips
- Stay in boutique hotels – If possible, try to avoid the large-scale resorts and hotels in favour of the smaller, boutique accommodation that South Africa does so well. Guaranteeing unprecedented attention to detail and a truly personal experience, hotels such as Cape Cadogan in Cape Town and The Last Word in Franschoek go above and beyond to make your stay as special and memorable as it could possibly be.
- Drive yourself – With South Africans driving on the same side of the road as the UK and with easily signposted, open roads, driving around this beautiful country is wonderfully simple and an experience in itself. Though it may be tempting to go with a more relaxed form of transport, the flexibility and freedom of driving yourselves allows opportunities to enjoy some of the secluded, hidden spots slightly off the beaten track that can be spontaneously romantic.
- Allow enough time – As much as you may want to explore every inch of your honeymoon destination, after the stresses of wedding planning and buzz of the big day, the first activity on your list will no doubt be to relax! The laid-back pace of South Africa lends itself perfectly to this, so allow enough time to drink (and eat) it all in, as well as ticking everything off your activity list, and don’t feel guilty about spending an afternoon just reading a book or sitting on the beach.
- Consider the time of year – Like the UK, South Africa has four changeable seasons with drastic differences in temperature and conditions which affect the wildlife in season and what is available. When planning a trip, do your research and take this into account, particularly if you’re keen on going whale watching.
- Honeymoon gift list – Many travel agents now offer a personalised gift list tailored to your trip and activities which can be a great way of both helping with the cost of your honeymoon and involving your family and friends in your trip of a lifetime.
