8 incredible ideas for a romantic South Africa honeymoon

South Africa’s stunning landscapes make for the perfect honeymoon backdrop: think golden beaches, wildlife-studded plains and emerald vineyards. If you’re planning your once-in-a-lifetime getaway, here are eight incredible South Africa honeymoon experiences to indulge in, from bubble baths under star-filled skies to vintage rail journeys and gourmet heli-flights.

Spend the night in a treehouse

Ever heard the roar of a lion up close? At Lion Sands Game Reserve you’ve got a good chance of experiencing this electrifying primal sound as big cats roam the game-rich plains. Twice-daily game drives will bring you up close to incredible wildlife, with some of South Africa’s best guides and trackers on hand to answer your questions. Stay at Tinga Lodge in the heart of the reserve, which offers a million-star experience: the chance to spend a night in a chic treehouse under the stars. Perched safely on a platform, you can watch the sunset, enjoy a gourmet picnic dinner and sleep under the night sky in a king-size bed.

Take a bubble bath in the African bush

Experience the beauty of Makalali Game Reserve, a 22,000-hectare conservation area near Kruger National Park. Stay at Garonga Safari Camp, where you can chill out in your luxury safari tent and cuddle up together in the hammock on the terrace. For sheer indulgence, we love the romantic outdoor bubble bath experience that’s complete honeymoon heaven. Step into a sunken bath filled to the brim with bubbles, set on a secluded platform in the heart of the bushveld. Soak by candlelight while enjoying a glass of wine, accompanied by the sounds of the wild African bush.

Experience the timeless luxury of the Rovos Rail

Indulge in the romance of a bygone era by adding a two-night stay on board the Rovos Rail to your honeymoon. A South African icon, this train embodies class and elegance, with its vintage Edwardian carriages and handsome period décor. Journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, passing through the epic Great Karoo, and stopping at the historic village of Matjiesfontein and the ‘Big Hole’ diamond mine in Kimberley. The Blue Train with its butler service, five-star sleeper carriages and cocktail bar, offers alternative honeymoon routes through the country. End your adventure with a stay at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, the ultimate romantic retreat which boasts spectacular ocean views.

Explore one of the world's most beautiful wine valleys

Escape to the Cape Winelands for a dose of romance. The towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are home to emerald vineyards dotted with Cape Dutch wine estates where you can taste everything from full-bodied pinotages to chenin blancs. Spend an afternoon on a vintage wine tram or a cycling tour, stopping at world-famous wineries like Mont Rochelle, owned by Virgin boss Richard Branson. The resort offers vineyard tours and tastings at their Country Kitchen which has a gourmet menu to pair your drinks with; think chardonnay with panko crusted goat’s cheese. Foodies can continue the adventure on our Route 62 gourmet self-drive itinerary, which highlights some of South Africa’s top food and wine experiences.

Spot wildlife from your private plunge pool

Malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve lies in the north of the country and offers dream safaris complete with Big Five sightings and luxury camps. Stay at Dithaba, an exclusive lodge set on a hilltop overlooking the plains. You’ll sleep in an opulent thatched-roof chalet with a deck where you can sink into your own private plunge pool with views of the camp’s wildlife-rich waterhole; a complete dream after a long day of safari adventures. If you’re on a safari in the Eastern Cape, head to Ukhozi Lodge at Kariega Game Reserve for a lavish plunge pool suite.

Stay on a historic vineyard

Check into the historic Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, set on a Stellenbosch vineyard that dates back to 1692. Stay in their restored stately manor house, surrounded by manicured gardens with giant oak trees and rows of grapevines. You’ll enjoy a complimentary wine tasting session and cellar tour, which will give you an idea of which wines to order with dinner at the chic restaurant; don’t miss the pinotage and artisanal chocolate pairing. The five-star hotel, which is also listed as a Provincial Heritage Site, has a decadent spa and lavish rooms, including a private pool suite.

Book a spa treatment in front of Table Mountain

Iconic, historic, luxurious – welcome to Cape Town’s beautiful Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. With more than a century of service to its name, the pink-hued hotel sits at the foot of Table Mountain and is loved for its opulent Librisa Spa. Here, you can indulge in a treatment followed by a session in the steam bath, Finnish sauna and a dip in the plunge pool. Try the romantic couples’ Mount Nelson Rose Massage, delivered with a blend of herbs and rose petal oil. Finish with traditional afternoon tea or evening drinks in the Planet Bar, where the celestial-styled lights resemble stars twinkling above you.

Take a gourmet heli-flight

Combine show-stopping aerial views of Cape Town with a gastronomic experience to remember on a gourmet heli-flight from the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. The property offers scenic flights that take off from the V&A waterfront, offering panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the ocean. Flights are combined with tailored experiences, from fly-in spa treatments to sushi by the sea and panoramic picnics at Stanley Rock. If you’re looking for more bird’s eye views of Cape Town, soar above the Atlantic Seaboard in a helicopter or fly and dine in the Cape Winelands.

This feature was updated on 31st January 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.