One of our Africa specialists, Elaine Learmonth, spent her honeymoon on safari in South Africa. She enjoyed the combination of Cape Town, a South Africa safari and time on the beach at the end.
“We flew from Cape Town to Durban in the KwaZulu Natal Province, rented a car and set off. We drove to a lovely private game reserve, Nambiti Hills. This is a big 5 reserve (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) and they run morning and afternoon game drives. The suites are widely spaced for privacy and have a huge bathtub overlooking the reserve. The lodge has a spa and a massage was a welcome treat. They have a great honeymoon package offering all sorts of complimentary extras. The game viewing in this area is not as concentrated as it is in the more popular areas like Kruger, but we still saw all the Big 5 while we were there. The benefit of going on safari in Kwa Zulu Natal is that the prices are more competitive, and the lodges are more accessible. You can also easily combine it with some time on the beach as the coast is just a five hour drive away.
Thonga Beach Lodge is a very special place. This is African luxury on a wild and beautiful beach. They do romance and celebrations well at Thonga Beach. The honeymoon suite has private deck and plunge pool. They arrange private dinners overlooking the sea, in room spa treatments and amazing bubble baths. We went kayaking on Lake Sibaya where we watched Fish Eagles fly overhead and hippos and crocodiles relax in the water around us. I remember going snorkelling and coming back to the lodge to a glass of champagne and homemade cakes, I don’t think a day gets better than that!”
Image credit: Thonga Beach Lodge