The Most Romantic Honeymoon Resorts in South Africa

Overlooked by the Murchison mountain range, the Kilima Private Game Reserve is owned by the Schutte family, who welcome you with their motto “courage above and beyond”. Start your holiday in the luxurious Honeymoon Suite, with its super-king bed and generous bathtub. A myriad of activities await: experience a game drive at dawn, listen to the song of the bush, indulge in a couple’s massage at the Kukura Wellness Spa, and finish your evening under the old baobab tree, sipping on cocktails and gazing at the stars.

A tranquil sanctuary in the Western Cape Winelands, Santé is where honeymooners come to unwind. This retreat is marked for its passion for wellness. All the ingredients at Nourish, the resort restaurant, are fresh and locally sourced, with no refined foods. The award-winning day spa is full of rejuvenating natural treatments, such as Vino Therapy, utilising the skin, pulp and seeds of red grapes. Spend quality time wandering through the garden, or relax in the Jacuzzi after a long day of pampering.

The thatched-roof suites at this intimate lodge are built into the tamboti trees and hills for a fully immersive experience. From the seclusion of your private deck overlooking the watering hole, keep watch for the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo) while sipping a cocktail in your plunge pool, enjoying the outdoor shower or a relaxing massage. The food is delectable – think fresh seafood, local game meat and organic vegetables. Create unforgettable memories on a dawn or dusk safari.

Honeymooners wanting to be close to nature will adore this sophisticated take on glamping. Gorah Elephant Camp features opulent tented suites in Addo National Park. Each spacious tent has a private deck, ensuite bathrooms and solar-powered lighting. Observe one of the many magnificent elephants on a game drive, or watch the local birds while taking a dip in the pool. Dine at the sophisticated historic Manor House or under the stars overlooking the watering hole.

Flycatcher Castle, situated on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, is close to scenic wonders, such as Blyde River Canyon, and Kruger National Park is less than an hour’s drive away. From zip-lining to white-water rafting, adventurous couples will appreciate the outdoor activities on offer here. There are a variety of rooms, but the Mozart Suite is the most opulent. The room is decorated with beautiful antique furniture, from velvet curtains to ornate frames, and boasts awe-inspiring views of the wetland.

At Great Fish River Lodge, you truly get a feeling of the enormity of the African continent. The lavish suites have been designed to complement the surrounding landscape. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors in the suites reveal uninterrupted vistas of the private game reserve. Take part in the twice-daily game drives and walking safaris to see rhinos and elephants. Come nightfall, dine in the boma under the starlit sky.

Kagga Kamma in Cederberg allows you to get close to nature in the most unique way possible. The hotel’s private, natural Open Air Suites, approximately 7km (4mi) from the main lodge, are set between rock formations overlooking the fynbos plains. Sleep under the stars, awake to an African sunrise, and spend lazy days in your own private rock pool or “star bath”. Onsite, there is also a spa offering treatments under an outdoor canopy.

Kosi Forest Lodge is a tranquil honeymoon destination, where you and your partner can lounge in the pool while watching hippos in the nearby lake. The secluded forest cabins have outdoor bathrooms set in soft, white sand under magnificent tree canopies. There are also romantic boat cruises on offer, perfect for a sundowner or two. You can combine a stay here with a few nights at the Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge as part of the honeymoon packages.

Lion Sands is set between the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and world-famous Kruger National Park. A guided safari is a must while staying here. Choose between six luxurious private lodges, each with its own distinct style – from contemporary to rustic. We recommend staying in one of the open-air treehouses, high above the canopy, where you can enjoy a candlelit dinner on your private terrace. Likewise, the view from the shower is something to behold.

Madikwe’s ultra-luxury lodges offer a five-star experience with some of the finest accommodation in South Africa. Honeymooners can look forward to private plunge pools, outdoor showers and private viewing decks, all set within the African bush. There’s also a first-class spa for those looking to completely unwind. Book the Makanyane Safari Lodge, and you might just wake up to an elephant outside your door.

Marataba Safari Lodge is an all-year-round safari destination within Marakele National Park, Limpopo. The park is situated in the Waterberg Biosphere, home to all of the Big Five. The canvas-and-stone tented suites are all beautifully furnished, with a combination of modern and traditional elements. Your stay includes all meals, two game drives per day as well as guided water safaris and hiking tours.

Thonga Beach Lodge is a perfect destination for an idyllic beach honeymoon, where you can enjoy candlelit dinners on the deck and swim with tropical fish in one of the top snorkelling spots in South Africa. 12 thatched rustic cabins peek out from behind the trees overlooking the water. The beach outside is quiet and pristine, home to nesting turtles between November and February. Should the ocean-facing views become tiresome, complimentary sundowners are served each day at Lake Sibaya.