Lauren Kriedemann Photography
After the weeks or months of preparations for the big day, a honeymoon offers couples a welcome chance to relax, following all the stress that usually accompanies the planning of a wedding. Besides being physically draining, weddings are very emotional events, and the honeymoon is not only the ideal chance to unwind, but also provides couples with the opportunity to enjoy their new marital status.
For many reasons, South Africa has long been a favourite destination of honeymooners from all over the world. In addition to the wonderful sunny climate, diverse range of beautiful scenery and very favourable rate of exchange, visitors are always assured of a friendly welcome and the ever-present smiles of South Africans, ready to make your stay an unforgettable one.
Traditionally, the honeymoon is supposed to be organised by the groom, with the final destination being kept secret from the bride. However, most modern brides not only prefer to know where they are going, but also want to be involved in the planning. If the groom is intent on keeping it a secret, he needs to be very sure that he and his wife-to-be are thinking along the same lines. While his ideal honeymoon might be one spent in a game reserve viewing Africa’s Big Five, he may discover that she has been dreaming of a romantic time lazing on beautiful Clifton beach, and sipping wines in the stunning vineyards around Cape Town.
The wedding night location, however, is often left to the groom to organise and most brides don’t mind too much if this is kept a secret from them. Grooms are fortunate in that South Africa offers an incredible selection of hotels, game lodges and wine estates to choose from, and our excellent exchange rate means that 5-star luxury is more affordable.
As South Africa is perhaps best known for its abundance of wildlife, a safari into the African bush in order to get acquainted with our Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), usually features high on the must-do list. If you are planning a safari honeymoon, remember to pack clothes in neutral colours - brown, beige or khaki - for game drives. In a malaria region, avoid wearing perfume or after-shave, and wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. Some game reserves (such as those in the Western Cape) are malaria-free.
For honeymooners who would prefer to relax and soak up the sun, South Africa boasts a host of beautiful beaches. With a coastline stretching some 3000 km from the Atlantic in the west to the Indian Ocean in the east, this is a great country for a beach holiday. For the more energetic, there’s a host of watersport options, ranging from diving through coral reefs to surfing, windsurfing and fishing.
The variety of world-class accommodation available throughout South Africa offers the perfect base from which to enjoy the vast spectrum of experiences on offer. The quality of tourist accommodation in this country is generally very good and represents excellent value for money. There’s a wide choice of places to stay, ranging from five-star hotels to character country houses, lodges, game camps and guest houses. While standards are high, prices are relatively low.
One of the beauties of a honeymoon in South Africa is that it offers such good value for money. A typical three-course meal costs from £12 per person, while a bottle of wine at a restaurant works out at between £5 and £10. And you can easily afford to stand a round or two of drinks, with a beer costing around £1 and a gin-and-tonic about £1.50.
A sumptuous seafood dinner can be ordered for about £15 and a cup of coffee or tea costs approximately £1. On the entertainment side, you can buy theatre tickets for between £10 and £15 and a cinema ticket for just under £4.
Remember to bring a camera with you, as South Africa’s spectacular scenery and sunny weather make it a
photographer’s paradise. The brilliant light yields gorgeous, saturated colours and the skies are ever-changing, with amazing cloud formations. The sunsets, with their deep red, ochre and purple hues, are unforgettable. Add a variety of landscapes and a wealth of wildlife and you have a country that must be remembered on film!
Sampling a barbecue, known locally as a ‘braai’, is a must - it’s part of the South African way of life. Steaks, chicken, game and boerewors (a spicy sausage) will usually be found sizzling on the grill.
South Africa is closer than you think and easy to get to. Most airline departures are in the evening, arriving in Cape Town or Johannesburg the following morning, so after a meal and drinks you can snooze away the miles until breakfast and landing. The country is on the same time zone as continental Europe during the summer, and one hour ahead during winter. Because you are flying north to south (or vice versa) there’s no jet-lag to disorientate you, either on your arrival, or, just as important, on your return home.
