A Wild South African Romance

The honeymooners arrived at Cape Town International Airport where their local guide met them in the arrivals hall to assist them to the One&Only Cape Town Hotel at the V&A Waterfront at the centre of Cape Town. One&Only Cape Town is a tranquil enclave surrounded by mesmerising waterways and a traditional harbour, with easy access to the Waterfront’s restaurants and shops. After arriving at the hotel for check in, they spent their first afternoon and evening at their leisure, relaxing after a long flight.

Day two of the honeymoon took the love birds on a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, featuring a morning sea kayak excursion to visit the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach. Beginning at the scenic Simon’s Town Waterfront, they paddled past the Naval Harbour to check the tide in case there was an opportunity for a relaxing swim. After returning home, the pair could wander around the V&A Waterfront and choose a gourmet dining experience of their choosing.

After taking in some of Cape Town’s most spectacular scenery, on day three the honeymooners woke up at the crack of dawn for a guided hike up Table Mountain, where they could choose the route best suited to their interest and fitness levels. After an ascent up the mountain to take in glorious views of the Mother City, the pair returned to the hotel, spending the rest of the day exploring the city, shopping and tasting local foods at their leisure.

Balancing the natural wonders of the Cape with historical and cultural experiences was important to the honeymooning couple, which is why day four was dedicated to a half-day visit by ferry to Robben Island – the island prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. The tour included visiting the Robben Island prison, including the cell where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated; visit the quarry and the old leper colony, as well as a fascinating talk about the political prisoners and Nelson Mandela. After the tour, the pair made their way back to the pier and departed back to the mainland for another leisurely afternoon and evening.

Being wine enthusiasts, the honeymooners were keen to take in a full-day tour of the Cape Winelands. Checking out of the One & Only Hotel in Cape Town, the pair set off on their tour, which would take them to the magnificent Babylonstoren for a night’s stay. Combining delicious wines with some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, centuries-old architecture and awe-inspiring food, it was no surprise that day five was a stand-out day for these guests. Featuring a Stellenbosch historical walk, a Franschhoek meander, olive, wine, chocolate and artisanal ice-cream tasting, this was a day to remember! 148 wine farms adorn the vine-covered region, with many of them historical farms with achingly beautiful Cape Dutch manors houses, gardens, hotels, and fine-dining restaurants. With many of the wine farms sharing a French Huguenot heritage, the Champagne-inspired sparkling “Cap Classique” is definitely the star of this show. As if the tour wasn’t spectacular enough, the gorgeously quaint and romantic village of Franschhoek abounds with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and boutique hotels that the couple could explore.

They checked out of Babylonstoren to enjoy a second day in the winelands with a guide at their disposal for the morning, freeing their afternoon for a leisurely exploration and one-night stay at the beautiful Boschendal Farm.

After a wonderful stay in Cape Town, the newlyweds caught an early morning road transfer to Cape Town International Airport for their scheduled flight to Skukuza Airport. On arrival they were met by their ranger team who assisted them to the waiting safari vehicle for a transfer to the lodge – their first game drive!

With three nights at the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve’s &Beyond Tengile River Lodge, the couple fell into safari life rhythms, with 5:30am wakeup calls, sunrise game drives and brunches each day. Optional activities between morning and evening game drives included bush walks, photographic studio sessions, village experiences, massages, Good Work Foundation Community visits, inclusive yoga classes and boutique shopping. With high tea served at 15:00 each day, they could relax before jumping onto sunset game drives, ending with gourmet dinners at the lodge. AndBeyond Tengile River Lodge features nine delicate floating suites that looks out over the river from the dappled shelter of a cool forest. Following the curve of the river bank, each area in the lodge offers magnificent river views. Raised above ground level, the spacious suites offers sunken lounges, elegant bedrooms and bathrooms that open out onto the forest, creating private spaces in the open air.

With their magical honeymoon coming at an end, the couple enjoyed a final morning safari experience before breakfast before being transferred to the Skukuza Airport by their ranger team. On arrival at Johannesburg Airport they were met and assisted with check in for their international flight connection towards home.