Over the last ten years we have started to see a big change in the type of holidays couples take for their honeymoon. Traditionally couples usually opted for a relaxing holiday abroad or in a picturesque part of the UK. Often having a week or two alone together to get to spend quality time with each other and start your married life.

Over the last decade, honeymoon holidays have started to be taken in different ways. Some couples decide that they want to do something a little more exhilarating and therefore book adventure holidays for their honeymoon.

These types of holidays often include activities such as skiing, hiking, safaris, scuba diving and zip wires. Couples are seeking more adrenaline fuelled activities and with the view that they will only be able to do it once, want to make the most of their honeymoon.

Couples are often spending five thousand pounds plus on a 14 day honeymoon adventure and usually one third of that time is spent exploring historical sites and experiencing new cultures.

South Africa doesn’t have to be all about safari holidays. South Africa is a popular holiday destination for many people including those looking to relax on a beach.

Ukunda is situated very near to the spectacular Diani beach which with its shallow clear blue ocean is a beautiful place to take a holiday.

If you want to participate in some activities when there, then why not try snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the underwater sea life or if you would rather keep your feet dry, then take a trip on one of their glass bottomed boats.

There are many restaurants close by that will simply blow you away with the range of food and quality of the food on offer. If you do fancy a safari trip then why not combined the both in to one trip and spend part of it relaxing by the beach and the other part travelling round one of the world’s top safari destinations. With so much on offer, South Africa is not a place you will get bored of.

Algarve golf holidays have the ability to open your eyes and doors to beauty. On the doorstep of this endless beauty called Algarve, you will find everything you want for that perfect dream holiday, from deep sea fishing to scuba diving and golf. A sought after destination in Europe, this magical destination is renowned for its fantastic golf holidays on some of the fabulous resorts such as Quinta do Lago, Portimao, Alvor and Vilamoura among others.

So Much More than Just Golf

Well, it is not just golf that you would enjoy once you are here. The amazing scenery and fascinating coastline towns will simply enhance your golf holiday. With some 40 golf courses, which rank in the top 100 in Europe, and which provide golfers with superb choices, the mild weather nearly all year through is an additional bonus as well. Holidaymakers enter an endless Summer with Algarve golf getaways. Away from the golf course, many of the golf courses form part of spectacular beachside resorts, so anyone not interested in playing golf, will be able to enjoy the sparkling sea as well as a host of bars, restaurants and shops; all the jewels of Algarve sparkling just for holidaymakers. (more…)

Yes, without a doubt –  as I knew it’d be – La Residence  within the Cape Winelands is in a category of its own. Where is admittedly stunning even on a chilly wettish, winter’s day – so i will be able to just imagine how lovely it’s in summer. The Singita Grumeti of the Cape Winelands…

Yes it’s not cheap but then true luxury rarely is. Sometimes clients question me whether a spot is worthwhile? I always find that a tricky question to reply because absolutely everyone is exclusive relating to what they value and what gives them pleasure. What i’d say is – if you’re out there for staying somewhere like La Residence, you definitely won’t be disappointed.

Liz Biden, the landlord, is a marvel at interior design. I had worried that it will all be simply too much! And it almost is… nonetheless it isn’t and that obviously shows her skill. As you walk in, you return right into a glorious and vast double storey room with dining at the one side and sitting areas at the other side. It’s impressive with magnificent flower displays and log fires burning. It’s palatial but additionally surprisingly comfortable and never gauche or intimidating.

As befits this kind of place, the service was impeccable. Friendly and genuine providing you with a confidence that no request can be an excessive amount of trouble. Here’s just what tour operators wish to see. (We don’t want stuffy supercilious people looking askance at our clients because they arrive to breakfast in moccasins.)

I loved all of the rooms at La Residence. I particularly liked the Tibetian Suite, room 11, room 9, room 6, room 4. However they’re all gorgeous.  i might recommend the marginally dearer superior rooms because the difference is hardly anything and it provides you with the various most interestingly styled rooms in South Africa.

I also went to determine The Villas at La Residence, very few minutes from the hotel. The thought with the villas is that families with children can get a similar La Residence experience. There are five villas varying from studios to a few bedrooms and you’ll take them on a BB basis or on an absolutely inclusive basis.

The décor –  though a great deal the similar style because the main house – is slightly simpler eg. fewer objet d’art! However the same amazing sense of favor, colour, furnishings etc. Some have their very own pools. Though i’m able to see that these will be wonderful for a single family or a multi-generational family party, i believe I had a preference for the unique residence.

La Residence is a part of the Royal Portfolio alongside Birkenhead House and Royal Malewane. You’ll stay 6 nights at any combination of Royal Portfolio lodges and receive another complimentary night at either La Residence or Birkenhead House. This offer is valid until 14th Dec 2014 but excludes Festive Season (& August for Royal Malewane only.)

Contact us if you want additional information on La Residence & Villas

i lately looked at the newly reopened Alphen Hotel, a phenomenal 17th century Cape Dutch homestead and National Monument, that is located within the beautiful Constantia valley of Cape Town. However what makes this hotel sticks out for me is the stark juxtaposition of the old and the brand new in both its public spaces and its rooms. “ a bit eccentric, some what Bohemian, rather ecletic and casually elegant” is what the hotel says and that i think that’s an even summation of the Alphen Hotel.

It is surrounded by 11 acres of gardens with a pool, water features and centuries old oak trees. Overlooking the gardens is the Rose Bar, a vibey outdoor garden bar perfect for summer evening cocktails and drinks.

The Five Rooms restaurant is within the original Manor House on the Alphen Hotel . As you’ll imagine, the restaurant comprises a sequence of 5 rooms with dark rich colours, winter log fires, dramatic décor, antiques & paintings adorning the walls. However this traditional setting is nicely off set by the fashionable modern bar and the terrace outside for summer dining.  It was a piece too cold for evening dining once I was there in June.

The Alphen Hotel offers more than a few rooms and suites starting from Cool Suites, to Amazing Suites to Stunning Suites. All suites are very different healthy and décor but all share the similar fresh, colourful décor of broadly white with splashes of blue, red or purple – no subdued soft neutral tones here if that is what you’re after!

All in all, an awesome new addition to the sleepy Constantia valley that is being enthusiatically supported by the locals in order that the restaurants and bars are always energetic even on a chilly winter’s evening. Recommended!

Though the attraction of having out into the bush on safari followed by lying motionless on a tropical beach is appealing for a lot of of our honeymoon clients, Cape Town is not any slouch within the popularity front either.  This vibey stunningly beautiful city has loads to give from great restaurants to nighttime life to scenic beauty to gorgeous beaches.

But the way to inject that extra shot of romance into your stay in Cape Town? What are the tip 10 ‘romantic’ activities in Cape Town? Here’s my highly subjective top ten…

1)    Sunset yacht cruise

If you’re heading to Cape Town in the summertime, book a sunset cruise on a yacht leaving  from the Waterfront. A number of the boats are traditional sailing yachts – intrinsically romantic in themselves – and the sight of Table Mountain silhouetted against the sky at dusk is one who will stick with you for a very long time. Yes, you’ll be with people at the boat however the essential magic remains.

2)    Helicopter flight followed by lunch

Why not take a fifteen-20 minute helicopter flip across the city – an awe-inspiring experience to share along with your beloved. The precise routing is dependent upon the length of the trip, which in turn is dependent upon the depth of your wallet. Longer rides soak up some of the Cape Peninsula whilst shorter ones will take you along the dramatic Atlantic Coast after which back over Table Mountain.

Twelve Apostles Hotel is doing a glorious helicopter and lunch excursion as we speak – you enjoy a helicopter trip from the Waterfront to the 12 Apostles followed by a delicious three course lunch at Azure restaurant at the terrace overlooking the sea. Then you definitely are transferred back for your hotel by road.

3)    Picnic on top of Table Mountain at sunset

Yes i do know it’s not original but it’s still blooming marvellous! It’s on everyone’s list for activities in Cape Town so won’t there be too lots of individuals? You’d be amazed just how lazy everyone is. They don’t want to walk – in any respect. So when you take even a quick walk of 20-half-hour you’ll be distant from the crowds. i like to recommend the simple walk towards Maclears Beacon, the very best point on Table Mountain. After 10 minutes there’s a gentle little scramble off the most plateau and the crowds appear to stop at that time – like wildebeest contemplating a river crossing!  Continue on and you’ll have the mountain to yourselves (well almost).

Head up the cable car to the highest of Table Mountain within the late afternoon with a bottle of champagne and glasses to your backpack.  There are fewer people around so it’s easier to locate a secluded spot because the afternoon sun’s rays lengthen… The cable car stays open into the early evening in the summertime months.

4)    Cape Side cars for Two

This is slightly a unique thanks to get around… How about adding in a transfer or tour on a vintage 1930’s Sidecar with one in every of you at the back behind the motive force and one inside the sidecar. It’s great for an early evening transfer to a cafe especially in the event you take a scenic detour along the Atlantic Coast. (Just do not forget that the helmet may reduce to rubble an elaborate hairstyle.)  We also recommend it for a visit out to the Winelands as you don’t ought to worry about driving after visiting the wine estates. Highly recommended if a bit pricey!

5)    Abseiling off Table Mountain

Perhaps not your classical romantic thing to do in Cape Town – but within the spirit of “doing something adventurous makes you closer” , how about checking out the abseiling off Table Mountain?  You do the abseiling side by side so there’ll be great photo opportunities before you begin , when you’re all harnessed up, and hopefully not looking too pale-faced with fear. The abseil itself is superb fun (while you like that kind of thing) after which there’s a short 20-30 minute hike back as much as the head of the mountain which makes you’re feeling that you’ve climbed the mountain when you’ve actually only done 20 minutes rather than 2½ hours!

6)   Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Lourensford Wine Estate

Not strictly in Cape Town but most of the people love to get out of town to explore the Cape Winelands in addition. Lourensford Wine Estate is among the oldest wine estates in South Africa however boasts one of the technologically advanced cellars inside the southern hemisphere. It also has an unusual tackle wine-tasting. You get to taste not just their very drinkable wines but you’re able to pair it with chocolate during their specialist wine and chocolate tastings. What more can a woman want! 

Other attractions at the farm include visiting the Coffee Roasting Company where coffee is freshly ground to reserve and naturally purchasing more of the aforementioned hand-made chocolates and wines,  in addition boutique cheeses and olives at their deli shop.

Lourensford Wine Estate is inside the historic old a part of Somerset West near to the Cape Dutch Homestead of Vergelegen so that you can easily combine a trip there. Morgenster Wine and Olive estate is within the same area…

7)    Hidden Beaches at Llandudno, Cape Point

One of the loveliest aspects of Cape Town is its ring of beaches. If you’re not averting to a few tropical beach destination in your romantic holiday or honyemoon, you should allow enough time in Cape Town to go to the beach for no less than a couple of hours. Moreover the arena-famous Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches, there are attractive little bays resembling Llandudno, glorious stretches of white sand at Noordhoek and romantic windswept beaches at Cape Point

8)    Spa treatment within the fynbos

We all know that splurging on a spa treatment or couples massage is sort of obligatory on a honeymoon. But what about taking it outside; taking a massage in a Spa pavilion with a steady breeze and  glorious views of the mountains and sea throughout you. Here’s on offer on the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. You don’t need to stay on the hotel to book a spa treatment but because the hotel could be very romantic – why not splash out?

9)    Horse trails on noordhoek beach

If you enjoy riding, investigate cross-check the pony riding on Noordhoek Beach. This long wide stretch of white sand is optimal for cantering together with your adored one. You don’t should be a professional rider as they’ll cater to riders of all abilities but it surely helps in the event you know front end of the pony from the back…

10)   Take the good way round – Kalk bay, penguins, Chapmans Peak, wine estates

If you’re hiring a car (or considering it), we actually recommend taking an extended slow meander across the Cape Peninsula. The scheduled  day tours slot in Kirstenbosch gardens in addition after which you must keep motoring. By taking Kirstenbosch out – a romantic and relaxing destination in its own right – you give yourselves enough time to benefit from the ride. Absorb Chapmans Peak, Cape Point, the penguins at Boulders Beach, Kalk Bay and the Constantia wine estates.

• Stop on Chapmans Peak for the very best honeymoon photos ever
• Perhaps soak up a coffee at Imhoffs Farm to explore their little craft shops and boutique cheesery
• Check out Cape Point but perhaps add within the steep little hike right down to the old lighthouse and back up again (good for working up an appetite for lunch)
• Check out the penguins at Boulders Beach but don’t just visit the most viewpoint (where the entire madding crowds are). Investigate cross-check the little beach nearby where you could even find yourselves swimming with the penguins!
• Allow enough time to mosey across the quirky little shops in Kalk Bay. There are some great casual restaurants here for an early dinner.
• Alternatively in case you still have time, end the day with some relaxed wine tasting inside the Constantia Valley.
• From Kalk Bay, it’s only 30-40 minutes back to the town centre, less in the event you stay inside the Constantia or Newlands area…

So there’s my very personal tackle romantic activities in Cape Town. Be happy to email me to feature your suggestions!

Contact Us in order for you assistance planning your holiday in Cape Town. It truly is just a few of the info that we give to our clients in our detailed itineraries which details the whole lot to do in Cape Town, not only the romantic ones…

Not only are safari holidays an excellent opportunity to learn about Africa’s fascinating fauna and flora, they can also be very educational in a more cultural sense. You might like to visit a local school to see where and how the children learn or you might like to learn more about bush craft and how people live in the middle of the bush. One of the most enriching cultural experiences though is seeing the Singing Wells, an age-old tradition of the Samburu people. You can see this magical tradition on a Kenya safari to Sarara, one of the only places on the planet that gives guests this opportunity.

Close to the camp is a dry river bed and every morning the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to it to drink. The warriors must dig very deep wells in order to access water to give to their cattle. As they dig, the warriors sing which creates a rhythm to synchronise their work. Naked, the warriors lift and pass buckets to one another in an impressive display of true team work. The songs not only help the warriors with their digging but also bring each individual’s cattle to his well. Guests are not allowed to photograph the singing wells, so it’s a great chance to just sit back, observe, really immerse yourself in another culture and create magical memories rather than watching through a lens.

So you’ve arrived at your rather expensive game lodge and also you are keenly awaiting your first game drive. What are you able to do with the intention that you’ve the absolute best game drive experience?

1)    Know the way a game drive works

Some people wish to live in suspense and take life because it comes. If that’s you, you could skip this part! Others get more from an experience in the event that they know the way it really works…

Broadly speaking private game lodges offer open vehicle game drives with anything from 4-6 people (on the most costly lodges) as much as 10 people on a game vehicle, usually somewhere in between.  There’s a place for one person next to the ranger (more on that later) after which three rows of seats usually every one just a little higher than the last. The drive usually lasts around 3 to 4 hours looking on what you notice and there’s a break for morning coffee/tea and for evening sundowners that’s also a chance for a bush loo stop.

Usually the ranger would be in radio contact with other vehicles, either belonging to a similar lodge and/or neighbouring lodges traversing the similar area. It is a great thing because more eyes out within the bush mean more sightings and everybody wins.

But after all there’s an etiquette involved here. a non-public game reserve doesn’t want ten vehicles converging on a sighting unexpectedly because it disturbs the animals, the tranquillity of the bush and throws your probabilities of getting a blinding photo badly off-kilter. So when a vehicle comes across a chief sighting including among the many so-called Big Five, or wild dog cheetah etc, they spend a couple of minutes enjoying the sighting in peace before radioing in to other vehicles. There then follows a mild ‘dance’ between the rangers as to who heads to the sighting next counting on their distance away. Usually two and no more than three vehicles are allowed at a sighting at anybody time. In case you are second to a sighting, you can’t immediately go in front and take the perfect vantage point thus ruining the experience for the unique vehicle. However as they move off, your ranger can move the vehicle right into a better spot for photos. Your ranger will try and make it possible for all and sundry at the vehicle can get a tight photo, but counting on the terrain, the animal’s behaviour and the lighting, this isn’t always possible.

Sometimes you may also find yourselves in a form of ‘queue’. Obviously a very good ranger cannot make this obvious to you and can occupy the time discussing other things. The non-public game lodges generally stick with the reserve roads but are allowed to head off road to follow a serious sighting. However whether or not they accomplish that or not is dependent upon the terrain. It will possibly look fine to you but they’re going to know that there’s major ‘donga’ (sharp steep cleft inside the bush uncrossable) as an instance.
In an “ideal” game drive, you will want a mixture of good, sometimes even exciting sightings with lots of time to simply appreciate the animals, a lot of discussion together with your ranger and in addition the risk to benefit about other aspects of the bush corresponding to plants, birds, find out how to track animals, how you can know which animal passed at the basis in their dung etc.

However not every game drive is an epic one just as not on daily basis would be the best day ever. Some drives are quiet. Sometimes for the reason that of the elements – a powerful wind or a chilly front affects animals up to humans. Sometimes you’re just not lucky!      

2) Bring the suitable kit

I go into this in some detail in our What to Wear guide but so far as the true game drive goes, attempt to have the next:

•    Camera – See next point
•    Binoculars – the right you may afford and ideally one for every person
•    Sunblock
•    Wide brimmed hat for summer, and woolly beanie for winter
•    Animal and bird books – usually on sales inside the lodge shop in case you don’t already have
•    For bush loo stops – some tissue & a bag to place it in afterwards, hand sanitizer
•    Layers of clothing for late autumn to spring
•    Mosquito repellent for summer
•    Water (if the lodge doesn’t provide it)

For families
•    Simple animal check-list – great for keeping kids motivated
•    Access to photography if it is a disposable camera or borrowing your camera phone
•    Binoculars – ideally one for everybody – have I said that before? Shall I say it again
•    Dried fruits in case your kids tend to get hungry (though snacks are provided on the break)

3)    Sit in the course of the vehicle

This delivers the simplest of all worlds. You’re high up and so animal sightings are good but not thus far back that you simply can’t ask questions of the ranger.

However each seat has pros and cons. Front seat is right for older less mobile people and in winter, it’s definitely the warmest. But your sightings aren’t as nearly good since you don’t have the peak.

The first seat is good in the event you prefer to ask numerous questions and you have got an unobstructed view to front (my preference). The center row promises greater height but you could hear the ranger

The back seat is a like it or hate it experience. My husband reverts to being a naughty schoolboy behind the bus (much giggling and in-jokes with the children). It’s definitely the bumpiest option and in addition the coldest in winter but you do have the added good thing about having the ability to look over your shoulder at what’s behind the vehicle – ideal if a line of animals comparable to a pack of untamed dogs has just walked from front to the back.

4)    Ask Questions

This does what it says at the tin. The more you ask, the more you learn. Some rangers have verbal diahrea but most have rather more knowledge than they are able to possibly share with their guests,o  asking questions.

5)    Divide the photographic duties

As a pair, how one can get the smartest shots (unless considered one of you is a higher photographer ) is for one person to have a camera with a great zoom lens and the opposite to have a camera set on a general or wide lens setting. That way you’re ready to take both the close-up shot of the lion and the fantastic sunset shot over the waterhole without needing to constantly change lens.

6)    Have appropriate expectations

Some game rangers ask people what they would like to determine. Though i will understand why they try this – they need to grasp if someone is truly into birds or elephants or giraffes – inevitably someone says that they need to work out a leopard or a cheetah, two of the foremost elusive animals within the bush. Then the ranger has made a rod for his own back! Why does he do that?

Sure, give your ranger an concept of something that you’d prefer to see. But attempt to have as few expectations as possible. If it’s a quiet drive, ask many of questions and get the ranger sharing his knowledge with you.

7)    Have Patience

Your game ranger will attempt to make certain that everyone within the vehicle is worked up. That could mean which you stay longer at a sighting than you personally would like to because he’s changed location in order that others can get some shots. Similarly you’ve gotten desired to stay longer with some animals but others are keen to look an immense sighting that is nearby. Attempt to waft.

8)    Birds and Keen Photographers – Consider an individual vehicle

Generally speaking the shared game vehicle can be fine for many people, and personal vehicles can cost loads extra, reckoning on how the lodge prices it. (Some charge per vehicle and a few charge per empty seat in order that if there are just two of you…)

However if you’re either a) keen birders or b) keen photographers, i like to recommend considering a personal vehicle as your wants and needs differ from the typical safari visitor. With regards to birders, you could not have an interest in spending time on the usual animal sightings which other folks want. With regards to photographers, you will likely wish to spend far longer at a sighting than most folk, watching for the correct light or the proper angle.

Lots of our honeymoon clients – and plenty of our other clients in addition – are keen to do a beach and safari honeymoon. They need the safari experience but they need some R&R in addition.

But where to select?  That will depend on the time of year, your chosen type of beach holiday and likewise the scale of your wallet.

Beach & Safari honeymoons & Time of Year

As i’m always banging on – South Africa does have a undeniable winter season. The beaches along the Whale Coast and Garden Route are perfect for our summer months (November to March) and not more so at other times. I speak purely when it comes to lying at the beach baking within the hot sun – they continue to be stunningly beautiful.  If you’re coming in our winter eg June -July, even Durban beaches may somewhat be too cold. At the moment of year the simplest South African beach destination to think about is northern KwaZulu Natal eg. Thonga Beach Lodge or similar.

Mozambique, Mauritius, Lake Malawi are all perfect destinations for those winter months.

Conversely in high summer, those destinations could also be too hot for some fairer-skinned clients and from mid January to mid March the monsoon storms can play havoc in Mauritius and Mozambique.

Beach & Safari honeymoons & Form of Hotel

If you want the belief of a five star resort hotel with a call of restaurants, an array of water-sports on offer, a top-notch spa and superb service, then look no further than Mauritius or possibly Zanzibar.

However in case you like a more laid back variety of beach resort – smaller & more intimate where you’re not prone to be honeymoon couple number 15,  then consider Mozambique, northern KwaZulu Natal in South Africa or maybe Lake Malawi. There are some hotels which might be more resort-like inclusive of White Pearl Resort, Indigo Bay Resort & Spa and Zimbali Resort, but most are more beach lodges than ‘resorts’.

Beach & Safari honeymoons & Your Wallet

Both Mozambique and Mauritius involve pretty expensive regional flights to get to them from South Africa, though the flights to southern Mozambique are slightly less.

Having said that almost all Mozambique and Mauritius hotels offer honeymoon deals whereby the bride pays 50% in order that brings down the fees.

The most affordable technique to combine a safari honeymoon with a beach destination is to mix a safari in KwaZulu Natal with a beach lodge within sight, or even a southern Kruger safari with a beach lodge near Maputo together with Machangulo Beach Lodge.

Or investigate our Cape Town, Zulus & Pearls special offer

A Round up of the ideal Beach & Safari Honeymoon Destinations

South Africa 
In the summer months, you have got lots of beach destinations – Cape Town, Hermanus, Garden Route, KwaZulu Natal – to choose between. These may be easily combined with other interests to make your individual tailormade honeymoon – a classic example is our Romantic South Africa honeymoon.
Check out our pages on Beach Holidays in South Africa for more inspiration…

Sample Beach & Safari Honeymoons:
South Africa Safari & Beach
Isibindi Fly-In Safari
Honeymoon Special – Cape Town, Zulus & Pearls

Mozambique
Mozambique is one in every of our favorite destinations for honeymoons, usually combining a safari in South Africa. We now have some standalone fly-in beach holidays on the way to tailor the South African holiday on your liking after which add on a 5 night beach extension. These are priced for couples however the honeymoon price can be lower.

Sample Beach & Safari Honeymoons:
Kruger Safari  & Mozambique
Honeymoon Special – Cape Town, Kruger & Quirimbas Islands
Honeymoon Special – Kruger, Cape Town & Benguerra Island

Malawi
This is one you are able to not have considered! When you are curious about a more authentic safari experience, then Zambia is without doubt one of the best safari destinations in Africa with excellent sightings of the large predators, superb guides and great little safari lodges. It’s a simple 2 hour flight into Malawi with an onward light charter flight to at least one of the Lake Malawi beach lodges, a few of that are really stunning. Really worth considering…

Sample Beach & Safari Honeymoons:
Malawi Bush & Beach Honeymoon
Romantic Zambia & Malawi
Valley & Lake
Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi – straight beach honeymoon

Mauritius
The first choice for plenty of honeymoon clients due to array of fantastic hotels and resorts. You have to overnight in Johannesburg first but because of this you may combine a safari within the Kruger, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madikwe with a Mauritius honeymoon.
We don’t have any sample holidays as people choose the resort that suits them but take a look at our Mauritius pages.

Important Note:
All of those sample tours is also booked by non-honeymooners. Those titled “Honeymoon Special” on our website are priced specifically for honeymoon couples and so the value would be higher for other couples. Others are the identical price for every person (but honeymoon couples gets some extra honeymoon treats thrown in once they are on the hotels.)

CHECK OUT OUR HONEYMOON PAGES

Lots of our guests fly to the Kruger National Park and its adjacent private game reserves for his or her Kruger safari and fly straight out again. Unless you’re seriously short on time, i suspect that’s a true shame, because the countryside around Kruger National Park, including the Blyde River Canyon, is stunning.

1) The Panorama Route

The Panorama route is the name of the drive alongside the Blyde River Canyon in the beginning of the Highveld. This area of sculpted peaks and deep ravines, tumbling streams and green valleys provides a marked contrast to the sub-tropical bushveld of the Kruger. The panorama drive alongside the Blyde River Canyon, an imposing red sandstone gorge with sheer cliffs plunging into waters below, is magnificent. It is usually used to get from the northern Kruger area including the Timbavati and northerly Sabi Sands right down to the Hazyview area where the various country lodges are situated. It truly is worth taking either as a scenic day drive or so one can get from A to B. Nearby is Pilgrim’s Rest, a restored mining village that was the epi-centre of the 19th century gold rush, and the town’s many preserved houses and museums bring alive this fascinating history of false hopes and dashed dreams.

2) Relax & Lie In

After the very early mornings of a Kruger safari, it truly is good a good way to lie in for some real R&R. a few of the lodges along with Cybele Forest Lodge or Olivers have stunning spa facilities so that you don’t even have to leave the lodge to enjoy yourselves . Here is particularly needed if you’re spending time at two different safari lodges. We endorse breaking apart your Kruger safari experience with 2 nights at a rustic lodge in between.

3) Enjoy some activity

A Kruger safari in a personal game lodge or inside the Kruger park itself inevitably involves a lot of sitting in game vehicles and many eating of fine food. The Blyde River Canyon area provides the appropriate antedote with a variety of soft adventure activities on offer equivalent to like ziplining, white water rafting, kloofing, hiking around Blyde River Canyon or maybe some more sedate rambles to go to pretty waterfalls around Sabie. (Here’s a picture of my daughter ziplining…)

And two practical reasons:

4) Flight Connections

If you’re connecting to a different destination throughout the region inclusive of Botswana, Victoria Falls or Mozambique, you regularly need to stay overnight in Johannesburg because the flights depart within the morning between 11 and 12 noon. You may avoid this overnight city stop should you catch the early morning flight from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (or KMIA for brief) as much as Johannesburg.

You cannot stay at a game reserve and catch this flight as there’s not enough time to get to the airport (the reserve gates don’t open until 6am) but you could spend an evening or two at a rustic lodge.

Similarly to be able to fly direct from the Kruger Airport to Victoria Falls (which departs mid morning), you would need to miss your final game drive whenever you were staying at a game lodge, whereas you’re able to have a leisurely breakfast at a rustic house hotel before the quick 30-40 minute drive to the airport.

5) Driving back to Johannesburg

Finally a good way to drive back to Johannesburg in preference to flying (cheaper if you find yourself a family) then the drive from among the many private game lodges will take you not less than 6 hours and regularly more like 7 hours. Not pleasant with kids! But the drive from one of several country lodges is a way more reasonable 4 to 4½ hours counting on which one you pick, and at the least 1/2 that drive is particularly scenic.

Trip Report on Cybele Forest Lodge

Recently we stayed at Cybele Forest Lodge & Spa near the Blyde River Canyon area and that i thoroughly recommend this lodge, ideally for no less than 2 nights (or 3 nights – see the special below). It’s far an old hunting lodge in the midst of a forest which have been became an overly convivial country house hotel. There’s a range of room types to fit various pockets from their well-appointed and spacious luxury rooms as much as their massive Paddock Suites which come complete with their very own garden and big private pool. These are great for honeymoon couples or even families with kids of 10 upwards as there’s a mezzanine level that can accommodate two children with their very own shower room. Cybele has long had a name for nice food and there’s an intensive a la carte menu in addition to a tasting menu with wine pairing. The breakfasts were superb and in addition to the Spa, there’s a rather well equipped gym in case you are feeling somewhat guilty about your food intake! There’s also a captivating walk along the riverside and a secluded swimming pool of their extensive gardens.

Long Stay Special at Cybele Forest Lodge

If you might have more time, you may make the most our 3 for two special – stay 3 nights at Cybele Forest Lodge but pay for less than two…