South Africa offers so much culture, great food, majestic views, and unique experiences (South Africa Activities for Tourists: # Best Things to Do in South Africa) – and that’s why it’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination for honeymooners.

Considering all that the rainbow nation can offer, it can be overwhelming trying to plan the perfect romantic getaway. There are just too many places to visit, food spots to try out, and adventures to go to.

Here’s a quick rundown of South Africa honeymoon ideas to help you craft that perfect itinerary.

Planning the best honeymoon experience in South Africa

Not all couples are alike and share the same interests, so we devised a few sample itineraries for different types of honeymooners.

For the foodies

If you and your partner are followers of gastronomy, South Africa offers unique local and infused flavours you might enjoy. Here are our top picks of restaurants to try out:

1. The Test Kitchen

Website: https://www.thetestkitchen.co.za/

Address: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa

Contact number:  +27 21 447 2337

The Test Kitchen is a highly acclaimed restaurant located in Cape Town, South Africa. They’re known for their innovative and experimental approach to food, which combines traditional South African flavours with contemporary techniques and presentation. 

The Test Kitchen is headed by Chef Luke Dale-Roberts, who has been recognised as one of the most influential chefs in South Africa, and has received numerous accolades for his work at the restaurant. 

The restaurant’s menu changes regularly and features a variety of dishes that showcase the best of South African ingredients and flavours. 

They’re listed as the best restaurant in Africa by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and named as one of the best restaurants in the world.

2. La Colombe

Website: https://lacolombe.restaurant/

Address: Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa

Contact number: +27 21 794 2390

La Colombe is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Constantia, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. The restaurant features contemporary French-inspired cuisine, which is heavily influenced by local South African ingredients. 

Their menu is designed to be a culinary journey and features an ever-changing selection of dishes that showcase the best of local and seasonal ingredients. 

The restaurant is run by Chef Scot Kirton, who has been at the helm since opening in 2000 and is now a recipient of multiple awards and recognitions. 

La Colombe has been listed as one of the top restaurants in South Africa, as well as Africa and the Middle East by various publications. Moreover, they’re quite popular for their tranquil setting, with a beautiful garden and vineyard views.

3. Five Hundred at The Saxon

Website: https://www.saxon.co.za/

Address: 36 Saxon Rd, Sandhurst, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa

Contact number: +27 87 375 7777

In Johannesburg, South Africa, there is a fine dining establishment called Five Hundred at The Saxon. The Saxon Hotel, a five-star boutique hotel in the exclusive Sandhurst neighbourhood, houses the restaurant. 

Five Hundred at The Saxon is renowned for its modern European cuisine, which is strongly influenced by ingredients found in South Africa. 

The menu is intended to be a gastronomic adventure, and it offers a variety of dishes that highlight the best local and seasonal ingredients on a regular basis. 

Executive Chef David Higgs, who has won multiple awards for his work, oversees the restaurant. Aside from its delicious food, the restaurant is renowned for its chic decor and stunning garden views.

4. Cassia Restaurant, Durbanville

Website: http://www.cassiarestaurant.co.za/

Address: Nitida Wine Farm Tygerberg Valley Road, M13, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550, South Africa

Contact number: +27 21 976 0640

Cassia Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant located in Cape Town, South Africa. The restaurant is led by Chef Arno Janse van Rensburg, who trained under some of the world’s top chefs such as Rene Redzepi of Noma and Ferran Adria of El Bulli. 

The menu at Cassia is inspired by the flavours of the Eastern Cape, with a focus on locally sourced and foraged ingredients. The restaurant has a modern and elegant decor and offers a sophisticated dining experience. 

5. Salt

Website: https://www.facebook.com/saltkalkbay

Address: 136 Main Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape Town, 7975, South Africa

Contact number: +27 21 788 3992

Salt is considered one of the most popular romantic restaurants in South Africa. They feature a South African-French-inspired menu and their food is always fresh, especially the fish dishes.

However, Salt is quite popular and is often busy, so it’s best to call in advance and set a reservation.

6. Wine Tasting

Some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the nation, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, are found in the Western Cape province’s Cape Winelands.

Wine-tasting selections in these areas range from major, commercial wineries to small, family-owned vineyards. Wine farms that provide tours, tastings, and pairings with regional cuisine are also available to visitors. 

The winelands are renowned for their breathtaking scenery and ancient structures. Most of the wineries also offer complimentary food too, so it’s a great idea for a romantic yet adventurous date.

For the adventurers

With a wide variety of thrilling activities available to visitors, South Africa is hailed as the Adventure Capital of the World. 

The nation offers a wide variety of sports to accommodate all adventure seekers, including bungee jumping, paragliding, and shark cage diving, in addition to safari, trekking, and mountain biking. 

The country’s natural beauty and rough and varied terrain provide the ideal setting for outdoor sports. Through safaris and whale watching, tourists can also learn about the country’s unique wildlife and marine life. 

Whether you enjoy extreme sports or being outside, South Africa has something to offer everyone. Here are some unique experiences you might find thrilling:

1. Visit the safari

You and your lover can embark on game drives in South Africa’s Kruger National Park to observe a variety of animal species, including the prominent “big five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). 

With over 500 bird species and 147 animal species in the reserve, the park is one of the biggest game reserves in Africa and a favourite holiday spot for nature lovers. 

You can opt to experience the game drive from an open-air or enclosed vehicle. A safari guide will also be accompanying you on the brief trip.

2. Go whale watching

In South Africa, whale watching is a popular activity that draws tourists from all over the world to its breathtaking coastline. Several whale species, including Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, and Bryde’s Whales are found in the region. 

From June to November of every year, these whales can be spotted in the waters off the coast. The Western Cape, the Garden Route, and the Eastern Cape are among South Africa’s top locations for whale viewing. 

The whales can be seen up close by taking guided boat trips offered by local businesses, or they can be seen from the shore. 

These trips are led by knowledgeable tour guides who can provide information about the whales and their behaviour, as well as spotting equipment to help locate them.

3. Try out paragliding

South Africa is a top destination for paraglider enthusiasts due to its varied topography, pleasant weather and breathtaking landscapes.

The Western Cape, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the Magaliesburg Mountains are some of South Africa’s top para-gliding locations. Strong thermal currents in the Western Cape, in particular, are noted for making the region perfect for para-gliding.

Visitors can select from a range of para-gliding activities, such as tandem flights with skilled instructors, or they can opt to take courses to learn how to fly alone. 

There are numerous para-gliding schools in the area that provide instruction, equipment rentals, and escorted tours of the surroundings.

4. Go trekking

The opportunity to see South Africa’s varied landscapes and visual magnificence on foot is granted by the popular outdoor activity of trekking. 

There are several hiking trails in South Africa, ranging from short walks to strenuous hikes, to accommodate varying levels of fitness and expertise. 

The Drakensberg Mountains, Cederberg Mountains, and Magaliesburg Mountains are a few of South Africa’s most popular trekking locations. These trekking sites offer spectacular panoramas, a wide variety of fauna, and distinctive geological structures. 

There are numerous hiking options available to visitors, including multi-day treks, self-directed walks, and guided tours.

In order to provide a secure and comfortable journey, there are also several trekking businesses that provide guides with the experience, equipment rental, food, and lodging.

5. Experience mountain biking

There are numerous renowned mountain bike tracks in South Africa that are suitable for riders of all fitness levels and proficiency. 

Some of South Africa’s most sought-after mountain riding locations include Cape Town’s Tokai Forest, Helderberg Trails Park, The Garden Route Trail Park, and The Glen.

Mountain biking excursions that are available to bikers include multi-day vacations, self-directed rides, and guided tours. 

Also, there are a number of mountain bike businesses that provide guides with years of experience, allow equipment rental, and offer meals and a place to stay.

For art and culture buffs

South Africa is called the rainbow nation for a reason. The history, geography, and numerous distinct communities that call South Africa home have all had an impact on the country’s rich and varied cultural legacy.

Stop by prominent historical places and learn the story behind the nation’s accounts and struggles.

1. The Nelson Mandela National Museum

Nelson Mandela is a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black president of the country, and also the first president to be elected under a democratic election.

Mandela is revered as a global symbol of social justice and democracy and is known as the “father of the nation” in South Africa. 

He is renowned for his activism in the struggle against racism, poverty, and inequality, as well as for his efforts to advance peace and reconciliation. He was also awarded the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.

The former home of Nelson Mandela in Soweto, South Africa, popularly known as Mandela House, has been transformed into a museum to preserve his legacy. 

Here, you’ll find Mandela’s belongings and you can also book a tour to follow his footsteps through life.

2. Apartheid Museum

Anyone curious about the nation’s history of racial segregation and oppression under the apartheid era might also visit the Apartheid Museum. 

Through video, pictures, newspaper clippings, personal experiences, and relics, the museum tells a thorough and compelling story of the rise of apartheid in the early 20th century to its fall in the 1990s.

Additionally, the museum acts as a reminder of the horrors committed during this time period and of the ongoing attempts to advance reconciliation and human rights in South Africa.

3. Red Location Museum

The Red Location Museum is a historical museum located in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It is committed to the fight for democracy and human rights in the nation and is named after the Red Location informal settlement. 

Since its establishment in 2005, the museum has documented the history of the fight against apartheid and the contribution of the Red Location settlement to that campaign. 

The museum has multimedia displays and interactive exhibits and is housed in a recognisable red structure. 

Additionally, it offers educational programmes to the general public and to tourists, fostering a better understanding of the nation’s history and the struggle for human rights.

4. Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap, a historic district in Cape Town, South Africa, is well-known for its lively locals and colourful homes. The area, which is located on Signal Hill’s slopes, used to be predominantly Muslim. 

It is one of Cape Town’s oldest still-existing residential neighbourhoods, and because the houses there are often brightly painted in a rainbow of hues, it has become a popular tourist destination. 

Many of the people who live in Bo-Kaap are descended from the first Malay slaves who were brought to the Cape by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries, making the area famous for its rich cultural legacy.

Bo-Kaap is home to several significant cultural institutions, including the Bo-Kaap Museum, which is devoted to the history and culture of the region, and the Auwal Mosque, which is thought to be the oldest mosque in South Africa. 

Offering a window into the country’s rich history and different communities, Bo-Kaap is a distinctive and dynamic component of South Africa’s cultural heritage.

5. The Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in human evolution, archaeology, and palaeontology. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site located  roughly 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg.

It is recognised as the birthplace of humanity and as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The region has a rich fossil record that offers crucial insights into the ancient history of people. 

This record includes early hominin species as well as other extinct creatures. The site also includes a number of caverns, including the Sterkfontein Caves and the Swartkrans Caves, both of which have yielded significant fossil discoveries. 

The Cradle of Humankind offers tours into the caverns, hands-on exhibitions, and information about the site’s importance to science and culture.

BONUS SECTION: Where to stay in South Africa

To make your planning easier, we’ve also included a list of great places to stay whilst on honeymoon.

1. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

Website: https://www.kaggakamma.co.za/

Address: R303, Koue Bokkeveld, Cederberg, 6836, South Africa

Contact number: +27 (0) 21 872 4343

Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a place that will allow you to experience the country’s nature. This multi-awarded resort is tucked away from the cities and is nestled among the natural rock formations in the Cederberg.

They also offer discounts and event packages, including a honeymoon package, which is awesome. If you avail of this package, expect to pay R 8070 to 9900 per couple for an overnight stay.

2. Thonga Beach Lodge

Website: https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/

Address: Manzengwenya, 3985, South Africa

Contact number: +27 35 474 1473

For those seeking a private eco-friendly beach holiday, Thonga Beach Lodge is the ideal location. It is a luxurious eco-friendly resort located on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 

The lodge is nestled on the immaculate beaches of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Thonga Beach Lodge offers a wide range of activities, including kayaking, diving, snorkelling, and cultural tours. They also serve delicious, fresh seafood and meals with African influences in the lodge’s restaurant. 

3. The Silo Hotel

Website: www.theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo-hotel/overview/

Address: Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Contact number: +27 21 670 0500

The V&A Waterfront neighbourhood of Cape Town, South Africa, is home to the upscale hotel called The Silo Hotel. The establishment was born from renovating the historic grain silo complex which was constructed in the 1920s.

The Silo Hotel is a six-story hotel with 28 rooms as well as a spa, gym, and rooftop infinity pool. The Zeitz MOCAA modern art gallery, which is housed in the Silo building, is also part of the hotel. 

4. Saamrus Guest Farm, Hekpoort Valley, Magaliesberg

Website: saamrus.co.za

Address: RH 4 Doornkloof, Magaliesburg, 1791, South Africa

Contact number: +27 72 487 1733

The self-catering cottages on this 500-hectare estate are by far the most secluded, romantic, and have the greatest views in the region. 

The only challenge is that a 4×4 is necessary to get to the hillside cottages; otherwise, you’ll have to climb the 200–400-metre incline on foot. Fortunately, there are some staff who are ready to assist with the carrying.

Their rates are quite cheap too, priced around R 980 per cottage (2 pax) on weekends. Take note, though, that during weekends, you’re required to stay for a minimum of two nights.

5. Bushriver Lodge, Hoedspruit

Website: https://bushriver.co.za/

Address: Oxford Farm, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa

Contact number: +27 79 366 7258

South Africa’s Hoedspruit is home to the luxurious safari lodge known as Bushriver Lodge. You can experience a wide range of activities here, including guided bush walks, game drives, and cultural excursions. 

Chalets are available for lodging, and they offer breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the bushveld. 

On top of that, the lodge’s restaurant offers delectable dishes made with fresh local ingredients. A variety of species, including the big five, may be found at the resort, as they are located within a private game reserve. 

6. Oudebosch Eco Cabins, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Kleinmond

Website: https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/kogelberg-nature-reserve/

Address: Kogelberg Nature Reserve, South Africa

Contact number: +27 87 087 8250

Oudebosch Eco Cabins is an eco-friendly accommodation located in the Western Cape, South Africa. The cabins are situated on a working farm and surrounded by the beautiful fynbos vegetation. 

What’s awesome is these cabins are self-catering, equipped with all the necessary amenities, and are powered by solar energy. 

They also offer spectacular views of the Langeberg Mountains, and guests can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and stargazing. In addition, they’re close to the towns of Swellendam and Heidelberg, making it easier to explore the surrounding area.

FAQs about Honeymooning in South Africa

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That wraps it up for us here! 

Got any great honeymoon ideas to add to this list? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comment box below!