Planning a romantic getaway? Why not visit South Africa. With its diverse landscape and wildlife, it is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
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I have traveled to South Africa several times and I have loved it each time. One of the most amazing things about South Africa is how vast and diverse the country is. Every place you visit there has a romantic aspect to it. Here are some of my picks for most romantic getaways in South Africa.
1) Connect with the Family Run Umlilo Lodge, St. Lucia, South Africa
I walked into Umlilo Lodge and felt like I was walking into a jungle. I loved their private plunge pool and panoramic views. It’s the most serene and peaceful guest house that I’ve ever stayed in. I fell asleep to the sounds of the waterfall right outside my window – soothing and romantic.
I woke up to the friendly owners serving up a great breakfast. St. Lucia is a small village. It is also home to some wild residents – hippos are known to hang out across the street from the Umlilo Lodge. Perhaps looking for a way in?
2) Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa
Tembe Elephant Park remains one of my favorite wildlife safari destinations on the planet. Part of that experience included the luxurious accommodation that is perfect for wilderness purists as Tembe calls them.
Our canvas tent was in the middle of the African wilderness (surrounded by a fence to keep the elephants out) which we accessed via a private path. I’ve got to admit, the captivating wildlife really blew my mind.
I’m not big on camping, but this was nothing even close to camping. It was a luxury tent of sorts. The jungle sounds were incredibly romantic. This is definitely an African honeymoon destination in my book!
There is also an outdoor shower (with hot water) to really put you in touch with nature. My only regret is staying for just one night. It goes without saying that Tembe Elephant Park is included on my list of the Best Places to See Wildlife in South Africa.
3) Timamoon Lodge, Hazyview
Timamoon Lodge is a great romantic getaway in South Africa. Located near Hazyview high up in the forest and each of its rooms are secluded. Each of the rooms is unique in decor making the experience unique. Each of the rooms comes with its own private pools and day beds so you are free to enjoy the outdoors without being disturbed.
You are surrounded by only the sounds of the forests and it is pure tranquility. They can even set up a romantic dinner by your villa that will give you an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
4) Kuhestan Farm Cottages
Kuhestan Farm Cottages are nestled in the Magoebaskloef mountains. This beautiful property is run by a friendly couple who welcome you with freshly baked bread and natural jams that they make at their property.
The cottages are a fair distance from the main house. Enjoy the surrounding gardens which you are free to explore. Enjoy awe-inspiring mountains and even meet some of the Samango monkeys that call the neighboring Woodbush forest home. Kuhestan is also an organic farm and produces some great products that you can purchase during your stay.
When planning your romantic South Africa getaway also be sure to check out these South African travel packages.
5) Ezulwini Game Lodges
Ezulwini Lodge is located in the Balule Private Nature Reserve in the Kruger National Park. This lodge is an excellent place to stay if you are looking for a romantic getaway in South Africa. Enjoy a candlelit dinner with nature.
The lodge offers 2 game drives a day and rooms overlooking the beautiful Olifants River. Each chalet is a traditional rondavel hut which adds to the perfect African atmosphere.
6) The Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban
The Oyster Box Hotel is located in the popular quaint town of Umhlanga Rocks, Durban. I love this luxury resort, it has some of the best views of the lighthouse and the Indian Ocean’s blue water, ringed by coral reefs. This is a perfect place to enjoy a romantic getaway in South Africa.
Spend the night in your luxurious hotel suite and then make your way down to the plunge pool that has some spectacular views, pair this with some great South African wine. You can end off your day in this beautiful destination with a massage in the spa and a great seafood curry at the Oceans Terraces restaurant.
7) Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, Franschhoek
Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa is located an hour away from Cape Town in the Cape Winelands. Choose between rooms and villas which come equipped with a kitchen. Franshoek is the culinary capital of the cape and the restaurant Sauvage serves some of the best fine dining in the area.
Enjoy the romantic setting, candle-lit dinners, wellness centers, and the tranquillity of the mountains. You can also enjoy some pampering sessions at the Camelot Spa. Besides the Cape Winelands, there are some great outdoor opportunities available around this beautiful hotel.
8) The Westin Cape Town
The Westin Cape Town is one of the best romantic hotels in the city. The hotel is located near the infamous V&A Waterfront. The hotel is modern and luxurious and the views from the rooms are amazing and they have a fitness center too!
The rooms are massive and have a great lounge area that comes standard. The best part of the hotel is the massive breakfast buffet that serves everything including fresh fish. They also have some of the best coffee.
9) Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay
Tsala Treetop Lodge located near Plettenberg Bay is a unique experience. Each room or suite is in a treehouse high above the forest. You have your own outdoor pool and wide windows with the best views.
Enjoy a relaxing bath in the deep bathtubs that have the most spectacular views over the forest. Each room also has a fireplace and a lounge area so you have enough space. It is the most unique and romantic getaway in this part of South Africa.
10) The Lofts Boutique Hotel, Knysna
The Lofts Boutique Hotel is located in Knysna on South Africa’s Garden Route. The region is made up of small coastal towns like Knysna. It is perfect for a romantic getaway. The hotel has great decor.
Some of the rooms have balconies that overlook the beautiful Knysna Lagoon which is one of the highlights of the area. Enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the sunset. It really doesn’t get better than that in this African country.
Bonus
Sibane Hotel, Sibane, Swaziland
Technically this isn’t in South Africa (well it’s a landlocked country in South Africa), I had to add it in as a bonus as it really is one of my favorite romantic getaways.
It’s not very often that you walk into a hotel room and say WOW, but that’s exactly what I did when I first walked into my room at Sibane Hotel. Each of the 30 chalets, is decorated in a unique, moody, style that sets the mood for romance.
There’s also a terrace off the bar area which is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset. I felt miles away from everything, even though Sibane Hotel is conveniently located near the Mantegna Cultural Village which is not to be missed. Book here for your travel dates.
With all of these choices in South Africa for a romantic getaway, which will you be putting on your list of must-sees?
