Ultimate South Africa Honeymoon Itinerary & Guide
Let’s take you to one of the planet’s best destinations with our South Africa Honeymoon Itinerary & Guide
Welcome to the Ultimate South Africa Honeymoon Itinerary & Guide!
Atop a land rover finding the Big 5 on a safari, on a boat spotting whales, saying hello to a penguin up close, sipping a glass of local wine in a vineyard.
Jumping from the world’s highest bungee, exploring beaches, experiencing sights, sounds & tastes of the cosmopolitan cities, we’re just obsessed with a South Africa honeymoon!
Trust us, you’ll both want to return, again and again, on your anniversary trips.
South Africa ticks the boxes for many types of honeymoon! Whether you’re seeking an epic road trip honeymoon, a delectable foodie honeymoon, a city honeymoon or wildlife honeymoon – the rainbow nation has you covered.
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime with our Ultimate South Africa Honeymoon Itinerary & Guide!
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Best time to visit South Africa for honeymoon
South Africa is a year-round destination, with varying regional climates.
As it’s in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite to North America, Europe and Asia.
Most first-time visitors will head to Cape Town & The Garden Route.
You will experience optimum weather during the South African summer from October to April in this area. Temperatures average 25°C / 77 °F in high summer.
During the South African winter, from June to August, you can expect cooler temperatures averaging 15°C / 60 °F with some rain.
During the shoulder months of May & September, extremely good value can be found, and the weather is usually pleasant. As the south-west has a coastal climate, there is always a risk of rain.
During summer, Johannesburg and Kruger National Park experience a rainy season, so if you’re planning to add on a safari to your South Africa honeymoon itinerary, this area is best from April to October.
How to get around South Africa
If you’re planning a South Africa honeymoon itinerary, you’ll most likely hire a car and might even take one or two domestic flights.
The easiest and most cost efficient way to travel through South Africa’s Garden Route is by rental car. South Africans drive on the left.
You could arrange a private driver or tag on to a group tour, but car hire is the best way to get around.
Depending on your itinerary, you may not need a car in Cape Town or Johannesburg unless you want to tour the surrounding region by yourselves.
You can easily use Uber. Plus, there are plenty of great day trips and excursions, meaning you can relax and see the sights with a guide.
If you’re short on time or travelling to Kruger National Park, you may take a domestic flight. Book these early to get the best deals.
South Africa Honeymoon Itinerary
Where to go and what to do on a South Africa honeymoon? Read on for our tried and tested 14 night South Africa honeymoon itinerary and guide.
But, don’t worry even if you have less time or more time, we’ve got tips on where you can skip and where you can add on. Use the below as a guide to craft your own perfect South Africa honeymoon itinerary!
This trip starts in Cape Town (airport code: CPT) and ends with a safari in either the Eastern Cape near the city of Gqeberha, formerly called Port Elizabeth (at the end of the Garden Route – airport code: PLZ) or in Kruger, which has its own airports but is also closer to Johannesburg.
You can, of course, do this itinerary in reverse, too!
If you have the time and budget, highly recommend adding on a beach somewhere to create a once-in-a-life-time multi-destination honeymoon. Read on to find out more…
Day 1 – 4 Cape Town
One of the world’s most captivating cities, close to where two oceans collide and with the iconic Table Mountain looming large – Cape Town is a true delight and a must-stop on your South Africa honeymoon itinerary.
It’s a wonderful city to kick off your South Africa honeymoon and we recommend planning as much time as you can in the Mother City!
From sunny beach-side neighbourhoods to its vibrant harbour area, spectacular scenery and a sensational dining scene, you won’t want to leave.
It’s packed full of cute boutique hotels and luxury spots, too.
The affluent Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area has always been the number one destination for tourists but the Atlantic coastal suburbs like Camps Bay & Bantry Bay with their array of chic boutique hotels, bars and restaurants are great choices too. The City Bowl or De Waterkant are also worth exploring.
Take the cable car up to Table Mountain or for lovers of the great outdoors you can hike, bike and even paraglide or abseil. Hikers will love the Lion’s Head sunrise hike.
Do a tour of colourful Bo-Kaap and take a Malay cooking class. Spend a day relaxing on Hout Bay beach.
A day trip to the Cape of Good Hope & Boulders Beach to meet the penguin colony should not be missed off your South Africa honeymoon itinerary.
No trip is complete without learning more about the life-story of South Africa’s most famous son, Nelson Mandela and the struggle against apartheid.
Take the trip to Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for 18 years
If you’re not driving the Garden Route or are short on time, you can easily take day trips from Cape Town to the wine lands, Hermanus, for whale watching.
There are some safari lodges near Cape Town such as Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, if you don’t want to drive or fly and want to stick around the Cape Town area.
You can even go on a day safari to the nearby Aquila Private Game Reserve, too.
With an ever-evolving dining scene, you won’t be short on innovative places to eat. Chef’s Warehouse group, The Test Kitchen and Pot Luck Club are worth checking out.
Want to shop and eat? Cape Town is buzzing with creative energy with many independent boutiques.
Look out for leather, affordable locally made jewellery, rooibos tea & of course, wine! Don’t miss Neighbourgoods Market.
You can see why a Cape Town honeymoon is popular!
Where to stay:
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Day 5 – Hermanus
This lovely, bustling fishing town, 90 minutes from Cape Town, is one of the best places to whale watch in the world.
From June to November, take a trip out to the Atlantic or even see them from land.
Book the best whale watching tour in advance. They usually start early in the morning, so be there early.
If you’re travelling this way, don’t miss a detour to the most southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas.
Nearby Gansbaai is known for its shark-infested waters and if you have time, you can explore the stunning surrounds of this area at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
If you are travelling outside of whale watching season, you could add an extra day in Cape Town instead – there is so much to do there after all!
Where to stay:
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
Day 6 & 7 — Cape Winelands
For lovers of fine wine and food, the Cape Winelands have to be on your South Africa honeymoon itinerary.
Franschhoek is a valley town and the gastronomic capital of South Africa. Stellenbosch is a buzzing university town. Paarl is one of the oldest colonial towns in South Africa. They are the gateway to the beautiful vineyards.
Wine, art galleries & buzzing restaurants and bars await and the hardest part of visiting this area will be choosing from the many incredible restaurants & vineyards.
While you can take a day trip from Cape Town, we highly recommend staying more than one night. Not only to enjoy the wine but also the stunning surroundings and beautiful hotels.
Our top pick is Franschhoek as you can hop on the Wine Tram or even on an electronic bike for a day of vineyard hopping!
South Africa honeymoon hack: If you don’t want to start your honeymoon with a busy few days of sightseeing or don’t want to start or end your South Africa honeymoon itinerary with a safari, consider starting your South Africa honeymoon in the Cape Winelands. This area is just over an hour from Cape Town airport.
You can relax for your first few days, sampling all the wine and eating all the food while staying in a luxury boutique hotel.
Keep following this Garden Route itinerary and, after your safari, take a short flight from Gqeberha back to Cape Town to finish up. This suits if you’re planning an Eastern Cape Safari.
Where to stay:
Day 8 – Oudtshoorn or Wilderness
Drive through Klein Karoo to Oudtshoorn which is famous for its ostriches, the Cango Caves and the Swartberg mountain range and Cape Floral UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cape Floral covers less than 0.5% of the continent but is home to nearly 20% of its flora!
Wilderness is about an hour away on the coast and has stretches of pristine coastline (although not all beaches are safe for swimming).
This is an excellent spot for scenic hikes, horse-riding with forests, lakes and mountains nearby. An outdoor lover’s paradise.
If you have more time, you could stopover to explore both areas, but otherwise, pick one. Either is a great stopover to the Garden Route which officially starts at Mossel Bay.
Where to stay:
Day 9, 10 & 11 – Plettenberg Bay
Knysna and about 30kms further along, Plettenberg Bay are two highlights along the Garden Route.
Knysna, the busier of the two, is a town surrounded by a lagoon with a bustling waterfront and is a lovely option.
Plett (as it’s affectionately known) surrounds a vast beach and is a little closer to the adventure lovers paradise, Tsitsikamma National Park.
For adventure lovers, Tsitsikamma is an essential addition to a South Africa honeymoon itinerary.
Kayaking, ziplining, fishing, river tubing are just some of the activities you’ll find in this area.
Abundant nature walks along the coast such as the Robberg Nature Reserve or amongst ancient forests such as Storms River Mouth Trail will leave you sorry you don’t have more time.
Don’t forget Bloukrans Bridge Bungy Jump – the world’s highest. Only daredevils need apply!
Where to stay:
Villa Afrikana Guest Suites Knysna
Day 12, 13, 14 — Safari
The big question when planning your South Africa honeymoon itinerary is whether to choose between Kruger National Park vs Eastern Cape for a safari.
Both the Eastern Cape (at the end of the Garden Route) and Kruger National Park (in the north east of the country) will knock your socks off with world class game viewing and South African hospitality at its finest.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is a fantastic place to experience a safari. It’s malaria free.
You don’t need to take an extra flight if you’re driving the Garden Route and it has plenty of accommodation options, too.
These are usually private game reserves on extensive tracts of land, therefore aren’t as vast as a national park.
However, there is a misconception that it’s more like a zoo, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
You will never see the perimeter of the reserve, and you’re still in the middle of the bush. Reserves like these are imperative for wildlife conservation.
Because the land isn’t as vast, you will nearly always see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo). Your safari guide / ranger will know where to find them.
The landscapes are also more green in this area. The Eastern Cape is an excellent year round safari destination.
Although it is cooler during the South African winter – from May to September, you can get fantastic deals, discounts such as 3 nights for the price of 2!
If you finish up on an Eastern Cape safari, you’ll need to fly home via Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth which is only 1-2 hours from most safari lodges.
Where to stay:
Shamwari Eagles Crag or Shamwari Sindile
Amakhala Bukela Game Lodge (Amakhala Game Reserve have a range of lodges and camps to suit most budgets)
Lalibela Game Reserve Kichaka Lodge
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the ultimate safari destinations on the continent of Africa and is more wild, dry, and vast.
It has many mammal and bird species, including the Big 5. To get there takes 1-2 flights depending on your itinerary or it’s about a 6-hour drive from Johannesburg.
There are different airports in Kruger but the main ones are Phalaborwa in northern Kruger (airport code: PHW), Hoedspruit Eastgate in central Kruger (airport code: HDS) and Kruger Mpumalanga (airport code: KMI) in southern Kruger.
Kruger gets hot during the South African summer, bringing rain, making it a little harder to see the wildlife. The best time to visit Kruger is from April to October.
You can fly to Kruger’s airports from Johannesburg and Cape Town. So, if you do the Garden Route, you’ll need to take a flight.
Where to stay:
Kruger Shalati – Train on The Bridge & Garden Suites
What happens on safari?
Once you’ve settled on the season you want to travel, the area you want to safari in and how much time you have, then the fun of choosing a lodge or camp begins!
Typically, your safari will include at least 2 game drives per day plus meals and sometimes drinks. (A game drive is where you board a safari vehicle and head out for a few hours to spot wildlife.)
There is an afternoon and morning game drive as standard. If you arrive by midday, you can take part in the afternoon game drive and on the last day don’t leave until lunchtime so you can get a last game drive in.
So if you spend 2 nights and arrive early and leave in the afternoon, you’ll get 4 game drives in and if you spend 3 nights, you’ll usually manage 6 game drives.
If you have more time
If you’re travelling to Kruger National Park for safari, or passing through, then Johannesburg is worth a stop for a night or two!
Visit the Soweto and the Apartheid Museum and explore the artsy Maboneng Precinct. Stay at The Peech Hotel.
For luxury train lovers, check out the Blue Train, which travels from Cape Town to Pretoria, and the stunning Rovos Rail has some epic journeys.
Other areas to consider exploring on your South Africa honeymoon itinerary include the Wild Coast – an untouched stretch along the Eastern Cape is a haven for couples seeking solitude and natural beauty. Think deserted beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs.
KwaZulu-Natal is a diverse province offering everything from the warm beaches of Durban to the wildlife-rich wetlands of iSimangaliso.
The Drakensberg Mountains have beautiful hiking trails, horseback riding, and hot air ballooning against a backdrop of towering peaks and lush valleys. Ideal for adventure-loving couples.
Just a short drive from Cape Town, the West Coast offers quaint fishing villages and unspoiled beaches.
It’s a quieter alternative to the bustling city, with opportunities for kite surfing and bird watching.
If your honeymoon falls between August and September, consider a detour to Namaqualand in the Northern Cape. This arid region transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour as wildflowers bloom.
Good to know about South Africa
Time Zone: GMT +2
Language: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English (although there are a total of 35 languages spoken in the country)
Capital: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial)
Population: 60 million
Currency: R Rand (ZAR)
A few phrases:
Hi: Sawubona (Zulu), Mholweni (Xhosa), Hallo (Afrikaans)
Thank you: Siyabonga (Zulu), Enkosi (Xhosa), Dankie (Afrikaans)
Goodbye: Hamba Kahle (Zulu), Sala Kakuhle (Xhosa), Totsiens (Afrikaans)
South Africa Honeymoon Frequently asked questions
Is South Africa good for a honeymoon?
Absolutely! A South Africa honeymoon is a stellar choice for couples seeking a trip that’s a cut above the ordinary.
We may be biased but it’s one of our favourite honeymoon destinations.
Explore awe-inspiring landscapes, sip on wine in world-class vineyards, and have bucket list wildlife encounters.
Is South Africa safe for a honeymoon?
South Africa is a popular destination for European travelers, and the majority of couples on a South Africa honeymoon visit the country without encountering any issues.
However, South Africa sadly has a high level of crime but the risk of violent crime for visitors is generally low.
As with any country, common sense prevails. We would recommend avoiding driving at night, leaving valuables at home, and never leaving anything in your car.
Is South Africa safe for LGBTQ+ couples?
South Africa is the most progressive country in Africa when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. In fact, it was the first country in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation in its constitution back in 1996.
Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2006, and there are laws in place to protect against hate crimes. Major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban have thriving LGBTQ+ communities.
However, local attitudes may vary, as they do in many parts of the world, so discretion is always recommended.
Hotels do not discriminate against LGBTQ+ couples when extending complimentary honeymoon amenities (where applicable).
How long should we stay in South Africa for our honeymoon?
The ideal duration of a South Africa honeymoon itinerary can vary depending on personal preferences and budget.
We think 14 nights is ideal, although some couples may have less or more time. If you have more time, you might add on another destination.
If you have less time, here are some ideas:
7-night South Africa honeymoon itinerary ideas:
3 nights in Cape Town, followed by 4 nights split between the Winelands and a safari lodge near Cape Town.
Alternatively, 4 nights in Cape Town and then 3 nights on safari in the Eastern Cape or Kruger National Park.
10-night South Africa honeymoon itinerary:
3 nights in Cape Town, followed by a 4-night whistle-stop tour along the Garden Route, and 3 nights at a safari lodge in the Eastern Cape.
When planning your South Africa honeymoon itinerary, remember that 2 nights will only give you 1 full day to explore/relax, 3 nights = 2 full days, 4 nights = 3 full days, and so on.
How do we get to South Africa?
Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (airport code: JNB) is the busiest airport in Southern Africa.
There are multiple daily flights departing from European cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, as well as major Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and Doha.
You can also fly directly from cities like Singapore, Sydney, Atlanta and New York to name a few. Johannesburg is also a great hub for flights to other African destinations.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is another major hub with many international flights from European and Middle Eastern airports and from the US you can fly direct from Atlanta and New York.
It’s a fantastic entry point and introduction to South Africa.
Durban Airport (DUR) might be an option if you’re visiting KwaZulu-Natal.
Do we need a visa for South Africa?
Most nationalities can enter South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa.
You will need 6 months of validity left on your passport and two blank pages for an immigration entry and exit stamp.
If you need help to obtain a visa, check out iVisa.com.
Do we need travel vaccinations for South Africa?
There may be a risk of malaria (in some areas). There have been no reported cases of Zika Virus.
You might need a Yellow Fever vaccination. Other travel vaccinations are needed.
We encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a Travel Medicine Specialist.
Is a South Africa honeymoon package expensive?
A South Africa honeymoon can cater to various budgets, making it a versatile honeymoon destination for couples.
Whether you’re looking for a lavish South Africa honeymoon escape or a more budget-conscious honeymoon adventure, you’ll find options to suit your financial comfort zone.
One of the biggest expenses is getting there and the cost of safari.
South Africa can be an affordable honeymoon destination, particularly if you travel during shoulder season.
Should we use a travel agent to book a honeymoon in South Africa?
A good travel agent who books South Africa honeymoon packages regularly will be able to take care of the finer details and relieve you from yet another wedding planning job!
They might even have preferential rates, so it’s definitely worth checking things with a trusted travel agent. Using a travel agent has extra benefits.
If you want to book a D-I-Y South Africa honeymoon package, we’d recommend choosing a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com.
You can book transfers and ferries, along with tours and excursions on GetYourGuide or Viator. Book car hire on RentalCars.com.
When you’re booking flights, if you can’t fly directly and are booking connecting flights, give yourself enough time to change airplanes.
We’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover for a stress-free experience.
Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking!
What about travel insurance?
Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible.
Safety is paramount, particularly if you’re planning a South Africa honeymoon itinerary.
It’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon. If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
What should we pack for a honeymoon in South Africa?
South Africa has a variable climate, so you’ll want to pack comfortable clothes like shorts and t-shirts for the warmer months.
However, if you’re traveling in spring, winter, or autumn, it’s wise to pack some layers as temperatures can drop.
If you’re planning a safari, opt for neutral tones—beiges, light browns, and khakis are ideal. Avoid bright colors, blues, or blacks, and steer clear of camouflage print, which is illegal to wear in some African countries.
Although South African cities are fashionable, safaris require practicality. We recommend wearing comfortable hiking footwear, preferably shoes you’ve broken in before your trip to avoid blisters!
Don’t forget plenty of insect-repellent.
Get packing with our Ultimate Honeymoon Packing List Bundle.
Should we bring cash / should we tip in South Africa?
Cards are widely accepted in and you’re never too far from an ATM in most towns and cities on your South Africa honeymoon.
It’s a good idea to have a safe amount of South African Rand with you for smaller spends.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service. A tip of 10-15% in restaurants and for tour guides would be the norm.
Where can we tag on to South Africa for a multi-destination honeymoon?
South Africa is so vast that whether you have 7, 10, 14, or 21 nights, you could easily spend your entire honeymoon there without running out of things to do!
However, if you’re considering a multi-destination honeymoon, South Africa offers plenty of combinations with nearby exotic destinations.
You can combine your South Africa honeymoon with the exotic beach haven, Mauritius, which offers direct flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg, making it one of the easiest multi-destination honeymoon options.
There’s also a direct flight from Johannesburg to the stunning Seychelles three times per week, which makes Seychelles the perfect partner for a South African adventure and beach honeymoon.
For an exciting city stopover, consider a layover in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi or Dubai, two of our favorite honeymoon cities, are ideal for a quick cultural and luxurious break.
If you have extra time to explore more of Africa, there are endless possibilities!
You can drive through the wilds of Namibia, witness the majestic Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe & Zambia, or fly to Botswana, Kenya, or Tanzania for a dream safari honeymoon experience.
You could also tag on a honeymoon in Zanzibar for a mix of beach and adventure.
Things to consider before booking your honeymoon in South Africa
While we love to recommend a honeymoon in South Africa, there are some potential downsides that you might want to consider so you can make a well-informed decision and plan your dream adventure honeymoon!
- Safety Concerns & Economic Disparities: While generally safe for tourists, South Africa does have a high crime rate. Additionally, South Africa has a high level of inequality, which can be quite striking for travelers. The contrasts between wealthier areas and underdeveloped townships can be unsettling for some visitors.
- Lack of tropical style beaches: While South Africa offers stunning landscapes and cultural experiences, couples seeking an idyllic, romantic beach add on, it’s worth noting that the country’s beaches are more wild compared to traditional island honeymoon spots.
- Distance: South Africa is at the very southern tip of Africa and if you only have a short time for your honeymoon, it may not be worth travelling so far away. You don’t want to have to deal with jet lag for your whole honeymoon!
Map of South Africa
TL;DR?
too long, didn’t read? some key Points…
If you are planning a South Africa honeymoon itinerary, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information.
Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please chat with us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!
Happy Planning x
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