Tahiti, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Fiji. All popular places to enjoy a luxurious, romantic honeymoon. But what these destinations lack in their famous reputations is the pure energy that is unique to only one continent in the world: Africa. Although famous for their reputation as honeymoon destinations, these tropical paradises lack some of the greatest elements that only Africa has to offer.

Because Africa is comprised of various countries, all with differing characteristics and cultures, experiencing variety

on your honeymoon is a constant. Whether you want to enjoy a combination of safari tour adventures, spa treatments,

scuba diving, beach lounging, wine tasting, historical insight, or cultural tours, Africa boasts the best of it all.

For newly-weds looking to experience everything Africa has to offer, a three to five night stay in Cape Winelands, South Africa is an itinerary staple. Catering to budding chefs, art admirers, history buffs, food lovers, cheese enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs, Cape Winelands’ various regions have something unique and exclusive to offer each of its visitors.

So, whether you prefer to taste the white wines of Paarl or the delectable olive oils of Franschhoek, or observe old-world architecture in Stellenbosch, your specific tastes and desires dictate where you go while on your honeymoon. There are no set boundaries.

Below are a few highlights of Cape Winelands to set the scene for your future honeymoon:

Romantic Accommodations

Nothing is more rejuvenating after a long day wine tasting or walking through local villages than spending romantic evenings in one of Cape Winelands’ most exclusive and lavish accommodations, overlooking rolling vineyards, profound mountains, and lush countryside.

Enjoy peaceful nighttime strolls through the winding paths that surround your hotel, or reminisce about the day’s events over a cocktail in the bar area or in the privacy of your own terrace.

And when it’s time for a good night’s rest, retire to your plush bedding in the comfort of a lavish suite.

Delectable Local Fare

Indulge in culinary riches at some of Cape Winelands’ most renowned cafes and charming bistros. Ranging everywhere from contemporary cool to rustic Italian, Cuban to Indian, seafood to tapas, and South African to French, Cape Winelands is a haven for international culinary delights.

On wine tasting afternoons, enjoy a pleasant picnic among the vineyards or oak-filled forests, as you delight in a fresh salad or sandwich, accompanied by a crisp bottle of Pinot Grigio.

Horseback Wine Tasting Tour

Begin your marriage with a romantic adventure through the rolling foothills and sprawling vineyards of Cape Winelands. As you ride side by side, the sensual aroma of the earth, the surrounding lush scenery, and the Dutch-inspired estates combine to emit an indescribable energy that is unlike any other feeling in the world.

As you ride upon charming dirt paths, stop by strategically chosen local estates for a VIP wine tasting or private wine cellar tour. Each of the wine estates you visit will be chosen based on your specific tastes and preferences. Therefore, if you prefer to only taste velvety Merlots for the day, you will only be taken to estates known for their Merlots.

Perfect for: Couples who are adventurous, active, and who love wine tastings, and horses.

Wine Tasting Tours

Aside from horseback wine tasting tours, Cape Winelands is also home to intricate walking and hiking trails, and bike paths. You may choose to explore these paths on your own or take part in a personal wine tasting tour via bike or by foot.

When you partake in a wine tasting tour, no matter your source of transportation, you will experience various wine tastings, wine cellar tours, and VIP tours at some of Cape Winelands’ oldest and most prestigious estates. In addition to wine tastings, many estates also offer brandy, olive oil, and cheese tastings.

Perfect for: Couples who enjoy the outdoors, who love wine tastings, and who want to take in the beauty of Cape Winelands. It’s important to note that wine tasting tours, whether by foot or bicycle, do not require any vigorous physical prerequisites, as you decide how much walking you partake in.

Village Tours

As you walk past century-old Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco architecture, through quaint, winding streets, and past local bakeries and bistros, indulge your senses with the many sights, sounds, and aromas of Cape Winelands.

You may explore the many culturally and historically rich villages of Cape Winelands on your own or on a customized walking tour, where you will travel off the beaten path to learn about the intricate history of the buildings, streets, and people of Cape Winelands.

Perfect for: Couples who enjoy leisurely strolls, photography, art, history, and architecture, and for those who have a natural curiosity.

Discover your inner balance together, on a couples retreat to one of Africa’s most romantic and luxurious destination spas. Whether you’re taking time to relax after a full week of exhilaration and safari adventure, or have just completed a horseback wine tasting safari in Cape Winelands, nothing is more sensual than ending your honeymoon or anniversary getaway with a holistic rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul.

Many of the spas found throughout Africa offer services that fuse the traditional healing powers of nature with revolutionary spa treatments, allowing couples the rewarding opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying revitalizing spa treatments.

Below is our list of South Africa’s top 3 romantic and lavish spas:

Pezula Spa

With services and treatments that combine traditional natural healing elements and state-of-the-art spa technology, each experience at Pezula Spa is designed as a holistic treatment to balance the senses and revitalize the body.

From nourishing skin care treatments to therapeutic and detoxifying experiences, you and your loved can experience pure bliss together.

Some of Pezula’s signature treatments include scrubs, wraps, massages, milk baths, and hydrotherapies, that all incorporate the natural elements and essence of the Western Cape’s indigenous fynbos.

After a stimulating couple’s treatment, further your romantic experience in one of Pezula’s soothing spa amenities such as the outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, or revitalizing rainforest shower—a favorite among couples as its designed with an artistic fusion of mosaic tiles and soothing illumination.

The Saxon

With hints of contemporary décor and contrasting earth tones and textures, each and every design element of The Saxon Spa acts as an extension of treatments and therapies offered at this ultimate escape. In fact, one of The Saxon Spa’s most celebrated amenities is their outdoor Sensational Showers, which were created around two of nature’s most divergent elements, fire and water.

Offering a full array of luxury services, including massages, customized facials, and exclusive wraps, baths, and hydrotherapy treatments, it’s no wonder The Saxon Spa was voted the Best Day Spa in South Africa by Les Nouvelles Esthétiques in 2006—among many other awards and acclaims.

In addition to the incredible amenities and treatments featured at The Saxon Spa, one of their most popular and exclusive services is The Signature Sound Therapy experience. Incorporating the Zen-inducing sounds of gongs, cymbals, singing bowls and bells, and powerful color therapy, this treatment is the ultimate in holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul.

So, whether you want to enjoy a couple’s treatment in one of The Saxon’s private outdoor gazebos or in one of their rejuvenating relaxation rooms, romance is a prominent characteristic at The Saxon Spa.

The Birkenhead House and Spa

As you and your loved one lay side-by-side on comforting, white-linen covered mats, enjoy the naturally soothing sounds of the ocean, merely a few feet away. Or, enjoy a therapeutic treatment in one of The Birkenhead Spa’s two exclusive pampering rooms, the Lavender Room and the Cinnamon Room.

Designed to restore the balance of the senses with soothing music, subtle scents of lavender, and the distant sounds of trickling water, the Lavender Room is the ultimate setting for complete rejuvenation and sensory stimulation.

Also designed to inspire complete relaxation is The Cinnamon Room, a sanctuary filled with the sweet aroma of warming cinnamon.

Some of the spa treatments that can be experienced either outdoor or in one of the Birkenhead’s soothing treatment rooms include aromatherapy, energizing wrap treatments and scrubs, hot-stone massages, reflexology, and customized facial treatments—to name a few.

Incorporating the holistic treatments of various cultures, The Birkenhead Spa’s exclusive spa services are derived from the therapeutic masters of the world. Some of these worldly services include Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage, and the Lomi-Lomi Massage (derived from Hawaii).

Associating all camps and mobile safaris in Africa by these rugged stereotypes is a false assumption. In fact, there are many camps and mobile camps found throughout each country in Africa that are high-end, extremely comfortable, and equipped with all necessary amenities and highly attentive staff. Although mobile camps are a little more rustic and adventurous than non-mobile camps (mobile camps can be moved, non-mobile camps remain in one location and do not ever move, unless they are semi-mobile), there are many that offer the same luxurious features and amenities.

Below are descriptions and benefits of mobile camps and non-mobile camps to give you a better understanding of what a camp is and what it’s not:

Mobile Camps:

Depending on your personal tastes and preferences, you may choose to experience a four-day mobile safari, where your tent will be moved and set up for you each day as you venture to new locations.

Wilderness Safaris is one of our favorite mobile safari providers. They provide a variety of mobile safaris, which they call Adventurer Explorations. Each of their Adventurer Explorations uses lush duvets, cotton sheets, and GI stretchers for bedding, and is equipped with en-suite bathroom amenities including a toilet, bucket shower, and a hand wash basin, so that each guest’s room is transformed into a luxurious suite.

A mobile safari is perfect for you if:

• You crave the old-fashioned, 19th-century safari feel. Created using eclectic tin finishes, a canvas covering, and lantern illumination, Wilderness Safaris’ mobile camps are direct reflections of safari camps utilized by past celebrities such as Theodore Roosevelt and David Livingstone.
• You want to experience a more rustic safari adventure and discover as much as you can while feeling relaxed and comfortable—all without having to do the hard work associated with camping such as making food, pitching your tent, carrying your tent, cleaning, or anything else laborious. Your tents are taken down for you and are set up at the next location before you even arrive.
• You desire highly personalized safari tours where you explore the most secluded areas of Africa.

Non-Mobile Camps:

Tents used in non-mobile camps are often constructed using more durable materials such as wood or dried clay. Many do, however, incorporate canvas and lighter materials into the design of the tent so that the sights, sounds, and scents of nature can permeate through the tents. Some camps also do not refer to their accommodations as tents; many prefer to call them chalets, bandas, or bungalows.

Non-mobile camps are perfect for you if:

• You want to have a more intimate and private experience. Camps are often much smaller and more intimate than hotels. Although hotels are wonderful to stay at in cities and outside of the bush—such as Cape Town and the Garden Route—they are not ideal for the bush. Because camps are often much smaller than hotels, personal staff is always attentive to your every need, catering to even the smallest of details. The intimacy of the camps also means no children running around, no large groups taking up space in the dining room or on safari, and no wait on anything.
• You wish to seamlessly connect with nature and your immediate surroundings. As camps are designed to incorporate natural elements within their décor, exposure to the breeze, wildlife, and towering fynbos of the bush is effortless. Each and every day, you’ll feel your cares and thoughts of responsibility melt away as you find peace in the surrounding sounds, sights, and aromas of the bush.
• You want to feel secluded while still relishing in luxurious amenities such as underground plunge pools, bomas, and fireplaces. As for meals, dining arrangements often differ at various camps—some are equipped with a main dining tent, others offer lantern-lit outdoor seating, while others offer both.

How do you view camps in Africa now? Let us know in our comments section.

And what’s more romantic than scuba diving side by side as a sea turtle picks at coral beneath you, sailing along a glistening coastline, or walking barefoot on the beach?
Speckled all along the southern coast of Africa are some of the world’s most romantic and unspoiled beaches. Relax beneath Africa’s golden sun or scuba through an ancient shipwreck as you unwind on island time. Nothing is more peaceful for the mind, body, and soul.
Although Africa’s coastline seems almost endless, there are two particular regions of this great continent that stand out as the most romantic and tranquil beach destinations. Below, discover how Zanzibar and Mozambique got their prestigious status as world-renowned getaways:

Zanzibar:

Escape from the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life as you melt beneath the soothing hands of a masseuse from the privacy of your own beach villa on Tanzania’s world-renowned archipelago, Zanzibar.

Known for its exceptional underwater gardens, Zanzibar is a scuba diving and snorkeling phenomenon. With yards and yards of crystal clear visibility, exploring the waters surrounding Zanzibar is a spectacle of underwater wonderland.

One of Zanzibar’s most exclusive and romantic islands is Mnemba Island. Engulfed by an underwater paradise, Mnemba Island is an open treasure chest offering explorations everywhere from the land to the sea. Swim alongside over 400 species of fish, vibrant coral reefs, and free roaming dolphins.

When—or if—you tire of the beach, venture into the social and cultural hub of Zanzibar, Stone Town. This ancient town’s quaint streets are lined with over 200 years worth of history and culture, reflected in Arab architecture and intriguing museums and ancient sites. And don’t forget to visit Stone Town’s Forodhani Gardens for some Swahili culinary delights, fresh seafood, and delectable spices, grown right in Zanzibar’s world-famous spice plantations.

And, before leaving Zanzibar, you must see the red colobus monkey—exclusive to Zanzibar—in Jozani Forest.

Mozambique:

Nothing is more soothing than visiting Mozambique’s white coastline and neighboring islands after an action-packed week on safari.  As a place where time slows and the senses become sharper, Mozambique isn’t just relaxing—it’s stimulating.

Feed your desire for exploration as you scuba dive beside shipwrecks and astonishing coral reefs and witness an aquatic legend—the dugong—as you partake on a dhow cruise to Linga Linga.

With an abundance of fresh, delectable prawns and other savory seafood, Mozambique is a seafood lover’s paradise. Every day is a culinary extravaganza on the islands off the coast of Mozambique.

Particularly stunning and romantic is Mozambique’s private island, Medjumbe. As an unbelievable haven for aquatic and island dwelling creatures this extremely exclusive island beckons you to search for new discoveries and excitement.

Explore coves and crevasses or relax on a swaying hammock strategically staked in the ebbing shore. Or, go barefoot as you comb the beach for fully in tacked shells.

Whatever you desire, Mozambique has it all.

Image taken from http://www.equinoxspa.co.za/gallery.php#

Spa and wellness facilities are abundant in Africa’s highly acclaimed regions of romance and peace and provide the perfect way to unwind after an exciting week of safari adventure. Many lodges and hotels throughout Africa offer spa services that range from signature treatments to more traditional spa experiences such as deep tissue massage. But one feature almost all spas in Africa have in common is their unique ability to bring the essence of nature into their signature services.

Below, we have highlighted two spas that illustrate the differences between spas found in lodges and spas found in hotels. Both types of spas offer an exceptional experience for guests, transforming their body, mind, and soul into a well-balanced source of energy.

See below for a spotlight on the Tau Game Lodge and The Equinox Spa:

Image taken from http://www.taugamelodge.co.za/Spa.asp

Tau Game Lodge

Neslted in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, a romantic and distant oasis awaits you in Tau Game Lodge’s surrounding peaceful bushveld.

Designed to incorporate Africa’s soothing energy and natural surroundings into each spa experience and treatment, Tau Game Lodge’s tranquil spa offers unique services that calm, relax, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Prided on their ability to detoxify the body, revitalize the skin, and rejuvenate the senses, Tau Game Lodge’s professional masseuses invite you and your significant other to enjoy an enlightening and refreshing experience together.

With an extensive array of spa packages and specialized health and wellness services, couples can experience everything from traditional African treatments using indigenous plants to deep tissue massages, and hydrotherapy treatments to hot stone massages. No matter your preference, Tau Game Lodge’s spa staff ensures a completely revolutionary experience that will bring you back to equilibrium.

http://www.taugamelodge.co.za/Spa.asp

The Equinox Spa

Located in South Africa’s bustling cultural hub, The Equinox Spa is situated near one of Cape Town’s most renowned and spectacular sites, Signal Hill. Thanks to its premier location, the spa was able to incorporate outdoor treatment areas into its design, allowing guests to soak in the relaxing elements of the distant city life and the stunning Signal Hill.

As a modern oasis and refreshing retreat for those looking for balance and an escape from the everyday stresses of life, The Equinox Spa provides visitors with the ultimate therapeutic setting both indoors and outdoors. With spa treatments ranging from a plethora of detoxifying facials to rejuvenating body scrubs, wraps, and polishes, and modern hand and foot care treatments to revitalizing massages, The Equinox Spa’s unique services work to detoxify the body while bringing the senses back to balance.

One of The Equinox’s most popular treatments is their signature Chakra Balance Candle Massage. Designed with a holistic healing approach to the mind, body, and soul, this unique treatment uses natural soy candles to treat various parts of the body and is then followed by chakra balancing massage techniques. Guests choose the areas of the body they would like focused on, and then the Equinox candles are burnt and the oil remnants is then drizzled over the body as the oil base for the balancing massage. Nothing is more soothing.

http://www.equinoxspa.co.za/services.php

Nestled within the heart of Victoria Falls National Park is arguably the most romantic accommodation in the area, if not all of Zimbabwe, The Victoria Falls Hotel—a highly distinguished and hospitable retreat. Here, not only are guests’ highest expectations and desires met, but guests also experience a one-of-a-kind natural energy that is so strong that it often remains with them for their lifetime.

Although there is an absolute and indescribable sense of romance and elegance at The Victoria Falls Hotel, it is hard to pinpoint one specific feature responsible for this world-class estate’s romantic essence.

Below are a few reasons why The Victoria Falls Hotel is characterized as one of the world’s top romantic destinations:

Old-world charm and contemporary luxuries: Founded more than a century ago, The Victoria Falls Hotel has a spectacular history, which is relived each day through the estate’s luxurious Edwardian décor and colonial inspired rooms.

Refurbished and equipped with contemporary facilities so that guests can experience the luxury of 19th century décor and the convenience of modern amenities, The Victoria Falls Hotel features everything necessary for a luxurious romantic getaway. From the sprawling manicured grounds, to the extremely hospitable staff, and the Edwardian-style rooms, to the fine dining rooms and outdoor seating, this elegant estate is the epitome of opulence and romance.

Characterized as a world-class estate that exudes nothing but grace and elegance, The Victoria Falls Hotel has been a popular host for celebrity and royalty events, and has accommodated visiting presidents, prime ministers, movie stars, and other celebrities since its opening in 1904. Today, guests of The Victoria Falls Hotel can sense the essence of past, world-renowned orchestras, choirs, flapper and cocktail parties, and entertainment events that have occurred in this regal establishment over the last 100 years.

Sheer natural energy: As one of the only hotels in the reserve to have an awe-inspiring view of the rumbling falls, The Victoria Falls Hotel is by far the best place to stay in the region. Neighboring the Zambezi River, the Chobe River, Hwange National Park, and other renowned reserves and captivating topography, Victoria Falls offers more than simply what is inside its borders.

Aside from the riveting falls, the Victoria Falls National Park is full of enchanting creatures, which include the infamous Big Five, monkeys, and other rainforest-dwelling creatures. Surrounding the area is the Zambezi River, a flourishing haven for a variety of bird, reptile, mammal, and aquatic species.

A fusion of relaxation and adventure: Whether your idea for romance is relaxation or adventure, Victoria Falls offers the best of both worlds.

For those who seek out relaxing destinations, Victoria Falls is perfect for soaking in the peaceful and quaint details of life and nature. With acres upon acres of lush treetops, peaceful rivers, and endless plains, Victoria Falls is the ultimate destination for romance and rejuvenation. From sunset cruises on the Zambezi to lavish dining, and game-viewing by canoe to afternoon tea on the estate grounds, relaxation is copious at The Victoria Falls Hotel.

And, as southern Africa’s primary adventure hub, Victoria Falls also offers visitors the opportunity to experience sheer adventure amongst a riveting backdrop of thriving wilderness. One of the most rewarding adventures is the Flight of Angels. Enjoy a private tour above the rapid falls on a quaint, four-seat airplane as you fly through the rising mist, and observe the falls and its resident wildlife from a bird’s-eye view.

From Cape Town to Mpumalanga, South Africa is a golf lover’s paradise where travelers can experience everything from half a day of golf to a three-day golf safari.

Below we’ve highlighted four of South Africa’s most prestigious and highly acclaimed golf courses:

1. Leopard Creek County Club: Upon your first arrival to this manicured estate, you may be shocked to discover that this is in fact a prestigious golf course and not a wildlife sanctuary. With hundreds of varying species including birds, baboons, other primates, giraffes, impalas, hippos, and elephants, you’re getting more than a round of golf when you play at the Leopard Creek Country Club. Located in Mpumalanga, South Africa, Leopard Creek Country Club is known by the golfing world as one of the most prestigious courses to play on the globe–not to mention it’s arguably South Africa’s number one golf course. With a unique design that adds a challenge and excitement to your game, you’re sure to find a completely new golfing experience at this one-of-a-kind course. In fact, one of the course’s most acclaimed holes is the sixteenth–a par three–which takes your ball over hippo-populated waters onto a fresh green.

Adding to the peaceful nature of golf, Leopard Creek’s pristine grounds are tastefully infused with hints of the bushveld and the surrounding African plantlife, which all work in sync to create the ultimate, tranquil setting. Even if your performance isn’t quite up to par while playing on this course, you can’t help but remain joyous as you journey through this golfing paradise.

Additional Information about Leopard Creek: Primarily reserved for members and their guests, Leopard Creek does offer some booking for travelers staying at a list of particular lodges in the area including Sabi Sabi, Singita, Lion Sands, and more.

Leopard Creek

2. Links at Fancourt: Situated along the glistening coastline of the Garden Route, Links at Fancourt’s Scottish and Irish inspired golf course design fills each and every golfer who visits with a unique combination of excitement, anticipation, peace, and sheer joy. With miles of lush forests, wetlands, beaches, seaside beauty, and the infamous Outeniqua Mountains, Links at Fancourt is much more than an astounding golf course–it’s paradise. Known for its twists, dips, small lakes, and lush marshes, Links at Fancourt is in fact South Africa’s most challenging course and arguably it’s most beautiful.

For those wishing to experience a few days of golf, the Fancourt estate is a truly magnificent accommodation that is just as luxurious and detail-oriented the golf course it overlooks.

Additional Information about Links at Fancourt: All of Fancourt’s golf courses are restricted to members and hotel visitors.

Links at Fancourt

3. Pearl Valley Golf Estates: Inspired in design by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, Pearl Valley Golf Estates was named “Best New Golf Course” by Golf Digest in 2005 and 2008. Each and every detail was considered during the design of this mountain-bordered course, and each par-three and par-five course varies in direction for a consistent round. As an aesthetically-stunning masterpiece, the Pearl Valley Golf Estates is every golf lover’s dream to experience. With shallow bunkers, fast greens, sprawling fairways, and white sand-encrusted bunkers, Pearl Valley Gold Estates is arguably one of the most stunning and carefully crafted golf course in the world.

And keep your eye out for hole 4 and 13 as they are both dramatic challenges that incorporate testing creeks and waterways.

Additional Information about Pearl Valley: This course offers accommodations for visitors as well as excellent corporate travel arrangements.

Pearl Valley Golf Estates

4. Durban Country Club: Celebrating gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean, lush treetops, glistening lakes, and rolling dunes, the Durban Country Club is a one-of-a-kind visual masterpiece. In addition to its riveting beauty, the Durban Country Club is one of the most thought-provoking courses in the world. Each and every hole you take on begs careful thought and precision with each swing, making this course one of the most challenging and exciting to play. With one of the most popular third holes in the entire world, Durban’s par-five, hole three, takes golf balls from a high tee, past tall trees and bush, and a profound bunker–all while testing your take on the power and direction of the ocean breeze.

Additional Information about Durban Country Club: Booking is essential at Durban; therefore, always book your tee time as far in advance as possible to ensure your spot.

Durban Golf Club

Whether on a bicycle, by foot, or via horseback, experiencing Cape Winelands involves much more excitement than simply enjoying a few wine tastings. On intimate tours through Cape Winelands, you will be able to visit some of the region’s most prestigious wine and olive estates, and try delicious wines, brandies, olive oils, and olives.

Below are some highlights associated with three types of wine tasting tours:

Wine tasting via bicycle:

Travel off the beaten path on a bicycle tour through the sprawling countryside of Cape Winelands and absorb the subtle aromas of budding grapes and fresh earth. As you leisurely cycle through lush vineyards and century-old wine estates, you’ll be able to see and experience as much of the world’s longest wine route as you wish.

When you take a bicycle tour through Cape Winelands, you’ll stop at various wine estates for a taste of world-renowned Cabernet, Pinot Noirs, and Shiraz. But that’s not all. When en route to these charming country estates, savor the sweet smell and vibrant sights of cultivating roses and wildflowers along the way.

For a break from cycling, enjoy a savory picnic among the Cape Dutch-inspired estates and vineyards, or enjoy a light lunch at one of the region’s renowned cafés.

Wine tasting by foot:

Walk or hike along the many winding trails of Cape Winelands’ quaint city, Franschhoek, and take in the scenic beauty and serenity of the countryside. Whether you’re looking to delight in a peaceful evening stroll or a hike to some of the region’s most fantastic vineyards, the surrounding trails are there for your pleasure and convenience.

As you walk past charming, century-old estates, stop by for a few wine tastings or olive oil tastings at your leisure and experience Cape Winelands on your time.

Some of the local villages you can visit by foot include Franschhoek’s historic French Huguenot Village, Paarl, and Stellenbosch. As you walk through these quaint cities you will observe all-encompassing, classic Cape Dutch style architecture and spectacular sight-seeing. You can also enjoy a variety of personalized one day wine tasting and olive tasting walking tours for an even deeper insight into the region’s history and cultural roots.

Wine tasting on horseback:

Connect with nature in more ways than one when you partake on a Cape Winelands horseback tour. The ultimate in romance and luxury, a horseback wine tasting tour embodies every aspect of peace and serenity with its slow-pace, natural surroundings, and personalized itinerary.

Whether you want to enjoy a multiday tour or a one-day tour, an intimate wine tasting tour through the prestigious wine vineyards of Franschhoek on horseback is an indescribable experience. Enjoy frequent stops at some of the region’s most exceptional vineyards and relax on the rolling countryside for a delectable picnic. Visiting only the vineyards you want to see, you can be certain you’ll experience the most personal, accommodating, and exceptional wine tasting tour you’ve ever had.

Which of these wine tasting tours would you love to experience? Let us know in our comments section.

But have you ever considered the various types of safaris and tours that can be experienced in Africa? Everything from small group safaris to personal tours, and game-drive-bustling parks to completely remote reserves, safari tours come in all shapes and sizes.

Although all of these types of safari tours are absolutely splendid, the more personalized and intimate your tours, the better your safari experience will be.

African safari tours

So, if you’re deciding which type of safari tours you wish to experience—in terms of quality, luxury, customization, and intimacy—consider using a completely private safari guide throughout your entire stay in Africa. Here’s why:

1. No matter where you travel, your personal safari guide will accompany you to that destination and guide all of your safaris—the ultimate in superior service.
2. You decide when and where you want to go. If you want to stay in a particular area for longer than planned, the choice is up to you. For example, if you love elephants and want to stick around to watch two baby elephants play in the watering hole, you may do so. Your guide has no other requests to accommodate but your own.
3. Ask all the questions and take all the pictures you desire. It’s your time.
4. Venture further into the bush than you would on a larger tour. Because your safari guide only has you and your loved one(s) to guide, it’s easier to go deeper into the bush than if there were a larger group of individuals to look after.
5. When you use a personal safari guide throughout your entire trip to Africa, he or she gets to know your likes and dislikes, and will work to ensure every little detail is looked upon to make for the perfect safari experiences.

So, whether you wish to take an African honeymoon safari or a family safari, a one-on-one experience with a highly trained safari guide is the most rewarding way to experience the bush. But, it is important to remember that although personal guides can bring you closer into the bush and offer customized tours based on your specific preferences and desires, safety and your best interest is always your guide’s number one priority. A request that is unsafe will not be accommodated by your guide.

Each region of Africa is full of new and exciting cultures, adventures, and history. But some areas are better suited for you based on your specific preferences. South Africa, for example, is great for honeymooners who wish to experience city elements and some wildlife safaris, while East Africa is ideal for those who wish to do more safaris and / or take part in chimpanzee or gorilla trekking.

The great thing about planning a luxury African honeymoon is that each and every detail is high-end and completely customized based on your personal preferences. Therefore, you experience Africa exactly the way you want, when you want.

When considering a honeymoon to Africa, it’s important to be realistic about everything from your budget to your personal preferences—and don’t forget about the preferences of your husband or wife! He or she might have different vacation preferences than you, which is why it’s always important to compile individual lists and then compromise on each element of your lists.

Here are five things you need to know before booking a honeymoon to Africa:

1. Your budget: If you want a high-end, completely customized African honeymoon, your budget must be a minimum of $10,000 per person. This includes your airfare and transportation, luxury accommodations, superior services and amenities, private tours / safaris, intimate dinners, and each and every small detail that makes all the difference.

2. The time of year you wish to take your honeymoon: Depending on the time of year you want to book your honeymoon to Africa, you could have to book anywhere from six months to over a year out. If you wish to experience your honeymoon over the holidays in December, you need to plan 12 – 18 months in advance to ensure your space in Africa’s most romantic and renowned accommodations.

We advise that you book your honeymoon as soon as possible so that each of your accommodation preferences can be met.

We also suggest that you plan on visiting Africa for your honeymoon in the months between July and November, as these months yield the most beauty and wildlife. Although many countries in Africa are year-round destinations, some months do offer greater wildlife observation and weather conditions.

3. Your accommodation preferences: Africa’s accommodations range everywhere from mobile tents to lavish five-star hotels, and luxurious chalets to romantic “tree houses.”

If you’re thinking: “A mobile tent on my honeymoon? No way,” you might be surprised to discover that although these accommodations are mobile, they are spacious, intimate, and high-end. It’s also important to consider that these mobile safaris usually only last anywhere from 2 – 5 days, which means you can stay in a luxury chalet or hotel for the rest of your stay in Africa. But, if you and your spouse are not the adventurous type, a mobile safari might not be for you.

Chalets are a great medium between a five-star hotel and a mobile safari. They have a permanent location, often incorporating elements of nature in their design and boast 19^th century safari décor and romance. Most chalets have an open design which enables air and other natural surroundings to incorporate themselves within these spacious and private accommodations.

4. Your activity preferences: Do you want to visit the fluffy white beaches of Mozambique? Has one of your lifelong dreams been to view the Big Five on safari? Are you interested in experiencing the bustling city of Cape Town or touring the infamous Table Mountain? Whether you crave adventure or desire a more peaceful and romantic escape, you must understand your preferences before booking your honeymoon to Africa.

Customized itineraries can bring you the best of both worlds. Whether you want 80% of your trip to be relaxation and romance with 20% of your trip comprised of adventurous activities, or vice versa, a personalized itinerary has the ability to accommodate your specific needs.

It’s also important to be open and honest with your African travel agent about your activity preferences. A great African travel agent will get to know you and your spouse and understand your personal needs and desires, and provide you with the best advice for your luxury honeymoon.

5. The length of time you wish to stay: Whether you want your honeymoon to last for two weeks or a month, you need to plan your destinations and activities based on the time you have in Africa. It’s also important to consider length of stay when planning your budget to Africa.

Also, you will have more time to devote to activities if you remain in the same region of Africa as oppose to moving throughout the continent during your stay. This is why it’s important to understand your transportation options and how much time each option will take away from your activities.