Honeymoon – never has one word conjured up so many promises, so much happiness or romance… It is the one time in your life when you are leaving the world outside and when there really is just the two of you. And the destination for this special time together makes all the difference.
Friends and clients often ask me about what destinations I would recommend for the perfect honeymoon. Without a moment’s hesitation I recommend “Africa.”
An African honeymoon is without a doubt the best value, most intimate and pristine environment you could possibly choose – without having to compromise on quality, cuisine, service or luxury… In terms of specific destinations, here are, in my opinion, a few of the best honeymoon destinations you will find anywhere on earth,( in no particular order).
Fly me to the moon – African Honeymoons
South Africa - The Cederberg – ancient voices-Bushmanskloof
My wife and I live in the Western Cape and part of its magnificence lies in its scenic diversity. I was reminded of this again the last time we travelled the road to the Cederberg en route to Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat, located 270 kilometres from Cape Town. The landscape can change in a matter of kilometres from dry, undulating grasslands to steep, deep red sand vistas and ancient rock formations in the dying vermilion light of the summer sun as we passed Clanwilliam and headed into the Pakhuis Pass.
Bushmanskloof is a 5-star eclectic ecological oasis, uniting luxury and nature. The estate is a sanctuary to many endangered species of fauna and flora but its most unique distinction is its more than 130 San Bushman rock art sites – a special adventure for honeymooners.
The Lodge is an unforgettable and supremely romantic honeymoon experience: the magnificent riverside Spa Gazebo with its panoramic views across the never-ending landscape will focus even the most jaded traveller on emulating rapturous romance novel adjectives. It is almost as if the place has magic about it and you can hear the ancient voices of Africa in the warm, fragrant night air. Even though not on honeymoon, the wonderfully attentive staff catered a romantic dinner for the two of us in the privacy of our room on request.
Private and Tranquil
South Africa Londolozi – conserving Eden
Dave and John Varty are synonymous with conservation in Africa the world over – and so is their Lodge property. The history of the Varty and Taylor families – the conservation dynasties who have dedicated their lives to saving a small part of Africa’s Eden – is the history of Londolozi. The vision and potential that these men saw in the virgin bush many decades ago has endured over the years with those same granite rocks of the river yet some of the most advanced and thought-through conservation policies anywhere in the world. At Londolozi the Varty family values are everywhere in evidence; in the personalised service, the commitment to conservation, the ambience of simplicity and elegance and naturally, in the welcome received on arrival. Situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve, Londolozi is a short 1 hour flight from Johannesburg, with road transfers available as well. Londolozi consists of five camps, one more splendid and unique than the next.
From the moment we drove in to camp to the second when we left, we were treated like family. The “room” we stayed in was a pleasant jolt to the human senses. The setting is by far one of the most spectacular ones I have experienced in Africa. I went out onto the rocks after my outdoor shower to take in the vista and to my left I noticed a large elephant grazing it the tall reeds across from the main deck at Granite Lodge.
Speaking of adventures, Nicole, the camp manager, ensured that every day had a great surprise. One night we came back from the game drive to find the parking lot lit like something out of a fairy tale with lanterns and candelabras throughout the area. We had our dinner in the boma and Nicole brought in a group of singers and dancers to entertain us. We thought that would be impossible to top, but she arranged for a surprise wine tasting at the hippo pool on our last evening. This really is a place where dreams come true. The game drives were amazing. We saw lion, buffalo,rhino, hippos,( according to our very knowledgeable game ranger the hippo’s own sweat doubles as sunscreen),elephant- my favourite animal and a myriad of antelope.
And of course a myriad of Leopard sightings, for which Londolozi is famous.
For couples seeking the ultimate honeymoon hide-out, I cannot think of a more perfect destination.
Honeymoon in Namibia Southern Africa - Mozambique – Where angels play
If barefoot luxury together with that timeless castaway feeling is more your thing, then I would not hesitate for a moment in recommending to you the top-secret gem that is Medjumbe Private Island of the north coast of Mozambique. It is as if the Creator thought “honeymoon” and this place appeared. Everything is fragrant, vibrant and otherworldly in Mozambique – and it is hot all year round.
The island is about a 30-minute flight away from Pemba in Northern Mozambique. The seas and reefs of hues of blues stretching out beneath the small plane fills one with that unique child-like glee us adults are lucky to ever experience. Set like a jewel within the glittering Quirimbas Archipelago, Medjumbe is only one km long and 500 metres wide. It is pristine and the word “romantic” was invented just to describe this astonishing island. The 13 palm-thatched beach chalets are the ultimate in sophisticated simplicity, just steps away from the warm, translucent Indian Ocean. Nestling on the white sands – just like the protected sea turtles you’ll find there – they offer total privacy and seclusion, yet are situated conveniently close to the guest areas. And you have your very own plunge pool!
Lazy days are spent snorkelling, scuba diving or fishing and as the sun plunges into the ocean in slow motion, cocktails are made to order at the bar. Food to make a gourmand drool is served overlooking the sea with accompanying back-ground strains of salsa music in the sensuous warm night while a million stars shine down on you.
The resort is mostly occupied by honeymoon couples for obvious reasons – the privacy, the untouched serenity, pristine nature and warm calm and safe waters are all unsurpassed when it comes to the ideal honeymoon.
Please contact us for all routes, advice, information and travel arrangements as well as packages on the above honeymoon destinations and so much more. We will make all your honeymoon dreams come true…
Marco and the team.