Planning your honeymoon in South Africa on a budget? Check out this list of cheap and romantic places to have a good time with your partner.
There are millions of beautiful places of attraction in the world that you can consider for your wedding adventures, but South Africa remains one of the best destinations.
The country promises an unforgettable marriage experience, ranging from diverse cultures, traditions, and rituals to old classics and contemporary music, picturesque surroundings, and many more. And, oh, they offer the best vendors for events too!
For adventure-seeking couples on their honeymoon, you can enjoy the “Rainbow Nation’s” unique boutique hotels and resorts, while wildlife enthusiasts can boast about seeing lions and cheetahs up close during a game drive. For culture and fine dining, Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront have plenty of posh and trendy restaurants where newlyweds can sample African wine and delicious fare.
Is South Africa good for a honeymoon?
The major advantage that makes South Africa stand out among the many destinations for honeymoons is its wildlife. Honeymooners can see the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and zebras) as well as cheetahs and hippos in their natural habitats. The diverse landscape includes coastlines, mountains, grasslands, and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Winelands are a prime location for an authentic African wine-tasting experience.
The only shortcoming of this destination is its distance, per TheKnot, especially from Western nations that are considering the country. Expect to dedicate about two days to travel to the country (getting there and back). Couples with less time to lose will want to consider other honeymoon destinations. It’s also a country made for exploration. Honeymooners who want to sit back and relax might have more fun at an all-inclusive resort in another destination.
Is South Africa safe? Many areas are, but the US government warns crime and civil unrest are common in the country and urges travelers to exercise caution. Ensure you’re always with someone you trust.
Having known these pros and cons of considering South Africa as your honeymoon destination if you’re not a citizen, let’s now focus our attention on couples planning their wedding in the coming month and are on the lookout for honeymoon places. Here’s a list of the 20 best choices:
Best Hotels for Honeymoons in South Africa
1. Blackheath Lodge
Blackheath Lodge, built in 1890, is a beautiful boutique hotel in a Victorian house located in Sea Point on Cape Town’s, South Africa, Atlantic Seaboard.
Blackheath Lodge stands out as a romantic haven for honeymooning couples. This intimate boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a serene setting. With personalized service, elegantly appointed rooms, and a tranquil atmosphere, it provides an ideal retreat for newlyweds seeking a romantic escape.
Stylish bedrooms, excellent personalized service, and warm hospitality. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the pool and garden. Come home to a sundowner after a busy day of sightseeing or power business dealings, safe in the knowledge that a quiet, comfortable night’s sleep awaits you.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town
Overlooking the stunning Atlantic Ocean, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town offers a picturesque backdrop for a honeymoon. The hotel’s modern amenities, coupled with breathtaking sea views, create a perfect blend of comfort and romance.
Couples can enjoy leisurely walks along the waterfront, indulge in spa treatments, and savor exquisite dining experiences during their stay.
3. The Oyster Box
Situated on Umhlanga’s coastline, The Oyster Box is an iconic hotel celebrated for its opulence and old-world charm.
Voted as one of the top beach wedding venues, it doubles as an enchanting honeymoon destination. With its lush gardens, panoramic coastal views, and legendary service, The Oyster Box ensures an unforgettable experience for couples embarking on their romantic journey.
4. POD Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
Perched in the trendy enclave of Camps Bay, POD Boutique Hotel is a chic and modern retreat perfect for honeymooners. Boasting luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, it provides a stylish and intimate setting.
POD Camps Bay is one of the best honeymoon resorts in South Africa. On TripAdvisor, it is ranked the 4th destination in SA for honeymooners, garnering over 1000 reviews from guests over the years.
The cocoon of luxury and tranquility is best for business or pleasure, a weekend breakaway, or a longer stay. At POD, you will be struck the perfect balance between relaxation and refinement, with the luxury and privacy offered at POD.
At POD Camps Bay, they offer a choice of seventeen rooms, each as unique and distinctive as the individuals who book a stay. Modern design, clean lines, and green architecture are perfectly complemented by the splendor of the natural surroundings.
Room facilities include king-size beds, open plan en-suite bathrooms, SMART TV with satellite channels, a hairdryer, international plug points, a Nespresso machine, tea, and coffee facilities, a complimentary mini bar, and room snacks.
Hotel Facilities include a Cocktail bar, lap pool, gym with cardio and weight training equipment, late departure lounge/shower room, same-day laundry service, 24-hour dry cleaning service, and 24-hour security.
The hotel’s rooftop deck and pool offer a romantic spot to unwind, while the nearby beaches and vibrant nightlife add to the allure.
5. Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel
Image Source: atlanticviewcapetown.com
Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel is one of the top-rated luxury 5-star hotels based in Camps Bay, Cape Town the jewel of the Western Cape. The resort is privately owned.
Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel offers a secluded and luxurious escape for couples. With its stylish design, spacious suites, and personalized service, the hotel provides an intimate setting for honeymooners.
It’s perfectly located close to all the main tourist attractions, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain in Fashionable Camps Bay, “The South African Corniche”, packed with world-class restaurants, bars, and beaches. The hotel is accessible to the Beaches (2 min), Table Mountain (5 min) Down Town or V+A Waterfront shopping Centre (10 min), and Cape Town International Airport (20 min). The Cape of Good Hope, Penguin Colony, and Cape Winelands are less than an hour away.
The breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to Cape Town’s attractions make it an ideal choice for a romantic getaway.
For more info: Visit the Atlanticview Capetown website
Safari/Bush Honeymoon Destinations in South Africa
6. Nselweni Bush Lodge, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
For couples looking for wild, intimate, and secluded locations, the Nselweni Bush Camp is one of the best destinations for your post-nuptial holiday, SouthAfrica.net assures.
These self-catering units are a perfect blend of safari tent and chalet, consisting of a brick base with a canvas tent stretched over the top. The camp is not fenced, which means you’re as close to nature as you can get and offers spectacular views over the Black Umfolozi River.
It is situated on a terrace with views overlooking the Black Mfolozi River. This bush camp has been built as a joint venture with members of the surrounding local community and funded in part by the Conservation Levy one pays when visiting the Hluhluwe uMfolozi Game Park.
Numerous animals may be seen from the Lodge coming to slake their thirst at the river whilst a troop of baboons seek the safety of the sheer cliffs downstream and on the opposite side of the river for their overnight repose.
More info: KZN Wildlife website
7. Royal Kruger Lodge, Kruger Park
Royal Kruger Lodge and Spa is renowned for its quiet and peaceful nest in Marloth Park. Safaris, Tours, and wildlife experience guaranteed.
Private lantern-lit boma dinners, couple massages in the bush, outdoor showers, aromatherapy bubble baths for two—these are just a few of the spoils you and your love can enjoy during a three-night honeymoon safari at Royal Kruger. The two of you will also be treated to daily sunset game drives along the banks of the Crocodile River and a wild walk with a game guide.
More info: Royal Kruger Lodge website
8. Tambuti Lodge, Pilanesberg
Indulge your senses in contemporary elegance and classic bushveld romance when you book into the Rhino Suite at Pilanesberg’s stunning Tambuti Lodge. This luxury bedroom is equipped with a king-size bed, double vanities, a spacious bathtub, outdoor showers, and a private patio complete with Jacuzzi.
Dining is a delight with beautifully presented meals served throughout the day in various settings – in the elegant dining room, beside the pool, around the roaring boma fire, or on the private deck of your suite.
More info: Tambuti Lodge website
Incredible Beach Resort For Your Honeymoon
9. Thonga Beach Lodge, Mabibi, KwaZulu-Natal
Set in a pristine dune forest along KZN’s Maputaland coast, this luxurious lodge with a touch of rustic charm offers the perfect blend of bush and beach. If you’re a particularly eco-conscious couple, this spot is sure to get your heart beating double time.
The thatched bush suites were constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environment, and the lodge plays an important role in the conservation of endangered leatherback turtles that nest on the nearby beaches.
They offer a special five-day honeymoon package where couples get to spend three nights at Thonga, followed by another two at Kosi Forest Lodge. This includes three meals a day, non-motorised activities, private dining, aromatherapy baths, and all sorts of other surprises.
More info: Thonga Beach Lodge website
10. Umngazi River Resort, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
Umngazi River Resort is an award-winning, unique, beach hotel and spa on the Wild Coast of South Africa. This place offers a hotel and spa for its guests.
Umngazi is a place of extraordinary energy, remarkable nature, and vibrant culture on the Wild Coast.
With its off-the-beaten-track location, stunning views, an award-winning spa, unspoiled beaches, and luxurious accommodations, it’s no surprise that Umngazi has made a name for itself as one of South Africa’s premier honeymoon destinations.
Newlyweds can choose between staying in one of their three single-story honeymoon bungalows or the spacious double-story honeymoon suite. Each features a king-size bed, a large bathtub, double outside showers, and an indoor fireplace. Seriously… Can it get any better than this?
Umngazi is also a children’s paradise where kids are free to run barefoot in the mud, slip & slide, ride dunes, cast a fishing rod, and make holiday crafts.
11. Arniston Hotel, Western Cape
Situated in a secluded corner of the coastal Overberg, the charming white-washed village of Arniston is nothing short of a romantic dream come true. The hotel is stylish and unassuming, with a prime location offering spectacular views over the bay.
There are a variety of rooms to choose from, but honeymooners deserve to spoil themselves with the spacious VIP Suite with its mezzanine-level bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and four balconies.
The on-site Ginkgo Spa is renowned for its almost endless list of treatments and will keep couples feeling as glamorous as on their wedding day.
More info: Arniston Hotel website
Forest Honeymoon Destinations in South Africa
12. Lazy Leopard, Knysna, Western Cape
Lazy Leopard’s lush forest setting will make you feel like you’re living your very own fairy tale fantasy. Honeymooners get to choose between two super romantic cabins—Starry Forest or Forest Moon—tucked away among the trees. Both are perfectly equipped for couples with only minor differences: Starry Forest, for example, has a glass-encased shower offering magnificent views, while Forest Moon has an outdoor bathtub on the deck. While it’s a tough choice, luckily, there’s no way you can go wrong.
More info: Lazy Leopard website
13. Forest Bird Lodge, Magoebaskloof, Limpopo
Whisk your loved one away to a wonder world of tall indigenous trees, bubbling streams, waterfalls, and birdsong at Forest Bird Lodge. The property offers a choice of two types of accommodation: the log cabin and the log cottage. Both timber structures are located in the middle of the forest and have two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
More info: Forest Bird Lodge website
14. Thulamela, Hazyview, Mpumalanga
You had us at the bit about the spa bath on the wooden deck, Thulamela. Gorgeous air-conditioned cabins provide a dreamy escape for honeymooners, complete with romantic forest pathways leading up to each secluded unit.
More info: Thulamela website
Mountain Honeymoon Destinations in South Africa
15. Oudebosch Eco Cabins, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Kleinmond
Situated in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the Kogelberg Nature Reserve is still relatively untouched by human interference, making it one of the most beautiful breakaway spots in the Western Cape. The stunning, glass-fronted, roof-gardened eco cabins add to the natural beauty and allow guests to feel blissfully immersed in the environment. With zero cellphone reception, this is the perfect spot to indulge in each other’s company as newlyweds.
Rates: From R1 170 per unit per night.
More info: CapeNature website
16. Sani Valley Honeymoon Lodges, Kwa-Zulu Natal
The southern Drakensberg escarpment towering majestically in the distance, a privately-owned lake on your front porch, horses, and a selection of wildlife—the chances are, the minute you check into Sani Valley Lodge, you won’t want to leave again. They offer a selection of special honeymoon lodges overlooking the lake that feature jacuzzis, baths with a view, and private spa treatments on your deck. Honeymooners are requested to fill out a questionnaire before arrival, so a package can be put together catering to their interests and needs. Expect little surprises like picnics out on a boat, horse rides, and hikes up to the local bushman paintings.
More info: Sani Valley Nature Lodges website
17. Akasha Mountain Retreat, Heidelberg, Western Cape
If you’re always longing for something just a little otherworldly, don’t think twice about it: book your honeymoon at Akasha Mountain Retreat straight away. Tucked away into a magical valley just a few kilometres off the N2, Akasha offers picturesque Cape-Maroc style accommodation in a sublime setting, with magnificent views over the Duiwenhoks Dam. The property is completely off the grid, and the cellphone signal is relatively poor, making it easy to escape for a few days. While the house can accommodate up to eight people, it still feels cosy enough for just a loved-up couple.
More info: Akasha Retreat website
Countryside Honeymoon Places in SA
18. Stornoway Lodge, Gauteng
With its rolling green lawns, towering weeping willows, miniature lake, and lush gardens, Stornoway Lodge is a stunning spot to hide away from all the bustle of regular city life. They offer a variety of accommodation types, but honeymooners may find themselves most charmed by the lakeside cottage, farmhouse, or luxury tent. Located just a stone’s throw away from Lanseria Airport, it’s also the perfect location for Gauteng-based couples to spend their first night together as newlyweds before jetting off to their next honeymoon destination.
More info: Stornoway Lodge website
19. Fisherman’s Cottage at Lothian Vineyards, Elgin, Western Cape
One of the Elgin Valley’s lesser-known treasures, Lothian Vineyards has been steadily establishing itself as a sought-after wedding venue, as well as a dreamy location for a luxurious weekend break. The property offers two accommodation options: the eight-bedroom Lothian House (to be rented in totality) and the delightful Fisherman’s Cottage. The latter offers honeymooners a secluded and picturesque spot to soak up each other’s company and fall a little more deeply in love.
More info: Lothian Vineyards website
20. Drostdy Hotel, Graaff Reinet, Eastern Cape
If the Karoo has always charmed your soul, this luxury boutique hotel in the heart of one of South Africa’s oldest towns is sure to leave you weak in the knees. The chic interiors have accents of classic Karoo farm life—Nguni throws, animal skulls decorating the walls, and Victorian-style bathroom fixtures—and the exterior is a beautiful blend of Cape Dutch architecture and modern renovations. The on-site De Camdeboo Restaurant also offers an array of decadent meals to enjoy by candlelight, while the Africology Spa will have you feeling like royalty after a treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honeymoon Destinations In South Africa
Why is South Africa good for honeymoons?
South Africa is well known for its rich wildlife reserve, amazing cities, enchanting natural beauty, most romantic beaches, and world-class luxury hotels, making it one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world.
Which are the most romantic places to visit in South Africa?
The most romantic places worth visiting while on a South African honeymoon are:
1. Cape Town & Cape Peninsula
2. Wild Coast
3. Johannesburg
4. Durban Beachfront
What is there to do in South Africa on a honeymoon?
A few of the most exciting things to do on a honeymoon in South Africa with your partner are:
1. Go into the wild, on a safari
2. Do deep-sea diving and explore marine life
3. Enjoy the nightlife in South Africa
4. Go on a sightseeing tour
What is the price for honeymoon resorts in South Africa?
Over the last 30 days, honeymoon resorts in South Africa have been available starting from R 1 345,00, though prices have typically been closer to R 2 500,57, per Trip Advisor.
Price estimates were calculated on June 15, 2023. Prices are provided by the respective resort managers and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees.
Do any honeymoon resorts in South Africa have a pool?
Many popular honeymoon resorts in South Africa have a pool. These include POD Camps Bay Boutique Hotel and The Oyster Box, to mention a few.
What are the best honeymoon resorts in South Africa?
Some of the best honeymoon resorts in South Africa are: POD Camps Bay Boutique Hotel and The Oyster Box, all of these and more are rated higher on Trip Advisor.
Which is the best time to visit South Africa?
South Africa is an all-year destination with varying regional climates. South Africa experiences a dry winter from May to October, which is the best time to enjoy the pleasant climate and explore the landscapes. If you wish to spot some whales, July to November would be the most ideal time.
What is South Africa famous for?
The country of South Africa is famous for its Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Cape Town, its tremendously rich mineral resources, mines, and the largest wildlife reserves.
Is South Africa an expensive destination?
South Africa is quite expensive compared to most Asian countries.
How safe is it to visit South Africa?
Crime rates in South Africa are slightly high, but if you avoid all the cheap places in the city, South Africa is a pretty safe place to visit.
How many days do I need in South Africa?
For a romantic honeymoon trip, 8–12 days would be quite sufficient to see and experience the best of South Africa.
