Amanda & James’s South African Honeymoon

Sundowners at &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge / Courtesy of &Beyond

September 2026 | $12k Budget

South Africa is an ideal honeymoon destination with world-class safaris and a mix of other activities in the Cape to keep you busy. We want to end the trip at the beach, and for your budget your two best options are South Africa and Mauritius. I think the South African coast would best meet your requirements for privacy, but I’ve outlined a few options below for you.

1. South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal

Elephants at &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge / Courtesy of &Beyond luxury South Africa safariLounge at &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge / Courtesy of &Beyond luxury South Africa safariLions at &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge / Courtesy of &Beyond luxury South Africa safari

This itinerary starts in the Winelands before moving to South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province for your safari and beach. &Beyond’s Phinda private reserve has excellent wildlife and is within a short drive of the coast. There are few beach lodges here besides Thonga Beach Lodge, which will give you the private castaway vibe I think you’re looking for.

This option is my favorite bush to beach combo within South Africa, and my top suggestion for you. To that end, I’ve put some hotels on hold. Thonga had limited availability already. The total price for two is $11,600 not including domestic flights (Estimating $250). It’s valid for 7 days because of exchange rate fluctuations. You can view the full itinerary here.

Trip Overview

  • 19: Depart Newark
  • 20: Arrive in Cape Town, Private Transfer to the Winelands – 3 Nights La Fontaine
  • 21: Wine Tram
  • 22: E-biking tour in Franschhoek (Alternatively drive to Cape Town to climb Table Mountain or take a helicopter tour)
  • 23: Private transfer to Cape Town Airport, Fly to Safari
  • 23 – 26: 4 nights Phinda Private Reserve (with honeymoon discount special)
  • 27- 30: 3 nights Thonga Beach Lodge – Forest View Room
  • 30 – Transfer to Durban Airport for departure

2. South Africa + Mauritius

Simbavati River LodgeSimbavati Hilltop / Courtesy of SimbavatiLUX Le Morne

This is a standard South Africa and Mauritius combo. You will have more options on safari and beach lodges in these places. However, the flight connections mean you would need to go for 2-3 more days to accommodate layovers, and the four hour flight to Mauritius means that you would probably want four nights there. I like LUX Le Morne there, but it’s also much bigger property on a beach lined with resorts.

Trip Overview

  • 19: Depart Newark
  • 20: Arrive in Cape Town, Private Transfer to the Winelands – 3 Nights La Fontaine
  • 21: Wine Tram
  • 22: E-biking tour in Franschhoek
  • 23: Private transfer to Cape Town Airport, Fly to Safari
  • 23 – 26: 4 nights Kruger Area Private Reserve (TBD)
  • 27: Possible overnight in Johannesburg
  • 28 – 2: 4 nights in Mauritius – LUX Grand Le Morne
  • 2: Transfer to Mauritius Airport for departure

3. South Africa, Cape Coast

Simbavati River LodgeLeopard at Londolozi / Courtesy of LondoloziWhale watching at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve / Courtesy of Grootbos luxury South Africa Beach resort

This last option focuses more on the Western Cape of South Africa, which is a cold water beach similar to San Francisco. It’s beautiful with great whale watching and charming hotels like Coot Club. I don’t think this is what you’re looking for, but I wanted to include it. It makes sense for couples who want to take an anniversary trip to the Caribbean and spend more time exploring the Cape.

Trip Overview

  • 19: Depart Newark
  • 20: Arrive in Johannesburg, late arrival, overnight at Intercontinental Johannesburg Airport
  • 21–24: Fly to Hoedspruit, 4 night safari at Kruger Area Private Reserve (TBD)
  • 25: Fly to Cape Town, 1 night in a city hotel
  • 26: Transfer to Winlelands, Wine Tram
  • 27: E-biking tour in Franschhoek
  • 28: Transfer to Cape Coast – 2 nights Coot Club
  • 29: Whale Watching Tour
  • 30: Transfer to Cape Town Airport for departure