Carlie & Bree’s Safari Honeymoon

Leopard at Londolozi / Courtesy of Londolozi

October 2026

South Africa is an ideal honeymoon destination with world-class safaris and a mix of other activities in the Cape to keep you busy. Plus, same sex marriage is legal and very normal there. I’ve outlined a few directions with sample lodges and prices before transfers, tips, and game reserve fees to give you an idea. Availability on these isn’t guaranteed, but we should be able to find similar options in each area once we settle in on a direction. Thanks!

Part 1: Safari

Any safari property I send you to will have great wildlife, few crowds, and great guiding. In South Africa, there are a few places you can choose from, depending on your preferences and how you want to route your trip. I’ve listed some favorites below. I recommend four nights on safari to get three full days in the area.

Greater Kruger

Simbavati Hilltop / Courtesy of SimbavatiSimbavati River LodgeLeopard at Londolozi / Courtesy of LondoloziElephant at Londolozi / Courtesy of Londolozi

The Greater Kruger National Park area is one of Africa’s most famous parks for its high wildlife density, especially leopards. I only book private reserves adjacent to the park to avoid the crowds of public self-drives here. There are lots of lodge options in this part of South Africa. One popular choice for honeymooners is Simbavati Hilltop in the Timbavati Private Reserve. It’s $1,200 per person per night. They also have a more affordable River Lodge at $850 per person per night, but its larger and tends to draw more families.

This is going to be the only area in South Africa that is suitable for ballooning.

Madikwe Private Reserve

Jaci's Private Lodge, Madikwe, South AfricaJaci's Private Lodge, Madikwe, South AfricaJaci's Private Lodge, Madikwe, South AfricaJaci's Private Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

In the Southern Kalahari, a short flight from Johanneburg, is the Madikwe Private Reserve. This is a warmer more arid area where highs may get up to 90 in October. Still, there is good wildlife – especially wild dogs. It also has a range of lodges to meet any budget. One of my favorites is Jaci’s Private Lodge at $980 per person per night. They just did a full rebuild after some storm damage are reopening this summer.

Phinda Private Game Reserve

Game drives at &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge / Courtesy of &BeyondSundowners at &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge / Courtesy of &Beyond luxury South Africa safariCheetah at &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge / Courtesy of &Beyond luxury South Africa safariSuite bedroom at &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge / Courtesy of &Beyond luxury South Africa safari

&Beyond’s Phinda Private Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal Province isn’t as well known. Still, it has excellent wildlife – especially cheetah, which are rarer in the brushy landscape around Kruger. There are a few properties to choose from here, but they are roughly around $1,100 per person per night. The main incentive to stay here is easy access to South African beaches in the province (noted below).

Eastern Cape

Suite at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge / Courtesy of Kwandwe luxury South Africa safariLion at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge / Courtesy of Kwandwe luxury South Africa safariBuffalo near Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge / Courtesy of Kwandwe luxury South Africa safariRhino at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge / Courtesy of Kwandwe luxury South Africa safari

The Eastern Cape game reserves near Port Elizabeth are still up and coming, and as a result, you often get a 5-star lodge for a 4-star price. They have all the Big 5 with a really high concentration of rhinos. It’s a short 1hr flight from Cape Town, so it combines well with the city. It’s slightly cooler here in August with temps 50-72, whereas Kruger would be 60-88. Because of this is, it is malaria-free, though the other areas are low risk in the dry season. My favorite property here is Kwandwe Ecca, which is around the same price as Phinda, $1,100 per person per night.

Part 2: Beach

After your early wake and safari schedule, it will be nice to relax on the beach and sleep in. I’ve outlined a few options below. You should be able to get to the South Africa options in a day but Mauritius may require a layover.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

South Africa is a bit further south and so has cooler waters. However, if you are in Phinda, you can drive to Thonga Beach Lodge in a couple hours, the only property on a remote stretch of beach that is relatively far north. This will give you luxury castaway Mozambique vibes at South Africa prices. Rooms start at $800/nt for two, all-inclusive, with a stay-4-pay-3 special offer.

Mauritius

LUX Le Morne

Mauritius is the most developed beach in the region with direct 5hr flights from Cape Town or Johannesburg (though these sometimes require an overnight layover). You’ll have a lot of choices at a range of prices here – the downside is that there are more tourists to contend with. I like LUX Le Morne for its slightly sheltered position near a good surf beach with a mountain backdrop. Rooms for two here start at $433 for a room only or $838 for an all-inclusive package.

Cape Town

The Cape isn’t a warm-water beach – think of a more dramatic San Francisco. But it can be a rewarding stop if you’re into museums, hiking, and whale watching. Prices are also reasonable with decent city hotels like Gorgeous George in the $250/nt range or coastal inns like Coot Club in the $450/nt range. Depending on your flight, it can be a fun add-on to your trip.

A helicopter here can be a fun balloon alternative for South Africa.