A Classic South African Bush to Beach Honeymoon
A “bush to beach” vacation is an archetypal African itinerary that involves a safari and a magical beach resort on the Indian Ocean. It was the format of our honeymoon, and it’s a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for nature-oriented newlyweds. There are many ways you can spin this trip based on your destination and camp preferences, but we’ve sketched out one of the most popular paths below. It starts in Sabi Sands, a private reserve outside of Kruger National Park in South Africa, and finishes on the beaches of Mozambique. Of course, if you have time, we always recommend staying in Cape Town or the Cape Winelands to start or end your trip.
This itinerary is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for nature-oriented newlyweds.
* Rate does not include airfare, taxes, transfers, and extra activities and should be used as a starting point. Contact us to customize this to your preferences, dreams, and room availability.
✧ Your custom travel playlist includes Letta Mbulu’s “Nomaliso”
Letta Mbulu is one of South Africa’s most prominent singers. While in exile during Apartheid, she worked with big names such as Quincy Jones and Harry Belafonte. “Nomalizo” has an infectious African R&B rhythm to get you excited about your romantic adventure.
The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is located along the Western boundary of Kruger National Park, a wildlife reserve the size of Switzerland. The wildlife here is just as incredible as inside the park, but with none of the crowds. The reserve is famous for being the best place in the world to see leopards. There is also an abundance of great luxury lodges.
After arriving in South Africa, we’ll fly you directly there to start four nights of safari. This will allow you time to settle in and get to know the people and animals that make this place unique. And don’t worry–between the fine dining, spa, and private plunge pool; you’ll hardly be roughing it. Other highlights of a honeymoon safari include a private vehicle and bush dinners in spectacular locations.
There are many options in the Kruger area, so we can easily tailor this trip segment to match your budget and style.
Transfer from Sabi Sands to Kruger Nelspruit airport for a direct flight to Mozambique. From here, charter a helicopter to nearby Benguerra Island. The water is so shockingly clear that the flight will be one of the highlights of your trip. Spend the next few days relaxing in the warm shallow waters in front of your private suite, or get out on the water for dune tours and some of the best snorkeling or diving in the Indian Ocean.
✧ We’ve sent you some reading material, including, The Elephant Whisperer
The Elephant Whisperer is a safari memoir set in South Africa–not Botswana. However, its heartwarming stories about elephant life and the trials of starting a lodge with your family are just the right tone for sharing with your partner on a honeymoon safari. View on Amazon
The Cape Winelands north of Cape Town is one of the most scenic wine regions in the world. We suggest taking an extra few days at the beginning or the end of your itinerary to enjoy world-class food and cycle around the vineyards.
✧ Consider adding a story element to your trip.
This is your time, so try tuning out the world as much as possible. Let your family know you have arrived safely, but Instagram can wait until you get home. It’s also easy to get caught up in taking a ton of pictures of your honeymoon, but you can live in the moment more by keeping a journal together instead. At the end of each day, take note of moments of awe, personal reflection, connection, or even little details or quotes you’d like to remember. This will make for a good discussion over dinner. Also, make a point of asking the people you meet in each place about their partners and families and take note of that too. What is most important to them, and do they have any wisdom for you?
We combine expert knowlege with creative itineraries to make your travel dreams a reality. Contact us for a free consultation.