It doesn’t matter where you go in South Africa – there’s so much to explore and experience, and its breathtaking views will leave you in awe. Here, a local gives us a guide to some of the must-see spots.
Trip 1
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Itinerary for an adventurous South African honeymoon
DAY 1: Kruger National Park and Skukuza Rest Camp
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HOW TO GET HERE: Fly from Johannesburg International Airport to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Rent a car and drive to Kruger National Park, entering at Numbi Gate. Head towards Skukuza Rest Camp.
WHAT TO DO: The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience.
ACCOMMODATION: If your budget allows, splurge on Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, which is owned by Sir Richard Branson and highly recommended for newlyweds on their honeymoon. Otherwise, consider Skukuza Rest Camp
DAY 2: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
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HOW TO GET HERE: From Skukuza Rest Camp, exit the park at Orpen Gate near the town of Hoedspruit, and drive to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
WHAT TO DO: Close-up encounters with wild animals, including leopards and lion cubs.
ACCOMMODATION: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or Kruger National Park
DAY 3: Panorama Route – God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon
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HOW TO GET HERE: Drive to God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon along the Panorama Route, Mpumalanga.
WHAT TO DO: Enjoy the breathtaking views and natural surroundings.
ACCOMMODATION: Forever Swadini Resort
DAY 4: Johannesburg – Sandton City / Rosebank
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HOW TO GET HERE: Return via KMIA or drive through to Johannesburg.
WHAT TO DO: Visit Sandton City or Rosebank for some dining and shopping. Buy your souvenirs and other arts and crafts here.
DAY 1: Cape Town / Robben Island
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HOW TO GET HERE: Fly to Cape Town.
WHAT TO DO: Go here for a list of things you can do. Arrange a trip to Robben Island from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, visit Table Mountain, try shark cage diving or go whale watching.
ACCOMMODATION: Most people stay in hotels at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront). Depending on your budget, there is everything from backpacker hostels to five-star hotels. However, one of the best hotels is on Mount Nelson.
DAY 2: Wine Routes
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HOW TO GET HERE: Drive towards Knysna, passing through the Wine Routes along the way.
WHAT TO DO: Enjoy the picturesque scenery, friendly hospitality and excellent wines. Here is a list of wineries. Cellar tours normally need to be booked and paid for in advance.
ACCOMMODATION: List of accommodation options.
DAY 3: Garden Route – Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness
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HOW TO GET HERE: Drive along the coast to Wilderness via the Garden Route.
WHAT TO DO: Enjoy the stunning scenery and different activities along the way. In Knysna, visit Knysna Heads (cliff drive) and Knysna Elephant Park, and the historical Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Steam Train museum. Also visit the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest, and don’t forget to check out Buffalo Bay and Sedgefield, two of the best beaches along the Garden Route.
DAY 4: Johannesburg / Cape Town
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HOW TO GET HERE: Drive to the town of George, Western Cape, and catch a flight back to Cape Town or Johannesburg. Alternatively, drive back to Cape Town.
WHAT TO DO: Visit Sandton City or Rosebank for some dining and shopping. Buy your souvenirs and other arts and crafts here.
ACCOMMODATION: Consider Michelangelo Hotel and The Palazzo Montecasino.
{Download itineraries here}
David Topper, who resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a friend we got to know while he was posted in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago. He got his scuba diving license in Malaysia, and has since been hitting every dive spot in Asia. He’s also tried durian, although he wasn’t a big fan.
{Read more about this in the magazine}