Stepping out onto the rolling plateau, you feel the sun's broad warmth like a hand on your shoulder. Take your newlywed's arm in yours as your breath is taken away by the misty crags of the Cape of Good Hope, and beyond the brilliant mingling of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, here on Table Mountain in Cape Town, standing at the end of the world. These are only the first steps of your remarkable South African honeymoon!
The North of South Africa
South Africa's northern latitudes are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. If you and your new partner are animal lovers, there are few trips on earth more intriguing than a visit to the grasslands and savannahs of the African continent. Take an open 4 x 4 safari to see elegant zebras, mighty hippos, towering giraffes, and powerful wildebeest. You'll even have the opportunity to see Africa's "Big Five": lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and water buffalo can all be found in different parts of South Africa.
One of the most popular tourists destinations is Kruger National Park, along the lazy Limpopo river. The park is extremely well-trafficked by tourists from across the globe, and is something of an outdoor zoo. For those with a more intrepid sense of discovery, numerous companies offer tours and outings into the wilderness, which are often more satisfying game-watching experiences.
South Africa's Interior Plateau
The highlands of South Africa's interior plateau are fascinating and romantic spots to visit. You'll see intriguing and seemingly impossible rock formations, carved over millennia by sand and wind. There are numerous examples of rock and cave paintings, created by the San bushmen, South Africa's oldest indigenous population. Some of these strange shapes marked in red and black are up to 6000 years old, and often evoke deep feelings of wonder and tangible memory.
Kagga Kamma, a private game reserve just south of the Cederburg Mountains, is home to paintings of this kind, in addition to offering luxurious accommodations, guided safaris, stargazing by telescope, and an incredible sense of quiet and serenity. On any given evening, you can hike to the reserve's private canyon and watch majestic black eagles ride the last of the thermals as the sun goes down, completely at peace in the open air.
The South of South Africa
The southern portion of South Africa is one of the world's true jewels. Cape Town is one of the liveliest, friendliest, and most picturesque cities on the African continent, nestled against the green and brown slopes of Table Mountain, the enormous mesa just north of the city. The Table is a great climb, with a European-style chateau at the top, which is also accessible by sky tram. On the right day, you can also see a thick sheet of fog swirling across the mountain top, which locals refer to as the "Table Cloth".
With outstanding shopping and a thriving music scene, the city will keep the two of you grooving along at the many boutiques, jazz clubs, and wonderful restaurants the city has to offer. Don't miss a trip just north of Cape Town to the rolling vineyards of the Franschoek region, verdant valleys ensconced between mighty peaks of gray granite and lush forests. With a climate similar to that of northern California, this part of the country is quickly coming to produce some of the world's best wines, a delightful treat for those with sharp palettes, or for those with a simple love of beautiful vistas and intoxicating conversations between lovers.
In the fifteen years since the abolishment of apartheid, South Africa has emerged as one of the premier destinations for newlyweds and romantics of all ages. The nation boasts world-class tourist accommodations, metropolitan cities, and an incredibly diverse population famed for their hospitality and sense of community. From cycling and wine tasting in the Franschoek region north of Cape Town, to big game safaris at Kruger National Park, to the extraordinary cave paintings of the San bushmen on the country's highland plateau, this country at the southern tip of the African continent is a delight for the passionately adventurous.
