LAY OF THE LAND
There’s no excuse not to come to South
Africa – they’ve truly got it all. In between
two coasts with exceptional beaches, an
untamed African wilderness, beautiful
mountain hiking trails and sophisticated
cities await honeymooners. Transportation
throughout the country is relatively easy, so
it’s possible to trek through the mountains,
take in the bustling city, explore the
African wildlife on a safari and then take a
breather at a luxurious coastal resort, all in
one trip. Top that off with the privilege of
experiencing the unique blend of cultures
that make the South African people, music
and cuisine so vibrant, and you’ve got the
vacation of a lifetime.


Guests in safari vehicle watching lion during game drive

TOP MUST-SEE'S MUST-DO'S
Safari
You can’t do Africa without the safari
experience. There’s no other place in
the world where you can begin the day
getting up close and personal with exotic
wildlife and end it with a six-course meal
at a luxurious resort. There are plenty of
safari tourism companies, so you can shop
around and find the perfect fit for you,
whether it be a 5-day camping excursion
through the African wilderness, a day trip
that ends at a coastal resort or something
in between. You’ll probably find the most
options at the best deal if you use Cape
Town as your base. Almost all tourism
agencies offer a special honeymoon
excursion or accommodation, so be sure to
look for those offers when you’re planning
the trip.


Abseiling on Table Mountain, Cape Town

Adventure Tourism
Besides going on a safari, there are endless opportunities for the newlywed daredevils. Abseiling off Table Mountain, bungee jumping off river bridges, hiking to a cheetah farm, paragliding, sandboarding and shark cage diving are just a handful of
the activities South Africa has to offer. As
with a safari, Cape Town is the best place to set up an adventure activity, since they will have the most agencies and transportation options.

Aerial of Cape Town

The Garden Route
If you’re using Cape Town as your base,
head just a little bit east to the magnificent
Garden Route. Stretching about 125 miles,
a collection of picturesque towns offers
something for every travel. They boast the
best beaches in South Africa, mountains,
rivers, excellent hiking and outdoor sports,
golf courses, ostrich riding, canopy tours
and the world’s largest bungee jump into a
river. Whale and bird watchers will find the
Garden Route among the best places in the
world to spot their favorite species. There
is plenty of honeymoon accommodation in
many of the small towns such as George,
Storms River and Knysna.

WHERE TO STAY:
Rocktail Beach Camp
For honeymooners looking for a more
secluded spot, this camp is set back in
and shaded by the sanctuary of the lush
Maputaland Coastal Forest covering the
ancient dunes that make up the edge of
South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal coast with
the Maputaland Marine Reserve just
offshore. The Camp has a honeymoon
suite with wonderful views of the ocean
and dune forest. You’ll also have access
to a central dining room and bar/lounge
with a wrap-around veranda with
incredible views. The main area also
has a large swimming pool and curio
shop.


Guest Tent at Rocktail Bay Lodge

Couples looking for an active honeymoon will have lots of opportunities. With the Marine Reserve just offshore, couples can encounter huge shoals of fish, dolphins and whales by scuba diving and snorkeling.

Tintswalo Atlantic Lodges
The Tintswalo Lodges have three locations
in South Africa – one an exclusive safari
lodge bordering the Kruger National Park,
one on the Atlantic coast overlooking a
quaint fishing village, and one just north of
Johannesburg. All offer exceptional service, dining and amenities while still maintaining the special South African flair by decoratingin thatched roofs or with African accessories. Ask for special honeymoon accommodations, some of which include a private pool or special services.

Tintswalo at Waterfall:
~ Views stretch through to the
Magaliesberg Mountains
~ A stone’s throw from all major routes, but far enough away to be completely quiet
~ Located in a totally secure estate
Tintswalo Safari Lodge and Manor House:
~ Located on a dry riverbed overlooking a water hole. Each suite has a viewing deck
~ Very few vehicles cross paths and there is a low human footprint
~ Big five game viewing is excellent

Tintswalo Atlantic:
~ The only lodge on the Atlantic coast that is built directly on the shore, at the foot of Chapmans Peak
~ Open plan kitchen, offering guests the opportunity to get involved
~ An uninterrupted view of the Sentinel


One of Tintswalo Safari Lodge’s Master Bedrooms

WHAT TO EAT
South Africa’s cuisine is as colorful as its history. European, Asian, Arab and northern African staples have merged to form a deliciously diverse and unique South African menu. Don’t be surprised to find Eastern spices on a British meat dish or French [international] pastries served with an African flair. The mixture of cultures in their cuisine means some dishes are very provincial, but there are some staples throughout the country. One meal you probably won’t leave South Africa without seeing is a braai, or barbeque.

Another staple is seafood. Rock lobster is a specialty, served with lemon butter or in a salad with avocado. Crayfish and cod are also popular and are often served with
Indian or Asian spices.

The British brought meat pies to South Africa, but they’ve turned them into something the Europeans wouldn’t recognize. South Africans add more seasoning and ingredients such as raisins, a hard-boiled egg, or ham slices and are sometimes topped with a custard.


View from Tintswalo Atlantic’s deck

Ask around near where you are staying in South Africa for local specialties, what is in season and the best place to get it!

CLIMATE
South Africa is a relatively sunny place, and because of its subtropical climate temperatures are mostly agreeable throughout the year. On the coasts, the
summer months (opposite ours because they’re south of the equator!) are the warmest, but there is often quite a difference in temperature between the two,
with the east being warmer. Since there is such a difference, it’s a good idea to check the weather right before you go, and make sure you are checking your specific area so you’re prepared.

LANGUAGE
Although there are 11 official languages in South Africa, English is spoken everywhere and is the language on all road signs, banking and hotels.

TIME ZONE
South Africa operates in the SAST time zone.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is 220/230 volt, so you will need a three-pronged adapter, although many hotel rooms will have 110 voltage plugs for small appliances such as an electric shaver.

CURRENCY
South Africa uses the Rand. ATMs are available throughout the country, although there is a particularly high rate of petty crime through ATMs. Instead, many
retail shops offer an ATM service through their cashier lines, and you can simply ask the cashier for cash after swiping your credit card.

TIPPING
Tipping is customary in South Africa. The average tip can be closer to 10% and does not usually exceed 15%.

MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
You do not need to be a resident of South Africa to get married there. For a destination wedding, make sure your plans start at least two months before the wedding date. You will need birth certificates for both parties and passports if you are not South African
residents. If you are under 21 years of age, you will need parental consent on your marriage license form. It should be noted that the ceremony must be performed in a building with open doors.