If you and your partner are looking to plan a romantic getaway in South Africa, I can help. Listed below are nine amazing destinations that you have to check out for that perfect baecation in South Africa. The list features breathtaking views, penguins, and a spa so there’s a little bit for everyone, enjoy!
Unique Holiday Destinations in South Africa
Tankwa Karoo
Tankwa Karoo is a beautiful national park that was declared in 1986. Tankwa Karoo is unique in that it is made up of three separate ecosystems, open grasslands in the centre, west of there is a desert and to the east is a set of mountains known as the Roggeveld Mountains. If you’re looking to stay at Tankwa Karoo you have plenty of options ranging from cottages to guesthouses and even camping facilities.
In terms of cottages, I would recommend the De Zyfer Farm Cottage as it has two bedrooms each with a double bed, a kitchen, and it comes fully stocked with linens, towels, and cooking utensils. For the complex, you can’t go wrong with the Tanqua, which has three rooms, a living area, and a fully stocked kitchen. If you decide to rough it out camping, I would recommend the Langkloof campsite as you can enjoy all of the fun of camping while still having access to a washroom! For all of these listings you can check out the South African National Parks website.
Langebaan Lagoon
Located on the Cape West Coast, the Langebaan Lagoon is a large saltwater wetland that’s protected by the West Coast National Park. If you’re looking for a picture perfect place for your Instagram feed look no further, Langebaan Lagoon offers whale watching, 300 different species of birds to view, and blooming wild flowers from August to September.
The lagoon is perfect for swimming as it’s fairly shallow and there are no currents. If you’re worried about meeting the next Jaws, you have nothing to fear! The only sharks in the lagoon are sand sharks which are known to not be aggressive or attack humans.
Boulders Beach Penguin Sanctuary
Visiting Boulders Beach Penguin Sanctuary is a once in a lifetime experience! As the name suggests, this is the place to visit if you want to hangout at a distance with penguins. You can find Boulders Beach by heading to Simon’s Town which is part of Cape Town in the Western Cape.
You may be wondering if this is an expensive destination where you’re crowded in a large line and can barely see the penguins? Luckily Boulders Beach is the opposite of this.
To visit the penguins it will only cost you a few dollars per person depending on your currency as many currencies have a good conversion rate with the South African rand. If you want to avoid the large crowds make sure to go earlier in the morning as there are far less people during those times. The boardwalks on Boulders Beach lets you view the penguins from a few meters back, but if you want to get even closer you can head over to Foxy Beach.
Secluded Romantic Getaways in South Africa
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Kogelberg Nature Reserve is the perfect place for a romantic getaway with your significant other. With 7,400 acres and 1600 species of plants this nature reserve has the most plant diversity in the world. You can find this reserve by heading east of Cape Town to the Kogelberg Mountain Range.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve offers the Mbali Collection and the Oudebosch Eco Cabins if you’re looking to stay overnight instead of only visiting for the day. If you’re looking to plan your entire trip around the nature reserve there are plenty of activities ranging from mountain biking, gravity adventures, and even whale and wildlife watching!
Kleinrivier Wilderness
Also located in the eastern cape is the Kleinrivier Wilderness. Here you have plenty of options for lodging with choices of the Stone Mountain Lodge, the Black Eagle Tented Camp, and the Pepper Tree Cottage.
What makes the Kleinriver Wilderness stand out from the rest is their diverse ecosystems. You can partake in two steep gorges, a subtropical grove, or a mountain shrubland. To keep you and your significant other occupied you can swim in mountain pools, watch the large variety of birds that inhabit the Kleinriver and partake in a mountain drive or if you’re feeling adventurous you can mountain bike.
Drakensburg
If you’re looking for a romantic stay at an instagram worthy accommodation, I would highly recommend the Dumbe Chalets in the Drakensberg. The Drakensburg chalets are meant for couples as each is limited to a max capacity of two people; these are fully decked out with a Queen bed, a fireplace with wood provided, an on-site nature trail, and the most spectacular views.
This is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. There are three 18 hole golf courses and one 9 hole course, 4x4 trails for off-roading, and the Kaal Voet Vrou Monument. This monument is dedicated to Susanna Smit who made a powerful statement of deciding to hike barefoot over the Drakensburg instead of having to live in the South African province of Natal which was under British rule.
Cheap Holiday Destinations in South Africa
Hartbeespoort
Situated in the north-west province of South Africa, Hartbeespoort is a small resort town with a population of less than 50,000 people. If you’re looking for places to stay, this quaint town is filled with holiday homes and small hotels.
Hartbeespoort offers a wide variety of activities ranging from casual strolls and sightseeing to more adventurous ventures. If you’re looking for something more nonchalant, I would check out the aerial cableway, a quick visit to the upside down house, and spending a day at the Cradle of Humankind. For more adventurous activities, be sure to check out the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour, spending an afternoon high in the sky with a hot air balloon ride, and visiting an animal sanctuary to view the local wildlife. If you’re going to visit an animal sanctuary make sure to avoid any unethical ones, you can tell that a sanctuary is unethical if they allow you to pet leopards, etc.
Bela Bela
Bela Bela is a northern town in South Africa that’s located in the Limpopo Province. What makes Bela Bela stand out from the other destinations that I mentioned are its hot springs. Fun fact about the town, the word “bela” means “boiling” so if you were to translate the town’s name it would be “boiling boiling.”
If you decide to visit Bela Bela, I would recommend staying at the Warmbaths resort. Relax and enjoy full body massages and unwind in the hot mineral pools!
Chapman’s Peak
If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful drives of your life, rent a car and check out Chapman’s Peak. Chapman’s is a mountain between Hout Bay and Noordhoek located on the western side of the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town.
Many people call this 5.5 mile or 8.8 kilometers (depending on what region you’re in) drive one of the most beautiful drives in the world. I believe them after seeing some of the pictures that people posted online, such as the one above. If you’re interested in driving Chapman’s Peak make sure to book ahead of time as the spots can fill up quite quickly!
FAQs:
Where should I go for my anniversary in South Africa?
For a fun anniversary in South Africa, visit Boulders Beach Penguin Sanctuary. Not many people can say they’ve seen penguins in person and this is the perfect place to do it. If you make your way to Foxy Beach you can view penguins a few feet away.
What is the most beautiful part of South Africa?
The most beautiful part of South Africa is the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. This takes the cake with 1600 species of plants located on the reserve, this gives it the title of having the most plant diversity in the world.
Where is the quietest place in South Africa?
Drakensberg is your ideal destination for a quiet vacation in South Africa. Here you can relax with strolls through your on-site nature trails or play an 18 hole game of golf. You can rest easy knowing that your chalet will be fully stocked with all of the amenities you may need.
If you enjoyed reading this feel free to check out some of my other posts!
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