Real Honeymoon: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique

I recently had the pleasure of planning this incredible African Safari Honeymoon! In 18 days this sweet couple was able to squeeze in tons of unforgettable experiences including a South African safari, a tour of wine country, a scuba trip and beyond.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe → Cape Town, South Africa → Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa → Bazaruta Archipelago, Mozambique.

Duration: 18 days
Month: April
Hotels: Stanley & Livingston Boutique Hotel, Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Lion Sands River Lodge, Andbeyond Benguerra Island

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the majesty of the largest curtain of falling water on Earth is best experienced from an aerial view. Our couple took this seriously, viewing the Falls both from a private helicopter and a breathtaking bungee jump.

Bungee jumping off of Victoria Falls Bridge – the ultimate bucket list item! I love it when clients are excited to try new things and what better way to do that than jumping off of a bridge surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world? As an extra dose of entertainment, I heard there were some sneaky monkeys hanging around the reception area to keep things exciting.

A helicopter ride over Victoria Falls – Perhaps bungee jumping isn’t your thing and a helicopter ride seems more your style! Or maybe, like these honeymooners, you’d choose both! They hopped on a helicopter for a birds eye view of the stunning waterfall and the magnificent surrounding landscape. An unforgettable sight!

They went on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river followed by a drumming show at a traditional Boma dinner. They saw hippos, elephants, baboons, impalas and even tasted exotic things like crocodile and buffalo steak!

Accommodations: Stanley Livingstone Boutique Hotel

After so much thrill, the next few days are best spent a bit slower in Cape Town. Hike or take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for sweeping views. Explore Cape Point Nature Reserve. Let a colony of African penguins waddle right up to you at False Bay. Unwind at stunning wineries in the Franschhoek Valley and Stellenbosch region.

In case you didn’t know, Cape Town boasts some of the top dining experiences across the globe! Michelle and Jake enjoyed several fabulous meals including dinner at Beyond Restaurant which is situated on a stunning family estate with endless views of the land that inspires the artisanal cuisine.

Sometimes the best adventures happen over a glass of wine… or two. Michelle and Jake made their way to South Africa’s wine country where they indulged in a unique selection of wines from Franschhoek Winery of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines and Delaire Graff Estate and enjoyed a world class lunch at La Petite Colombe.

Accommodations: @12apostleshotel, @sabisandgamereserve

Here is the authentic safari experience you came to Africa for. Seek out all of Africa’s Big Five in the oldest of all private reserves, where experienced guides will help make up-close sightings of incredible wildlife possible and unforgettable.

From Michelle:

“We had the privilege of watching a large pride of lions devour the carcass of a giraffe. This lioness was in charge and her eyes looked straight at you. From rhinos (horns intact) grazing, to elephants breastfeeding to having a close encounter with a hyena and buffalo, this trip is nothing short of breathtaking.”

Lions, cheetahs, and elephants, oh my! The couple checked in to Lion Sands River Lodge – Sabi Sand Private Reserve where they hopped aboard a game drive Jeep and soaked in the sights of South Africa’s breathtaking wildlife.

What better way to spend a romantic night than sleeping under the stars? Sabi Sands pulls out all of the stops with its Kingston Treehouse experience. For one magical night, the honeymooners were surrounded by the African bush and uninhibited wildlife at its best. The perfect blend of beauty and adventure!

Accommodations: @lionsandsgamereserve

Before heading home, soak up the white sands and unspoiled marine life of Benguerra Island, where you can scuba dive, snorkel, or even ride horses bareback into the ocean. This island experience is the perfect way to wrap up a honeymoon filled with wildlife, thrills and relaxation.

From Michelle:

“Scuba in Mozambique! Seeing dolphins was perhaps the highlight of the trip. It was such a rare, special moment. We saw rays, two types of turtles, so many fish, and I had a game of chicken with a grouper! At one point we were surrounded by schools of fish and felt a part of the ocean. It was truly magical.”

I loved working with Jake and Michelle on crafting their perfect honeymoon experience. The best part of my job is working with my clients to achieve their dream travel goals!

Accommodations: @andbeyondbenguerra