Combine adventure and luxury for an unforgettable romantic Africa escape
So you’re ready to plan an unforgettably romantic getaway. What do you do? Opt for an exotic adventure – or take a luxurious, five-star vacation? In Southern Africa, there’s no need to choose between the two.
Whenever I’m asked about the perfect destination for a romance vacation or honeymoon, I always think of Southern Africa. The U.S. dollar is incredibly strong there, and you can take a five-star vacation on a three-star budget. A three-part trip – including Cape Town, a safari in Kruger National Park, and a stay near Victoria Falls – is easily doable from any North American city over 10 to 12 nights.
Cape Town
Start your trip in Cape Town, “The Mother City” of South Africa. My favorite luxury hotel here is the One&Only Cape Town, located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront area. It’s opulent, has high service standards, and is in a prime location for walking and exploring. It is also a terrific base for sightseeing, with access to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was in prison), the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, and the Cape Winelands, renowned for its top cuisine and wine.
Greater Kruger National Park
About two hours by air from Cape Town, the Lion Sands Game Reserve sits just across the river from Kruger National Park. Lion Sands features fabulous accommodations, but book a suite at the Ivory Lodge for the height of luxury – complete with your own private plunge pool. Not only are the accommodations lavish, but the food is excellent, the wine list will please any oenophile, and the game viewing is exceptional (I’ve spent more time with leopards here than anywhere else in Africa). The lodge is all-inclusive, offering a bounty of food, drinks, activities, and game drives. And, for the truly adventurous, be sure to book a night in one of Lion Sands’ Treehouses, to spend a heavenly night sleeping out under the stars.
Ready to find romance on a luxury Africa vacation? Book your trip with Safaris Africa (www.SafarisAfrica.com). The first person to book will receive a free 2-night stay at the Royal Chundu Lodge, the first Relais and Chateaux property at Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls
Just a 90-minute flight from Kruger, two nights of luxury on the Zambezi River is the perfect way to end this romantic getaway – and the Royal Chundu is just the place for it. Whether you choose to stay at the larger River Lodge on the mainland, or the more intimate Island Lodge on the river, you’ll bask in the supreme luxury of the only Relais & Châteaux property in Zambia. The all-inclusive lodge is also a convenient base for Victoria Falls activities, including white-water rafting, helicopter flights, and bungee jumping.
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About the Author
Jeff Ward is a resident African Safari expert. Having traveled extensively throughout East Africa and Southern Africa, no one here in the USA knows more about African Safaris than Jeff. He recently sold his safari agency and now specializes in helping travelers select the perfect safari experience. You can find him at www.SafarisAfrica.com, his new venture. Want help planning your Africa safari? Contact Jeff here!
