City, Bush and Beach Honeymoon

Apon arrival at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, a VIP agent met Erin and Michael to escort them through immigration, baggage collection and on to their light aircraft charter flight to Marataba Safari Lodge.

Located within the Marakele National Park. Alongside Africa’s Big 5, they encountered a wide variety of birds, including the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world and a large population of elusive leopards on twice-per-day game drives, as well as sunrise and sunset cruises, perfect for twitchers and keen photographers. The lodge features 15 luxury tents, each suite with its own private deck and lavish free-standing stone baths and outdoor showers.

Following a game viewing experience and breakfast, the couple was transferred to the Madikwe Private Game reserve for their stay at the very private Madikwe Safari Kapono Lodge for three nights. Erin and Michael were treated to exclusive comforts as well as authentic Big 5 wildlife encounters on morning and evening game drives across the reserve. This property is renowned for it’s successful wild dog sightings and hosts both black and white rhino, brown and spotted hyena, cheetah and a plethora of other wildlife. With only four suites at the camp, the couple could take advantage of their private plunge pool, private deck and a wood-burning fireplace to elevate the romance, with daily activities including game drives with professional rangers, bush walks, birdwatching, meals in the bush, as well as astronomy and wildlife lectures.

After plenty of romance and game drives, the couple were transferred to the airstrip for a light aircraft shuttle flight to Johannesburg, then another flight on to Cape Town, where they drove to the Cape Winelands to visit the magical food gardens of Babylonstoren for two nights. The estate’s gardeners give daily tours with guests encouraged to join in the planting and harvesting of produce. The Garden Spa infuses traditional treatments with fresh herbs from the garden, while simple, farm-to-table cuisine can be savoured at the Babel Restaurant, with light lunches served at the Greenhouse. The couple stayed in a luxury cottage, designed to resemble the old Cape Dutch farmhouses of the Winelands district overlooking the area’s rolling vineyards.

With their immersion in country life complete, Erin and Michael headed back to Cape Town to check into The Cape Grace Hotel located at the vibrant and bustling V&A Waterfront – a prime position for those wanting to explore Cape Town. Elegant and luxurious, the hotel was a dreamy base from which the honeymooners could enjoy a variety of activities like city tours, a hike up Table Mountain, a stroll through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or shopping for local treasures and trying out top notch restaurants.

The perfect honeymoon was complete, the pair headed back to Cape Town International Airport to return home.