I have so much to say about South Africa that I don’t even know where to start. But in June 2023 we went on our honeymoon to South Africa for 7 days. And because this trip is the closest, I decided to start writing about this trip.
No time for a honeymoon
Last April, Thomas and I got married, but due to the emigration arrangements, we thought we would no longer have time for a honeymoon. But after a bit of fiddling with our agendas, we knew that something had to be possible. Of course it became a honeymoon in South Africa!
To South Africa in the winter
Although it can be quite cold in South Africa in winter, we had been given the north of the Kruger Park as a tip. And coincidentally, this place is also on my list of places I want to see in South Africa. The planning can begin!
We never actually book an organized trip. We are more of our own travel agency and I must honestly admit that Thomas takes care of most of this. He arranges the car, the tickets and keeps track of all the finances. Together we spend evenings looking for the most beautiful places in South Africa. We really make a sport of it and often don’t get tired of what is on offer. This time we only have a week and so we want to spend as little time as possible driving. We quickly make two choices. A few days at the very top of the north in a luxury safari lodge because, after all, it is our honeymoon and we conclude with an adventurous glamping in the middle of nature, but where everything is taken care of.
With a night flight to South Africa
One of the advantages of this destination is that there is no time difference with the Netherlands. To save valuable time, we often opt for an overnight flight so that we arrive fresh and energetic and can start exploring straight away.
Our flight took us to Johannesburg, where we quickly picked up our rental car and hit the road. With some familiarity with the roads of Johannesburg, we soon leave the hustle and bustle of the city. We know that we have to cover quite a distance, a drive of more than 7 hours. In South Africa we always aim to arrive at our destination well before dark, so good planning is essential. As we drive along the highway, we enjoy our favorite landscape: an enchanting mix of mountains, vast plains, and a bright blue sky. Paul Simon’s Graceland is playing in the background. We drive effortlessly through the increasingly quiet traffic, occasionally accompanied by a glimpse of a baboon crossing the road. It is a moment of realisation: we are back in breathtaking South Africa!
Our first destination
It is mid-afternoon when we exchange the highway for a bumpy dirt path. The sand blows up behind the car as we slowly drive towards our South African lodge. The sun is starting to set a little lower and the wonderful temperatures remind me of a summer afternoon in the Netherlands. Here and there our path crosses with a curious zebra and before we know it we finally arrive at The Outpost after a long day of driving.
While someone takes our suitcases to our room and drives the car to the parking lot, we enjoy the warm hospitality. We are offered a snack and a drink while we relax in the beautiful lobby with a view of the gigantic landscape. Because we were just not in time for the afternoon game drive, we are the only guests at the moment. Together we enjoy the peace and sounds of the African bush before going to see our room.
The wedding suite
Of course we booked the honeymoon suite and our room is absolutely breathtaking. This is definitely one of the most beautiful hotel rooms I have ever stayed in. It is an open space with panoramic views of the Kruger Park. Equipped with a spacious bed with mosquito net, a luxurious open bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding bath, a well-stocked minibar with refreshing drinks and delicious snacks, its own selection of gin, and no fewer than two extra lounge sofa beds. Whether you want to relax indoors or outdoors, the possibilities are endless.
Finish with a South African wine
After admiring our beautiful room, we get ready for dinner. First we enjoy an aperitif at the bar, after which we take a seat at our specially reserved table. The other guests have now also returned and there is a pleasant, cozy atmosphere. We sip a delicious glass of Pinotage and enjoy the evening before going to bed early, knowing that the alarm will sound again at 4:00 am.
Would you like to know more about our accommodation in South Africa? Read here about this small-scale lodge in the north of Kruger Park in South Africa.
