Kruger National Park Honeymoon Safaris

If you and your new spouse want to get away from it all for your honeymoon, a romantic Kruger safari and spa getaway is the ideal solution.  Consider this: personal service, romantic moments, panoramic scenery, and an adventure safari all in one…

Once you are able to swap the hustle and bustle of wedding arrangements for a tranquil and romantic honeymoon safari in the Kruger National Park, you will appreciate luxury experiences and activities in romantic surroundings.

But why Kruger?

The Kruger National Park is one of the continent’s most extensive wildlife reserves. The park is home to a diverse range of mammals, including large populations of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and a high concentration of wild animals in general. The Kruger National Park is also home to numerous bird species, including storks, vultures, and eagles.

There are few places in the world that can compete with the Kruger Lowveld in terms of natural and cultural diversity, as well as the genuine friendliness with which every visitor is greeted.

A romantic Kruger safari and spa honeymoon is simply a superb way to discover shared expectations and enjoy adventurous experiences together. If both of you love a romantic secluded break with a touch of the wild and exceptional scenery, this is the ideal way to kindle the spark between you and your loved one.

You can still spend your honeymoon in luxury and style, overlooking a lush river, dam, or pool, while watching wild animals come in for a drink at a waterhole.

At your chosen romantic retreat, you can indulge in spa treatments and memorable candlelit gourmet dinners, as well as traditional game drives into the Kruger National Park, before ending your days in a luxurious bath in your tented suite or upmarket chalet.

Just getting there can be an adventure in and of itself. 

If you opt to travel along the Panorama Route, the Lowveld is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world. The Panorama Route include attractions such as God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondawels, passing a number of beautiful waterfalls such as Sabie Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Mac Mac Falls.

After months of planning and an all-too-brief wedding day, you and your new husband or wife deserve some peaceful quality time together to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Your honeymoon in Kruger National Park should meet all those requirements.

Highlights of a romantic Kruger Getaway

So, you have decided to spend your honeymoon in South Africa’s Kruger National Park? Then expect the following highlights of this special trip:

  • Get away to a place that’s peaceful and romantic that’s either inside or close to a famous game reserve.
  • Rekindle the flame of your love with a pampering spa session for couples in a luxury environment.
  • Delight in candlelit dinners featuring delectable cuisine
  • Let the blossoming of romance begin with an opulent bath complete with candles and champagne.
  • Take part in a private, fully guided game drive that lasts the entire day in Kruger National Park
  • Take a break and go on an excursion that is designed specifically for couples.
  • Go on a trip together and get up close and personal with the African wildlife.

Honeymoon accommodation inside the park

Kruger National Park location offers honeymoon packages of its own. If you do not want a honeymoon package, all you have to do to plan your trip to Kruger National Park and the surrounding area is book the classic accommodations of your choice.

Traveler who is concerned about their budget may decide to stay in one of the many self-catering chalets, guest rooms, or lodges, and then do game viewing in their own private vehicle while engaging in self-drive activities. 

Although, if you are looking for the utmost in luxury and seclusion, it would be advisable to visit one of the private concession lodges located within the Kruger National Park or one of the numerous luxury private reserves located along the park’s western boundary.

If you chose to get married in Kruger National Park, then spending your honeymoon there is an obvious choice as the following step after the ceremony. You will not need to travel a great distance, and it is possible that your honeymoon will take place in the same location as your wedding. 

Honeymoon accommodation at Private Lodges

Imagine yourself in Greater Kruger National Park, either sitting on your own private deck in the sun while watching the animals pass by or going on a guided evening game drive to watch the sunset before enjoying a romantic supper by candlelight…

The most luxurious and, as a result, the most expensive option is to stay at one of the lodges in the private reserves that border Kruger Park and are part of Greater Kruger National Park. 

The Greater Kruger National Park offers a variety of locations ideal for honeymoons, including intimate guesthouses, romantic hotels, and lodges with four and five-stars, opulent game lodges, and intimate hotels and lodges with honeymoon suites.

Honeymoon suites in Greater Kruger National Park are uniquely furnished and created with newlywed couples in mind. These venues usually focus an emphasis on romance by including features such as baths with a view, four-poster beds, wood-burning stoves, and other amenities.

Because there are no barriers separating Greater Kruger concessions and the official Kruger Park, wildlife is able to freely travel between them all. This ensures that visitors staying in any of the Greater Kruger concessions will have an optimum chance to enjoy stunning animal sightings.

Your hotel or lodge will make every effort to provide you with either a honeymoon suite or a room that is larger than normal, regardless of where you choose to book your honeymoon. Rooms will be prepared with utmost care and there most probably will be a complimentary bottle of champagne and fruit basket waiting for you in your room. 

A typical itinerary for a couples tour to Kruger National Park

Because the majority of these breath-taking retreats are between four and six hours’ drive from Johannesburg, you can be collected from your hotel or other location in Gauteng, and then you will journey to the subtropical Lowveld by way of the grasslands of the Highveld.

After you have arrived at your honeymoon destination, you will have the opportunity to relax in the luxurious suite that you have reserved, enjoy some cocktails on the observation deck, or indulge in a spa treatment.

After being pampered for a while, it will be time for a one-of-a-kind romantic meal complete with white linen, candlelight, flowers, and delicacies that have been meticulously prepared.

You will have the option to spend your tour days going on excursions into the park. You will be picked up from your retreat bright and early in the morning for either a private full day game drive or a morning game drive. 

Open-air safari vehicles offer the best views of the surrounding landscape and its inhabitants. Binoculars and cameras are required equipment for excursions of this nature because it is highly likely that you will see at least some of Africa’s Big 5 animals.

Your experienced safari guide will make sure that you have a wonderful experience that is tailored to your preferences during the entire trip. He will discuss everything there is to know about the local wildlife and the environment. You will get the chance to see game at your own pace as well as visit picnic areas, rest camps, and other points of interest along the way.

Your early morning drive will most likely include a breakfast in the bush, and a full-day drive may include a stop for lunch at one of the rest camps located within Kruger National Park.

Back at your retreat, you may close the day by washing away the tension of the day and celebrating your love in a soothing bath together while you both reflect on what a wonderful day it had been while sipping at a glass of champagne.

You might find yourself sitting down to a meal under the stars every night.

If you would rather spend some time at your retreat rather than exploring the surrounding area, you can choose to chill at the bar, have a swim in the pool, or simply take in the breath-taking scenery.

You would also have the option of going on a guided bush walk, during which game rangers will lead you through the wilderness at your own pace while giving you and your companion the opportunity to experience the excitement of tracking large animals on foot.

On the last day of your trip, you will probably make additional pit stops at a few of the attractions along the way back home. These may include the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre for injured and orphaned animals and birds, which is located close to Hoedspruit; an elephant sanctuary, which is located close to Hazyview; and various scenic splendours along the Panorama Route, such as the Three Rondawels and the Blyde River Canyon.

Activities both of you may enjoy

Your honeymoon package may have a specific focus or theme, such as relaxation, which may include massages and beauty treatments; romance, which may include secluded meals and sparkling wine for two; or couples activities, such as hot air ballooning.

A honeymoon safari should always include at least a few pampering spa treatments, and if you book a stay at one of the most opulent lodges, you can anticipate receiving the absolute best of these services.

The majority of hotels also provide access to fitness centres, yoga studios, and wellness centres.

Mountain bike paths, bird viewing, golfing, or perhaps doing a few walking trails are some more activities that you might find enjoyable.

Tips for booking your honeymoon in Kruger

  • Most of the luxury lodges offer all-inclusive honeymoon packages specifically aimed at couples. Book one of these and you won’t have to worry about a thing from start to finish. 
  • Honeymoon packages that include activities and experiences are often offered at a discount.
  • Combine a honeymoon in Kruger with a visit to one or more of the region’s other top attractions – ask your tour operator for such combo packages.
  • Consider a scheduled flight from OR Tambo to one of the local airports at Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa or Skukuza to cut travel time to under 2 hours. Some lodges have private airstrips so direct flights are also possible.
  • Even though they are rarely encountered, Kruger is home to a number of venomous snakes, including some that are quite dangerous. Therefore, if you intend to do any walking, you should always keep an eye on where you are going and bring along some protective gear like boots, socks, and long pants as a preventative step. This will also help with ticks.
  • Each reserve has its own set of rules that must be followed in order to protect visitors and preserve the natural environment.

Malaria

Some parts of the Greater Kruger National Park may pose a malaria-risk; therefore precautions should be taken. Consult your general practitioner before the trip and take precautions like the following:

  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin – recommended repellents contain 20%-35% DEET, of which a variety of brands are available.
  • If you’re going to be outside at night, wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
  • If your tent or room isn’t screened or air-conditioned, use a mosquito net, and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed.
  • Take the malaria tablets recommended for the region you’re visiting and continue to take them until the course is finished.

 

You might also like our Kruger National Park Couples Packages or Luxury Kruger Park Safaris.

FAQ

Can you book a proper honeymoon in Kruger National Park?

Yes, you can spend your honeymoon in the Kruger National Park. Even if you don’t want to opt for the private, luxurious options, you can simply book the accommodation you want in the park and do self-drive game viewing in your own private vehicle. Alternatively, you can spend your honeymoon in the luxury of a private lodge in a concession.

Is Greater Kruger National Park ideal for romantic honeymoons?

Yes, in the Greater Kruger National Park you can have a luxury romantic honeymoon. Its honeymoon venues range from romantic 4- and 5-star hotels and lodges to luxurious game lodges and intimate guest houses with honeymoon suites.

Is there luxury lodging inside the Kruger National Park itself?

Yes, there are some private luxury lodges in several concessions (privately run reserves) within the main park. 

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Over 25 years’ experience in assisting guests with their safari reservations.

Kruger National Park Honeymoon Safaris Enquiry

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