Lesser-known authentic experiences in South Africa

Our advice for honeymoon travel to Southern Africa

Be it in the unique Cape Town, the picturesque Cape Winelands or at a wilder, more remote Safari destination: South Africa is a mecca for honeymoon ideas.

My Blog on https://pink-book.co.za/wedding-tips-ideas/honeymoon/amazing-honeymoon-ideas-destinations-in-south-africa/.
Our South African travel expert from African Twist Travel shares her personal romantic accommodation tips.

The best view in Cape Town

Looking for honeymoon ideas in Cape Town? If you choose to stay in the Mother City, an uninterrupted view of the Atlantic Ocean should not be missing. The five-star boutique hotel, The Clarendon in Bantry Bay, offers just the right mix of luxury and exclusivity if you want to pamper yourself. The setting is hard to beat. Located on the slopes of  Table Mountain, a 180-degree sea view awaits you and takes your breath away. Best of all, you can enjoy it from your suite, the restaurant, the lounge and the pool.

A perfect Winelands retreat

Nature lovers are in their element just an hour from Cape Town. The intimate, luxury Angala Boutique Hotel in the Franschhoek Winelands is a retreat for body, mind and soul. It is nestled harmoniously at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain and ideal for honeymooners who are looking for absolute peace and quiet. Angala is all about wellness: Guests can relax in the ozonated pool, heated plunge pool or the eco pool. Plus there is an infrared sauna & steam room and a range of wellness treatments to pamper you. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so there is no need to leave Angala during your stay – except for a wine tasting trip to the picturesque valley.

The Whale Coast’s best-kept secret

If you drive from Hermanus towards Stanford you have no idea what is hidden on the opposite side of the lagoon. It’s Stanford’s best-kept secret, the Mosaic Lagoon Lodge. This is the ultimate private weekend getaway. The five beautiful suites, decorated in safari style, are in the middle of an ancient Milkwood Forest, with views of the picturesque lagoon and mountains. The suites and the intimate Main Lodge exude a natural atmosphere. Get ready to be spoilt by the attentive lodge staff: not only with exceptional personal service but also with culinary highlights at any time of the day. Those who manage to escape the incredible charm of Mosaic Lagoon Lodge can take part in the guided water and land-based activities or do whale watching during whale season. The Mosaic Lagoon Lodge is an insider tip for honeymoons.

Cottage-style Garden Route honeymoon

Welcome to the heart of the Garden Route! If you are looking for accommodation for a Garden Route honeymoon with good value for money then Belvidere Manor in Knysna is the right place for you. The large grounds with views over the Knysna lagoon offer honeymooners plenty of space to linger and stroll. The privately located, unpretentious four-star cottages are well-equipped, making them perfect for a longer stay. Knysna is an excellent destination for active visitors any time of the year: the various possibilities to discover in the region are almost endless.

Rhino spotting guaranteed

When it is colder in the Western Cape, Kwazulu Natal with its pleasantly warm weather from May to September is an ideal refuge. Just 3.5 hours north of Durban, the iconic Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park invites you to exciting Big 5 safari experiences. The four-star Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge in the park and a great choice if you are looking for an upmarket honeymoon destination in Kwazulu Natal. From the two generous honeymoon villas with private plunge pool on a raised deck, you can enjoy a spectacular view over the African bushveld. Pure relaxation. The beautiful lodge offers extremely personal experience and friendly staff who fulfill your every wish. The game viewing leaves nothing to be desired and the sighting of rhinos is practically guaranteed. In recent years, the park has successfully done everything possible to save the White and Black rhino from extinction.

Less luxurious, but more idyllic

Just like Rhino Ridge, Kosi Forest Lodge is part of the Isibindi group. Isibindi works very closely with local communities and is committed to conservation – a role model for fair tourism in South Africa. Kosi Forest Lodge in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, is a rustic honeymoon destination. There is no luxury here, but you can expect an unbelievably idyllic experience in a pristine paradise that is reminiscent of the Okavango Delta. Honeymoon guests are spoiled with a private dinner and romantic turndown. Countless lantern lights throughout the lodge create a beautiful mood in the evenings. The perfect day ends with a bubble bath in the outdoor bathtub under the stars.

An intimate nature destination

In the same Isimangaliso Wetland Park, further south, there is another gem that attracts honeymooners like a magnet, the intimate Makakatana Bay Lodge. You can feel that this lodge is owner-managed: as soon as you arrive you become part of the family. The quiet location couldn’t be more ideal for honeymooners. The honeymoon room offers a view of the Vlei and the romantic outdoor shower should not be missed. And neither should a private dinner on your own terrace. At Makakatana it never gets boring: Guided excursions to a game reserve, the Lake St. Lucia Estuary and the glorious beaches ensure unforgettable experiences.

From the city into the bush

For honeymoon and weekend getaways near Johannesburg you are spoilt for choice. After a three-hour drive north, you arrive in a completely different world in the middle of the African bush, the Welgevonden Game Reserve. This malaria-free game reserve has unique lodges, including Sediba’s Rock Lodge and Mountain Lodge. With only four high-end villas, the Mountain Lodge is the more intimate option and therefore a hit with honeymooners. The romantic Mountain Suites, built with natural resources, invite you with a jacuzzi and outdoor shower. A log fire creates a cozy atmosphere in the evening when you return from an exciting game drive. An incredible safari atmosphere, not far from the bustling city of Johannesburg, that should not be missed.

If you are looking for more inspiring honeymoon ideas and weekend getaways for every budget, Gisela from African Twist Travel will be happy to assist you. For more information contact: journeys@africantwisttravel.com, www.africantwisttravel.com

South Africa’s tourism private-sector, under the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), have been engaging on the Tourism Recovery Strategy currently being developed by South African Tourism. TBCSA is advocating unequivocally for the earlier phased reopening of international tourism to South Africa this year to as soon as September 2020.

This data-driven recovery strategy has been presented to relevant government authorities and is guided by government’s risk-adjustment strategy as well as the preparation that the tourism industry has put in place to ensure safety and stringent health-focussed protocols to guide and assist stakeholders within the travel and tourism value-chain including staff, travellers and guests. The TBCSA will also be presenting the approach at the next Parliamentary Portfolio Committee meeting on 9 June 2020.

“South Africa is following a Risk-Adjusted Strategy based on levels of lockdown, not dates. These levels are defined according to relevant epidemiologic facts – parts of the travel and tourism sector have been earmarked for return in Levels 2 and 1, depending on their risk profile and the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa. However, we have already seen the inclusion of business travel in Level 3 as a result of successful lobbying for earlier reopening of this critical sector and we are confident that we are in a position to reopen inbound market in a safe and health-focussed manner at least in September.” said Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO TBCSA.

From an inbound international tourism perspective, the TBCSA is putting acute emphasis on the importance of tourism to South Africa in the fourth quarter and the value of the forward book.

“The summer high season runs from September to March and represents 60% of the annual business for tourism. The nature of international inbound tourism is such that we have long lead times between booking and travel,” explains Tshivhengwa.

Inbound tourism employs over 375,000 people in South Africa and contributes 8.7% of our exports. It is estimated that over 40,000 jobs have already been lost within the tourism sector, and it is critical to preserve those left. There are also significant knock-on effects on other parts of the economy as a result of not having international tourism and travel open. This will also affect South Africa’s status as a regional hub and leading African destination should neighbouring countries and our competitors open up their borders faster.

Car rentals are one of the travel services that have been reopened already, however other parts of the market such as communities and conservation have been hard hit by the lockdown, adds Tshivhengwa. “The loss of jobs and income is already being felt significantly in those communities adjacent to parks and the direct impacts on conservation from reduced revenues and reduced corporate spending, as well as indirect impacts through increased environmental crime, are potentially devastating.”

The proposed phased recovery strategy provides for an initial 6-8 week Preparation Phase, followed by a Phase 1 trial phase where safe source markets with similar risk profiles and stages of pandemic are allowed to travel to South Africa. These travellers would be vetted, all stringent safety protocols would be in place and the focus would be on low-contact product and low-risk areas, traditionally with low density.

In Phase 2, South Africa would further open key markets, expand the experiences on offer, until in Phase 3 air access is opened fully and the destination can restart its longer-term growth strategy. “At the same time, South Africa will have to focus on continuing to create an enabling environment for tourism, which looks at more visa waivers, a robust eVisa system, the fixing of vehicle licencing and permits and air liberalisation,” says Tshivhengwa.

COVID-19: 5 Reasons Renting a Camper in South Africa is a good idea

1. IT’S GREAT FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING

We all know that being in a large crowd of people is the worst thing to do when trying to avoid the Coronavirus. Luckily, the South African Karoo, the Higveld and the Lowveld plus rural areas do not have many people at all. Most locals live in the cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban among others, while during the outbreak, there will be even fewer travelers outside the cities. And speaking of cities, if you live in one, you are surrounded by LOTS of people. Traveling around South Africa will get you out of the city and, more importantly, away from the elderly and highest-risk population. Just make sure that your travel partner is healthy when you cuddle with them at night but if you’re traveling solo you can be as isolated as you want!

2. CORONAVIRUS IS EXPENSIVE, #VANLIFE IS CHEAP

Coronavirus is hitting the stock market hard and it’s looking like we’re heading into another recession. Even if your business or salary won’t take a direct hit, chances are that your wallet will suffer in some way or another. Maybe you’re way over your toilet paper budget or maybe you’re worried about your retirement fund losing lots of value. Either way, renting a camper can save you some significant money when traveling throughout South Africa. Sure, parts of South Africa can be expensive to begin with but instead of renting expensive hotel rooms or buying expensive camping equipment, you can at least combine your transportation and lodging in a simple campervan and save you both some headaches and hard-earned dollars.

3. SOUTH AFRICA IS LOW RISK

South Africa is not considered a high-risk area and chances are that your country is riskier in terms of contracting the Coronavirus. Not only are you unlikely to get the virus in South Africa, but South Africa is also attractive for other reasons. For example, we were one of the first countries to declare a State of Disaster (A State of Emergency with lockdowns, etc. to follow soon) and our government has taken a pro-active approach to containing and ‘flattening the growth curve’ of the virus. In the unlikely event that you do catch the Coronavirus, South Africa has one of the best private healthcare systems on the continent. You will be in good hands.

4. STAY MENTALLY STRONG

You can isolate in your house, reading depressing news all day, eating junk food, and feeling sorry for yourself OR you could create unforgettable memories in the desolate South African nature. The reason I’m arguing for the second option is that it will be much better for your mental state. Be inspired, spend quality time with yourself or your travel partner, and re-energize on the road.

5. STAY ACTIVE

Related to the point above, staying physically healthy is crucial. Social distancing and self-isolation can lead to lots of hours sitting on the couch or laying in bed. Why not stay physically active during the pandemic, hiking trails, cooking healthy meals in the van, and exploring the African nature. Remember, self-isolation doesn’t have to be inside. Unspoiled nature is perhaps the safest place to be in times like these.

Please enquire if you are interested in a camper van hire with Happy Campers.

I would like to elaborate why postponing a cancelled African holiday due to the covid-19 situation makes such a big difference.

As one of our suppliers, Wilderness Safaris, puts it into words perfectly: A cancelled trip has a massive social and environmental impact all the way down the supply chain. It limits community and concession revenue, and hurts the anti-poaching efforts underway to protect ecosystems. While elevated levels of travel clearly help the safari operator, it also provides huge support to our communities, our wild spaces and the governments of the countries within which we operate.
Delaying rather than cancelling a booking helps the local communities, the wildlife, the local staff and the industry partners.

From African Twist Travel’s side I would like to invite all our travel clients to be a part of supporting Africa and all the people who depend on tourism to make a living, simply by postponing their trip if they cannot travel this year. It will make all the difference. Thank you so much!

Cape Town – With people in the country being under national lockdown and out of their way, some penguins in Simon’s Town decided to take a walk and explore their concrete surroundings.

While under the watchful eye of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) Penguin Rangers, the African Penguins were recorded waddling down the street.

Watch the video on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AfricanTwistTravel/

I live in Fish Hoek in the South of Cape Town. The coronavirus crisis is hitting the poorest communities in South Africa hard and it is going to be a very tough winter for many to survive.

Our local musician Jeremy Loops created an amazing initiative to help these vulnerable communities. Here more information about it, in his own words:

I’m so excited to finally announce The Big Food Drive, our plan to initially provide 10,000 meals to poor South Africans who have been pushed to desperation due to coronavirus-related lockdown. Most of you know this has been on my mind for some time now and I’ve dedicated all JL resources over the last few weeks to make a difference in this area. Our neighbours are starving and I believe this community is powerful enough to make a significant difference in people’s lives.

Ich lebe nun bereits seit 15 Jahren in Suedafrika. Uebertourismus ist ein grosses Thema in populaeren Teilen Suedafrikas (Kapstadt, Weingebiet, Garden Route, Nationalparks), deshalb habe ich mir vorgenommen, meinen Reisekunden kuenftig weniger bekannte, dafuer umso authentischere lokale Erlebnisse naeherzubringen. Ich bin auch mit unseren eigenen Townships auf der suedlichen Kaphalbinsel verbunden.

In meiner neuen Gruppe https://www.facebook.com/groups/KapstadtInsiderTipps/ stelle ich authentische Erlebnisse und spannende Begegnungen mit Locals vor und beantworte Fragen zu Kapstadt.

Es wuerde mich freuen, wenn ihr ein Teil meiner Community werdet. Gerne duerft ihr auch weitere Freunde einladen, die sich fuer Kapstadt interessieren.