Discover the most romantic places in South Africa – the best romantic destinations to celebrate a honeymoon trip, a wedding anniversary, a birthday present, a wedding or just to spend a romantic stay with your sweetheart. South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa and in the world. For couples looking for the most romantic places to visit, South Africa, is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. With beautiful landscapes, idyllic beaches, modern cities with skyscrapers to various wildlife conservation areas in the country. South Africa represents an ideal blend between, culture, tradition and modernity.
Read on get ideas on the 15 most romantic holiday destinations in South Africa, the best travel destinations for couples. These bucket list travel destinations are perfect for romantic couples getaway ideas and are some of the best places to go for a romantic break.
1. Johannesburg
365 days of the year, Johannesburg aka Jozi, Joburg, or “The City of Gold”, has the enthralling ability to always make a stunning romantic impression. It should come as no surprise since it is the largest city in South Africa. In Jozi, we have the splendid architecture, WeOriginate, a 50-story skyscraper and shopping with one of the most amazing views in Africa. This stunning panorama takes in most of Johannesburg’s city, and the sunsets viewed from here with your beloved will leave a lasting memory. With romance in the air at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, why not grab a picnic basket full of yummy with your significant other and create unforgettable moments to cherish forever? You will love The City of Gold from the bottom of your heart. Explore the Food Experiences in Johannesburg.
Location: Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
2. Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital of South Africa and an international city packed with history and tradition, with romantic-city charm and atmosphere. Since Bloemfontein is known as the City of Roses, head up to the Orchid House in Hamilton Park, central Bloemfontein, and smell the rare and beautiful flowers and orchids. Visit the National Museum Bloemfontein for cultural and historic insights. Experience the abundance of nature at the Free State National Botanical Garden, perfect for a romantic walk and picnic in the city.
Location: Orchid House
3. Durban
With the eternal charms of Durban Botanic Gardens and Golden Mile Beach, Durban attracts lovebirds from all over the world all year round. Romantic honeymoon walks by the Durban Beach Front, shopping, evenings for two and unusual marriage proposals, will have you addicted to the beauties of Durban. Then you will fall in love with uShaka Marine World, a perfect destination for family, and lovers. Explore the Most Instagrammable Spots in Durban.
Location: Botanical garden in Berea, Durban
4. A day trip to Limpopo
Take time and treat yourself to unique romantic activities in South Africa with a day trip to Limpopo, one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. There is so much to discover in this South African province of Limpopo, with the Waterberg Biosphere and Big Five safaris in Kruger National Park. Fall in love with the incredible nature and landscape, summer or winter, morning or evening, sun or rain, Limpopo has the enthralling ability to always make a romantic impression.
Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa is located in Gravelotte, a small town situated in the east of Limpopo Province. This private game reserve is owned by the Schutte family and is worthy of a five-star status with this grand location overlooking the Murchison Mountain range. You and your lover have a plethora of activities to choose from here. You can go on game drives organized in the mornings, enjoy the serenity of the surroundings, visit the spa to receive 5-star massages at the Kukura Wellness Spa and enjoy the variety of dishes in the restaurant.
Location: Kilima Private Game Reserve and Spa
5. Cape Town
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most-visited tourist destinations, a top romantic holiday destination in the country. Its wealth of vineyards and artistic heritage, romantic leisure spaces and cultural scene are just some of the reasons to visit Mother City. No surprise why it’s considered to be the most sought-after place for a romantic getaway in South Africa. This city is a stunner with its beautiful beaches and winelands and mountain landscapes. Clifton Beach is one of Cape Town’s most top beaches and is a prominent tourist destination.
At any time of the day, 365 days of the year, Cape Town has a special charm and endless attractions and romantic things to do for couples visiting the city for the first time, as it does for those coming back for a second visit. Explore Cape Town’s top restaurants for breakfast.
6. Simon’s Town
Looking for romantic beach holidays for couples in South Africa? We recommend Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town of Cape Peninsula. Welcome to Simon’s Town, home to seafood gastronomy and Boulders Beach with penguins, one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. This is the romantic place of a lifetime, a perfect romantic holiday destination for nature lovers and beachgoers, a penguin beach paradise. It is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations and you can get to see a colony of African penguins in their natural habitat. The beach also forms a part of Table Mountain National Park.
7. Franschhoek
One of the oldest cities in South Africa, Franschhoek is a small town in the western province of Cape Town. Known for its centuries old vineyards and Dutch architecture evokes feelings reminiscent of provincial France. The isolated terrace resorts close to the peaking valley are covered with bougainvillea. The town is quiet and peaceful and this adds to its overall charm, it is one of the best wine destinations in Africa. A trip to Franschhoek, is a journey full of romance, aromas, tastes and wine!
8. Lowveld of Mpumalanga
For romantic honeymoon adventure destination, the Lowveld region and its private Sabi Sand Game Reserve offer the romantic and ultimate luxury safari South Africa. You and your beloved can be sure to enjoy an intimate experience at Ulusaba Rock Lodge, situated on a hilltop offering uninterrupted panorama views of Lowveld and the Drakensberg Mountain range. A natural world safari, one of the most romantic destinations in South Africa.
Location: Sabi Sands Game Reserve
9. Oudtshoorn
Want a romantic holidays destination that offers much more than sun, sea and pristine beaches? With ostrich farms, the limestone Cango Caves and Cango Wildlife Ranch, the South Africa town of Oudtshoorn, is one of the best places for an adventurous holiday in the country. A trip to Oudtshoorn with the other half is a dream for anyone who is looking to get adrenaline fix and the ultimate romantic experience!
Location: Cango Wildlife Ranch and Conservation Centre
10. A day trip in Eastern Cape
The province of Eastern Cape is synonymous with charm and sophistication, making it the ideal place for a holiday filled with romantic possibilities in South Africa. In Eastern Cape, let yourself be charmed by the magnificent nature at the Valley of Desolation, with unique rock formations and sweeping views. In the company of your loved one, both of you can take on the famed bungee jumping by the Bloukrans Bridge, a beautiful sight attraction place to visit.
An organised day trip tour is a great way to see the highlights of the Eastern Cape and discover its astoundingly diverse offerings.
11. Camps Bay
Cape Town and its Camps Bay Beach is truly a romantic beach getaway destination that should be top of your romantic holiday destinations list. This is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa and you can enjoy the amazing view of the ocean whilst enjoying your meal on the terrace of your hotel or one of the many restaurants that sit across this location. It is the best surfing beach in South Africa.
Location: Camps Bay Beach
12. Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay
Visit Robberg Nature Reserve with your lover to explore spectacular circuit trails, sand dunes and spotless isolated beaches. You can go on mountain hikes, enjoy picnics in the middle of beautiful nature or catch glimpses of dolphins, whales or the colony of fur seals. Robberg Nature Reserve comes highly recommended.
Location: Robberg, South Africa
13. Elephant Coast, KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is a beautiful place. Four lovers looking to enjoy nature, this is the best romantic destination. Enjoy the fresh air as you disconnect from the chaos of the outside world. Drink the wine and devour the seafood. Enjoy and be happy. Explore the Top 10 Museums in KwaZulu-Natal.
14. Kommetjie Beach
If you and your significant other love surfing then Kommetjie Beach is a place you should definitely visit. It’s located in the Western Cape Province and has one of the most beautiful backdrops of any surf spot in the world. Enjoy the view of the powerful Atlantic Ocean and even play in it.
15. The Munro Boutique Hotel, Gauteng
The Munroe Boutique Hotel is a place every couple should visit at least once in a while. It’s a rare experience, surrounded by man-made forests, waterfalls, fascinating plants and a scenic view of the city and the Magaliesburg mountains at a stretch. It’s just a 30-minute drive O.R Tambo International Airport, the busiest airport in Africa.
Explore the 10 Luxurious Airbnbs in South Africa.
