3 of South Africa's most romantic destinations

3 of South Africa’s most romantic destinations

Romance looks different to different couples. For some, it’s complete seclusion and the sound of waves after dark. For others, it’s long lunches under oak trees, sipping on a crisp chardonnay, or falling asleep to lions calling in the distance. South Africa is extraordinary in that it allows you to experience all of this, often within the same trip.

If you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, proposal, or simply an escape from everyday routines together, these three destinations consistently stand out for their beauty and intimacy.

1. Turtle tracking and barefoot luxury at Thonga Beach Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
Tucked into a protected coastal forest within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, near the Mozambican border, Thonga Beach Lodge feels like one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets. Remote and quietly luxurious, it’s an exquisite beach escape for couples who want to truly disappear.

“What makes Thonga so special is the combined feeling of complete escape paired with a natural elegance,” says Lucy Cooke, Marketing Manager for Isibindi Africa Lodges. “The journey to get to Thonga also forms part of the romance, as you travel through coastal forest alongside Lake Sibaya, before the forest opens and reveals the ocean below. That first glimpse of the sea never fails to take my breath away.”

Thatched suites are raised on wooden decks, with floor-to-ceiling glass. The honeymoon suite features an outdoor shower and a private plunge pool on an elevated deck, shaded by milkwood trees and overlooking the Indian Ocean. There are no roads in sight, no nearby towns, and no distractions beyond the shifting colours of the sea. Days unfold slowly with morning swims, guided forest walks, snorkelling on untouched reefs, and afternoon naps lulled by the sound of waves below.

“For romance, it’s the simple things that stand out for me,” says Lucy. “Like walking hand in hand along an untouched stretch of beach, either searching for turtles (in season) or simply wandering around rock pools. But my favourite moment is always an early morning walk down to the beach deck, coffee in hand, to watch the sun rise over the sea.”

For honeymooners, the lodge includes a complimentary head-and-shoulder massage and a private beach picnic lunch for two (these can also be arranged for couples seeking romance and relaxation, even if you’re not on honeymoon).

Turtle nesting season, from November to February, adds an extra layer of magic. You can join a guide to witness leatherback or loggerhead turtles laying their eggs under the moonlight, and if you visit two months later, enjoy the unforgettable sight of hatchlings emerging from the sand and making their way to the ocean.

“Here, romance is quiet, intimate, and deeply grounding in its most natural and meaningful form,” says Lucy.

2. A Winelands retreat, near Cape Town
Few places in South Africa do romance quite like the Cape Winelands. There are rolling vineyards, historic estates, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a culture built around lingering meals and good wine. Whether you choose Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, or a quieter pocket like the Hemel-en-Aarde or Elgin valleys, the appeal lies in unhurried days.

In Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme offers a range of beautifully appointed suites, each with expansive views across the valley below and mountains beyond. The accommodation, whether in the Vineyard, Manor House or Winery Suites, is designed to cocoon you in comfort. Expansive windows frame the valley like artworks, while textures and considered design lend warmth without clutter.

A number of the suites open onto private terraces, some with plunge pools where you can sip wine as the sun sets over the vineyards.

“On arrival, my husband and I each enjoyed a glass of the estate-grown ‘Variation’, a hand-crafted blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre by winemaker Wikus Pretorius,” says Elise Kirsten, reflecting on her romantic getaway here. “Later that evening, I had the finest plate of food I’d savoured all year in La Petit Ferme’s restaurant and my husband thoroughly enjoyed his meal too. But what made our stay especially romantic was the private suite with incredible views and the seamless service, where all our needs were anticipated without feeling any sense of intrusion.”

La Petite Ferme’s on‑site restaurant serves refined country cuisine with seasonal flair, while the estate’s boutique cellar offers tastings of its own handcrafted wines.

Like this boutique hotel, many wine estate stays are designed with couples in mind: freestanding suites, private terraces, soaking tubs with a view, and discreet, intuitive service.

3. Couple’s safari at Singita, Boulders Private Safari Lodge, Greater Kruger

Singita’s Boulders Lodge is set along the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, where you’ll have access to 45,000 acres of wilderness, renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing and frequent leopard sightings (despite these big cats’ elusive nature).

As a couple enjoying a luxury safari, each game drive is filled with anticipation, as expert guides track the Big Five and introduce you to a remarkable array of wildlife, from lion, elephant, giraffe and zebra to birds, like the scarlet-chested sunbird and the hunched-looking hornbill.

The spacious lodge’s suites are designed with privacy in mind and some are positioned to overlook the river, where elephants, buffalo, and predators frequently pass. Private decks with plunge pools are a hallmark of every suite, complemented by a tranquil communal swimming pool at the heart of the lodge.

Days revolve around world-class game drives followed by slow afternoons, spa treatments, or simply watching the bush from your deck. Evenings are deeply atmospheric: candlelit dinners, fine wine from Singita’s remarkable cellar, and fires glowing as the night sounds of the bush close in.

Let us help you discover your perfect idea of romance in Africa

Whether it’s the untamed beauty of Thonga Beach, the refined ease of the Cape Winelands, or the unforgettable drama of a private safari, South Africa offers romantic escapes that are as diverse as you are. We’d love to help you explore the options.

Here’s to romance in Africa.

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

P.S. We loved helping Michael and Xan put together their dream honeymoon in South Africa. Watch the video testimonial they shared below.