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Destinations

www.dwha.co .uk

ROMANCEWild

Exhilarating safaris, secluded shores, abundant vineyards... Escape to a captivating wilderness for the perfect stay in South Africa. Laura Bell explores some of our favourite

honeymoon spots…

January / February246

A VIEW FROM ABOVEThe iconic rock formation of Table Mountain holds a deep history, shrouded in mystery, and is the source of many local myths and legends. Dense with tales of pirates banished by the devil, and ships disappearing in the night, the atmosphere atop of Table Mountain is both eerie and exciting. If you’re feeling energetic, Hike Table Mountain offers half-day and full-day treks to suit all fitness levels and abilities. For a gentler but equally breath-taking experience, you can visit by cable car whilst taking in superb views (the cable car offers a unique look at the iconic Lion’s Head mountain peak). You can even choose to tie the knot at this romantic hideaway in the clouds!

Get lost in the romantic hedonism of the Cape Winelands; encased in rolling mountains, the area is considered a pearl of South Africa’s rural landscape.”

LOST IN PARADISEFor the most memorable and spectacular wedding, the award-winning Twelve Apostles Hotel is unquestionably the most premiere venue in Cape Town. Nestled between the Table Mountain National Park and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, this boutique hotel offers a range of picturesque backdrops for the perfect wedding pictures; spectacular mountains, beautiful gardens, or the jewelled Atlantic ocean...the choice is yours. This resort caters to all requests, and offers tailor-made honeymoon packages with thoughtful little luxuries like chocolate-covered strawberries and bubbly champagne on arrival. Choose from a selection of dreamy spa treatments so you can start your married life in sublime relaxation. Packages start from £120 per night. (12apostleshotel.com)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

WHEN TO GO? Cape Town and the Western Cape

enjoy hot summer months from November to March; temperatures can peak at 29˚C in February. Be sure to book your accomodation

early if you want to visit over Christmas or New Year. Avoid June to August as Cape Town

experiences heavy winter rainfall during these months.

THE PROCESSThere is no waiting period for

getting married in South Africa. You’ll need to provide your

passport and three passport-sized photos each. The final decree of divorce or decease are needed

(if applicable).

VACCINATIONSHepatitis A is recommended two weeks or more before departure. A booster should be given 6-12

months later to ensure long-term immunity.

Traveller’s TipVisit Boulders Beach in

Cape Town- home to around 2,000

endangered African Penguins!

Destinations

www.dwha.co .uk 247

THE PEARL OF AFRICAFor an utterly unique wedding venue located amidst vast vineyards, Freedom Hill Boutique Weddings & Winery offers a spectacular setting for your big day. Get lost in the romantic hedonism of the Cape Winelands; encased in rolling mountains, the area is considered a pearl of South Africa’s rural landscape, just a 40 minute drive away from Cape Town. An intimate venue, they can accommodate up to 80 seated guests and have a dancefloor in the bar area. In 1997, Owner Francois Klomp and his wife Adila fell in love with the beautiful region, and have been passionately creating their own blends of red wines at the 82-hectare farm ever since. Their wines capture the region’s spirit of freedom by using only the finest and freshest hand-picked red grapes. With their ardent attention to detail and passion for creating quality wines, a wedding here would be an an unforgettable experience for couples and guests alike. Venue hire starts from £484 a day. (freedomhill.co.za)

ENDLESS ROMANCEJust 4km from Hermanus, in the Western Cape of South Africa, lies the prestigious Bona Dea Private Estate. Secluded amongst the Fynbos mountain slopes, and boasting superb views across a valley of endless vineyards, this sublime resort offers a magical setting for your big day. The impeccable attention to detail from their onsite interior designer and master florist can help make your wedding a truly personal experience. From home-grown flowers to thousands of fairy lights sparkling across the venue, their charming décor will create the perfect mood on your big day. (bonadea.co.za)

J O H A N N E S B U R G

Commonly known as Jo’berg or Jozi, Johannesburg is a creative and

energetic city undergoing rapid cultural developments, urban-

renewal projects, and architectural construction.

S TAYSituated in the historical centre of Jo’berg, The Residence offers luxury

suites that radiate gracious splendour. After a busy day exploring the city, unwind in the couple’s room of the hotel’s plush spa. Rates starts from

£135pp for a luxury suite. (theresidence.co.za)

E ATThe city is filled with energetic urbanites

seeking out great artisanal food. The thriving restaurant scene reflects this vibrancy, with trendy ethnic eateries.

Head to Cube Tasting Kitchen for a 10 course gastronomical delight.

(cubekitchen.co.za)

V I S I TWhen in Jozi, a visit to the Apartheid

Museum is a must. Documenting Africa’s history of segregation,

political oppression, and eventual liberation, the museum is both

interesting and harrowing. (apartheidmuseum.org)

January / February248

UNRIVALLED WILDLIFEStart your married life by creating unforgettable memories in the heart of exotic and untamed South Africa. Stay in remote, deluxe safari lodgings nestled in the wilderness of Kruger National Park itself. Picturesque locations in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve — the best known and most exclusive game reserve in Kruger — provide the perfect venue for your dream bush wedding. Lodges come complete with private viewing decks; perfect for sharing a magical moment beneath the light of the stars with the one you love. When you’re not out on exhilarating treks, spotting wild leopards, and exploring the lush surroundings of the reserve, you can unwind by taking a dip in the resort’s pool, or treating yourself to a luxury spa treatment by the river. 3-day self-drive safari packages start from £500pp, and include return flights from Johannesburg. (sabi.krugerpark.co.za)

PEACEFUL PARADISESet in 1839 hectares of peaceful Bushveld, deep in the heart of the Limpopo province of South Africa, lies Monate Lodge: a haven of peace and tranquillity. Soak your stress away in the Jacuzzi, indulge in the natural beauty on a game drive, or simply relax around the pool. With a team of diligent and accommodating staff, Monate Lodge will turn your dream bush wedding into a reality. Monate offers all-inclusive packages to ensure a care-free stay, and boasts 26 recently renovated deluxe en-suite rooms equipped with all modern amenities. For an even more exclusive experience, indulge in one of two superior luxury tented lodges: perfect for a romantic getaway. (monatelodge.com)

WHETHER YOU ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE LIKE STUNNING SEA-VIEWS, OR YOU’RE AN ADVENTUROUS COUPLE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE LOCATION TO UNIFY YOUR LOVE, SOUTH AFRICA HAS IT ALL. WITH UNRIVALLED PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES LIKE NO OTHER, THERE’S NO BETTER PLACE TO SAVOUR YOUR ROMANCE

Traveller’s TipBushveld is a great spot

to look for wildebeest and rhino, due to its mineral

richness and diverse flora.