Help with South Africa honeymoon plus

[nyc7782]

So FI and have decided to take an extended trip to South Africa as our honeymoon. We are planning to do honeymoon type stuff for a couple of weeks (safari, luxury hotels in Cape Town and coast) and then backpack around and volunteer for another 2 months. I am so excited! I don''t know if any of you are from South Africa or have visited there, but I''m looking for sort off the beaten path suggestions of where to go, especially for the backpacking portion. Of course, suggestions of safaris/beach hotels for the honeymoon part would also be great! Thanks so much all!

 

[MsP]

I love the Stellenbosch area but I''m not sure what type of "vibe" you''re looking for. I like wineries and rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. To me, the beaches aren''t worth it. Most definitely check out some of the larger botanical gardens--both public and private.

On the safari, make sure you read up on reviews and such about the location and tour company you''re going with. I know of lots of people who--while generally in awe of SA-- were disappointed by their experience. There are lots of game parks that are more like zoos with 4x4''s driving around them. Sometimes the big game are even in smaller enclosures to make sure the tourists get to see them. Certainly not the wild Africa that some expect. Just make sure you know what you''re getting.

 

[emeraldlover1]

I'm super jealous!! This was our number one choice for our honeymoon prior to the economic downturn. If you look through some of my old posts you'll probably find my thread about it. I don't have any suggestions but I'm excited for you!

ETA...I just realized we've already talked about this. Anyway, I want to see a picture of your ring! I don't believe you ever posted it!!

 

[lliang_chi]

NYC, when''s your wedding? Have you booked anything yet? I told FI that I wanted to do SA but he''s *just* starting the research now. I''m hoping we can get a trip in, but who knows with this late start. Good luck!!!

 

[Blackpaw]

I would suggest Lesotho for some hiking and/or horseriding - also, on the South African side of the border, the area around the town Clarens is gorgeous (and Clarens is a darling town). If you''ld like to learn to scuba dive, a fantastic place to do it is Umkomass, near Durban. Alwial Shoal is one of the top dive sites in the world.

There''s also the Garden Route you could do (easiest way short of driving yourself is the Baz Bus), which is a nice coastal route.

Honestly, with that much time I would be leaving South Africa and seeing something different. Namibia is a comfortable, overnight bus ride from Cape Town and its amazingly beautiful, and not dangerous. There''s desert, game parks, and adventure sports (quad biking and sky diving were amazing in Swakopmund).

And from there you could go to Botswana, or off to Victoria Falls (make sure you go to the Zimbabwean side not the Zambian side - most of the falls are on Zim''s side, not to mention they''re the most lovely people). Yes Id very much recommend Zimbabwe, my SO and I volunteered at a lion conservation project there - playing with lion cubs all day!!

MMMm thats all i can think of for now - SO and I were in Africa for 6 months last year, and in SOuth Africa for 6 weeks.


SIgh, im jealous!!

 

[nyc7782]

Thanks for suggestions! I do think we would try to do Namibia too, thanks, and definitely the garden route. We are figure 6 weeks to travel and 4 weeks to volunteer. I don''t want to do too much in the rest of Africa because I''m not as into roughing it as I wish I were. Oh, and our wedding is in Oct so we are sort of insane for just planning it now, but I *think* we''ll be okay.

EM1--yeah, FIs job situation changed so he has some free time now so I think we are going to do less luxury more exploring/adventure to make it work financially. Though I am still going to splurge on a safari and some beach time. I will report back for sure! And i''ll post a ring pic when I get home. You''re right I haven''t yet! How are your wedding plans and everything coming? What did you decide on your honeymoon?