South Africa is one of the top travel destinations in the world, and is an especially popular choice for honeymoons. The excellent weather coupled with splendidly diverse scenery means that newlyweds can enjoy a variety of romantic getaways in South Africa.

From the balmy subtropical climate in KwaZulu-Natal, to the barren beauty of the Karoo, the lush and forested coastal mountains of the Garden Route and the typically African game-filled savannah grasslands of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa has something for everyone.

In addition to the wide variety of landscapes and experiences available in South Africa, international honeymooners often find that when it comes to value for money, South Africa is an excellent choice. European and North American visitors can enjoy five-star accommodation and dining for a fraction of what it would cost at home.

Honeymoons in South Africa can be tailored to each couple's particular taste. Some may opt for more rustic luxury, Big Five game viewing and romantic bush dinners in the Kruger National Park while other couples may prefer a more cosmopolitan break at one of Cape Town's elegant city hotels or barefoot luxury along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. The choices are virtually endless.

The Fairest Cape

Cape Town has a wealth of scenery capable of treating couples to a romantic honeymoon. For couples who enjoy beaches, Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard hotels in popular locations such as Camps Bay are ideal. Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront complex features a number of exclusive and well-appointed hotels like the Cape Grace and the Table Bay Hotel. These hotels provide opulent accommodation in the heart of the Waterfront where guests will find a wide range of shops, restaurants and activities.

Outside Cape Town, the Cape offers endless choices. The Whale Coast is a popular tourist route just over an hour and a half from Cape Town. Characterised by quaint seaside towns and pristine beaches, this area is popular with local and foreign tourists alike. The Grootbos Private Game Reserve, a luxury eco-tourism resort in a protected nature reserve, is a well positioned base from which to relax and explore in the area.

The Cape Winelands are seated in the mountains of the Boland and feature historic towns such as Franschhoek, world famous for its culinary and viticultural excellence, and Stellenbosch which is often considered the heart of the Cape Wine Route. Honeymoons taken in the area are set against panoramic mountain views, luxurious and historic wine estates and quiet surroundings.

Newlyweds who enjoy being pampered can embellish themselves at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa where they will have the opportunity to enjoy good wine and food, beautiful scenery and luxurious spa treatments. A little down the road in Stellenbosch, the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa offers guests a similar experience.

Unmatched beauty in the Garden Route

The Garden Route offers honeymoon getaways amongst some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery. Towns such as Plettenberg Bay, Nature's Valley and Knysna are set against dramatic and densely forested mountain ranges. The Knysna forest and lagoon create an otherworldly beauty to suit the legend and mystery in which the area is steeped.

For those that enjoy world-class golf courses and unadulterated luxury in a maritime environment, the Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa in Knysna is the perfect choice. Tucked away near a secluded beach, Pezula's luxury villas offer guests privacy and modern convenience.

If an intimate beach hotel setting is preferable to a luxurious golf resort, this can be found a little further East of Knysna in Plettenberg Bay. 'Plett', as it is known by the locals, is a bustling seaside town hemmed in by striking mountains and expansive crescent beaches. Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa hotel offers honeymooners accommodation in luxurious and well-appointed sea and lake-facing suites.

The Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape offers a wealth of private game reserves and accompanying luxury lodges. Invigorating activities, fine dining under the African night sky and game viewing opportunities set the scene for a memorable getaway. The Pumba Private Game Reserve offers five star accommodation in a Big Five reserve. For a coastal setting, Diaz 15 House on the Beach in Jeffrey's Bay conveys a modern yet relaxed setting in this seaside town where sun, sea and sand is all part of the surfer lifestyle.

KwaZulu-Natal ' Fun in the sun

Which area offers visitors snow-capped mountains during winter, warm seas and great weather all year round, endless golden beaches and some of the finest game reserves in South Africa? KwaZulu-Natal of course! The province is best known for its laid back atmosphere, enviable weather and popular coastline.

KZN has many opportunities for quiet and secluded getaways. The cities are well populated but there are many sizeable game reserves in all areas of the province. The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park and Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Zululand are possibly two of the most well-known. There are a number of favourite spots for romantic honeymoon getaways in KwaZulu-Natal. These include sub-tropical escapes to the Elephant Coast, the exclusive and luxurious North Coast, the tranquil and serene South Coast and the Drakensberg Mountains which are situated inland.

The Elephant Coast in Zululand is characterised by its deserted and spotlessly clean beaches bordered by green forest reminiscent of a secluded island paradise. Romantic getaways are also available at a selection of five star game lodges. Thonga Beach Lodge is a sublime beach hideaway on the Maputaland Coast which embraces coastal charm at its best.

The rolling terrain of the South Coast is blanketed with sugarcane plantations which extend all the way down to the quiet and secluded beaches. Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate is a resort in the well-visited South Coast town of Pennington, a mere hour's drive from Durban.

Hartford House offers old-world charm and new-world luxury at their retreat in Mooi River, an area of the Drakensberg Mountains. The surrounding escarpment is a favourite location for exhilarating hot air balloon rides and other romantic pastimes.

Honeymoons in the Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is arguably South Africa's favourite bush honeymoon destination. The park stretches a colossal 350km from North to South and 60km from East to West. Luxurious game lodges tend to be concentrated in the southern part of the park in a concession called the Sabi Sands. The Sabi Sands and various other smaller concessions share a fenceless border with Kruger, allowing game to wander freely. These private reserves offer some of the best game viewing in the country as well as five-star luxury in the African bush.

Notable game lodges for honeymoon getaways include the famous Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Singita Ebony and Boulders, and Simbambili all of whom will go out of their way to create a honeymoon experience like no other.

North West Province

The Pilanesburg National Park is located in the North West Province of South Africa and is characterised by the seemingly endless savannah plains within its boundaries and the Big Five game which make the park their home. Open air game drives and animal tracking provide thrilling entertainment whilst outstanding cuisine and hospitality ensures that guests spend their stay at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge in splendour and indulgence.

A honeymoon should be an intimate and special romantic getaway, a perfect way for a couple to begin their life together and special enough to create memories to last a lifetime. South Africa features ample opportunities for honeymooners to enjoy their perfect escape, no matter what their individual tastes may be.