Say ‘I do’ to a Zulu honeymoon
There are many “fly n flop” beach destinations in the world – but whilst it is perfectly lovely to spend a few days relaxing on a beach, many newlyweds prefer to explore a little and enjoy a diverse range of activities and experiences.
This is where KwaZulu-Natal excels! The province has the fairly unusual ability to offer visitors a variety of attractions within easy driving distance of each other – plus the required “beaches to die for”!
Here are 6 properties in KwaZulu-Natal that complement one another perfectly:
Fordoun Honeymoon Package (2 nights)
Spend a couple of days recovering from the rigours of wedding planning and the event itself and relax and enjoy each other in the tranquil, idyllic setting of the Natal Midlands. Fordoun offers award winning, world class spa facilities, luxury accommodation, mouth-watering cuisine and a romantic peaceful setting on an old dairy farm. Long walks amongst the Nguni cattle, picnics and exploring the local countryside and famous Midlands Meander arts and crafts route are all on offer if you can bear to drag yourself away from all the pampering. A consultation with resident Inyanga and Sangoma (herbalist and spiritualist), Dr Elliot Ngubane is also a memorable and unique way to celebrate your new spiritual path together as he shares African wisdom and healing powers with you…
Package includes:
Two nights’ accommodation including breakfast
Three course dinner each evening
Rasul (clay & steam treatment)
Massage of your choice
Couples skin nourishing milk bath
Floatation session
Sparkling wine & fruit platter in your room on arrival
Special romantic turndown
Weekend Package Rate (Friday & Saturday) R 6 790.00 for a double room
Midweek Package Rate (Sunday – Thursday) R 5 590.00 for a double room
If honeymooners wish to extend their stay longer than the 2 nights, a reduced rate of R780.00 per person sharing including bed and breakfast is available.
More information: fourdoun.co.za
Ghost Mountain Inn Romantic Honeymoon Package (3 Nights)
Head for the Elephant Coast and Ghost Mountain Inn - undoubtedly Zululand’s finest country Inn and a fantastic base from which to explore the region’s many game reserves, lakes and other attractions. Recently refurbished to the highest standards with your own private patio leading onto lush gardens teeming with birdlife, Ghost Mountain Inn offers a home from home atmosphere where you are both welcomed like family but treated like royalty! The spa is a must for honeymooners as is the sundowner cruise on Lake Jozini!
Package includes:
Three nights accommodation with complimentary room upgrade
Welcome drink on arrival & fruit platter in your room
Breakfast with sparkling wine in your room on the first morning
Full English breakfast daily
A boat cruise on Lake Jozini
An indulgent couples massage
A morning viewing game & birds in Mkuze Game Reserve
A romantic picnic lunch with more bubbly either in the game reserve or the tranquil gardens
Dinner each evening including one romantic dinner on the evening of your choice
Package rates range from R3460 per person sharing for a standard room (which is then upgraded to an executive room) to R4595 per person for their “Wow” factor Executive suite. If guests book the Executive Suite they get a 4th night complimentary – worth remembering! Valid until 31st October 2011
More information: ghostmountaininn.co.za
Cathedral Peak Hotel Pay 3/ Stay 4 Honeymoon Special
Cathedral Peak in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park is so breathtakingly beautiful and special it was declared a World Heritage Site! This family run hotel has the best views over the famous skyline and offers facilities second to none to keep newlyweds as busy or as relaxed as they want to be. Special honeymoon rooms are set in secluded gardens amidst peaceful surroundings, away from the family suites for added privacy. All rooms have been recently refurbished to the highest standards with an intimate ambience, king-size bed, LCD television, mini-bar, electric fireplace, under-floor heating and spa bath. The veranda offers panoramic mountain views. For the ultimate in superior accommodation, the Mponjwane Presidential Suite offers a spa bath, steam bath, gas fireplace, two televisions, under-floor heating and electric curtains that open onto a private veranda with breath-taking Drakensberg mountain views.
Honeymooners booking a honeymoon/executive room or the presidential suite for 3 nights get a 4th night complimentary (midweek – Sundays to Thursdays) plus a free bottle of bubbly and a fruit basket.
More information: cathedralpeak.co.za
Amakhosi Safari Lodge Honeymoon Package
AmaKhosi, ‘The Place of the Kings’ is a boutique 5 star safari lodge renowned for its attentive service and absolute luxury in the dramatic surroundings of Zululand. Boasting 12,000 hectares, Amakhosi Private Game Reserve offers a diverse ecosystem that is home to the Big 5 as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena, hippo and crocodile – not to mention over 400 bird species. This allows Amakhosi to offer something unique and special in terms of wildlife experiences – including frogging and micro (insect) safaris! Amakhosi has 2 Umntwana Honeymoon suites (meaning ‘a child of Royalty’ in Zulu) with an indulgent bathroom along with spacious viewing deck, private plunge pool and hammock overlooking the Mkuze River.
Honeymooners staying 3 nights qualify for a 4th night at half price – the bride stays complimentary. Valid all year round in any suite, subject to availability… plus sparkling wine & chocolates on arrival and they can enjoy a private dinner on their viewing deck or in their private lounge for one of the evenings during their stay.
More information: amakhosi.com
Isandlwana Lodge Honeymoon Package
This unique Battlefield lodge is one of few places where you can experience the same kind of peace, tranquillity and romance. Perhaps a slightly ‘unconventional’ honeymoon retreat … but to visit it is to know its beauty. It is a place of great history, emotion and soul – and its hills have a magical energy. Isandlwana Lodge overlooks the actual Anglo-Zulu battlefield at the base of Mount Isandlwana. This owner-run property sleeps a maximum of 24 guests in 12 luxurious rooms with private balconies, and prides itself on its personalised service and attention to detail. The whole front of the lodge is glassed for maximum enjoyment of the views over the battlefield plain. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities including Battlefield Tours, Zulu Village Safari, Horse Trails on a nearby farm, birding, walking trails and photographic safaris.
Honeymooners staying 2 nights or longer will receive a bottle of champagne and hors d’oeuvres on arrival and a complimentary bottle of wine at dinner on their last night. If possible, the lodge staff will also perform traditional Zulu wedding songs one evening in honour of the newlyweds for all guests to enjoy. A memento of the songs translated into English is presented to the couple. Honeymooners also receive a certificate for a free night on a two or more night stay on an Anniversary of their choice.
More information: isandlwana.co.za
Pakamisa Honeymoon Package
Situated on top of Pakamisa Mountain, this exclusive lodge offers spectacular views over a malaria-free private game reserve. Each of the eight spacious suites opens out onto a large veranda. Experienced horse riders and beginners will enjoy unforgettable rides through the reserve on Pakamisa’s well-trained horses, an adventure which allows you to experience African wildlife at close quarters. The perfect spot in which to chill or take advantage of the many activities on offer including clay pigeon shooting, game drives, guided walks, fishing and cultural experiences. Honeymooners will love their delectable picnics mid horseback safari!
Honeymooners get a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and flowers in their room on arrival and special honeymoon amenities in their bathroom for added romance. The couple can also enjoy a “private & romantic” dinner on the veranda (weather permitting) or a “private and romantic” bush breakfast during their stay.
More information: pakamisa.co.za
