Compare African Romance by African Travel

Day 1 : Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you’ll be welcomed and assisted every step of the way. Your romantic journey begins as you nestle into your five-star hotel in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Day 2 : Cape Town

Today is at your leisure to soak up the lively blend of history and culture showcased in the "Mother City’s” vibrant neighborhoods. Stroll through the Grand Parade, the country’s oldest public square; browse Greenmarket Square and its local craft market; and visit the galleries and museums along Museum Mile.

Day 3 : Cape Town

Be swept away by the stunning seascapes on your full-day tour of “The Fairest Cape,” and the rugged tip of the Cape Peninsula. View the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno as you travel to the working harbor of Hout Bay. Here, if time permits, you can join an optional cruise to view Cape fur seals. Hug the cliffs as you snake along legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive on your way to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. View a colony of penguins at beautiful Boulders Beach and linger over lunch in the picturesque old world charm of Kalk Bay, before returning to your hotel with plenty of time to enjoy Cape Town’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 4 : Cape Town / Franschhoek

Leaving behind the lively city and venture into the bucolic Winelands and Franschhoek Valley. Taste your way through the old town of Stellenbosch on a guided walk and sample classic Cape cuisine at family-owned specialty shops: rusks (biscuits and breads), locally grown teas; biltong and droëwors (cured meats) and sweet treats like koeksisters and Amarula mousse. Continue on to your luxury accommodations in the Huguenot-settled town of Franschhoek, renowned for its lovely scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and fine wines. This evening, stroll into town and browse the shops and cafes as you please.

Day 5 : Franschhoek

With your day at leisure, walk, stroll, taste and shop the town and valley as you like. As an added option, try the narrated Franschhoek Wine Tram tour which allows you to “hop-on and hop-off” at various vineyards, cellar tours, restaurants, shops and wine tasting spots throughout the valley. Tonight, raise your glass to a lavish multi-course dinner at the Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français. Bon appetit!

Day 6 : Franschhoek / KwaZulu-Natal Private Reserve

Returning to Cape Town airport, take flight to Johannesburg and Richards Bay. Upon arrival, your driver will transport you to north KwaZulu-Natal for a most romantic Big Five safari experience in the Thanda Private Game Reserve. Thanda, after all, means ‘love’ in Zulu, and the reserve lovingly unites the power of Zulu culture and romantic amenities with its insightful wildlife viewing. Get into the Thanda mindset as you unwind from your journey in the comforts of your luxury bush villa or relax by the infinity pool. Then, grab your camera and join your knowledgeable rangers for an afternoon game drive in an open safari vehicle. As you explore, learn about Thanda’s intensive efforts to rehabilitate the bush and reintroduce endemic game into the reserve. Tonight, your hosts will delight you with a candle-lit gourmet dinner served on your private viewing deck.

Day 7 : KwaZulu-Natal Private Reserve

Rise early when the lions are most active for a game drive in search of a pride on the move. Zoom in on the rhinos and giraffes as they graze and count off the numerous species of birds taking flight. As the animals retreat in the mid-day heat, perhaps relax with aromatherapy or a massage in your villa. As the day cools off, set off to view the big cats as they begin their hunt, breaking for sundowners as the sky turns pink. After dinner, listen to the calls of the nocturnal animals and lose yourself stargazing beneath the infinite African sky.

Day 8 : KwaZulu-Natal Private Reserve

Your day is full with morning and afternoon wildlife viewing. Take a bushwalk with your ranger to track specific animals or learn more about the many types of flora and fauna. You’ll have the chance to experience Vula Zulu, described as “a living museum” where the Zulu people share their age-old traditions through dancing, drumming and storytelling. Wrap up your soulful safari with a celebration dinner by the roaring fire and watch in wonder as the Milky Way reveals itself.

Day 9 : KwaZulu-Natal Private Reserve / Ponta Mamoli, Mozambique

Greet the dawn for one final game drive and a hearty breakfast before traveling overland across the Kosi Bay border to Mozambique and your chic beach resort. Tucked beyond the dunes on the Lagoon Coast, this laidback “jewel of the Indian Ocean" promises there’s no need to wear shoes. Sip champagne in a cool, horizon-edge pool together, take a stroll under a star-studded sky and experience the intimacy of a candlelit dinner-for-two on a deserted beach. Retreat to your private pool suite where a romantic turndown awaits.

Day 10 : Ponta Mamoli

Spend your morning along pristine waters inhabited by leatherback turtles and playful dolphins, snorkel or paddle over magical coral reefs and horseback ride along coastal trails fragrant with the scent of the ocean. Enjoy sundowners on a secluded beach, while gentle waves cool your feet. Whatever you desire, the friendly Mozambican staff is at your service.

Day 11 : Ponta Mamoli

Another day of rest and relaxation to spend as you please. Take a dip in your own plunge pool, nap on the spacious covered deck, be treated to a soothing couples’ massage. Celebrate your African romance with the finest cuisine Mozambique has to offer.

Day 12 : Ponta Mamoli / Depart

Bid farewell to Africa, taking with you a lifetime of loving memories. Fly back to Maputo for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg and your onward international flight home.