The Perfect Honeymoon: Safari, Cape Town, Wine Lands & Beach in One Seamless Journey
This is my own honeymoon itinerary that moves seamlessly through four completely different worlds — from safari mornings in South Africa’s wilderness to Cape Town’s coastal energy, the slow beauty of the Winelands, and finally barefoot luxury on Mozambique’s Benguerra Island. It’s a journey designed around contrast: adrenaline and stillness, city and nature, structure and complete escape.
First Stop: Cape Town
The trip begins in Cape Town — a city defined by dramatic natural beauty, world-class dining, and a creative, effortless energy. From Table Mountain to the Atlantic coastline, every day feels cinematic and alive.
How I got there: International arrival at Cape Town Airport, followed by a private road transfer to the hotel. Nonstop flights available from Newark.
Where I stayed: Ellerman House — an iconic oceanfront hideaway in Bantry Bay offering art-filled interiors, Atlantic views, and one of the most refined boutique hotel experiences in Africa.
Second Stop: Wine Lands (Stellenbosch)
The Wine lands at their most composed and atmospheric, where sculpted vineyards meet mountain backdrops, and everything moves at a slower, more intentional pace.
How I got there: Quick private transfer from Cape Town along the mountain passes into the heart of the Winelands.
Where I stayed: Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa — an ultra-luxury estate perched above the vineyards, known for its art collection, manicured landscapes, and deeply private lodge experience.
Third Stop: Safari (Phinda Private Game Reserve)
A shift into raw wilderness, where safari begins to define time itself. Days are shaped by game drives, light, and silence, with wildlife movement guiding every moment.
How I got there: One domestic flight via Cape Town to Kruger National Park, followed by a charter flight into Phinda Airstrip and a final private transfer into the reserve.
Where I stayed: andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge — an intimate, low-impact safari lodge set in a secluded wetland setting, designed for close wildlife encounters and complete immersion in nature.
Fifth Stop: Safari (Kruger National Park)
Kruger National Park — a deeper expression of safari, where riverine forest and open bushveld create one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife landscapes. The terrain here is completely different and much more desert-like. If you’re lucky, you will see one of the park’s rare white lions!
How I got there: Short charter flight from Phinda into the Kruger region, landing at Ngala Airstrip, followed by a game drive transfer into camp.
Where I stayed: andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp — a classic luxury tented safari experience set along a riverbed, where canvas suites open directly into the bush and wildlife moves through camp.
Last Stop: Beach (Benguerra Island, Mozambique)
Benguerra Island — clients are shocked when I tell them this was my favorite stop of the trip, even more so than the safari. This stay was the epitome of privacy, seclusion, and escape - mixed with ultra luxury service, where you didn’t stop off the beach without someone cleaning your feet!
How I got there: Scheduled flights from Kruger via Johannesburg to Vilanculos, followed by a helicopter transfer directly to the island.
Where I stayed: Kisawa Sanctuary — an ultra-private island estate on Benguerra Island offering expansive residences, personal butler service, and one of the most secluded luxury beach experiences in the Indian Ocean. This property soon became my number 1 stay of all time, the epitome of barefoot luxury at its best; it is truly in a league of its own!
