As my own wedding gets closer to actually happening, it’s the honeymoon that also needs a bit of thinking about. One dreamy, and definitely exotic, destination comes to mind—Africa. Specifically, South Africa. Cape Town has held a longtime fascination, so the plan would be to start the adventure in that South African city - where we can get our sun, sea and surf fix by day, and then enjoy the sunset from here. The next stop would be Madikwe Game Reserve. Here are eight reasons why I know a honeymoon would be magnificent there:
The Photos
I mean, is there anything more utterly eye-catching than getting this close to nature? It’s raw, it’s real, it’s not your average day. Epic memories are there for the making.
The Stars
Sleeping under the African night sky is an unforgettable experience and Jaci’s Safari Lodge Starbed Suite sets up sweet dreams on your very own safely secluded rooftop. If you thought I meant celebs, then its worth noting that Beyonce and Jay Z cuddled up at Madikwe’s Mateya Safari Lodge. The couple even went so far as to leave glowing reviews of the property on its website. Beyonce gushed about beauty of the surroundings, while Jay-Z said, “What a lovely and delightful place, the people here are too polite.” If it’s good enough for hip hop royalty, then it’s going on my bucket list.
The Savannah
The sweeping views are nothing short of the right kind of drama on South Africa’s fifth largest game reserve. Madikwe is only a few hours driving from Johannesburg, yet offers blissful disconnection from the rest of the world.
The Old Worldliness
High Tea at three, bonfires in a traditional boma, in South Africa you can turn back time and feel like an original explorer. The famous Mafikeng Road (the main road now running through Madikwe) was once used by hunters, merchants and missionaries during the early 1800s as part of a trade corridor linking Cape Town and Bulawayo.
Food & Wine
South Africa boasts some of the world’s best vintages and the cuisine often fuses the best of the bush with international flavors, making for an exotic dining experience.
Safari Drives
The thought of getting up at the crack of dawn has never appealed—usually because involves some mad dash to the airport. However, the magic that awaits on this reserve is the polar opposite of painful security lines. We’re talking big game instead of traffic jams as experienced rangers deftly maneuver around herds of elephants and track the elusive leopard. Good thing the coffee is excellent here.
Wildlife
Madikwe has established itself as a polished South African safari gem. Aside from the frequent sightings at watering holes located a stone’s throw from the lodges, visitors encounter the Super 7 on the regular here. Elephant, White and Black Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and the rare Wild Dog. All in a malaria-free environment, by the way.
#luxelodge
Living the life in a back-to-basics suite at Madikwe Hills Private Lodge, I picture a peaceful evening by the fire, and waking up to float out of my four-poster bed and into the private plunge pool overlooking the reserve. Heaven.
Better yet, say those "I dos" in a stunning setting. There are luxury tour operators that will handle all of the planning for a main event accommodating friends and family, or a perfectly private honeymoon for two.
