How to Plan an Unforgettable Honeymoon in Cape Town

The vibrant coastal city of Cape Town is the southwest tip and one of the most scenic places in South Africa. With sweeping views and towering peaks, culturally significant sites, trendy stores, and romantic eateries, as well as the possibility to enjoy many exciting activities, Cape Town welcomes all newlyweds who are looking for the perfect South African honeymoon.

If you are about to get married and you want to have a memorable honeymoon, continue reading and find out how to plan the ultimate romantic escape in bustling Cape Town. 

Best Time to Go to Cape Town

Cape Town is a fantastic honeymoon destination all year round. The main attractions and activities can, however, change from season to season. If you prefer a beach honeymoon, go to South Africa during the summer months, from December to February. For hiking, make sure you are there from late April until early June, and, if you are a foodie and interested in wine, plan your romantic escape between June and August. 

Migratory whales arrive along the coastline in July, and you have until September to enjoy these majestic creatures, and the best game-viewing is during the dry winter months. From May to October, animals need water and food, and they gather around the waterholes and rivers. 

Is Cape Town safe?

If you travel often, you know that many major cities around the world are safe as long as you take certain universal safety measures, like sticking to the main tourist locations, keeping pricey belongings out of sight, and being extra careful during school holidays and big events. 

So, Cape Town is safe enough if you are cautious. Keep in mind that the poor communities of the Cape Flats see the highest percentage of crime. The suburbs and the center of Cape Town are pretty safe.

Where to stay in Cape Town

Once you become aware of the safety measures, decided on the dates of your honeymoon, and bought the tickets, you can start looking for the best accommodation. To help you own, we gathered five of the best hotels and resorts in Cape Town. 

Taj Cape Town 

Located in the lively heart of the city, Taj Cape Town is a luxury hotel that perfectly combines the authentic Cape Town experience with impeccable Indian hospitality. It has an outstanding location, perfect for couples looking to discover authentic Cape Town and mesmerizing architecture. 

The hotel occupies two historic buildings, and has breathtaking views of the Mother City and the iconic Table Mountain, being perfect for a romantic escape in South Africa. 

Cape Grace 

With spectacular views of Table Mountain, the yacht marina, and a working harbor, Cape Grace is a fairytale hotel, that has enough centrality to easily discover Cape Town, and plenty of privacy to enhance your amorous holiday. 

Besides the unique view and great location, Cape Grace also offers guests beautifully designed and comfortable rooms, impeccable services, and an elegant outdoor area overlooking Cape Town’s yacht basin, perfect for relaxing moments. 

52 De Wet

Located high up, on the slopes of Lion’s Head Mountain, in an exclusive suburb of Cape Town, 52 De Wet is waiting for honeymooners with only seven uniquely decorated rooms, all with open views of the South Atlantic Ocean, and some with private plunge pools. 

There is also a small, relaxing spa on site, and all the delicious dishes served at 52 De Wet are created with fresh, local, seasonal produce. 

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat

If you are looking for a more adventurous location, spend a few days at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat. This is a posh hotel in a Cape Dutch-style farmhouse, located in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, and, as you can imagine, the landscape is mesmerizing. 

The rooms are bright, elegant, and comfortable, some with luxury upgrades like fireplaces or a private pool. Also, your stay includes tasty meals and exciting activities like nature drives and canoeing, and you can enjoy the gym, spa, pools, and steam room. 

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard

If you and your loved one are wine aficionados, and you want to have a relaxing vineyard honeymoon, consider staying at Mont Rochelle, a lavish hotel, built in a spectacular manor house on a 39-hectare property, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. 

Located only 9 km from Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, this posh hotel gives you the chance to learn more about Cape Town wines, easily explore the city, and catch a glimpse of the spectacular wildlife. In addition, your romantic stay at Mont Rochelle will be enhanced by its tasty breakfast, wine-tasting sessions, its relaxing spa, outdoor pool, and gym.

What to do during your honeymoon in Cape Town

There are so many things to do in Cape Town, and other beautiful South African areas, that you need more than one holiday to check them off the list. Don’t forget that your honeymoon should be full of great activities, but you also want to have some relaxing, romantic moments as a couple. 

Go on a safari

You can’t go to South Africa and not have a memorable safari experience. If you want to have an exciting day trip from Cape Town, you can go to Inverdoorn Nature Reserve and get close to the wild animals in their natural habitat while in an open-air 4×4. If you want the opportunity to see the Big 5, travel to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Besides the open vehicle game drive thrill, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge. 

Visit Cape Town cuisine & wine country

To have the ultimate honeymoon, you should include a romantic encounter with the local wine and cuisine. South Africa is famous for its award-winning wines, so spending some time admiring the rolling vineyards and visiting the charming wine estates of the Cape Winelands must be on your to-do in Cape Town list. 

When it comes to Cape Town cuisine, expect a fabulous mix of cultures that created a brilliantly diverse culinary scene. Cape Town is waiting for foodies with fresh, local ingredients as the norm, and a plethora of restaurants for different budgets, from bargain eateries, like Biesmeillah, to high-end, pricey restaurants, like Chefs. 

Other things to do in Cape Town

You can begin your adventure by visiting the lovely city of Cape Town and taking advantage of its amazing culture, charming beaches, and culinary scene. Climb South Africa’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain, and adventure on as many day trips as possible. 

Visit, for instance, Simon’s Town, one of South Africa’s oldest towns, home to the South African Navy, and famous for its rich maritime history. Stroll the charming streets, and check out the white sand Foxy Beach, a charming spot strictly reserved for African Penguins, the only penguins found on the continent. Watch them in their natural habitat as you walk the wooden boardwalk towards Boulders Beach. 

These are our tips on how to plan an unforgettable Cape Town honeymoon. If you follow these easy steps, your honeymoon will be a success. Just keep in mind that there are, of course, plenty of other great restaurants, hotels, and things to do, and your choice depends completely on your preferences, budget, number of days, and time of the year.