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The Best & Most Affordable Honeymoon Ideas in South Africa

Finding the perfect, budget-friendly honeymoon destination in South Africa can seem daunting, but with the right tips and destinations, you can enjoy a romantic escape that doesn’t break the bank.

2min read

Published 25 October 2024

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

Finding the perfect, budget-friendly honeymoon destination in South Africa can seem daunting, but with the right tips and destinations, you can enjoy a romantic escape that doesn’t break the bank.

In this blog

Where to Go for Your Honeymoon in South Africa?

Ok, so where are all these budget-friendly honeymoon places? Sure, you could easily splurge with opulent game lodges, beachside villas, and Cape Dutch mansions with vineyard views. But you can also find plenty of reasonably priced accommodation and gorgeous getaways. Here are some good starting points.

Affordable Places to Go on Honeymoon in South Africa

First up, the quintessential bush getaway. This honeymoon screams ‘South Africa’ and you don’t have to break the bank to have the Big Five etched into your honeymoon memories. Kruger National Park has options ranging from luxury lodges to affordable rest camps. For those who love nature and wildlife, a self-drive safari can be particularly cost-effective, as it allows you to explore at your own pace without the price tag of guided safari tours. You could stay at a self-catering rondawel or a budget lodge. There really are tons of options in this giant park. Explore more about this adventure in our guide on the best honeymoon destinations. Otherwise, Pilanesberg, Mabalingwe, and Mabula all offer some really competitively priced getaways for your bush honeymoon.

The Garden Route is another fantastic choice, known for its stunning coastal scenery and charming towns. Opt for self-catering accommodations or cozy bed and breakfasts in towns like Knysna or Plettenberg Bay, which offer romantic settings without the hefty cost. If you rent a car, you’ll be able to explore lots of the coastal towns and cities, and can even take a roadtrip through the Tsitsikamma.

South Africa’s Most Beautiful Places for a Honeymoon

Even a budget honeymoon deserves to be beautiful! Luckily, South Africa has plenty of affordable holiday sports which are honeymoon-heaven and won’t break the bank.

The Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape is breathtakingly beautiful and less commercialised than more popular destinations. Even locally, you’ll find loads of people have never visited. It’s almost completely unspoilt and lives up to its ‘wild’ name. Dotted with secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs, open fields and gorgeous waterfalls – it’s undoubtedly one of the prettiest parts of the country. Fortunately, accommodation options here are often more affordable.

And of course, there’s the ever-popular Cape Winelands. Probably one of the most picturesque parts of the country, they’re also an amazing place to experience some of the finer things in life; great food and good wine. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be sipping on R600 bottles of wine or tucking into 10-course tasting menus to enjoy the amazing food and wine scene of Stellies, Franschhoek, or Tulbagh. There are lots of boutique hotels and guesthouses that offer off-season rates, and many of the wine tastings are free or really affordable. Eat out at lunch or brunch instead of at dinner to save even more!

What is the Cheapest Honeymoon Destination?

For a truly budget-friendly honeymoon, consider staying at one of the SANParks accommodations in destinations like the Tsitsikamma National Park. These parks offer various lodging options from camping sites to comfortable bungalows with stunning views of the South African landscape. Plus, the parks provide plenty of free or low-cost activities, like hiking or bird watching.

KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast also offers great value with its range of affordable beachfront accommodations. There’s nothing much more romantic than sand, sea, and sun! The area is perfect for couples who enjoy a mix of beach relaxation and exploring local attractions like the historic battlefields or the markets of Durban. Plus, you can always take day trips to surrounding areas, or overnight trips further afield to areas like Midlands Meander.

South Africa

Expert tip

There is no bad time of the year for a bush break whether it be cozying up by the fire in winter or enjoying a cocktail around the pool in summer.

Jodie

Team Leader

What Can I Do Instead of a Honeymoon?

If a honeymoon truly isn’t on the cards, save it for later and do something you’ll really love then! Instead, you could consider a "mini-moon" – a shorter getaway that still allows for plenty of romance. This is an affordable option for a honeymoon which will still put your marriage off to a great start, while allowing you to save up for a bigger ‘honeymoon’ another time.

Destinations like Magaliesberg, Clarens, or the Cederberg offer great weekend retreats where you can enjoy activities like hot air balloon rides or stargazing at a fraction of the cost of a long honeymoon. If you stay close to home, you won’t even incur costs for flights or car rental.

Another alternative is planning a series of day trips or weekend stays throughout the year to various romantic spots around South Africa. This way, you can experience multiple settings and activities, and create a year or two of adventures. You could spend short breaks doing all kinds of cool things, from the beaches of KZN to the mountains of the Drakensberg and the remote towns of the Free State, spreading the cost over time.

Making the Most of Your Honeymoon in South Africa

To further stretch your honeymoon budget, consider traveling during the off-peak season when rates are lower and tourist spots are less crowded. Winter travel is always a good bet, and you can snuggle in front of the fireplace in the evening too!

Booking your stay in advance can also secure you better deals, and keeping an eye on special honeymoon offers from Flight Centre can help you snag a bargain.

Exploring local cuisine at smaller, less touristy restaurants or enjoying natural attractions, which often have minimal to no entrance fees, are other excellent ways to keep costs down. South Africa’s natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its people can make your honeymoon both affordable and spectacular. Explore our top honeymoon deals today to get started. And if you haven’t popped the question quite yet, check out our favourite proposal spots in SA. It always pays to be well-prepared!

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Sophie Baker

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