21 Romantic Things to do in South Africa

If you are living or are heading to one of the 3 most popular South African cities as a couple, there are a few activities that would make for a memorable date. We have put together 7 unique experiences from each city. From a date with the penguins in Cape Town, stargazing at Africa’s first full-sized planetarium in Johannesburg to an 80m leap from the world’s largest swing in Durban.

Romantic things to do in Cape Town

Night out at the theatre

Price: From R80

Take your partner out on an evening at the Theatre, you are spoilt for choice in Cape Town. There is the Artscape Theatre Centre in the city which is the premier theatre in the mother city or Baxter Theatre, the second-largest performing Arts complex after Artscape. The best shows in South Africa are often on display at these two theatres.

Website: https://www.artscape.co.za/events/ and http://www.baxter.co.za/

Watch a comedy show

Price: From R60

Couples who laugh together stay together. Find out when and where the top comedians will be performing in and around Cape Town. Catch the Anti-Valentines day comedy show on the 14th of February at the PumpHouse V&A Waterfront. 

Website: http://capetowncomedy.com/

Romantic picnic by the beach (Boulders Beach)

Price: R65 pp

Enjoy stunning views and pleasant sunny weather at boulders beach. Enjoy a romantic picnic on the boulders and go and see some African penguins while you’re at it.

Picnic at the Kirstenbosch Gardens

Price: R75

Enjoy a day at the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, enjoy a day in nature surrounded by the garden, forest and fynbos while you listen to the calming background melodies of the birds. Enjoy a romantic stroll on the tree canopy walkway before you choose a spot to have your picnic.

Sunset boat cruise from the V&A Waterfront

Price: R450

Enjoy a romantic sunset boat cruise from the waterfront. See panoramic views of the city and enjoy a lovely sunset with your partner while you sip champagne.

Retro outdoor film with the Galileo Open Air Cinema

Price: From R109 pp

Watch a classic movie under the starlit sky. The movies are screened at various picturesque locations around Cape Town from October to April. These locations include Kirstenbosch Gardens, Central Park, Battery Park, Meerendal Wine Estate, Steenberg Farm, Kelvin Grove, Zip Zap Dome and various wine estates in the Cape Winelands.

Website: https://thegalileo.co.za/

Date at Newlands Forest Picnic Site 

Price: R25 per car (within fenced braai area)
Go on a romantic picnic in nature on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Share a meal stream-side under a canopy of trees. 

Romantic things to do in Johannesburg

Picnic for two at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Price: R55

Escape the busyness of the concrete jungle and have yourself a date outdoors. If tranquil one-on-one time is what you are after then the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden with it’s 70m high Witpoortjie Waterfall, 600 plant species and 20 bird species is a winning venue.

Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu/

Romantic Boat Ride at Zoo Lake

Price: R7.50 per adult

Visit the popular lake and park in Johannesburg, this lake is part of the Herman Eckstein Park opposite the Johannesburg Zoo. The lake provides the perfect setting for a romantic date. Rent a rowing boat at Lions Club and have a picnic on the boat.

Website: http://www.zoolake.org/family-fun.html

Stargazing at the Wits Planetarium

Price: R60

Go stargazing with your significant other at the Wits Planetarium, situated at the University of the Witwatersrand. This planetarium was the first full-sized planetarium in Africa. This is a perfect date for those interested in astronomy and the night skies of southern Africa.

Website: https://www.planetarium.co.za/publicshows.shtml

Go horse riding on the Magaliesberg Mountains

Price: R275pp for 30 minutes, R510pp for 60 minutes

Enjoy a classic adventure-filled day with your significant other just 45 minutes outside of Johannesburg, horse riding on the foot of the Magaliesberg mountains. There is a host of other activities such as champagne bushveld picnic, quad biking, go-karting and archery that can be enjoyed here as well.

Website: http://www.saddlecreekadventures.co.za/

Watch old school movies at the Bioscope

Price: R60

Watch small international films, documentaries and locally made films in Downtown Johannesburg. The Bioscope’s aim is to increase the diversity of film content on South African cinema screen, unlike mainstream cinemas that only offer mainstream films. Food and drinks are also served here which makes it a great option for a couples night out.

Website: https://www.thebioscope.co.za/attractions/

Go for a date in 50’s Themed town of Pretville, Hartebeespoort

Price: R70

Go on a journey to the 50’s in the town of Pretville in Hartebeespoort. In this film set town, you will find old shops, old cars and a diner. A great venue if you want old school themed photos if you have the costumes to match.

Website: http://pretville.co.za/

Ride a Tuk-Tuk on the way to wining and dining

Price: From R25 for a 3km trip to R95 for a 10km trip.

If you are in Rosebank or Sandton go on a dinner date to local restaurants in style using 3 wheel Tuk Tuks.

Website: https://www.sheshatuks.co.za/

Romantic things to do in Durban

Romantic walk on the golden mile

Take a romantic walk on the popular stretch of beachfront in Durban which spans from Shaka Beach to the Suncoast Casino. Enjoy ever pleasant tropical weather, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. You are also spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants.

Spend a day at Ushaka Marine World

Price: R214
Have some fun in the water at Ushake Marine World with a Ushaka Sea World and uShaka Wet ‘n Wild combo. Visit the ship-wreck themed aquarium, watch dolphin and seal shows and make a splash on the water slides.

Website: https://ushakamarineworld.co.za/

Go on a romantic flight over the Valley of a Thousand Hills

Price: R2700 – R10 000

Go on a helicopter tour of Durban. The price depends on whether you just want a short flight over the Mose Mabhida Stadium and the beachfront or whether you want to go inland and explore the Umgeni River Valley and the Valley of 1000 Hills.

Go for a concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens

Price: Entrance is free
Visit Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden. Go on a picnic for a relaxing date on the lawns. You can also go on a guided tour of the gardens which could include golf cart tours.

Website: http://www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za/)

Go on a date at the Suncoast Casino

Enjoy a mix of sun, sea and entertainment on the Durban Beachfront in one of Durban’s most popular destinations. From the casino, restaurants and the Barnyard Theatre there is no shortage of things to do for a couple.

Gondola Boat Ride

Price: R60 during the day and R120 at night.

Enjoy a romantic 30min boat ride on an African Gondola at the Durban Point Waterfront Canal. This provides a very scenic and relaxing setting for a date, away from crowds and the rush of the city.

Website: https://gondolas.co.za/

Whatever your destination, we will take care of your car hire needs by offering you the best service. Contact us to talk to our friendly car rental consultants.