7 Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Africa

With the endless rat race in the city, times are tough for those who want to keep their love boats afloat. Meetings, deadlines, working overtime and tight budgets are just a few passion killers that would make even Romeo and Juliet growl at each other. Working in the travel industry, I have come to realise that nothing rekindles a fire between two soul mates like beautiful surrounds in a secluded setting… far away from car hooters and ringing cellphones. Here are seven must-visit spots in the Western Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape to consider.

Put the spark back in your relationship and pick a location for one of those lazy romantic weekend getaways in South Africa.                          Photo by: Chan 360

Looking for one of those romantic weekend getaways in South Africa?

1. Sale your loveboat in Kraal Bay

In the book called A Giant in Hiding, the author Lawrence Green sums up Kraal Bay quite well when he says; “May I live to be a hundred years old, may I always come back to this place”. While it takes about 35 minutes to drive around Langebaan Lagoon through the West Coast National Park to get to Kraal Bay, canoeing or sailing across the lagoon is much more fun, not to mention romantic! Stay in the Larus Houseboat moored in the Langebaan Lagoon and enjoy year-round sunshine, plenty of silence and an entire national park to yourself. For reservations to stay at the Larus, contact Sanparks at 021 552 0008 or 021 426 4260.

2. Light your fire in the Kagga Kamma

Romantic weekend getaways and the West Coast go hand in hand. Set in the peaceful Cederberg Mountains, the Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve is well known for its scenic beauty and dramatic rock formations typical of the Cederberg. Take that special someone and get the real interpretation of the rock paintings from one of the guides. Say “I love you” amidst the Southern night skies as you look through a powerful telescope and enjoy a sundowner with spectacular views from the escarpment into the Ceres-Karoo lying 700m lower. For a reservation at the Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve, dial 021 422 3498.

3. Play (tree)house in the forest

Treetop accommodation has become a trending topic in tourist’s circles. The pristine, indigenous Knysna Forest offers one of the best romantic weekend getaways in South Africa. Not only is this an eco-friendly destination, but a very secluded and romantic weekend getaway too. Although there are many places that offer staying high in the sky, Teniqua Treetops is a unique, tented tree house resort, offering something really special in eco-accommodation. Stay on the foothills of the ancient Outeniqua mountain range along the magical Garden Route. This route offers great road trips to quaint towns such as Mossel Bay and Sedgefield. They also specialize in honeymoon tree houses. They are situated at 7 Passes Road Knysna and their number is 044 356 2868 if you’re looking for more info.

4. Get cosey in Kosi Bay

There are few romantic weekend getaway destinations in South Africa that can compete with the untouched beauty and year-round perfect climate of KwaZulu-Natal. Kosi Bay is a series of four lakes in the Maputuland. The Kosi Bay creek is only 2 kilometres from the Mozambique border. According to locals, you can easily walk to Ponta de Ouro in less than an hour. Why is it romantic? It is one of the quietest beaches and the Kosi River Mouth is known as the “aquarium” because of the abundance of fish species. Enjoy your bestie’s company while staring into clear waters and admiring the underwater life. Visit Kosi Bay Tourism to get more info on this romantic breakaway.

5. Enjoy small town charm in Clarens

You can’t tell if it’s the quirky coffee shops, the friendly people or the majestic snow covered mountains surrounding this Free State town, but there is just something about Clarens that puts the spark back in relationships. This town has become the ‘go to’ romantic weekend getaway spot for those living in Gauteng, the Free State and those from abroad. Rent a cabin and stare into a fireplace as you marvel over the day’s discoveries in this anything-but-one-horse-town.

6. Stare into each other’s eyes at Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall Hotel and Holiday Village in the Eastern Cape offers some of the most beautiful scenery in South Africa. As it is set in a secluded, tropical bay in the heart of the Wild Coast, it is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend getaway. Do a meandering hike from Coffee Bay and end at Hole-in-the-Wall… what a blissful experience. Call 047 575 000 for more information.

7. Reminisce at Naries

On the edge of the Spektakelberg between Springbok and Kleinzee a beautiful romantic getaway awaits, ready to rekindle chemistry between you and that special someone. Naries is positioned for exploring the greater Namakwa Region from the Richtersveld in the north to the shipwrecks in the west. Play hide and seek amidst the wildflowers if you’re there in Springtime! There is absolutely no excuse for having a bland relationship with all these options in front of you. Do you have a better destination for you romantic weekend getaway in the Western Cape, Freestate, KZN or the Eastern Cape? Share it with us by commenting below! All set to plan that perfect holiday? If you are already in the area and you would like to have the freedom to explore the area you are visiting independently, you might want to look into car hire South Africa for the perfect set of wheels.