Ultimate Romantic Bucket List South Africa

It’s no secret that South Africa is the ultimate romantic destination. Whether you are looking for a quiet escape, a place to “pop the question”, a honeymoon destination or an exciting anniversary trip, South Africa’s got it all.

From lush jungles to mountaintops, and rugged ocean coastline to desert plains, the natural scenery and vibrant culture of South Africa is inherently romantic. But once you get there, what can you do to amp up the romance and create a couples vacation you will never forget?

Here is a list of perfect South African dates that you need to add to your couples bucket list.

Share a picnic basket at Jordan Winery

South Africa is all about the vineyards, and wine tasting is pretty romantic in it’s own right. But how can you take it that one step further to create a romantic memory? Why not have a picnic. Jordan Winery, located in Stellenbosch offers guests a picnic package, so they can post- up in the grass and take in the rolling vineyard and mountain views. They have even created “picnic pods” for ample privacy alongside the river. Besides a bottle of wine, you will receive a selection of freshly baked breads, local charcuterie (including local biltong!) and cheeses, quiche loraine, a grilled stone fruit salad, estate-grown olives, pate’s and chutneys and the patisserie of the day.

Brunch and Jazz at the Kloof Street House

The Kloof Street House in a colourful local favourite with the best breakfast in Cape Town. To really kick up the romance factor, try visiting on a Sunday when local musicians play live jazz to set the mood. Their menu is chalked full of luxurious breakfast flavours including eggs with truffle mash and smoked salmon toast with wasabi cream. This charming Cape Town bistro is certainly the perfect backdrop for a fancy brunch date

Take an afternoon dip at the Crystal Pools

What could be more romantic than an afternoon dip in paradise? You can access these crystal pools by taking a hike on the Kogelberg Nature Reserve Trail. Since the trek is pretty easy, this is a great opportunity to add some spontaneity to your vacation- just wait for the perfect moment, pack up and go. The best part is, these trails aren’t usually that busy so you can enjoy some quiet time with your honey away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Escape to the Ocean at Tintswalo Atlantic

If you are looking for a sign to treat yourselves to a little bit of luxury- this is it. This five star boutique hotel offers Cape Town tourists will the chance to separate themselves from the city and escape together to the Atlantic coastline. This unforgettable perched right on the rocky shore beneath the mountains, is best known for its oceanfront hammocks, stunning mountain/ocean views, guest room viewing decks and up-scale decor. To top it all off, Tintswalo is has an in-house tapas bar for romantic evenings full of good eats and fine wine.

Stroll Through Heaven on Earth at the Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens

This stunning hike is sure to make you swoon. Inside the botanical gardens you will take a leisurely stroll through fields upon fields of flower and discover exotic species you didn’t know existed. But even the non flower-lover will find something magical about the Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens. You will take beautiful bridges and pathways up above the lush forests and take in the sweeping views of the hills and mountains, especially if you’re planning this as a surprise activity, it’s bound to impress your sweetheart.

Go waterfall-hopping at the Blyde River Canyon

Adventurous couples will love hunting for waterfalls and natural pools in the Blyde River Canyon park. Most of the time, they will be secluded, so back a day-bag with some bathing suits and hit the trail for a private and romantic afternoon together. See how many secret falls you can find, or pick your favourite away from any other hikers and enjoy only each other’s company.

Take the most romantic safari in SA at Dulini

We all know that you need to take a safari while you are in South Africa, and there is no shortage of luxury and budget options to check this off your bucket list. But what is the most romantic game reserve in the country? After a search far and wide, I’ve landed on Dulini. They include private dining by firelight, a viewing deck and rope bridge swimming over the watering hole (for up-close elephant encounters), an open-air spa, an extensive wine cellar and some of the prettiest guest rooms I have ever seen. Think exposed stone walls, bathtubs build for two, floor to ceiling windows and sparkling chandeliers- talk about paradise!

Rent a car and drive up Chapman’s peak

The drive up Chapman’s Peak has been rated one of the most scenic drives in the world. Rent a car, put on some tunes and roll down the windows.- or better yet, rent a convertible and let your hair fly in the wind. This breathtaking cruise will be sure to bring back some of that childlike playfulness from when you first started dating, and you can really amp up the romance by taking the drive at sunset. Just be sure to bring some jackets or blankets in case it gets chilly on the way back.

Watch Sunset from the Mountain Tops

This one is a quintessential Cape Town staple- but it certainly worthy of a place on every couple’s bucket list. If you take the gondola up Table Mountain, there’s no need to get sweaty. Just bring a blanket and maybe a snack and pick your favourite spot to enjoy some peace and quiet together. If you’re early risers, you could also swap sunset for sunrise and take advantage of some additional privacy. Another option I love is watching the sunset from Signal Hill….you just drive right up and snag a spot on the tarped floor.

Sip champagne and look for wildlife on a Zambezi River cruise

River cruises get a bad rep for being outdated and boring, but not this one!
The best part is the Zambezi river is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos. So if you’re looking for another “safari” type experience with a little infusion of romance, this one is for you. This luxury river cruise, hosted by Wild Horizons, provides mega romance complete with a candlelit dinner for the most memorable evening of your vacation.

Take a bubble bath above the treetops at Antshill

Nothing quite says romance like a nice hot bubble bath and a glass of champagne. But put the bath outdoors and add some world-class views of the jungle- it does’t get more romantic than that. So here we are again at another stunning game reserve. Antshill maintains a more traditional and cultural style throughout their lodge, but the luxuries bathtubs are what keep couples coming back time and time again. Your bathing area is completely hidden so feel free to turn up the heat or sit together in silence and take in your surroundings.

Sleep under the stars at Tswalu

If you’ve ever been stargazing with your partner then you know it’s a great way to bond and escape everyday stressors together. But have you ever slept out under the stars? The Malori sleeping deck at Tswalu The Malori lies within Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve offers couples total seclusion in the desert for a night the will never forget. Surrounded only by candlelight, you’ll be able to cuddle up and get cozy with the love of your life, all the while listen to the sounds of nature under the night sky.