Overview

In the Greater Kruger National Park you will appreciate just the right balance of luxury experiences and activities in romantic surroundings when you swop the hustle and bustle of city life with a tranquil and romantic getaway to Kruger.

The Kruger National Park is situated in the north-eastern corner of South Africa and is one of the most extensive wildlife reserves in Africa. The Park is home to a great number of different kinds of mammals, including big populations of the “Big Five” animals (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo), as well as a high density of wild animals overall. The Park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including storks, vultures, and eagles, among others.

The breathtaking environment of Kruger National Park includes mountain ranges, bush plains, and tropical rainforests. There are not many places in the world that can compete with the Kruger Lowveld in terms of the natural and cultural diversity it possesses, as well as the genuine friendliness with which each and every visitor to the region is greeted.

If you yearn for a romantic secluded break, with a touch of the wild and exceptional scenery, the Kruger National Park Couples Packages and spa getaway is simply a superb way to discover shared expectations, enjoy adventurous experiences together and reignite the spark between you and your loved one.

You can even spend your honeymoon or celebrate an anniversary in luxury and style overlooking a lush river, dam or pool and watch the wild animals coming in for a drink at a waterhole.

You can treat yourself to spa treatments and memorable candlelit gourmet dinners at a romantic retreat as well as enjoying traditional game drives into the Kruger National Park to end of the days in a luxurious bath in your tented suite or upmarket chalet.

Simply getting there will already be an adventurous excursion itself. The Lowveld is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world along the Panorama Route. The most well-known section of the Panorama Route is the R532, which travels from the village of Sabie to God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondawels passing a number of beautiful waterfalls, including the Sabie Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Mac Mac Falls.

After months of preparing and a frenetic wedding day that is gone all too soon, you and your new husband or wife deserve some peaceful quality time together to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Your honeymoon should coincide perfectly with that period of time.

Private Lodges

Imagine lounging on your own private deck in the sun watching the animals pass by or taking a guided evening game drive to see the sun set before a romantic candlelit dinner in Greater Kruger National Park.

The most opulent, and thus most expensive, option is to stay at one of the lodges in the private reserves that border Kruger Park and are part of Greater Kruger National Park, or at one of the concessions within the main park (concessions are privately run reserves in the park).

The Greater Kruger National Park’s honeymoon venues range from romantic 4- and 5-star hotels and lodges to luxurious game lodges and intimate guest houses with honeymoon suites.

Honeymoon venues in Greater Kruger National Park are specially furnished and designed with wedding couples in mind, and frequently emphasise romance by incorporating bathrooms with a view, four-poster beds, wood burning fireplaces, or other features.

There are no fences separating Greater Kruger concessions and the regular Kruger Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely between them all, ensuring that you see the same variety of animals regardless of where you stay.

Wherever you book your honeymoon, your hotel will try to accommodate you with a honeymoon suite or a larger room. Expect to find rose petals sprinkled over the bed and in the bathroom, towels folded into the shape of swans, and a complimentary bottle of champagne and fruit basket. You might even get a couple’s massage voucher or a discount on local activities and tours.

Inside the park

If money is an issue, the main Kruger National Park has its own honeymoon packages. If you do not want a honeymoon package, you can simply book the accommodation you want in and around Kruger National Park.

The budget-conscious traveller might choose to stay at one of the various self-catering chalets, guest houses or lodges and do self-drive game viewing in their own private vehicle. Still, for the ultimate in luxury and privacy it would be worthwhile to head to one of the private concession lodges within the Kruger or the assortment of luxury private reserves on the western border of the park.

If you decided to get married in Kruger National Park, having your honeymoon there is a natural next step. You will not have to travel far, and your honeymoon may even take place in the same location as your wedding. There are numerous options and packages to select from.

Highlights of a romantic Kruger Getaway

So, will you have your honeymoon or anniversary in South Africa’s Kruger National Park? Then expect the following highlights of the trip:

• Escape to a tranquil and romantic getaway near an iconic game reserve
• Reignite the spark with a luxury partnersspa treatment
• Enjoy gourmet dinners by candlelight
• Let romance bloom with a luxurious bath with candles and sparkling wine
• Embark on a private guided full day game drive in the Kruger National Park
• Get away on an adventure tailormade for couples.
• Travel together and observe the African wild up close.

A typical itinerary for a couples tour to Kruger National Park

Most of these stunning retreats are approximately 4 to 6 hours from Johannesburg and therefore perfect for a romantic weekend getaway for you and your partner. You can be picked up from your hotel or address in Gauteng and travel via the Highveld grasslands to the subtropical Lowveld.

At arrival at your retreat, you can settle into your luxury suite, have some drinks on a viewing deck or treat yourself to a spa treatment.

After some pampering, it will be time for a unique romantic dinner with white linen, candlelight, roses and dishes that are prepared with great care.

The days of your tour can be spent with excursions into the park. You will be picked up early in the morning from your retreat for either a private full day or morning game drive. There is nobetter way to see wildlife than from an open safari vehicle. Binoculars and camerasare compulsory equipment on such trips, since you will most probably spot some, if not all of Africa’s Big 5.

Your qualified Kruger Park safari guide will ensure that you have a memorable safari experience catered to your preference. He will explain everything about the wildlife and area.You will have the opportunity to view game at leisure and visit picnic spots, rest camps and other places of interest.

Your morning drive will probably include a bush breakfast and a full day drive may include a stop for lunch at one of the Kruger Park Rest camps.

Back at your retreat, you can end your day soaking away the stress and celebrate your love in a relaxing bath while reflecting on a great day and sipping champagne together.

Once again, a starlit dinner may await you.

If you prefer to spend some time at your retreat itself, you can unwind at the bar, enjoy a refreshing dip in a pool or relax in the beautiful surrounds.

Alternatively, you can also undertake a guided bush walk where rangers will lead you through the bush at your own pace to experience the thrill of following big animals with your partner.

On the final day of your tour, you may stop over at some attractions en route again. Such may include the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre for injured and orphaned animals and birds near Hoedspruit, an elephant sanctuary near Hazyview, and other scenic splendours along the Panorama Route like the Three Rondawels and the Blyde River Canyon.

Activities both of you may enjoy

Your couples deal may have a particular theme or emphasis, such as relaxation, with massages and beauty treatments, romance with secluded dinners and sparkling wine for two or couples activities like hot air ballooning.

Spa treatments are a quintessential luxury on any couples break and when you stay at one of the luxury lodges you can expect the very best.

Gyms, yoga classes and wellness centres are on offer too at most lodges.

Other activities you may enjoy include mountain bike trails, bird watching, golfing or doing a backpacking trail or two.

Tips for travelling as a couple

• Most of the luxury lodges offer all-inclusive packages specifically aimed at couples. Book one of these and you won’t have to worry about a thing from start to finish.
• Honeymoon packages that include activities and experiences specifically aimed at couples are often offered at a discount.
• Combine a trip to the Kruger with a visit to one or more of the region’s other top attractions – ask your tour operator for such combo packages.
• Consider a scheduled flights from OR Tambo to one of the local airports at Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa or Skukuza to cut travel time to under 2 hours. Some lodges have private airstrips so direct flights are also possible.

Staying safe

Malaria

Malaria-risk areas in South Africa are limited, however, precautions should be taken in Kruger National Park. Please consult your general practitioner before the trip and take precautionslike the following:

• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin – recommended repellents contain 20%-35% DEET, and there are a number of brands on the market
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants if you’re outdoors at night
• Use a mosquito net if your tent or room isn’t screened or air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed
• Take the malaria tablets recommended for the region you’re travelling to, and keep taking them until the course is complete

Snakes

Even though they are rarely encountered and, when they are, will almost always try to get away as quickly as possible, Africa is home to a number of venomous snakes, including some that are quite dangerous. Therefore, if you intend to do any walking, you should always keep an eye on where you are going and bring along some protective gear like boots, socks, and long pants as a preventative step. This will also help with ticks.

General safety

In order to protect visitors and preserve the natural environment, each reserve has a specific set of guidelines that must be followed. There are a lot of deadly species in this area, but the lion, hippo, elephant, and buffalo are the most dangerous.

In the event that you have to make a fast exitwhen dealing with elephants, remain seated in your vehicle and maintain a safe distance from the elephant.

It is best to steer clear of waterways that are home to both hippos and crocodiles.

You might also like our Kruger National Park Family Packages or Kruger Park Fly-in Packages.

FAQ

Does Kruger National Park cater for romantic getaways?

Yes, in the Greater Kruger National Park you can have luxury experiences and activities in romantic surroundings. The Greater Kruger National Park’s honeymoon venues range from romantic 4- and 5-star hotels and lodges to luxurious game lodges and intimate guest houses with honeymoon suites.

Such honeymoon venues in Greater Kruger National Park are specially furnished and designed with romance in mind, often by by incorporating bathrooms with a view, four-poster beds, wood burning fireplaces, or other features.

Is there luxury lodging inside the Kruger National Park?

Yes, there are more opulent, and thus more expensive, options inside the park. These are lodges at one of the concessions (privately run reserves) within the main park.

Can a couple spend their honeymoon in Kruger National Park?

Yes, a couple can spend their honeymoon in the Kruger National Park. If they don’t want to opt for the private, luxurious options, they can simply book the accommodation they want in the park.

The budget-conscious couple might choose to stay at one of the various self-catering chalets, guest houses or lodges and do self-drive game viewing in their own private vehicle.