Romantic Honeymoon bush and beach destinations
Honeymoon beach destinations
When we think of romantic holidays and honeymoons, we invariably think beach. Beaches signify seclusion, intimacy and love and this is never more true than for the deserted beaches of Southern Africa.
Topping the list of honeymoon favourites are the beaches of Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago off Vilanculos has the easiest access with daily flights from Johannesburg. Pemba in the northern part of Mozambique is also beautiful and popular and had thrice weekly flights connecting to Johannesburg.
Because Mozambique is such a niche destinations, there are only a few lodges in each area, which pushes up prices. There is also the fact that it is impossible to buy any food or supplies in Mozambique and lodges have to import anything. So while Mozambique isn’t a cheap holiday option, it is pristine and exciting and will enhance any honeymoon
If your pockets aren’t quite deep enough for Mozambique, then fear not. KwaZulu Natal is fast growing in popularity with beach lovers and there are a couple of fantastic lodges that rival the Mozambique hotels. Prices are more affordable and you won’t be compromising on quality.
I have visited a number of lodges in Mozambique and KwaZulu Natal, so to make your choice easier, my thoughts on each is listed below:
Mozambique
Benguerra Lodge
If you want barefoot luxury of the very best kind, then look no further than Benguerra Lodge. This lodge is at the top of its game and offers a fantastic beach experience. The tidal differences in Mozambique can be large, but because Benguerra is built on a main inlet, this doesn’t affect the lodge. This means that you can enjoy lovely wide beaches and swimming all day long.
Mealtimes are taken on the beach when possible and the food is superb (think seafood curries and prawn stirfry!).
The standard chalets are positioned just back from the beach under the trees in order to keep them cool. The rooms don’t have air-con, but because the windows and doors are without glass, there is a breeze cooling it all down. There are 2 honeymoon suites set apart from the other rooms as well as a 2 bedroomed luxury suite with air-con, in a secluded spot.
Marlin Lodge
Happy, cheerful people and lots of activities are what sets Marlin Lodge apart from the other lodges in the area. This is the perfect destination for people wanting high standard accommodation, good food and some interaction with other people. This is a friendly lodge where people have a drink together in the bar before dinner.
There are a number of different room types at Marlin Lodge, and the rooms are rustic chic. All of the rooms have direct access to the beach, but some are more secluded than others. All rooms have air-con!
Activities at the lodge range from island drives and picnic’s to diving and snorkelling. There is always someone on hand to help you get your kayak down to the water or to put bait on your fishing rod.
Dugong Lodge
Dugong Lodge is situated to the South of Vilanculos on an archipelago. The lodge is situated on a tidal channel, so at low tide the beach is lovely and wide, but at low tide the beach disappears completely. The pool area overlooks the sea and is the perfect place to spend the day.
The rooms at Dugong are large and have sea views and direct access to the beach. Each room has a private outside shower for those romantic showers under the stars!
If activities are your game, then you will not enjoy Dugong. This is a destination for people that want to sit at the pool and read, or walk along the beach.
Vilanculos Beach Lodge
If you really want to honeymoon in Mozambique but don’t quite have the budget for one of the luxury lodges, there is still hope. Vilanculos Beach Lodge, situated on the outskirts of Vilanculos, is a small lodge run by a very welcoming South African family. The beach outside the lodge is not as pristine and deserted as those on the islands, but it is long and white and has picturesque dhow sailboats bobbing around during the day. The tide does go quite far out, so swimming is not great at low tide, but there is a pool for those times.
The lodge offers canoeing and if you want to dive or snorkel they are happy to arrange a day trip for you. So while the activites aren’t right under your nose, they are accessible and close by.
The brand new rooms at Vilanculos Beach Lodge are beautiful, they are made of wood and reeds and are the ultimate in beach chic. These rooms have views of the sea below and feel very private and secluded. The older rooms are more rustic, but I loved the fact that I felt like I was in Africa at the beach.
KwaZulu Natal
Rocktail Bay
As one of the oldest lodges in the area, Rocktail Bay is well established in the community and you can feel the friendly vibes coming from the locals.
Rocktail Bay is set in a lush coastal forested area with resident Vervet monkeys, bush babies, red bellied coast squirrels and loads of birdlife. The lodge is completely hidden from sight and unobtrusively built. Being in a hot and humid area, the lodge is set back from the beach, under a forested sand dune. A short walk will land you on a deserted beach that stretches as far as the eye can see in both directions.
Accommodation is in A frame chalets that have an “under canvas” feel. The chalets, while a bit old, are well kept in beachy colours and have a lovely outside shower.
There is no end to the activities offered at the lodge. Try your hand at diving, snorkeling, kayaking, body boarding or horse riding. In season, large emphasis placed on turtle project & turtle conservation and guests can enjoy spectacular turtle sightings.
This lodge offers a laid-back, unhurried, return to nature experience
Thonga Beach Lodge
Situated in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal, Thonga Beach Lodge is romance personified. Thonga is of modern design and the main areas are minimalistically decorated. The main areas include a lounge area, a library and a bar. The pool is close to the beach, nicely shaded from the wind.
The chalets are set back from the beach, in the trees. Some have full or partial sea views and some forest views. The rooms are decorated with crisp white linens and thin silk linings and earth colours to ooze romance. The bathtub is big enough for two and the outside shower looks straight into the trees.
Walk straight onto the wide beach and you will feel completely humbled by the expanse and beauty. The lodge offers diving and massages at extra cost. Sundowners to Lake Sibaya or on the beach, walks in the forest, canoeing, snorkelling, swimming, walking on the beach, turtles in season (Dec – March), horse riding
If you were hoping to go to Benguerra Lodge but can’t manage the cost, then Thonga beach lodge will offer you a very similar experience.
