Here’s Your Ultimate Guide To The Best Couple’s Vacation In South Africa

If planning a couple’s vacation in South Africa is not on your list in 2025, there are several reasons it needs to be. One, the country is home to one of the leading tourism attractions in the world, it has experienced a major boost in tourism this year, and it’s a favorite of celebrities including singer Jill Scott, billionaire pop star Rihanna, and actress Viola Davis (to name a few.)

And from personal experience, I can tell you that it offers something for every tourist’s tastes, whether you’re into off-the-beaten path foodie experiences in Pretoria townships, historical tours through Johannesburg, nighttime partying and early morning hikes in Cape Town, or vintage shopping and luxury wine tasting in Stellenbosch. I took the trip of a lifetime this summer, hosted by Afri-Centric, a South Africa-based boutique travel company led by Itumeleng Pooe. I spent 10 glorious, whirlwind days traveling through all of the aforementioned regions, along with other parts of the Eastern and Western Capes.

One striking theme was that much of it would make for a dream vacation for a couple, and as I was missing my man while there solo, I thought of how planning a South Africa couples vacation would be a good excuse to return with him. If you’re looking for a change of vibes and scenery for next year’s romantic or anniversary getaway with your partner, as I plan to do, here are a few options for your itinerary to plan the perfect trip for next year.

(And one thing to add: If you want to get the most affordable flights and hotel rates, go when it’s South Africa’s “winter,” between June and August, which is when I went. It was less crowded, I often had spaces all to myself, lines for attractions aren’t long, and trust me, it wasn’t as “cold” as they said it would be. I was glad I left my puffer coat home and packed for layering.)

You can’t visit South Africa without going on at least one safari game drive. It is the lifeblood of the ultimate vacation experience, especially when enjoying with the one you love. There are so many options, as South Africa offers dozens of reserve experiences, all for a range of prices that can fit into varying budgets. You can see many of the most mysterious and largest animals on Earth, right in their habitat, with a touch of opulence both in surroundings and food.

Pumba Private Game Drive

Highlands, Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape

This property is lush, and my favorite animal spotting was of the zebra (which is the one creature I didn’t see during a stay at another reserve. They seemed pretty abundant at this one.) Kruger National Park is a usual go-to for safari experiences, but this private reserve offers something a bit more customized and exclusive.

Outside of my upscale suite, I had a wading pool, a view of the reserve and watering hole from my patio deck, a massive bathroom with a footed tub and shower, a well-stocked mini-bar, a fireplace, and an outdoor shower. (If you’re trying to choose a specific suite, try the “Gemsbok” or “Impala” chalets listed among the water lodges)

Be sure to pack green, brown, or khaki activewear and comfortable sneakers or boots for the game drives—which are typically booked for early morning or evening—and at least one swimsuit to enjoy the pools or health spa. This reserve is also known for rare white lion sightings, and while I didn’t see one, you might get lucky with your mate when you visit. You can also enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their restaurant and full-service bar. It has that cozy lodge atmosphere with dark, deep couches and chairs, wood burning fireplaces, and earth tones.

You can also book an experience at the lodge including star gazing, guided bush walks, archery, and bird watching. You can dress up for one date night or keep it casual and wear chic T-shirts, shorts, jeans, and sweats throughout the trip.

If you want to venture off the property, visit the nearby Seven Fountains community to see local life, historical landmarks, and shops. Book a day tour for a scenic drive to Jeffrey’s Bay Beach or Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth. Have lunch out there and enjoy the beachside views. (You’ll want to coordinate with the reserve for recommendations for transit, or book a ride with a reputable tour company to do this.)

For this one, you’re focused on great wine, even better food, and quiet time to connect and reflect. South Africa is known for its award-winning wines especially lauded for their bold flavors due to the country’s diversity of climate and soil. If you’re looking for relief from a hectic schedule and just want to spend your vacation relaxing, this itinerary is a good one.

Lanzerac Wine Estate

Stellenbosch

If you love a bit of history mixed in with your vacation experience, this will be a thrilling stay for you and your partner. Located in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, you can enjoy magnificent views of mountain ranges, vineyards and gardens. The five-star property has a pool bar, multiple restaurants, a wine tasting room and a day spa, all of which made me feel like I was royalty transported back to the early 1800s. (And the place indeed dates back to its beginnings as a 1600s farm that became a Provincial Heritage Site in 1830.)

My suite had its own private outdoor terrace with a sitting area, a claw-foot tub in a bathroom with his-and-her sinks, a separate shower and toilet area, a full mini bar, a plush queen-sized bed and a private mini courtyard. Mornings were spent having coffee out there while enjoying mountain views among a manicured maze of trees and shrubs. Nights were capped with Lanzerac’s signature wines, with a favorite of mine being their Pinotage and a bubble bath with their signature wine-themed toiletries.

I mean, it doesn’t get more luxe than that. Well, except for the contemporary full-service spa with a lounging area just steps from the vineyard. Talk about romance and allure!

Take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy the mountain views. Then, enjoy a couple’s bubble bath right in your room and drink a whole bottle of Pinotage while you’re at it. That’s an experience within itself.  

Later, head to the spa to enjoy the heated swimming pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Don’t forget a glass of wine on the side as well. (Seeing a theme here? The wine is that good.) There are eight therapy rooms so choose one for a couple’s massage and facials. Have dinner at Craven Lounge, which has a fireplace, plush rugs, historic art, and romantic lighting. You can find a variety of South African as well as other international dishes on the menu.

Go off-site to the market in town and enjoy a bit of sightseeing and shopping as well as art. There’s a craft market, and Stellenbosch Square is another hot spot for meetups and dining.

To close out your 10-day couple’s trip, venture to the center of Cape Town. Stay at the Rockefeller Hotel, a chic, modern spot popular among local celebrity DJs and entertainers. It has a restaurant, state-of-the-art gym, music lounge and a rooftop pool with city views. From there, visit Table Mountain to bask in the beautiful panoramic heights of more than 3,000 feet.

Don’t skip the shops along the V&A Waterfront, a quick Uber ride from the hotel, where you can also enjoy live music, take a ride on the Cape Town Wheel, and shop at global brands like Zara. Have dinner at Tang, an Asian luxury restaurant near the waterfront that had the best cocktails and meat dishes. In the late night, bar- or club-hop through the eateries and lounges on Long Street or Bree Street. You’ll find a variety including those that play your typical U.S. Top 40 hits and those that mix in amapiano and other South African music genres.