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Romantic Africa


AN AFRICAN AFFAIR


train rides, vineyard restaurants and jaw- dropping natural wonders, to name just a few, Southern and Eastern Africa is the perfect suggestion for couples looking for a romantic break or honeymooners starting out together. The African bush can be both wild and intoxicating, and is no place to


W


ith exclusive safari lodges, beachside retreats, mountain resorts, luxury


experience without a partner, but beyond the safari option there’s a world of other ideas to suggest to couples – perhaps a secluded ‘villa’ close to towering dunes in Namibia, a private table for two overlooking Victoria Falls in Zambia, or simply a wine-and-cheese picnic on top of Table Mountain. In South Africa, at Garonga (near the Kruger) couples can lounge in Moorish- style tented suites with four poster beds, and enjoy outdoor showers and private hammocks (www.garonga.com). Along with twice-daily guided safari


game drives and walks in the bush, they can enjoy a private picnic in a tree- house, spend a night out in the wild on a sleep-out deck in the bush, or relax in a 'bush bath' for two under the stars. Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill are located on a private game conservancy in the malaria-free Waterberg and a good suggestion for couples into activities. Game-viewing experiences can be in the form of a traditional 4X4 drive, but also on offer are private guided bush walks for two, mountain


biking and game viewing from horseback, which caters for both experienced and novice riders. Private dinners, bush lunches and


sundowners for two are also available (www.


waterberg.net/ants_nest.php). Steenberg in Constantia near Cape


Town combines Catharina’s, an award- winning restaurant, a bubbly bar – 'Gorgeous by Graham Beck' – with a tranquil setting surrounded by mountains, vineyards and Steenberg's golf course. Couples can take a massage for two in the spa, a picnic for two in the gardens and a private wine tasting (www. steenberghotel.com). In Botswana, Sanctuary Baines' Camp is a small intimate luxury camp that’s ideal for a romantic break. Five suites, on elevated platforms with wooden decks, are set in a grove of shady trees on the Boro River in the


With game lodges, desert retreats, mountain views and scenic wonders around every bend in the road, Southern and East Africa is made for two, says Steve Hartridge


magical Okavango Delta. Each suite has a luxury bedroom with a four- poster bed and viewing deck. There are daily game drives and the area is famed for its big cat and bird population. Guests can take a bath for


two under the stars on the candlelit private viewing deck of their suite and each suite has a four-poster 'sky bed' that can be rolled out onto their wooden deck for a night under the stars close to a lagoon where hippos are often spotted (www. sanctuaryretreats.com). In Kenya, guests can take their vows at


an authentic Masai Bush Wedding in the heart of the Masai Mara. The Masai welcome the couple to Porini Mara Camp in Ol Kinyei with traditional singing and can dress the bride in their finest traditional wedding attire. Afterwards the Masai elders bless the couple. Porini has just six tented rooms (www.porinimara.com).


“Couples can sign up for a moonlight escapade to view leatherback and loggerhead turtles”


32 May 2012 • www.sellinglonghaul.com


Selling Tip A wedding in Africa can cost a fraction of


the UK cost – consider a blessing with Masai or Zulu touches


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