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Honeymoon Ideas – Romantic South Africa

Celebrating Forever At Marataba Mountain Lodge

Imagine waking to golden sunlight spilling across mountains and plains of unspoiled savannah with your partner beside you and nothing but endless African wilderness stretching ahead.

In a quiet corner of the malaria-free Marakele National Park in South Africa, set into the side of the Waterberg Mountains, Marataba Mountain Lodge, part of MORE Family Collection, is designed for those seeking meaningful connection, indulgent comfort and a sense of adventure. With just five luxury rooms overlooking the dramatic Waterfall Valley and the rugged Waterberg escarpment, the lodge offers an unrivalled sense of privacy, ideal for newlyweds wanting to celebrate in their own world. It’s a place where the outside world fades away.

In your luxury room, floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views, while your private balcony is a beautiful setting for morning coffee and conversations of the future. Inside, you’ll find a luxurious king-sized bed and a fireplace made for quiet evenings while a rain shower with mountain views immerses you in the bush.

Safari Experiences for Two

Safari experiences here feel wonderfully intimate. With just six guests per vehicle, you’ll enjoy personal attention from highly qualified field guides who become your wildlife storytellers. They’ll point out tracks in the sand, explain bird calls and position you perfectly for those treasured photographs. Beyond the Big Five, you can encounter rare species like brown hyenas and elusive pangolins.

For those who want to feel the bush underfoot, guided walking safaris reveal a more sensory side of the wilderness. Together with your field guide, you can learn about animal spoor, discover medicinal uses of plants and experience nature at a pace that lets you savour the moment. The lodge also offers the unique Miss Mara Water Safari, a tranquil boat journey along the Matlabas River, where elephants wade in from the banks and hippos surface with a curious snort.

Unforgettable Add-On Adventures

For a truly extraordinary honeymoon, consider a night in the Thabametsi Treehouse. This luxury sleep-out, featuring a comfortable king-sized bed, a fully furnished bathroom and viewing decks, lets you fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars with only the sounds of the African night around you. Arrive to sundowners and a gourmet picnic, then spend twilight hours watching animals wander past before the constellations emerge.

Wellness and Relaxation

Between game drives, the lodge’s infinity pool invites you to unwind, with uninterrupted views over the valley. For deeper relaxation, the on-site wellness spa offers soothing treatments that restore you after an exciting morning spent exploring. Whether it’s a massage for two or simply relaxing on your deck as the sun sets, the focus is on slowing down and enjoying the simplicity of time well-spent together.

Dining Designed for Romance

Meals at Mountain Lodge are as much about atmosphere as they are about flavour. Enjoy a special bush breakfast, look out over animals moving through the valley at lunch, or indulge in a fireside dinner in the main lodge – each occasion feels like its own celebration. Our chefs create exceptional cuisine using local ingredients and cater to all dietary preferences, including kosher or halal menus, ensuring every guest feels at home.

For couples seeking a honeymoon as unforgettable as their wedding day, Marataba Mountain Lodge is more than a destination; it’s the start of a lifetime of shared adventures.

Contact the MORE Family Collection reservations team on +27 (0)11 880 9992 or res@more.co.za.

If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.

The author: Angeline Frame

Angeline is the owner/publisher of Virginia Weddings Magazine and the show producer of The Greater Virginia Bridal Shows. She has a degree in Public Administration and Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. A former model and wedding venue owner- she loves all things: wedding, fashion and decorating. In her spare time she likes to write, travel and get new ideas to share with brides.