The untamed beauty of the wild African bush breathes romance and adventure around every acacia and rocky outcrop. It’s a fitting backdrop for couples to exchange vows and enter into the romantic unknown of marriage. Here are some enchanting destination wedding venues set in the heart of South Africa’s bush where you’re likely to have a few wild animals join your wedding party too.
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Western Cape
Set on the magnificent Garden Route, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve offers a safari style wedding with all the tranquillity, magic, and style that you deserve on your special day. While the capable staff at Botlierskop attend to your wedding preparations, you can enjoy the most luxurious and adventurous experiences: relaxing massages, sunset cocktails, fine dining meals, game drives, horseback safaris, elephant back rides, a picnic with the elephants, and more.
Honeymooners can choose from Luxury, Deluxe, or Executive Tented Suites that are built on private wooden decks on or near the river’s edge, with beautiful views of the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains. Find out more.
Leopard Mountain, KwaZulu-Natal
Leopard Mountain is an intimate wedding destination tucked amongst the lush bushveld and Big 5 wildlife of the Zululand Rhino Reserve. You and your closest friends and family can enjoy a day filled will love, mesmerizing views, delicious cuisine, and the warmest hospitality. If you or your guests choose to extend the celebrations, you’ll enjoy game drives, guided walks through the untouched bush, and elephant interactions.
Leopard Mountain accommodates a maximum of 18 overnight guests, so newlyweds will be guaranteed a peaceful, romantic stay. The luxurious stone and thatch chalet are set high in the hilltops and you’ll quickly slip into relaxation mode in your private hammock as you watch the wildlife pass below. Find out more.
Mongena Game Lodge, Gauteng
With Nyala herds roaming the gardens around the romantic wedding chapel and gourmet restaurant, Mongena Game Lodge promises an unforgettable wedding day in the malaria-free Dinokeng Game Reserve. Dinokeng is the only reserve in Gauteng where you’ll see the Big 5, so don’t miss the opportunity for a game drive. The scenic dam is ideal for sunset cruises or even a bit of fishing for the groom and his men.
Well positioned amidst rolling lawns and indigenous bush, the Honeymoon Suit is a private chalet built on stilts, overlooking the small lake. Find out more.
Jembisa Bush Home, Limpopo
Jembisa Bush Home is a stylish, yet relaxed safari house set on a private wildlife reserve in the malaria-free Waterberg wilderness. Jembisa specialises in wedding safaris and offers an intimate experience for small parties of 6 – 40 people. Every detail is tailored to the wishes of the bridal couple and a full wedding planner will arrange everything so that the bride and groom can enjoy their wedding safari with their guests without any worries.
The main lodge accommodates up to 14 guests and additional accommodation is available in bush cottages that are scattered over the reserve. Find out more.
What is your dream wedding destination?
Feature image Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
