If you feel like getting out into nature this Valentine’s Day, then these specials should pique your interest. Celebrate the day of love with the sun setting over the glorious South African countryside, or even on the back of a game vehicle looking for our amazing wildlife.
1. De Hoop Collection
Situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, De Hoop Collection offers not only world-class whale-watching, accommodation options designed to suit all budgets, and outdoor activities in abundance, but also a great ‘Valentine’s Day’ Special. Spend Valentine’s in a suite for two nights, enjoy romantic dinners at The Fig Tree Restaurant, and breakfasts on the verandah watching the birds on the vlei at only R4 760 per couple per night (R2 380 per person per night) on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, with a complimentary bird walk. This special is valid from 10 to 16 February 2023.
- Rates: R4 760 per couple p n (Valentine’s Day Special)
- Location: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Overberg DC
- Website: dehoopcollection.com
- Contact: [email protected]
2. Samara Karoo Reserve
Founded as a conservation journey on 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness in the heartstoppingly beautiful Great Karoo lies Samara Karoo Reserve. To immerse oneself in this soulful landscape is to experience a recalibration of the frantic modern mindset. There is no better place to appreciate the stillness of the Karoo than from the ‘star bed’ – a raised platform overlooking an amphitheatre of mountains. Samara offers a Romantic Retreat ‘under the stars this Valentine’s Day.’ Book a two-night stay at SADC rates during the period 10 – 15 February inclusive and enjoy a complimentary night in the star bed (valued at R5 000). Inclusions: luxury accommodation, twice-daily game drives, all meals, romantic turndown with sparkling wine, private romantic dinner; exclusions: conservation contribution of R170 per person per night, all beverages, and gratuities. Star bed subject to availability (first come, first served).
- Rates: R5 000 for two nights (Valentine’s Day special)
- Location: Samara Karoo Reserve, Petersburg Road, Graaf Reinet
- Website: samara.co.za
- Contact: [email protected]
3. Thanda Safari
The 5-star Thanda Safari in KwaZulu-Natal, with its commitment to conservation, community upliftment, and award-winning wildlife experiences and ’Thanda’ meaning love in isiZulu, is the perfect place for couples wanting a romantic Valentine’s getaway in the African bush. Thanda Safari has the perfect 2023 Valentine’s Mid-Week (Sunday – Thursday) Romance Package for all romantics – young and old! Valid for the whole romantic month of February 2023, the Valentine’s Package – starting from R13 460 – includes:
- two unforgettable nights at Thanda Tented Camp with its spacious luxury safari-style tents, each with a private viewing deck and en-suite bathroom
- all game drives, meals, and selected local beverages
- a complimentary bottle of Cap Classique
- a 30-minute couple’s massage
The package excludes a conservation levy of R220 per person per stay, gratuities, and all items of a personal nature.
- Rates: R13 460 (Valentine’s Mid-week Romance Package)
- Location: D242 Rd, KwaZulu Natal
- Website: thandasafari.co.za
- Contact: [email protected]
4. Walkersons Hotel & Spa
The exclusive, 5-star, 27-room boutique hotel is located on 800 hectares of countryside near Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, with pristine scenery, famous fly-fishing trout dams, and delicious cuisine. You and your Valentine are invited to take advantage of a great 50% discount offered for a romantic stay-over on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday 14 February 2023 – enjoy a special Valentine’s menu, a complimentary glass of champagne at dinner, and a small gift, to celebrate the romantic occasion. The Valentine’s Day discount is valid only for Tuesday 14 February 2023.
- Rates: R2950 p p s (Lakeside Suites)
- Location: Walkersons Hotel and Spa, Dullstroom
- Website: walkersons.co.za
- Contact: [email protected]
5. De Zeekoe Guest Farm
A stylish lucerne farm offers a choice of various accommodation types, plus a variety of great activities, making it an ideal destination for a getaway for families, and of course, Valentine’s couples. Surprise your loved one/significant other with a romantic getaway – De Zeekoe is offering rates for a ‘pre-Valentine’s Weekend’ – Sunday 12 to Tuesday 14 February 2023 – from R800 per person per night for luxury rooms in the Main House (rates include breakfast), plus a complimentary welcome drink on arrival, cheese platter, and free biking.
- Rates: R800 p n (pre-Valentine’s Weekend)
- Location: R328 Zeekoegat Farm, Oudtshoorn
- Website: capecountryroutes.com
- Contact: [email protected]
6. Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve
4 000-hectare, family-owned, privately-operated, and malaria-free game reserve, 40 minutes from Oudtshoorn is home to a luxury game lodge with a variety of animals and diverse birdlife. There are many activities and things to do, from guided game drives to hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and exploring the beautiful countryside. This is the perfect spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day (Tuesday 14 February 2023) – book the weekend before or after – rates for a Single-Night Package (Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast) start from R2 000 per person per night – plus there’s a special Valentine’s treat of a free picnic basket for each couple staying over. This offer is valid for all bookings during February. Other packages that include game drives are available.
- Rates: R2 000 p p (Single-Night Package)
- Location: Matjiesrivier District, 50km from Oudtshoorn
- Website: capecountryroutes.com
- Contact: [email protected]
7. Safari Ostrich Farm
Picture: Getaway gallery
A ‘must-see, must-do’ Cape Country Routes activity is the Safari Ostrich Farm, a working Ostrich farm close to Oudtshoorn. Get ‘up close and personal’ with the world’s largest birds on a guided tour – the one and only tractor tour on an ostrich farm in South Africa. Learn how eggs are carved, how ostrich feather products are made, and see, touch, and feel ostrich leather. Tours are offered daily, every hour between 08:00 – 16:00. Valid for Valentine’s month of February 2023 there is a 20% discount on the R180 entry fee. This is an online special and tickets must be bought via the website – www.safariostrichfarm.co.za.
- Rates: R180 entry fee p p
- Location: R328 road, 6 km from Oudtshoorn towards Mossel Bay
- Website: capecountryroutes.com
- Contact: [email protected]
Ts & Cs apply to all specials
Pictures: Supplied
ALSO READ: 11 Valentines Day specials in the Western Cape
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