Hearts in the Wild: A Honeymoon Under African Skies

Words by Alyssa Dowling guests at Lion Sands River Lodge

When you think of a honeymoon, you might envision tranquil beaches, sunset strolls, or sipping champagne in a chic European city. But for us, coming from Hawaii, we sought something a little more adventurous, something that would leave us with unforgettable memories. So naturally we chose a honeymoon safari in South Africa, and it turned out to be the trip of a lifetime.

36 hours of travel and a dream arrival

The journey from Oahu, Hawaii, to South Africa was no small feat. With 36 hours of travel – layovers and long flights – we arrived exhausted but beyond excited. As we disembarked at the small airstrip in Skukuza, we were met by our tracker, named Heaviness. His warm smile and effortless charm put us at ease. He helped put our luggage in an open-air safari vehicle, and then we ventured into the bush to make our way to Lion Sands Game Reserve.

I’ll never forget the first moments of that drive: the earthy scent of the bush, the golden light filtering through the trees, and the first few animals we saw. We could barely believe we were finally here.

As we rolled up to Lion Sands River Lodge, we were greeted by the staff with a sense of genuine hospitality that immediately made us feel at home. Our personal butler, James, introduced himself and assured us that he would be taking care of every detail of our stay. After settling into our stunning room with a beautiful deck that overlooked the Sabie River, we couldn’t wait to explore.

The thrill of the first game drive

Following a delicious lunch, Heaviness introduced us to our safari guide Ozy, who knew the bush like the back of his hand. Not knowing what to expect, we set off on our very first game drive. As the sun began to dip, casting long shadows across the bush, we found ourselves coming across so many elephants and giraffes. Then it happened, our first sighting of a lioness with her three tiny cubs. The moment was so surreal it felt like something out of a dream. The lioness seemed completely unbothered by our presence, watching us with a calm demeanour while the cubs snuggled with her.

That night, after a stop for sundowners in the middle of the bush, we came back to the lodge for a surprise candle-lit campfire dinner. Nothing like the smell of a wood fire barbecue! After a few glasses of wine, we danced the night away to the beautiful singers of Lion Sands Choir.

Dining under the African sky

As much as the game drives were thrilling, the meals at Lion Sands were an experience unto themselves. Each meal felt like an event, from the fresh and locally sourced ingredients to the carefully crafted dishes. Whether it was breakfast overlooking the river, lunch on the open-air deck, or dinner under the stars, the food was always exceptional. One night, we enjoyed a private dinner in our room, surrounded by rose petals, the gentle sound of the river flowing in the background. It truly was a romantic getaway combined with adventures of a lifetime that we will never forget.

The best kind of relaxation

There was plenty of adventure, but there was also a deep sense of peace during our time at Lion Sands River Lodge. We spent afternoons lounging by the infinity pool, which offered stunning views of the river with the occasional passing hippo or elephant. We also had an amazing couple’s massage at the lodge’s spa. It was the perfect balance – an exhilarating start to the day with a game drive, followed by pure relaxation in the afternoon.

A honeymoon to remember

Our safari honeymoon was more than just a trip, it was a journey that transformed us in ways we didn’t expect. The rugged beauty of the landscape, the raw power of the wildlife, and the quiet moments of connection between us made this trip one of those rare experiences. People often say the honeymoon is the trip of a lifetime, but I think for us, it truly was. Not just because of the unforgettable sights and thrilling experiences, but because it marked the beginning of our life together.

So, if you’re looking for a honeymoon that combines romance with adventure, where you can reconnect with nature and each other, a South African safari might just be the answer. It’s not just another trip, it’s a memory that will last a lifetime.

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