Travel_LeisureIndiaSouthAsia-January_2017

10 TRAVEL + LEISURE 201 7

MERTEN SNIJDERS/GETTYIMAGES

During sunset, enjoy scenic views

of the ocean at Cape Point.

THE SOUTHERN

WAY OF LOVE

Fancy twosome dinners under the stars,

long drives on scenic routes, wine-tasting

in picturesque vineyards? They are all

here in South Africa.

S

outh Africa has opened its

wings for couples who like

to tread virgin romantic

territories. We take one

province at a time,

characterised by what they offer,

and shuttle between what’s

anticipated and unexpected. Here’s

a short guide for the moon chasers

and night gliders.

MPUMALANGA

‘The place where the sun rises’ when

translated in English, Mpumalanga

is the easternmost province of

ROMANTIC
GETAWAYS

South Africa with an unbelievably

diverse natural landscape breeding

the most curious animals, insects,

and birds. Nature lovers can take

their romance to the Blyde River

Canyon, the largest green canyon

in the world stretching over 26 kms

in length and 800 metres deep.

The Panorama Route offers terrifi c

viewpoints of the gorgeous valley,

plunging waterfalls (like the Berlin

Falls, Lisbon Falls, and Mac Mac

Falls), and peeking mountaintops

that pay tribute to the Gold Rush

years. You can drive all the way up

to God’s Window one of the most

dramatic vantage points in the

country that offers a sweeping view

of Lowveld’s indigenous forests,

deep ravines, and rolling hills.

The valley of Mpumalanga are home

to South Africa’s most treasured

wildlife parks: The Kruger National

Park and Sabi Sabi Private Game

Reserve, for example, that offer

luxurious game lodges with early

morning game drives, romantic

turndowns, private dinners, couple’s

spas and bath rituals, and interaction

with elephants on the cards.