South Africa & Seychelles Honeymoon Itinerary
South Africa & Seychelles · 16 days · Couple · October 2016
Shared by Andrew C.
Tags: romantic, adventure, wildlife, food & wine, beach, scenic drives, luxury, off the beaten path
What We Loved
Trip of a lifetime -- couldn't recommend more, either each piece, or altogether. Combination of luxurious safari with incredible staff; the diverse and beautiful city of Cape Town; and the world class beaches of Seychelles.
What We'd Do Next Time
Using miles for flights created a long combination of flights home — if able to, get more direct flights, or tie into flights to Europe. We did not do any tours in Seychelles - would take a snorkel or diving trip next time.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Departure from Cleveland to New York
- Depart Cleveland (CLE) on United Airlines 3770
- Arrive New York (LGA)
- Depart New York (JFK) on South African Airways 204 — Overnight flight to Johannesburg
Arrival in South Africa & Safari Check-in
- Arrive Johannesburg (JNB)
- Depart Johannesburg (JNB) on South African Airways 1227
- Arrive Hoedspruit (HDS)
- Check-in Pondoro Game Lodge — Welcome amenities received (Photo 1)
- Evening Safari Game Drive
- Dinner at Pondoro Game Lodge — Enjoyed an evening meal (Photo 2)
Full Day Safari Experience
- Morning Safari Game Drive with Bush Breakfast — Cooked meal during the drive (Photo 3)
- Leisure time at Pondoro Game Lodge — Relaxing with views of wildlife from the lodge (Photo 13)
- Evening Safari Game Drive
- Dinner at Pondoro Game Lodge
Safari Adventures
- Safari Game Drives — Exploring the Balule Nature Reserve
- Meals at Pondoro Game Lodge
Last Day of Safari
- Morning Safari Game Drive
- Meals at Pondoro Game Lodge
- Leisure at the lodge
Travel to Cape Town & Seafood Dinner
- Check-out Pondoro Game Lodge
- Depart Hoedspruit (HDS) on South African Airways 1242
- Arrive Cape Town (CPT)
- Arrive and Check-in Blackheath Lodge — Transferred by a BHL representative
- Dinner at Codfather — Enjoyed fresh seafood, including oysters (Photo 4)
Cape Winelands Cheese and Wine Tour
- Depart for Cheese and Wine Tour
- Wine tasting at Simonsig Wine Estate — Included as part of the tour (Photo 5, Photo 6)
- Return from Cheese and Wine Tour — Explored the scenic Cape Winelands (Photo 12)
Cape Town Exploration & Fine Dining
- Explore V&A Waterfront — Photo opportunity with Table Mountain signage (Photo 7)
- Visit a scenic viewpoint overlooking Cape Town — Panoramic city and bay views (Photo 11)
- Dinner at La Colombe at Silvermist — Enjoyed an exquisite fine dining experience (Photo 8)
Leisure in Cape Town
- Free day for personal exploration in Cape Town
Journey to Mahe Island, Seychelles
- Check-out Blackheath Lodge
- Depart Cape Town (CPT) on Air Seychelles (HM 5480)
- Arrive Johannesburg (JNB) — 2-hour layover
- Depart Johannesburg (JNB) on Air Seychelles (HM 60)
- Arrive Mahe Island (SEZ)
- Check-in Four Seasons Seychelles — Settling into the resort (Photo 9)
Relaxation in Seychelles
- Beach relaxation at Four Seasons Seychelles — Enjoying the beach with refreshing drinks (Photo 10)
Seaside Serenity
- Relaxation and leisure at the resort and beach
Island Paradise
- Enjoying the amenities and natural beauty of Mahe Island
Final Day in Seychelles
- Last day of relaxation on the beach and at the Four Seasons resort
Departure from Seychelles to Addis Ababa
- Check-out Four Seasons Seychelles
- Depart Mahe Island (SEZ) on Ethiopian Airlines 878
- Arrive Addis Ababa (ADD) — 3 hour, 22 minute layover
- Depart Addis Ababa (ADD) on Ethiopian Airlines 500 — Overnight flight
Return to Cleveland
- Arrive Dublin (DUB) — 1-hour layover
- Depart Dublin (DUB) on Ethiopian Airlines 500
- Arrive Dulles (IAD)
- Depart Dulles (IAD) on United Airlines 6093 — Alternative flight UA 6206 departs at 12:45 PM EDT
- Arrive Cleveland (CLE) — Arrival time for UA 6093 (UA 6206 arrives 2:03 PM EDT)