If 2011 is the year you’re planning to ask for your loved one’s hand in marriage, you could take a leaf from Prince William’s book and pop the question somewhere exotic, wild and beautiful, like Kenya. But because most of us don’t have the royal budget to spend on pre-wedding excursions, here are some places you could take her where she’ll still find it tough to say no.
Whether you’re a beach lover, outdoor adventurer or bush baby, one of these places will hold some spectacular appeal for you and will provide the perfect setting for the engagement story you will no doubt have to repeat a dozen times. Whether you decide to venture cross-country for a weekend trip or splurge on an African getaway, either way you’ll have the opportunity to gain a holiday and fiancé.
1. Table Mountain Sunset
There is a reason why tourists the globe round flock to Table Mountain the minute their planes land. And come the time when you’re perched on a rock with a picnic and a bottle of bubbly, with the sun just about to set and the clouds rolling over the twelve apostles, you too will know why.
You can take her along the scenic route and hike up or use the aerial cableway, which is half-price (R90) during summer until 28 February 2011. But be sure to check weather conditions with Table Mountain if you don’t want to mission up there only to be met with gale force winds and zero visibility.
Contact: tel 021-424-8181
Luxury Stay
17 on Loader Guesthouse: From R800 per room per night Tel: 021-418-3417
Budget Stay
Sunflower Stop Backpackers: Double Room from R450 per night Tel: 021-434-6535
2. Victoria Bay
Only minutes away from George and the Wilderness, this little beach tucked between two cliffs is beautiful and tranquil. During the day, you can swim, surf, fish or wade in the rock pools. In season it may be slightly challenging to find a quiet spot to ask her or him to marry you, but once the crowds disperse, walk to the end of the pier near the rocks to where the waves are crashing.
Luxury Stay
The Waves Bed & Breakfast, Victoria Bay: From R450 per person sharing (Low Season) Tel: 044-889-0166
Budget Stay
Vic Bay Surf Lodge: from R120 per person sharing Tel: 072-593-1741
3. Kruger National Park Safari
To escape the city and experience wildlife at it best, visit South Africa’s most popular game reserve, Kruger Park. You can choose a self-drive or fly-in safari and spend your hours traipsing through the bush or embarking on game drives in an open game drive vehicle. Pop the question whilst bird watching or on the deck around the campfire.
Luxury Stay
Hamiltons Tented Camp, Mluwati: Luxury safari tents from R3670 per person (Low Season) Tel: 011-516-4367
Budget Stay
Satara Camp: Bugalows from R740 per unit Tel: 013-735-6306/7
4. Namibian Sand dunes
Amidst red and orange towers of Namib desert sand, Sossusvlei lies within the Namib Naukluft Park. Take two chairs from your camp and disappear behind a dune with a bottle of champagne and the ring.
Luxury Stay
Namib Naukluft Lodge: from R800 per person sharing (including B&B) Tel: +264-61-372-100
Budget Stay
Sossus Oasis Camp Site: from R208 per person sharing Tel: 021-930-4564
5. Mozambique Beach Bliss
If either of you enjoy surfing, snorkelling or diving in clear, warm ocean, then Tofo is the ideal proposal spot. In an area of rustic beauty void of supermarkets you can choose whether to peruse around the village markets, go horse riding across the sand, dine on the beach with fresh seafood or even propose mid-trip on a dhow.
Luxury Stay
Casa Malcampo: from R720 per person (with a sea view) Tel: 021-534-5749
Budget Stay
Turtle Cove: Brick chalet with hot water from R190 per person sharing Tel: 082-563-9744
6. Majestic Victoria Falls
There is something magical about sitting next to one of the the largest curtains of water in the world and hearing it thunder into the Zambezi Gorge far below. If this setting is not dramatic enough for you, try a helicopter ride overlooking the amazing wonder below.
Luxury Stay
Elephant Hills Resort: from R1100 per person sharing Email: [email protected]
Budget Stay
Prana Tented Camp: from R330 per person sharing (safari tents) Tel: +260-213-327-120
