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South Africa's wonderful weather, wide-open spaces and breathtaking sunsets mean that there are plenty of romantic settings for you to enjoy.
Clarens Castle in the heart of the picturesque Maluti mountains in the Eastern Free State is a magical destination.
You can book out the castle for the two of you, and step back in time to a world of fairy tales, princesses and knights in shining armour.
The castle is decorated with items from all over the world, including multicoloured European tiles, the cornerstones of Windsor Castle, carpets from Dubai and other treasures from a variety of exotic locations and destinations.
To book, call Stefan on 082 468 0642 or e-mail info@castleinclarens.com
At Viljoensdrift farm on the R60 between Bonnievale and Robertson in the Western Cape you can picnic on a barge on the Breede River.
Sample the excellent wines of the farms that dot the surrounding landscape while you nibble on deliciously fresh breads, pâtés, cheeses and fragrant rose jelly.
The barge operates at 12pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and every first Sunday of the month. Other days of the week by appointment only.
To book, call 023 615 1901 or e-mail rivercruise@viljoensdrift.co.za
The houseboats at Kraalbaai on the Langebaan lagoon in the West Coast National Park offer the perfect setting to enjoy sparkling wine, good food and a board game or good book, as you while away a few lazy hours on deck. The lagoon also offers excellent fishing, swimming and water-skiing.
To book, call Tony and Cleo Drayton on 021 689 9718, 082 258 0929 or 083 269 3449.
Or try Duinepos, a hidden gem located in the same area. There are eight chalets tucked away among the fynbos and all you need to pack is food. The park boasts more that 250 bird species and several types of antelope.
There are even a few bat-eared foxes. Once you've soaked up the peace and quiet, venture out for a meal at the Geelbek restaurant.
To book a chalet, call 022 772 2805 or e-mail duinepos@telkomsa.net
Call Geelbek restaurant on 022 707 9900.
There are few things as romantic as a hot-air balloon flight. Take off with the object of your affection and feel the wind in your hair as valleys and rivers fall away below.
Some of the most popular routes in South Africa are to be found in the Magaliesberg near Johannesburg, Sabie and Hazyview in Mpumalanga, Oudtshoorn in the Karoo, the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal and the winelands in the Cape.
You meet at the departure point before sunrise and the flight, which usually includes breakfast and sparkling wine, takes between four and five hours. It's a costly, but unforgettable experience, priced at around R1 800 per person.
If the weather doesn't play along, flights may be cancelled. Oudtshoorn Ballooning operates hot-air balloon trips in the Swartberg, and they also offer trips in the Magaliesberg, Cullinan, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
For more information or to book e-mail enquiries@oudtshoornballooning.co.za or go to www.oudtshoornballooning.co.za
Bill Harrop offers flights at Hartbeespoort Dam. Call 011 705 3201/2, 083 443 2661/2/3 or go to www.hartbeespoortdam.com/billharrop
Every full moon, you can go for a moonlit hike on Lion's Head in Cape Town.
Watch the sky change colour at sunset, as the moon rises behind you and the city lights come on below. You don't need to be super-fit and you don’t have to go all the way to the top (the last part of the route is very steep).
There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view along the way. Take something to eat and drink, and don't forget to pack something warm and a good torch for the return journey.
Go to www.safarinow.com/cms/table-mountain/irie.aspx for more information.
Table Mountain, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, has plenty of places where you can enjoy a romantic outing.
Take the cable car to the top in the late afternoon (hike up Platteklip Gorge if you're feeling fit and energetic) and picnic on the mountain as the sun goes down.
If you don't feel like carrying your own food and drink, enjoy a meal at the restaurant at the top, then take the last cable car down towards the twinkling lights below.
Another option is to enjoy breakfast on the mountain. R120 for a return journey on the cable car. Students R85. Children under 18 and South African senior citizens R65. Prices valid until 30 September 2007. You travel for free on your birthday – remember to take your identity document.
Call 021 424 8181 or go to www.tablemountain.net
A train trip through the Karoo will take you back to the days of crystal chandeliers, heavy velvet curtains and shiny silver cutlery. Depart from Cape Town or Johannesburg, and sleep over in the historic Lord Milner Hotel at Matjiesfontein.
Explore this tiny village and take in its unique history before continuing on your journey.
Book a ticket on the Shosholoza Meyl (formerly the Trans-Karoo) by calling 086 000 8888.
Contact Union Limited on 021 449 4391 for steam-train trips, or e-mail steamsa@transnet.co.za
Go to www.matjiesfontein.com/LordMilner to book accommodation at the Lord Milner Hotel.
Listen to the call of the fish eagle and watch this magnificent bird take rendezvousflight, or swim in the river and enjoy a delicious meal before retiring to the warmth of your sleeping bag on the banks of the Orange River.
Felix Unite is one of South Africa’s best-known river-tour operators. They offer adrenaline adventures, but also cater for two- and three-night romantic getaways. They also operate tours on the Breede River in the Western Cape.
To book, call 021 670 1300 or go to www.felixunitetours.com
Head for the bush in Limpopo province for a romantic short break at Shakama Game Lodge, situated at Bela-Bela in the Waterberg. The thatched cottages offer five-star accommodation in a malaria-free zone.
Enjoy sundowners on the deck while you bask in the silence and enjoy the unspoilt scenery. Go for a hike in the surrounding bush and do some bird-watching, enjoy a game drive at sunset, then marvel at the Milky Way as the night sky puts on its show.
To book, call 0860 777 888, 012 460 6679 or 082 323 2404.
Sycamore Avenue Guesthouse outside Mooi River in the southern Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal is well known for the fact that it offers romantic accommodation in tree houses.
You can watch the sunrise over Giants Castle, enjoy a private dinner on the deck or sip a glass of bubbly in your private Jacuzzi.
To book, call SafariNow on 0861 801 802 or go to www.drakensberg-tourism.com/sycamore-avenue.html
Good idea
You don't have to leave home to have a memorable romantic get-together. Enjoy a picnic in your garden. Spread out a soft blanket on the grass and light the area with lanterns and candles.
Decorate the food with edible flowers and tuck an ice bucket away among the shrubs to keep your wine or bubbly cool.
Any other romantic hotspots that we've missed out? Let us know in the comment box.
