Luxury romantic getaways

For a honeymoon, a big anniversary or a milestone birthday, sometimes only the very best will do. These are the most indulgent romantic stays in South Africa: places where the service is personal, the suites are beautiful and every detail has been thought through.

Many of them are safari lodges. In the Greater Kruger, private reserves such as the Sabi Sand are home to some of the most celebrated lodges in Africa. Madikwe, Pilanesberg and the Waterberg offer five-star safaris without malaria, and the private reserves of the Eastern Cape pair the Big Five with easy access to the Garden Route. In KwaZulu-Natal, Zululand's lodges sit close to the coast.

Luxury here is not just about thread counts. Look for the experiences that make a trip unforgettable: private game drives, star beds, dinner for two in the bush, a spa treatment on your deck, or a stay that is simply a little different, such as a night on a train over a river.

Rates at this level usually include meals, drinks and activities, and they vary a great deal through the year. Booking direct with the lodge is often the best way to find special offers and honeymoon extras.