Help us get to South Africa

Help us get the prints from our wedding printed out on beautiful metal frames.

Exeter River Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Set in a leafy, evergreen thicket shaded by a grove of ebony trees on the banks of the seasonal Sand River, Exeter River Lodge has an exquisite riverfront location. The eight luxury thatched suites have dramatic close up views of the Sand River and are generously spaced along the river bank. Suite interiors are elegantly designed using natural earthly colours, luxury finishes and a dash of African flair. Features include en-suite bathrooms with deep bath tubs and outdoor showers, air-conditioning and fans, minbar and a private wooden verandah with loungers, plunge pool and Sand River views.

Located in the Maputaland Region of KwaZulu Natal, within the Phinda Private Game Reserve, is Phinda Forest Lodge. Fusing architectural design and conservation, Phinda Forest Lodge offers sophisticated seclusion deep in the heart of a beautiful dry sand forest. Accommodation is in 16 inventively designed Zulu Zen style private stilted suites. Each handcrafted, glass encased suite is a combination of wood, glass and minimalist design incorporating high-gloss wooden floors, richly tactile fabrics and Zulu artefacts. Spacious suites feature luxurious en-suite bathrooms with slate hand basins, free-standing baths and a separate frosted-glass encased shower; air-conditioning, lounge area and a private deck. The main lodge has a lounge, indoor or outdoor dining options and a shady deck lining the edge of the forest affording panoramic views of the plains beyond. There is a starlit boma for evening dining and a small rim-flow pool under a canopy of trees.

Situated in the secluded and unspoiled northern reaches of the Maputaland coastline in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal is the comfortably rustic, Rocktail Beach Camp. An elevated camp, set away from the beach and shaded by coastal forest, Rocktail Beach Camp also has the benefit of the Maputaland Marine Reserve just off its shoreline. There are 17 elevated canvas and thatch units on wooden platforms. The roll up canvas walls and raw wood furnishings add to the rustic ambience of the units. They are all en-suite, double or twin and some offer balconies overlooking the forest or a couple of units have horizon sea views. Camp facilities include a central dining room, bar and lounge with a wrap-around verandah. A raised viewing deck just off the verandah has wide views that extend out to the ocean. There is a wine cellar, large swimming pool, curio shop and children’s playroom complete with board games and other fun activities.

Help us experience the Honeymoon of our dreams.

Jim and Jillian love Costco and would really love a gift certificate to use there!

Jim and Jillian will need some new gear for their South Africa adventure. Send them off in style with a REI Gift Card!

Couples massage on the beach in South Africa

Pick up is early morning from your hotel You transfer to the little town of Klein Bay, close to Hermanus and Gansbaai. After a safety briefing, you board your shark-chaser, the Predator II for the 5 mile voyage to Dyer Island. The island, together with Geyser Rock nearby, is home to 40 000 Cape Fur Seals, the Great White Shark’s favorite prey, and the channel which runs between the two is known as Shark Alley. This is where the anchor is lowered. Using a specially mixed chum to attract the sharks, you will soon have an opportunity to see them feeding at the surface, alongside the boat. The cage is then lowered and you are able to witness these incredible hunters of the deep in your wetsuit, protected by galvanised steel mesh. All diving equipment is supplied and only snorkeling experience is required if you want to go down in the cage. A light lunch is served on the boat as well as refreshments and you will have the chance to see seals and whales in season as well as the sharks.

This tour combines two of the highlights of the Cape: – The Cape of Good Hope and Stellenbosch, in the Winelands. Start by taking in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. Proceed to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy spectacular views over False Bay. You stop for lunch in this area, before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and then visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. Onward to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, with canal lined avenues, and magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Here you enjoy a wine tasting session and a cellar tour, before returning to your hotel late this afternoon.

Rocktail Beach Camp has a fully equipped PADI dive centre including courses and exceptional diving locations. The miles of beautiful beach and ocean swimming is a 20 minute walk away, the camp is surrounded by cool forest walks. Additional activities are on offer at additional cost.

In the summer season (October to March), take the opportunity of a lifetime to witness loggerhead and leatherback turtles coming ashore to dig a nest and lay eggs. Watching the hatchling turtles make their way to the ocean is another moving experience.

Oops... Both Jim and Jillian let their passports expire. Help them to renew so they can get to South Africa.