Honeymooners or couples on romantic getaways in Southern Africa are spoilt for choice in terms of activities to fill their days. Tourism Update rounds up some of the best experiences on offer.

1. A lunar rainbow at Victoria Falls

Lunar rainbows, or moonbows, take place in the light of the full moon and Victoria Falls is one in only a handful of locations where they occur. The phenomenon can only be seen during the day before, during and the day after a full moon and when the water level is high (between April and July). The Victoria Falls also has very little light pollution, resulting in a more clearly visible lunar rainbow than those found in other parts of the world. Victoria Falls rainforest opens and operates during full moon so that people can view this spectacle.

2. A castaway picnic

Couples staying at &Beyond Benguerra Island in  Mozambique can enjoy a castaway picnic in a completely isolated island setting. The island’s North Point juts out into the sea and offers views of the open ocean on one side and the waters of a calm bay on the other. The location is ideal for swimming, or couples can take a beach walk for miles in either direction without encountering anyone else. Alternatively, they can take a 30-minute boat cruise to Pansy Island, which they can explore while the lodge team sets up a picnic spread. Afterwards, guests can add on a sunset horse ride, or a cruise around the bay in a traditional dhow.

3. Cooking classes in the Bo Kaap

Couples can learn the secrets of Cape Malay cooking by heading into the kitchens of Bo-Kaap locals in Cape Town.  After a tour through the Bo-Kaap, learning about its colourful history with a quick stopover at a famous spice shop, guests will head into the kitchen of one of the local women where they will be taught how to cook traditional food, including samosas, fragrant curries and rotis. Afterwards, guests sit down and enjoy the meal with their host.

4. Hot-air ballooning in Kafue

Guests staying for three nights or more at Wilderness Safaris’ Shumba or Busanga Bush Camps in Zambia’s Kafue National Park can enjoy a complimentary hot-air balloon trip and explore the 28 000-hectare Busanga Concession from above. They are likely to see wildlife, including Red lechwe, hippo and buffalo, and the trip is followed by a champagne breakfast. The hot-air ballooning season runs from August until the end of October.

5. Bubbly and M&M tastings

Situated in the Devon Valley near Stellenbosch, the J.C. Le Roux wine estate is known for its Méthode Cap Classiques and sparkling wines. Guests can visit the cellars and enjoy specialist tastings, the most famous of which is its meringues and marshmallows tasting, paired with five J.C. Le Roux Cap Classique and sparkling wines. Other options include nougat and Turkish delight pairings and non-alcoholic pairings with fudge.

6. Charter a yacht

Moored at the V&A Marina in Cape Town, The Princess Emma is a 26-metre yacht, designed for cruising. She is manned by a qualified skipper and crew and features four en-suite cabins with rosewood and cherry finishes. The deck has a dining area as well as sunbeds and a swimming platform for easy access to the water. Guests can explore the Cape Peninsula from Clifton to False Bay.

7. A bush bath under the stars

Wilderness Safaris’ Ruckomechi Camp in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools features a ‘bath-with-a-view’. Guests can book the bath, which is located in a secluded and scenic spot overlooking the Zambezi River. The bath will be drawn with bubbles and lit with lanterns, from which they can enjoy the views.

8. Gourmet picnics at Warwick

Warwick’s executive chef combines locally sourced ingredients from artisanal suppliers to put together special picnics. Couples can choose from a range of picnic areas across the Stellenbosch wine estate, including the lush lawns with umbrellas and over-sized cushions, the forested courtyard, or the eight picnic pods, which offer total privacy.

9. Luxury horse riding in the Serengeti

Singita Explore offers tailored equestrian safaris, enabling guests to combine long horse rides exploring remote areas of the reserve, with afternoons spent back at camp relaxing. By exploring the area on horse, guests can get much closer to herds of wildlife, such as zebra and giraffe. Singita Explore is a private-use camp on the plains of the Serengeti and comes with the services of a private guide, chef, camp host, camp staff and a choice of activities such as game drives. Equestrian safaris are available from June 1-October 31 each year.

10. A private spa experience

Trogon Forest Spa in Plettenberg Bay is completely surrounded by forest and claims to be “the smallest and most elite spa in Africa”. It allows only one couple at a time, who can enjoy a two-hour experience that includes the exclusive use of the sauna and Jacuzzi. The spa has a wood fire, which is lit for each couple, along with candles. Various treatments are available, including massages and special therapies.