Few places are as charmingly complex as this fascinating country tucked at the bottom of the African continent. Where else can a single vacation include wildlife safaris, acclaimed vineyards and the cosmopolitan delights of one of the world’s most fascinating cities? The seasons are opposite ours, but the temperate climate keeps things pleasant year-round. If your main goal is safari, visit during the winter (June to September) for optimal viewing conditions.
Wedding Requirements Only an authorized marriage officer can marry you in South Africa. Your resort should be able to arrange for one or you can easily find several by searching for “South African wedding officers.” On your wedding day, present your passports and any applicable divorce or death records to the marriage officer. Two witnesses must be present and the marriage must be conducted in a church, other building used for religious services, or a public office or private house with open doors. If you plan to wed outdoors, you’ll just have to repeat the legal parts of the ceremony somewhere inside. After the ceremony, your marriage officer will immediately provide you with an unabridged marriage certificate and submit your marriage register to the Department of Home Affairs. You’ll be issued the complete marriage certificate (mailed to your home) within 6-8 weeks. For more information, visit home-affairs.gov.za/civil_marriage.asp.
What to Do
Kruger National Park No trip to Africa is complete without time spent in the bush, getting an up-close look at nature’s exotic creatures in their own element. Kruger National Park, in the northern region, is one of the best spots on the continent to view the “Big Five” -- lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo -- and is home to a number of acclaimed private game lodges. Your days revolve around the wildlife; you’ll head out on early morning and late-afternoon game drives when the animals are most active. Prepare to be amazed at how close you can get.
Cape Town Ask any well-traveled person what his or her favorite city is, and chances are good the answer will be Cape Town, nestled between the mountains and the sea on the continent’s tip. The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a thriving harbor, filled with eclectic shops, stellar dining and a playful population of wild seals. Take a late-afternoon trip up iconic Table Mountain to watch the sun set over the ocean (keep an eye out for zebras and antelope that graze alongside the highway). On another day, join the locals on the sparkling Atlantic beaches.
Stellenbosch and South Africa Wine Regions South Africa is well-known for its wines, most of which come from the 100-mile stretch of hills and valleys called Winelands. Settled by expat French Huguenots, producers in the region have been producing acclaimed vintages with French techniques since the late 1600s. Spend a couple of days touring the vineyards (Tokara is one of the best), overnighting in historic towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Off the Beaten Path
Robben Island You’ll appreciate South Africa even more by understanding its past. One of the best places to glimpse back in time is Robben Island, the penal colony where President Nelson Mandela spent 20 years behind bars. Accessible via a ferry from Cape Town harbor, it’s a heartrending lesson in both man’s capacity for brutality and the power of forgiveness, which will stay with you long after you leave.
