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As South African soon-to-be newlyweds dream of tropical beaches, luxury lodges, and romantic escapes, many are surprised by how much timing matters – and just how magical (and cost-effective!) off-peaktravel can be.
According to Flight Centre South Africa’s ‘South Africa’s Year In Travel 2023 Report’, 70% of couples booking honeymoon or romantic getaways chose international escapes, with Mauritius, Thailand, and the Maldives topping the list.
“What many couples don’t realise is that by choosing to travel in the off-peak season, they’re not just saving money – they’re opening up a world of quieter, more intimate experiences. They’ll also have extra flexibility when it comes to choosing travel dates, accommodations, and experiences,” says Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa.
Below, we break down why off-peak honeymoons and South African couples are a match made in heaven.
- Mauritius
- Flight accessibility: Direct flights from Johannesburg to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, with flight times of approx. 4 hours.
- Affordability rating: 7/10
Hotels and flight deals to Mauritius can vary based on season, but off-peak prices (especially for all-inclusive packages) are significantly lower compared to peak season. The South African Rand generally holds steady against the Mauritian Rupee (R1 = 2,61 Mauritian Rupees*). - Off-peak season: May to early October
These months fall within Mauritius’ ‘winter,’ but don’t let that fool you. The weather remains warm, with a daily average high of 20 – 23 degrees Celsius. Mid-May through September offers lower humidity, while still offering plenty of sunshine for beach honeymooners. - Off-peak travel experience:
While some water sports might be windier than usual during this time, excursions like snorkelling, boat rides, and hiking trails like Black River Gorgesare still available. Opt for a couple’s spa dayat a luxury resort to cosy up during occasional cooler spells. Plus, fewer tourists mean quieter beaches and private dinners under the stars. - Most memorable highlight: Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfswith your partner, complete with a picnic lunch and secluded beach spots for swimming in crystal-clear lagoons.
- Bali, Indonesia
- Flight accessibility: There are no direct flights from South Africa, but connecting via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur is common, with total travel times around 15-17 hours.
- Affordability rating: 8/10
Bali has long been known for its affordability, with South African Rands going a long way for accommodations, dining, and pampering services (R1 = 880,75 Indonesian Rupiah*). Off-peak seasons draw lower prices for honeymooners looking for luxury stays. - Off-peak season: January to April (rainy season) & September to December (just before Christmas)
Bali’s rainy season typically sees afternoon showers, but mornings are bright and perfect for exploration (average daily highs of 33 – 34 degrees Celsius). September to December often sees good deals and fewer crowds ahead of the Christmas high (with average daily highs of 31 – 33 degrees Celsius). - Off-peak travel experience:
Travelling during Bali’s off-peak can mean a quieter, more intimate honeymoon where you’ll see the true heart of Balinese culture without throngs of tourists. Enjoy peaceful rice paddies, jungle resorts, fewer crowds in Ubud’s temples, and private sunset beach walks in Seminyak. - Most memorable highlight:
Honeymooners will never forget a couples’ sunrise trek up Mount Batur or a relaxing floating breakfast in a private villa pool.
- Thailand
- Flight accessibility: There are no direct flights to Thailand from South Africa. However, popular honeymoon spots like Phuket or Koh Samui are easily accessible via a stopover in Singapore, usually with a total travel time of around 14 – 15 hours.
- Affordability Rating: 8/10
Thailand is renowned for incredible value, from street food and accommodation to shopping and activities (R1 = 1,90 Thai Baht*). - Off-peak season: May to October
Though this period coincides with Thailand’s rainy season, storms are typically quick-moving showers, leaving plenty of time for sunshine-laden days. The average daily high ranges between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius. - Off-peak travel experience:
Enjoy Thailand’s gorgeous scenery at its greenest during the off-season. Expect practically empty beaches, incredible sunset views in Phuket, and relaxed island-hopping in Krabi. Even with quick rain showers, your adventures in cooking classes, temple visits, and jungle walks will leave you with perfect honeymoon memories. - Most memorable highlight:
Set sail on a private long-tail boat to the Phi Phi Islands, where you can snorkel in secluded coves or enjoy beachside candlelit dinners.
- The Maldives
- Flight accessibility: Flights from Johannesburg require a layover in Doha, with total travel time ranging between 15 and 17 hours.
- Affordability rating: 6/10
The Maldives is famous for its luxurious overwater villas, which come with a hefty price tag compared to regional alternatives. However, travelling off-peak can uncover some incredible deals! R1 = 0,88 Maldivian Rufiyaa*. - Off-peak season: May to October
The rainy season, especially June to August, keeps tourist numbers down. Despite the weather, this period still features plenty of sunshine and warmth (with days typically reaching 28 – 29 degrees Celsius) to enjoy some discounted beachfront luxury. - Off-peak travel experience:
Prices on overwater villas dip significantly. Most resorts focus on offering romantic in-villa experiences, with intimate dining and spa packages at incredible prices. - Most memorable highlight:
Dive into one of the world’s best coral reefs – perfect for honeymooners who are into snorkelling or want to experience swim-in-your-backyard overwater villas.
- Seychelles
- Flight accessibility: Direct flights from Johannesburg to Mahé via Air Seychelles generally take 5 hours.
- Affordability rating: 6.5/10
Seychelles can be pricey, especially during school holidays, but off-peak travel in this tropical paradise can mean good deals on flights and accommodation. R1 = 0,81
Seychellois Rupee*. - Off-peak season: May to September
During these months, the weather remains lovely with an average daily high of between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius.
- Off-peak travel experience:
Expect fewer tourists and better rates at luxurious resorts and island-hopping boat trips. You’ll still enjoy excellent beach weather but need to watch for some windier conditions for water sports during the cooler dry season. - Most memorable highlight:
Indulge in a couple’s spa treatment on La Digue Island, followed by dinner on the beach – which you’ll more than likely have all to yourselves.
- Cape Winelands
- Flight accessibility: Quick, direct flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town(approximately 2 hours, 15 mins), and the Winelands are under an hours’ drive from there.
- Affordability rating: 9/10
A luxurious honeymoon option despite choosing to forego the international getaway – and your wallet will thank you for it. Various wine farms and estates offer all-inclusive deals, often including wine tastings. - Off-peak season: May to August
Winter in the Cape Winelands is chilly (13 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day) but a great excuse to get cosy beside the fireplace. Plus, you’ll make the most of fantastic off-season rates on wine-tasting tours, foodie experiences, and spa treatments. - Off-peak Travel experience:
Take advantage of uncrowded cellar tours, where it’s just you, your partner, and the winemaker guiding you through secret vintages. You’ll also savour winemaker dinners and boutique beat-the-rush tastings. - Most memorable highlight:
Plan a private wine-tasting tour, topped off with an intimate sunset dinner in the Stellenbosch vineyards.
- Kruger Park
- Flight accessibility: Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Skukuza or Hoedspruit (approximately 1 hour) offer easy transfers to camps and lodges.
- Affordability rating: 7.5/10
Accommodation ranges from affordable camps to high-end luxury lodges, so it’s easy to tailor your honeymoon to suit your budget. - Off-peak season: January to March
The beginning of the year is the Kruger’s hot, rainy season – often called the ‘Green Season’ (daytime temperatures typically fall between 32 and 33 degrees Celsius). While it may be more difficult to spot wildlife due to the tall, lush grass and regular showers, it’s a time when the bush is at its most beautiful. A must for couples interested in photography. - Off-peak travel experience:
Off-peak honeymoon perks include quiet game drives, luxurious bush spa experiences, and romantic dinners under the stars on those occasionally clear evenings. - Most memorable highlight:
Sit together on a private sunset game drive in an open jeep, as elephants and lions pass quietly by – an awe-inspiring experience to kick-start your marital bliss.
- Botswana
- Flight accessibility: Flights from Johannesburg to Maun take around 2 hours, followed by transfers to safari camps.
- Affordability rating: 6/10
Botswana’s luxury camps are on the higher end of the cost spectrum (R1 = 0,79 Botswanan Pula*), but the exclusivity and luxury offered are unmatched. Of course, off-peak season sees discounted packages. - Off-peak season: December to April
This is Botswana’s wet/green season, similar to the Kruger Park. The weather is hot and humid (usually between 31 and 32 degrees Celsius during the day) and rain is abundant. - Off-peak travel experience:
Fewer people at legendary safari spots like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Honeymooners can enjoy private safaris and mokoro (canoe) rides through the delta (as long as water levels aren’t too high). - Most memorable highlight:
Sail through the Okavango Delta on a private mokoro, surrounded by blissful silence, the lush savannah, and wildlife.
As you can see, honeymooning during the off-peak season can offer South African couples the opportunity to lock in great deals without compromising on luxury or bucket-list experiences. Just as in love, the right timing can make all the difference, sending you on an intimate, one-of-a-kind journey that feels uniquely yours.
*Based on the exchange rate on 21 October 2024
