If you are looking to impress your partner when on a trip to South Africa, head straight to the seaside city of Durban. This quirky town is a beehive of activities and there are a number of dates to try out with your partner when there.
Couples flying into South Africa will land at the O R Tambo International Airport from where there are plenty of Johannesburg to Durban flights. Once there, we are certain that there are plenty of things to do with the love of your life.
Romantic night gondola ride
Gondolas are usually associated with Venice, and riding one in Durban may sound outlandish, but you can actually have a romantic float on the Durban Waterfront which will outdo its counterpart in the Italian city.
You can avail of an array of rides at night time through the city’s canals along with a romantic picnic serenaded by the lapping waters. If this doesn’t have a positive impact on your better half, then nothing else will.
Moonlit horseback rides
There is something always magical about riding a horse and if you have your sweetheart by your side, the experience becomes even more perfect. There are very few places in South Africa where you can go horse riding after dark and Reunion Beach in Durban is one of them.
Once the moon is out you can gallop along the12km beach trail and experience the magical sight of the moon over the horizon of the sea
Helicopter ride with a picnic
Make the day eventful for your loved one with a special outing in a helicopter culminating in a romantic picnic for two. The flight crosses over the Umgeni River, the Inanda dam till you reach the final destination at the edge of the Valley of 1000 hills.
Upon arrival a special picnic spread will be laid out for you overlooking the dam. Enjoy your romantic meal and return to Durban with fantastic photo opportunities on the way.
Couples massage by moonlight
One of the most romantic ideas which can set the tone for the rest of the day in Durban can be experienced at the tranquil and lush night spa at Mangwanani. The treatments here will transform your date night into a heavenly experience.
After a traditional African drum welcome while sipping cocktails with snacks, both of you will be given a full body massage with hot stones followed by a royal foot massage. A complimentary dinner and a mouth-watering dinner awaits you to complete the evening of sheer decadence.
Opt for outdoor adventures
Durban will provide you with umpteen opportunities to get in sync with your beloved. Start with tandem biking along the city’s scenic beachfront promenade. Next head to the Moses Mabhida Stadium which may not sound like a romantic venue, but there are many adventures that can rekindle passions.
If The Big Swing doesn’t leave you screaming, the 60m freefall will surely have your partner hollering at 120km/hr.
Eat with the sharks
Take your dinner date to a never-before-experienced level by enjoying a romantic dinner among the sharks. The fine dining restaurant, The Cargo Hold is located in the heart of Phantom Ship in Ushaka Marine World, South Beach, Durban.
The dining experience while immersed inside a massive fish tank aims to make guests feel as if they are eating in the company of sharks.
The aphrodisiac-based menu consists of delicacies like Norwegian Salmon, oysters and grilled crayfish. An incredible feeling when surrounded by the remarkable creatures of underwater.
Rickshaw ride on North Beach
The North Beach promenade at Durban is dotted with colorful rickshaws that promise a fun and educational ride along the waterfront. The rickshaw driver will gently pull his jalopy and entertain you and your loved one with riding techniques that will tilt the rickshaw till you reach the tipping point, only to be pulled up because of an in-built mechanism. A good way to have some fun on the beach.
Hot air balloon ride
From touring the Midland Hills to the jagged peaks of Drakensberg, there are multiple hot air balloon ride options that you can enjoy with your partner. Having said that, the moment you watch the balloons being inflated you will both be in a state of excitement.
After you sip some champagne, your highly experienced pilot will gently raise the balloon and guide it across the countryside with anecdotes and information on what you see below as you float from your wicker basket.