Howzit, lovebirds! So, you have just said, “I do”, and you are ready to sweep your sweetheart off their feet to the Mother City for the honeymoon. Cape Town is unquestionably one of the most romantic destinations on the planet with its heart-stopping scenery, vibrant culture, and limitless activities to give your heart a beat. But for goodness’ sake, honeymooning is a hectic occupation, and even the best-laid plans can fall through if you are not in the driver’s seat. Eish, we have all done it! But don’t panic, we have your back. Here is a run-down of some of the most common honeymoon boo-boos to make when honeymooning in Cape Town, and some lekker advice on how to avoid them and make your holiday one to remember.
- Not Pre-Booking Tours
Think about this: you have waited at the Table Mountain cableway station, looking forward to that familiar panorama, only to find out that all the tickets for the day have been booked. Not the perfect beginning you had in mind, is it? Cape Town’s most sought-after sights, such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Peninsula, are taken immediately, especially during the peak season months of December through to February.
Pro Tip: Don’t gamble. Pre-book with a quality operator such as Bhoma Tours. Private, guided tours at your own pace mean you get the best snaps and miss the throngs. And their guides can add a little extra magic to your tour. For further information on organising your trip, please visit Cape Town Tourism.
- Disregarding the Weather
Cape Town’s climate is as capricious as a Springboks match, bright today, blustery tomorrow. Not allowing time to look at the weather forecast or be prepared for all eventualities will leave you in the cold, whether at a wine tasting or soaked along a beach promenade.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the weather in advance. Bring layers for chilly nights in the Winelands or a raincoat for surprise showers. Sunblock cannot be forgotten either; our UV is not to be tampered with! To view the latest forecast, go to the South African Weather Service. Bhoma Tours will help make your itinerary accommodate the weather so that you are never caught off guard.
- Overpacking or Underpacking
Packing for the honeymoon is not a cakewalk, wake-up call. You don’t want to make a statement with your dressing, but neither do you want a bakkie-packed suitcase. Overpacking will make you nervous, and underpacking will leave you without the essentials.
Pro Tip: Travel light and cleverly. Choose clothing which layers and is combinable, so you will be ready for Cape Town’s mercurial weather, and be sure to include good walking shoes for all that foot slogging sightseeing. For a complete packing list of what to bring, especially for South Africa, see the guide from Discover Africa. Bhoma Tours should also be able to inform you on what you will need for your own Cape Town tours, as well.
- Not Immersing Yourself in the Local Culture
Cape Town is a melting pot of culture, and part of the appeal is getting immersed in the surroundings. There is no need to pay to study the culture or partake in local customs because it spoils the authenticity of your vacation.
Pro Tip: Go on a cultural tour with Bhoma Tours to enjoy the likes of Bo-Kaap or District Six. Find out about the history and heritage of Cape Town and explore the city on an entirely new level. And don’t miss indulging in the local treats like bobotie or koeksisters; your taste buds will thank you! For some more cultural enrichment, head to Iziko Museums of South Africa.
- Not Budgeting for Extras
Honeymoons are great, but costly too. It is so easy to get caught up in the romance and spend additional money on souvenirs, tips, or spontaneous upgrades.
Pro Tip: Plan and be your own best friend. Bhoma Tours can help you plan a budget tour with all the places to visit without breaking the bank. And it is perfectly acceptable to indulge, just don’t overdo it.
- Not Having Enough Downtime
Honeymoons are about intimacy and relaxation, but the two of you will be planning so much, you will not know how to just be around each other. Swinging from one activity to the next twenty-four-seven will exhaust you both.
Pro Tip: Add lazy mornings or sunset strolls along the V&A Waterfront. Bhoma Tours will get the balance of adventure and relaxation exactly right, with time for you to be around each other without checking out.
- Last-Minute Booking of Accommodation
Cape Town is a hub city, and hotels and guesthouses get reserved faster than you can say “lekker” high season. Last-minute reservations can mean more pricey or lower-grade accommodations.
Pro Tip: Book well ahead to discover the best bargains and lodging that suits your taste, from a downtown five-star hotel to a cosy B&B on the outskirts. Get tips for accommodations at Cape Town Tourism.
- A Glance Over Transportation
Getting around Cape Town can be a bit of a mission, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Relying on taxis or ridesharing can eat into your budget and your time.
Pro Tip: Car rental or private transfer is an alternative if you do not wish to drive. Bhoma Tours will even take you to your destinations on their package, so sit back and enjoy the experience while they take the hassle out for you.
- Failure to Check Opening Hours
Cape Town attractions have opening days, and a few of them are closed on certain days. To find a museum or wine farm closed is the greatest mood killer.
Pro Tip: Research. For example, the District Six Museum is closed on Sundays, so search for opening times in advance for each attraction. Bhoma Tours will plan your days, so you won’t miss the highlights.
- No Plan B
Cape Town’s weather will receive a surprise, and there will be times when the plan will have to be changed around. Without a backup, you will have nothing to do.
Pro Tip: Pack Plan B. If Table Mountain is fogged in, head on over to the Cape Town Science Centre. Bhoma Tours will take your schedule on a whim and always have something for you to do, anyway.
Wrapping It Up
That’s it, bru! By not doing all the above, you can be sure your Cape Town honeymoon is nothing but magic. The truth is, it’s not the sightseeing to-dos about creating memories that will last forever. So, take a deep breath, plan sensibly, and let good times roll!
If you are happy to leave it to someone else to worry about all the planning, and you will just take care of the enjoyable stuff, Bhoma Tours is the option for you. Their guided, private Cape Town tours and insider local knowledge will make your honeymoon run as seamlessly as it will be remembered. Visit their site at bhomatours.co.za or phone them on +27 78 794 0077 to start organising your dream honeymoon today.
