Honeymoon in South Africa

flossie

Hi there,

Am trying to plan my friend's honeymoon for her in July. They want to go to South Africa, with a mix of beach and safari. I've been searching for weeks, and seem to be getting nowhere...especially as they have set a budget of €5000 (i had to get them to up this from €4000).

They have been interested in some of the multi-centre holidays offered by Virgin, amongst others - cape town, kruger/Pilansberg NP and Mauritius. HOWEVER, i can't seem to find anything cheaper than €6300. I have found that as soon as you mention the word 'honeymoon' to a company they see money in their eyes.

I have been trying to subtly explain how difficult this is turning out to be, particularly in monetary terms. I have found a great package, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Dubai for 14 nights which works out at about €2250 per person, but i dont know whether to suggest this to them.

Wat would be the etiquette in this situation? Can anybody recommend somewhere that may be of some help??????

Sorry for the rant, hope you can help,
floss

Eoin

Sorry, not too sure of the etiquette at all, but just from the destination point of view: I wouldn't have thought July was a great time of year for the weather in S.A., especially if they want a beach part of it. We looked into it as we are heading off on our honeymoon in August.

If they want a mix, then Mauritius and S.A. seems to be a popular mix of safari and beach. We booked through www.twohigs.com - they should have some packages there to have a look at.

dame

flossie wrote:

I have found that as soon as you mention the word 'honeymoon' to a company they see money in their eyes.

Maybe don't mention it's a honeymoon?

aniascor

Having previously spent a couple of weeks in South Africa in late July, early August, I wouldn't recommend it if they are hoping for good weather. That's the middle of winter there, and while it's not as cold as it gets here, it's not exactly hot either!

olaola

My Parents-in-law to be just came back from SA, had a ball.
But AFAIK it was durt cheap. The only expensive things were the flights.
They staying in a fabulous 2 bed apartment (with their own pool) for about €240 a week.
I can't remember the name of the place, but they said it was about as far away from Capetown as Bray is from Dublin city.

Do you want me to get more info for ya?

Oh - this is great value too -
http://www.thegreatescapade.com/whatIs.php
29 thousand miles, unlimited stops from £900.

flossie

Have found a flight Dub-Paris-Cape Town and then on the way back it is Johannesberg - Paris-Dublin. For €729 each:eek: I'm thinking that's a pretty good price, and trying to put together some hotels now....think i'll put a package together myself.

Thanks for the offer of the apartment, but think they want hotel..sounds great price though, maybe i'll need a hol after organising all this:rolleyes:

Oh, editied to add i used the great escapade ticket last year when i went travelling - great value! Got flights London, Vegas, La, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Fiji, NZ, Oz, Beijing, Singapore, Delhi for £1100 by paying the extra add on for some extra miles:D