Romance

If you’ve done the drinks, dinners by candle light and movies, you might be looking for romantic things to do. Thankfully, you have found the Bucket List Genie and her list of date night ideas below…

Whether you’re looking for something special to do with your love, or places to propose, we have you covered.  We have options available to suit every taste and budget, so let’s dive right in.

When it comes to date night ideas or anniversary gift ideas, you want to choose a setting that will encourage romance.  The key is to have an opportunity to spend some alone time chatting, or looking into his or her eyes, perhaps over a drink and something to nibble on… But a busy restaurant or pub can’t compete with a private cinema or an overnight stay in a caravan on the rooftop of a Cape Town hotel.

Dinner in the sky is another great option, as is a romantic getaway to a riverside, beach-side or bush location.  For the ultimate privacy, consider glamping in a cave far from the city buzz.  Here, you’ll be served dinner under the awe-inspiring African sky as the sunset streaks the horizon in orange and pink.  After a relaxing open-sky bath, you will retire to the comfortable bed from where you can try to count the stars in the sky…

Need some creative engagement ideas?  If you’re looking for unforgettable ideas and places to propose, you can’t wrong with one of our romantic proposal packages.  We can hook you up with romantic picnic packages in exquisite spots, romantic helicopter rides to game reserves and mountain tops, hot air balloon rideschampagne cruisesovernight couple’s spa ideas, fine dining and weekend getaways, and much, much more.

Use the list on this page as inspiration to create a romantic experience that will make your favourite person fall madly in love with you all over again.

  • Whether you’ve already ticked hot air ballooning off your bucket list or not, this hot air balloon classic flight over the Magaliesberg or Cradle of Humankind is an absolute must. Situated in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind and Magaliesberg, you have access to the launch sites close to the majority of lodges in the area. A fantastic way to start the day, you will meet the team at the launch site. As the sun peeks over the horizon, you will ascend into the sky. Nothing beats skimming the treetops or the surface of the endless Kloofzicht dam before soaring into the skies, higher and higher until the landscape becomes a patchwork of natural beauty below. You’ll be treated to a glass of champagne to add that extra sparkle to this once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience. Use this opportunity to pop the question, or simply to celebrate the wonder of living on this magnificent continent. Space is limited and bookings are weather dependent. Flights depart from Kloofzicht Lodge.  This package includes one adult ticket with breakfast and forms part of a group.  Kindly note that hot air ballooning is highly weather dependent.
  • Our Romantic Couples evening is designed to be a date night with a difference. A dining experience where you spoil each others taste buds with a range of fantastic foods incorporating some of the top 10 aphrodisiac foods. Start the evening off with a delicious complimentary welcome drink, then move through to the kitchen to prepare a dish with your partner in the company of other couples. Each couple prepares 1 dish, either a starter, main or a dessert, once you have completed the cooking process and your dish is beautifully plated and ready to be enjoyed it will be placed on the buffet table alongside all the other dishes to provide each couple with a variety of taste sensations. The beauty of this date is that you get to go home after a fun, relaxed evening to no dishes to do. It will be a night to remember! All Classes start at 18h30. This activity is for two people and takes place in Randpark Ridge (Johannesburg), monthly in the evening, subject to availability.
  • Up, up and away! Take in the best of the Atlantic Seaboard with this exclusive experience.  Set off on a scenic shared helicopter flight leaving from the V&A Waterfront as it soars above the Atlantic Ocean, providing breath taking views of Clifton, Camps Bay, Lion's Head, Robben Island and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.  With your feet back on terra firma, you may opt to self-drive to the 12 Apostles Hotel, or take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus that will deliver you to the next stage of your adventure.  The 12 Apostles Hotel will provide you with an impeccable lunch in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere of the Azure restaurant, a sought-after American Express® Platinum Fine Dining Awards honoree.
    • Location | V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
    • Availability | Shared flights are booked for 11h00 with lunch @ 12h30
    • Numbers | Minimum of two guests apply.
    • Weather | All flights are shared and weather dependent.
    • Additional Information | Seasonal rates, terms and conditions apply. All beverages, tips and other incidentals are excluded. Not available to book on dates such as Mother's Day, Father's Day or Valentines Day etc.
  • Prove that chivalry is still alive and well by escaping into the old-world charm of a vintage steam train trip. Step aboard a vintage steam locomotive in Cape Town and enjoy the beautiful scenery that the trip has to offer. The steam train departs from CPT and travels to Elgin where passengers disembark to enjoy the Elgin Market at their leisure. Here passengers will have lunch before returning to CPT on the steam train. Elgin Market (and the steam train) is an incredible experience not to be missed.
    • This experience is for one adult in a shared carriage.
    • Food, beverages and any other incidentals are not included.
    • Allow a full day for this experience.
    • Departure point along with times and other need to know information will be provided at time of booking.
    • Events take place on set dates and are subject to availability. Please note that trips are seasonal. Please contact us via email at [email protected] to inquire about upcoming dates before purchasing your voucher.
  • Head to Cullinan, a quaint miner’s village near Pretoria for this unforgettable adventure combo and overnight for two.  Your experience starts with getting set up for your adventure combo experience. Starting with a Zipline slide, you'll then try your hand at archery before enjoying a game drive through the protected area. Showcasing some 16 species of antelope, you're certain to have some good sightings. Finish off your experience with a casual pizza lunch before heading to check in at Cullinan Diamond Lodge for your overnight stay in a luxury room with a hearty breakfast included the next day.
  • This stunning 4 star private estate is set on the banks of the Crocodile River, just a short commute from Johannesburg and even shorter from Lanseria Airport. Have a drink on the patio with the bubbling weir in the background or kick back on the lawns in front of the willows along the river bank. Experience this unique and beautiful 150 hectare estate. Abandon the restaurant table, distress from the rigors of city life and relax next to the river on a blanket with cushions. Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Crocodile River and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. With only 2 picnic spots allocated per day, you are guaranteed an exclusive and private experience. Our Luxury Romantic Picnic is in unique and absolutely private lover’s retreat on the river and protected from rain and sun by a Bedouin tent or little thatched gazebo. The interiors are designed for romance with a comfortable double bed under a Mosquito net to get close and intimate with our complimentary bubbly or wine and selected drinks, petals and delicious picnic baskets. The very adventurous can swim in the river, so bring swimming gear and takkies. Picnics are from 11h30 to 16h00 or from 16h30 to 21h00. We are flexible with our menus and accommodate people with food allergies offering tasty alternatives.
  • Departing from Krugersdorp Airport, your helicopter will transport you to a mountain top that provides spectacular views. You will have sixty minutes to sip on champagne and enjoy a delicious and very abundant picnic, declare your love, or simply take in the views before boarding the helicopter for your return trip. Need to Know ~
    • This experience is very popular, so be sure to book in advance to secure your specific dates.  Please note that this experience is weather dependent.
    • Includes 20 minutes flying time, 60 minutes mountain stop and a champagne picnic for two.  The Helicopter lands on top of the Zwartkops Mountains in the Cradle of Humankind, on the property of the Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa.
    • Flights take place throughout the year.  Maximum weight limit of 110 kgs per passenger.
    • This is a private flight for two adults with a picnic and bottle of champagne.
  • Looking for a really special late afternoon date or proposal idea?  Few things are as romantic as a sunset helicopter flight from the V&A Waterfront towards Clifton, followed by dinner at one of the Waterfront's top restaurants. Need to Know -
    • This package is suitable for two adults only.
    • Beverages are excluded unless otherwise stated.
    • All helicopter flights are for 15 minutes and are shared flights.
    • Flights and cruise times vary and are based on season.
    • Book early to avoid disappointment.
    • This package is available throughout the year and not available to book for significant calendar dates i.e. Mother's Day, Father's Day etc.
    • All flights and cruises are weather dependent.
    • Allow a full evening for this experience.
    • Participation is at your own risk.
    • Dress for the weather.
  • Experience this fabulous package offering a cruise and lunch combination at Cape Town’s top destination – The Waterfront. First you will enjoy a cruise of Table Bay with a unique view of Table Mountain and Cape Town’s skyline, by sea. Then, once you have recovered from “sea-legs” you will enjoy a sumptuous lunch at one of the Waterfront’s finest restaurants. Our specially chosen establishments offer exceptional food and atmosphere while enjoying the ambiance of the V&A Waterfront. This activity is for two people and takes place from the Waterfront (CPT), 7 days per week, subject to availability and ideal weather conditions.
  • It's hard to beat a romantic picnic when you're trying to create the ultimate date with your love.  However, we at Celestial Gifts believe that the sky's the limit when you're trying to show that someone how much he or she means to you. If your head's in the clouds, you've come to the right place. We've found a way for you to truly make that special person's heart soar by arriving in style at a beautiful picnic location. Imagine taking a scenic helicopter flight with your love to a five star destination for a romantic champagne picnic. That's the perfect setting for a special anniversary or birthday celebrations, or perhaps an opportunity to pop the question.  Taking off from Krugersdorp Airfield, your helicopter will take you to Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa. The friendly staff will provide you with a delectable picnic basket complete with a bottle of champagne to enjoy in a secluded spot. After your 90-minute picnic, the helicopter will fly you back to Krugersdorp.
  • If you've always dreamed about soaring above the skies, feeling the wind in your hair and the fresh Magaliesberg air on your skin, that is now a possibility with this amazing Hot Air Balloon Safari for One. This adventure package combines all the elements to make for a truly African luxury hot air ballooning experience. Your day will start well before sunrise, as you will meet the team at the five star Kloofzicht Lodge before being transferred to the Cradle of Humankind in Magaliesberg for pre-flight refreshments, including coffee, tea and biscuits. After a short briefing, you can watch as the balloons are prepared for an hour-long sunrise safari flight. Feel the excitement grow as you board the balloon and start to rise up, up and away. From your bird's-eye view, you will have a truly spectacular view of the Magaliesberg Mountains and various game roaming the reserve below. Bring along your binoculars or camera for the ultimate experience. Back on land, you will enjoy sparkling wine and orange juice before heading back to Kloofzicht Lodge, where you will enjoy a five star breakfast and receive your commemorative certificate of the most magical four hours of adventure.
  •   Our cruises promise to be a worthwhile experience especially our Sunset Cruise - Cape Town's most popular daily scheduled trip.  Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise combined with a fresh ocean breeze and the magnificent Atlantic ocean as your backdrop. Toast the end of another perfect day in paradise with a complimentary glass of champagne - or a bottle for a couple -as you watch the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon; a scene so typical of the Cape. Our cruise offers an authentic, laid-back sailing experience to remember.  Grab another drink from the onboard cash bar, if you wish and simply take in the beautiful scenery as you relax with your date. This voucher cannot be used for any significant date such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas Day, Father's Day etc. Location: Cape Town, Western Cape | Available throughout the year. Booking essential. | This experience is for two people and forms part of a group charter. | All bookings are weather dependent. | Allow 90 minutes for the cruise.
  • The Exclusive balloon flight offers a unique personal hot air balloon experience in one of our smaller balloons, restricted to the use of two passengers only. This exclusive balloon ride hire adds to the romance of the flight, as you are able to enjoy the experience of drifting silently across the beautiful African landscape, while sipping on champagne, in complete privacy with your partner, watching a spectacular sun rise.  In line with traditional balloon flights, our Classic Air Balloon Flight offers guests the serene beauty of floating gently over the Cradle of Humankind or the Magaliesberg, while sipping on champagne, as the pilot allows the hot air balloon at times to drift at tree top height and at other times will ascend into the skies, offering guests a panoramic view of the beautiful African landscape below.
    This package includes a private balloon flight for two adults with pilot and a full buffet breakfast on landing.
    Overnight accommodation can be included if you so wish. Please inquire at time of booking.
  • Steal a moment to whisk your love away from the city buzz for the ultimate overnight summer escape at a lovely country venue. This experience is perfect for a proposal, romantic date night idea, wedding gift, or just because… This secluded country venue is just far enough from the city to offer utmost tranquility, but close enough to be worth the drive. Set on the river, the lodge features comfortable luxury with breathtaking views. Enjoy a Romantic Getaway that starts with a candlelit dinner along the river front, followed by a romantic turndown amongst rose petals & closes off with a delicious breakfast the next morning. Your romantic package includes the following -
    • Three-course candlelit dinner along the river front. Includes a chocolate treat and champagne cocktail.
    • Escape to romantically turned down accommodation amongst fragrant rose petals.
    • The romantic getaway comes to a close with a delicious breakfast the next morning.
    • Check-out late at 12h00.
    This package is best enjoyed during summer months only. Book early to avoid disappointment. 
  • Take your partner or beloved and saddle up for a lovely hour-long ride on well-trained, calm and obedient horses in the tranquil Bushveld countryside. The horseback trail offers stunning mountain scenery and leads to your secluded riverside champagne breakfast spot in the midst of untamed bush. Picnic blanket; chairs; ice bucket with champagne and still water; wicker basket with chips, dips, muffins, samoosas, beef meat balls, chicken and pineapple kebabs, chicken nuggets, BBQ Pancakes, mini vetkoek with bobootie, mini chicken burgers, salted caramel swiss rolls, kiri cheese and strawberries **Ingredients may vary based on availability** Need to know -
    • This package is for two people only and may form part of a group.
    • Available throughout the year.
    • No experience necessary.
    • Participation is at your own risk.
    • Maximum weight limit per rider is 95kgs
  • Our Gourmet Romantic Picnic is set in a tranquil spot next to the river on a double mattress with pillows and throws under a Caribbean umbrellas. Watch abundant bird life while you enjoy our delicious cuisine and enjoy the beautiful river view. This picnic is suitable for light rain only! Should it rain we relocate you to the pool deck on couches set apart from other guests overlooking the river. This package includes our picnic menu a welcome drink and complimentary bubbly or wine. We are flexible with our menus and accommodate people with food allergies offering tasty alternatives. Picnics are from 11h30 to 16h00 or from 16h30 to 21h00.
  • Glenburn Lodge & Spa is within easy access (approx. 10km) from Maropeng where Homo Naledi, a species of human relative, was discovered in a cave in The Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. Both Glenburn Lodge & Spa as well as Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa have become synonymous as the venues of choice in Gauteng for hot air ballooning safaris, due to the favourable flying conditions. This package is for two adults sharing and is available to book throughout the year. Glenburn Lodge & Spa is based in Muldersdrift. Inclusions ~
    • Luxury Suite for Two (B&B)
    • Secluded Garden Picnic for Two (Menu Available On Request)
    • Couples Massage (60 minutes)
    Dinner & Beverages are not included.
  • Join us for a spectacular scenic boat cruise on a 58 foot catamaran off the Durban coastline. Your deep sea cruise will start at the harbour channel for a fun-filled excursion that will be enjoyed by the whole family. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells that are so unique to Durban AKA Funsunzi - as it's lovingly referred to by locals - from your perch on the regularly serviced, seaworthy and well-equipped boat. From the harbour views to uShaka Marine World, the Golden Mile and Moses Mabhida Stadium in the north, you will get to experience Durban from a unique new perspective. Back on the land again, take a slow drive to South Africa's most cherished hotel - The Oyster Box on Umhlanga beachfront and be greeted by timeless elegance. Here you will have the opportunity to indulge in an exquisite set menu prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Joseph. Need to Know ~
    • Available to book on a Saturday or Sunday. Excluding significant dates.
    • Cruises depart @ 14h30 for 60 minutes.
    • All cruises are weather dependent.
    • Cruise and set menu included. Beverages and gratuity excluded.
    • The cruise forms part of a group and is not private.
  • Take a six-minute trip to the top of the Magaliesberg mountain in a modern, safe cable car located in the Magaliesberg World Heritage Site and be transported into a different world. A lovely grassy viewing site offers scenic views across some of the world's oldest mountains and valleys. Once you disembark at the foot of the mountain, head to the 'best dam' 2-hour gourmet snack cruise where you will enjoy a scrumptious selection of traditional South African hot and cold finger and fork gourmet snacks. The boat will travel along the Kosmos foreshore, toward the dam wall and past the zoo and Transvaal Yacht club. From there, it will hit the open waters to Oberon and Eagle's Landing, past Pecanwood and the Dykes of the Islands Estate, followed by Kshane Estate and Sandy Lane Golf Course. This route was planned especially to give you an opportunity to enjoy all the sights of life around the dam, including the beautiful homes and natural scenery whilst enjoying delicious gourmet snacks.
    • Taking place daily.
    • Forms part of a group experience.
    • Beverages are excluded.
    • This ticket allows for one adult.
    • Cableway must be enjoyed in the morning prior to the cruise.
    • Entrance & parking fees to the resort where the boat is moored are excluded. You will, however, receive a R60 per person voucher which you may use towards the bar.
  • Looking for a uniquely romantic experience to enjoy with your love? Book your sunset cruise and sky dining picnic experience for the most unforgettable low-key date night.  Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling champagne as the sun dips behind the horizon. During your 90 minute sunset cruise, you will see Cape Town from a new perspective with the majestic Atlantic ocean as your backdrop  Once you're back on terra firma - legs still wobbly from the boat cruise, champagne, being drunk on love, or a combination of all three - we have another amazing experience lined up for you  Simply head to the Cape Wheel with your booking confirmation and collect your picnic basket for two. Then, buy your picnic snacks from the V&A Food Market (or your favourite store!) and return to the Cape Wheel. Board your cabin, which will contain a table for your convenience and enjoy the lovely views and tasty treats. When you disembark, please leave your basket behind.

    • Suitable for two adults only.
    • This experience takes place throughout the year and is subject to availability. Prebooking is essential.
    • This experience is weather dependent and will be rescheduled due to rain and/or high seas.
    • Sunset cruise with Cape Wheel Picnic tickets are included. Picnic supper with beverages are not included.
    • Service fee and electronic gift voucher included.
  • The sky's the limit when you next plan an evening out with your romantic interest. It's as simple as booking this exciting dinner in the sky, followed by a luxurious overnight stay at the Fairway Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Randburg. Dinner in the Sky transforms an ordinary meal into a magical experience, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Need to Know -
    • This package includes dinner in the sky for two as well as one night's accommodation for two adults sharing.
    • Dinner in the Sky takes place every Saturday within the grounds of St Sithians College, Randburg.
    • Overnight accommodation is for two adults sharing (B&B), one night only in a luxury room at The Fairway Hotel in Randburg.
    • Transfers between the hotel and St Sithians are not included.
    • Beverages and gratuity are not included.
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