From the Bush to the Beach: South Africa & Seychelles Honeymoon Itinerary

One month after their luxurious New York City nuptials, Madison Friedman and Josh Haberman set off on a romantic, adventurous, and relaxing honeymoon across South Africa and the Seychelles.

Destination: Cape Town, South Africa

On their very first date, Madison Friedman and Josh Haberman planned to visit South Africa for their honeymoon. “I know that sounds crazy,” smiles Madi, but after hearing about Josh’s college summer internship in Cape Town and dreaming of going on safari, they knew it’d be the trip of a lifetime. “We thought it would be the perfect honeymoon destination, as it has a mix of romance, adventure, and nostalgia for him showing me a place he loves.”

Five years later, they jetted off to Cape Town to begin their honeymoon. Booking four nights at The Marly in Camps Bay, the newlyweds hoped to spend their days on the beach in the seaside suburb; however, the spring weather wasn’t in their favor, leaving more time to explore the city center.

Photos courtesy of The Marly Boutique Hotel & Spa

Sites included V&A Waterfront for shopping and lunch, The Old Biscuit Mill to discover local goods, and Table Mountain, which they planned to hike along with Lion’s Head, but the weather caused poor visibility. The tasting menus at Salon and FYN were among their favorite experiences, as was a private tour allowing them to hang out with penguins at Boulders Beach, explore the Cape of Good Hope, and more.

Photo courtesy of Madison and Josh Haberman

Highlights of Cape Town, South Africa

Taking a trip down memory lane. “We went to so many fun places that Josh had frequented when he lived there… I loved seeing his excitement when he was showing me around Cape Town – one of his favorite cities in the world.”

Watching the sunset atop Table Mountain. “We took the cable car up to Table Mountain for sunset one day. The views were some of the best we have ever seen; it was such a special activity.”

Enjoying a private tour. “We had a driver who took us on a private Cape tour for a beautiful and educational drive along the coast. This is a must do!”

Photo courtesy of Madison and Josh Haberman

Destination: Franschhoek, South Africa

As even Josh had never been to South Africa’s wine region located just one-to-two hours from Cape Town, a visit to the gorgeous Cape Winelands was a must. They stayed in Franschhoek, a picturesque town known as the gourmet food-and-wine capital of South Africa.

Two nights at La Residence offered a relaxing five-star stay prior to their safari experience. “We absolutely recommend this property! It was really special and romantic,” affirms Josh of the private 30-acre estate surrounded by mountains and vineyards. “It is a small, boutique-feeling hotel with incredible service and stunning rooms – and in a good location close to many wineries.”

Photos courtesy of The Royal Portfolio

On their first day in the Winelands, their private driver from the city took them to several wineries between the famous towns of Stellenbosch – known for its Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian architecture – and Franschhoek, meaning “French Corner,” and on their second day, a driver from their award-winning hotel did the same. The newlyweds enjoyed lunches at Delaire Graff Estate and Babel at Babylonstoren, as well as dinner at La Residence one night and the tasting menu at La Petite Colombe the other.

Photos courtesy of Madison and Josh Haberman

Highlights of Franschhoek, South Africa

Golfing at Pearl Golf Club. “We’re both golfers, and it was such a cool view surrounded by the mountains.”

Dining at La Residence. “The hotel had set up a private special dinner for us in the hidden library overlooking the mountains during the sunset. There was a live pianist, and the food was delicious with authentic local fare.”

Visiting many vineyards. “We loved them all, but our favorites were Oldenburg Vineyards, Anthonij Rupert, and Delaire Graff Estate – we had lunch here, which was beautiful!”

Photo courtesy of Madison and Josh Haberman

Destination: Sabi Sands, South Africa

“We knew a safari would be a special and once-in-a-lifetime experience,” affirms Madi of their incredible four-night stay at Londolozi Tree Camp, located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve within Kruger National Park. “The service was above and beyond any expectation,” Josh adds. The team went out of their way to make them feel special, even discovering their favorite food and drinks, so they were ready at all times, arranging special private meals, and curating unforgettable experiences.

One such escapade was during a surprise lunch in a tree house. “It was such a cool and special moment being alone just the two of us in the middle of the game reserve,” Josh confirms. “During lunch, we heard a deafening roar – the first time we had any kind of interaction with a lion. Afterwards, we told our guides where we thought we heard the roar, and we spent the afternoon chasing them down. We were successful and followed two gorgeous lions for the remainder of the afternoon.”

Photos courtesy of Londolozi Game Reserve

Each day, the team would wake the honeymooners with coffee or tea and pastries in their room before a sunrise morning game drive. Afterwards, they’d return to camp for breakfast, lunch, and relaxation – including an “amazing” couple’s massage one afternoon, followed by an afternoon game drive and dinner under the stars. “Everything was incredible!” says Madi. “We would return to Londolozi in a second!”

Photo courtesy of Madison and Josh Haberman

Highlights of Sabi Sands, South Africa

Savoring meals in surprise locations. “One night they set up a private dinner in our room with candles and flowers everywhere, and one day they drove us to the middle of the reserve and set up a private lunch in a tree house.”

Seeing a baby elephant. “He had just been born a couple hours before on one of our first game drives. Seeing that took my breath away and experiencing it with Josh was unbelievable.”

Relaxing in the bush. “Our guide and tracker, the same two wonderful people the whole trip, would stop to make us coffees during the morning game drives and sundowner cocktails on the afternoon game drives.”

Photo courtesy of Madison and Josh Haberman

Destination: Mahé, Seychelles

After such an adventurous destination, the honeymooners decided to end their trip on the beach. Although still a difficult travel experience – “you have to take two flights and stay over one night in Johannesburg,” explains Madi – they had heard Mahé Island in the Seychelles was the easiest beach to get to from Sabi Sands. When they finally arrived to their ocean-view villa at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, the newlyweds were thrilled to spend three nights unwinding at the stunning beach resort overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Besides a memorable catamaran day and a visit to the local Club Liberté Casino one night, Madi and Josh mostly stayed onsite at the exquisite property tucked away in the secluded horseshoe-shaped Petite Anse bay. “The beach was incredible, and we wanted to end the trip as lazily as possible,” affirms Madi, adding that they would conclude each day by jumping into the private pool at their villa before getting ready for dinner. “Getting to start with adventure and end on a relaxing note was perfect.”

Photo courtesy of Madison and Josh Haberman

Highlights of Mahé, Seychelles

Watching the sunset. “Every night, the hotel offered champagne at the highest point on property to watch the sunset.”

Sailing the turquoise waters. “We went snorkeling and the boat captain cooked us a meal of fresh seafood while on board!”

Playing Backgammon on the beach. “Every day we would relax on the beach with our tropical drinks – well my tropical drink, Josh’s beer – and play backgammon between running in and out of the water. Josh won the final tally, but it was close!”

Photo courtesy of Madison and Josh Haberman

South Africa & Seychelles Honeymoon Tips from Madison & Josh:

“Time of year is very important. I would recommend going over the summer – our winter – assuming you want warm weather.”

“What to pack is also very important, especially for a safari. I did not get dressed up at night, and I packed a lot of neutrals and athletic clothing for that part of the honeymoon.”

“For the Seychelles, it is beautiful, but there are many beautiful islands, so if it is too difficult to get to, then I would recommend a different island for a beach aspect of your honeymoon.”

“I loved how we ordered the trip. Because we waited a month before leaving for our honeymoon, we didn’t feel the need to start with a relaxing beach vacation.”

This story was originally published as a Travel Diaries feature in the Spring 2025 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. To order a copy of the Spring 2025 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings back issues available for purchase.