Monday, February 13, 2012

Find love at one of these romantic spots


[This was written by Fran Siebrits and Kate Collins, and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

We’ve got the right ideas when it comes to romantic inspiration; just have a look at our choice of dreamy destinations. Here are our suggestions for making the month of love one to share in the wild…



1. Pack chocolates and strawberries for a moonlit game drive
Nothing scores more brownie points than a romantic fix of chocolates, sensual strawberries and a magnificent moonlight drive.

Here are a few suggestions from Fran and Kate on the Wild team...
       
Kate                             Fran
Kate: "Mokala National Park will offer night-time splendour."
Fran: "For the real bushveld experience, and to maximise a romantic night, Kruger comes out top."
2. Enjoy a sunset champagne at a beautiful viewpoint
It's no wonder that this option came out tops in our monthly online poll – it has all the elements one needs to sweep your date off his or her feet.

Augrabies Falls National Park. Photograph by Kate Collins
Our suggestions:
Kate:
"Find your way to Augrabies and listen to the thundering sound of the mighty falls, an impressive sight at any time of day, made more romantic by the setting sun.”
Fran: "If you are lucky enough to be camping in the Richtersveld over Valentine's Day, any koppie will do – you can't go wrong with the combination of raw beauty and dramatic splendour."

3. Prepare a special dinner for your Valentine

Because this option requires a little more effort, even if the meal flops the effort should be appreciated (depending on who you are cooking for, that is).

Above: Kate tries her hand at cooking at Albert Falls Dam

Our suggestions: 
Kate: "Excite your appetite at Albert Falls Dam, KZN, where all sorts of small antelope as well as zebra roam happily between the chalets."
Fran: "When staying at one of the magnificent Storms River Mouth’s self-catering or camping options, it's easy to get carried away with creative cooking."

4. Hike and surprise your partner with a gourmet picnic

Rather than an early sunrise start, which may not make you popular with the partner, celebrate the day-end with a sunset stroll and a deliciously prepared meal.

Our suggestions:
Kate: "The Cederberg offers accessible hiking paths where rock formations seem almost other-worldly and where trees provide refreshing shade for a picnic, even for gourmet standards."
Fran: "In Tankwa Karoo National Park, even a short hike up a small koppie will leave you breathless from the beauty... a perfect place for romanticism."

Relaxing at the Elandsberg Cottages in the Tankwa Karoo National Park. Photograph by Karin Schermbrucker

5.Propose to your Valentine at your favourite spot

Here is a poem written by Fran And Kate, to inspire you beyond your usual limits.

If you are keen, then take it to the extreme
Get a ring, for little Miss Thing
Pop some bubbly, then get cuddly
If this is a flop, then you should hop
Away from rejection, it's only natural selection
So don't feel bad, the park is still rad   
That's enough for rhyming, it's all about timing
Best of luck, why not spot a buck?!

6.Take the easy, but still romantic, option and dine at a park restaurant surrounded by nature.
As you all know, facilities at all Wild Card parks and reserves are fantastic, especially the restaurants.
Our suggestions:
Kate: "Find yourself on the deck of the Izimbali Restaurant in Giant's Castle sipping champagne and nibbling on hors d'oeuvres before your evening meal.”
Fran: "Surround yourself by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, while enjoying scrumptious seafood and top quality Cape wines at the Two Oceans Restaurant in Cape Point."

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