5 date night destinations not just for February

While Valentine’s Day makes the month of February the month of love, travel makes it easy to keep the spark alive throughout the year.

From weekend getaways in local reserves to sunset cruises and lantern-lit dinners under the stars, read on for our heart-melting selection of date night destinations to try throughout 2019.

A night under the stars

Where: Tala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

With accommodation starting from R1 090 per night until 14 March (including breakfast), Tala Game Reserve is just the place for a short, affordable getaway with a loved one. Located in Camperdown, the reserve is an easy drive from Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

For those planning a special Valentine’s Day, Tala is also hosting a movie night under the stars. The cost is R70 per person with picnic baskets available for pre-order.

Tala Game Reserve

A weekend in the wilderness

Where: Finfoot Lake Reserve, North West Province

Finfoot Lake Reserve is everything you could want in a romantic weekend, or week-long break. Close to Johannesburg (a 90-minutes’ drive), that much needed peace and quiet with your sweetheart is within easy reach.

Try something fun, like a canoe trip or a Segway safari, or relax on a sunset barge cruise. Currently, rates start from R2 640 per night, which includes breakfast, dinner and two activities.

Finfoot Lake Reserve

Dinner for two

Where: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, Western Cape

Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa sits quiet and unassuming, surrounded by magnificent mountain vistas. Their on-site Le Verger restaurant will catch your eye, with its glass conservatory-style design immersing diners in the atmosphere of the Cape Winelands.

Open Monday to Sunday, from 12h00 until 22h00, its ideal any time of the week but if you want to visit on Valentine’s Day, they offer a four-course meal, glass of bubbly and a gift for R425 per person. Book via reservations@lefranschhoek.co.za or contact 021 876 8900.

Le Verger restaurant

Love out on the lake

Where: Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa, KwaZulu-Natal

Why not spend a night or two together at the lake? The intimate setting at Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa is ideal for couples.

For stays until 14 March 2019, book two nights in a Classic Room for R2 550, which includes dinner and breakfast daily, and a 60-minute hot stone massage at the lodge’s Mangwanani Spa. End each day with a sunset cruise on the lake, with pre-dinner cocktails near the outdoor boma fireplace.

Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa

Head for the mountains

Where: Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, Western Cape

There isn’t a sunset in the world to compete with an African sunset, especially one from Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort. Watch the sizzling sun sink into the valley with a glass of something chilled.

To make the most of it, stay for dinner and book a room with a view from R1 120 per night with breakfast. Expect resort-type facilities, as well as hiking, mountain biking, target shooting, zip lining and volleyball available.

*All rates quoted are subject to terms and conditions.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.