My absolute favourite part of my work is getting to meet and photograph my couples on a Safari Elopement in the Bushveld. Kendall and Nick are all the way from Australia and Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps stole their hearts when they visited a few years ago.
Kendall even remembered that she had written in their guest book that it would be a dream to get married here. And so their dream came true! Sharing it with friends and family made it even more memorable. It was truly an honour to be part of your unique wedding day.
Other venues that come highly recommended:
Misava Safari Camp is a real gem. Small and intimate with a setting in the Klaserie Drift Private Game Reserve with boundless African plains spreading beside the meandering river. What better way for this adventurous couple to celebrate their life together than by embarking on a post-vow Safari Game Drive with champagne and cake naturally part of the deal?
Chitwa Chitwa, with its uncomplicated yet spacious rooms, are divine! They house modern accommodations with decks and private plunge pools overlooking the magnificent bushveld. They cater to various preferences, from going for a workout in their gym before the ceremony to traditional dancing that ends the exciting game drives.
Return Africa is the ultimate African Safari at the Pafuri Tented Camp in Northern Kruger. They offer African escapes in various locations and are the ideal place to host your ceremony. Because they situate alongside the river, there are endless opportunities for fantastic animal sights, and you can hear the hippos nearby.
Monwana Game Lodge is named after the Monwana River that runs through it and is the lifeblood of Thornybush Private Nature Reserve. Thornybush forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park as it removed its fence only five years ago in February 2017. Of the twelve lodges in Thonybush, Monwana is its newest.
The rooms are perfectly curated to merge nature and luxury. It also has a beautiful spa, all kitted for the best relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. There are many options and spaces for breakfast, lunch or supper and their menu has an excellent range for anyone.
Although any time in the bushveld promises to be magical, certain months take preference. Here’s why:
Between March and May: In the pre-winter or winter, the veld is dry, and the deciduous trees turn brown and drop their leaves. Sights are picturesque as everything seems golden in colour – a perfect match for skin tones and beautiful photographs. Pleasant temperatures make for warm days, low humidity and virtually no rainfall, and dipping night-time temperatures. You can easily spot the animals frequenting waterholes and rivers.
Between September and November: Temperatures are higher with a wet summer season. Birds come out to play, and baby animals are everywhere during spring.
A smaller wedding simplifies traditional marriage celebrations and leaves you with everything that matters to you. Your wedding day is about you, your partner, and those closest to you. You remove the add-ons to make way for the unforgettable. As a photographer, I treasure part-taking in the lasting memories of any intimate marriage celebration.
Kendall and Nick it was an unforgettable experience. You two are gorgeous, and I am sure this is a day you will never forget.
Are you thinking of planning your own intimate Safari wedding? Contact me today.
All those that had a hand and heart in the day:
Wedding Planning: Lujo Safari Weddings | Venue: Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps | Dress: Chosen By One Day | Earrings: Jeanette Maree | Shoes: Raye | Rings: Krystle Night Jewellery & Melanie Casey Jewelry | Bridesmaids Dresses: Sheike & Co. | Guys Suits: Boss & Industrie Clothing