For those of you searching for an elegant and romantic wedding in an exotic destination, an African wedding might just be the answer you are looking for. 

There are many reasons why couples travel from far and wide to get married in South Africa: the idyllic climate, a wide choice of spectacular settings, romantic wedding venues (minus the long waiting lists), renowned food, wine and service, proximity to exotic honeymoon destinations and, lest you forget, great value for money.  For the more cynical among you it is also a great way of weeding out those free-loaders that you didn’t really want there anyway!   

For guests too South Africa has proved a surprisingly popular choice.  So if you thought you could send out masses of invitations and still get away with an intimate wedding surrounded by only the very closest family and friends, think again.  It is not unusual for overseas wedding parties to exceed 50 guests and celebrations with 120 overseas guests are not unheard of.

Be warned that organising a wedding abroad has the potential to be a stressful experience if not handled correctly.  Our advice is either make use of a reliable and experienced wedding coordinator or keep things simple by selecting the right venue for your needs and keeping all arrangements in-house.   Hidden Vintage now offers a dedicated wedding coordination service through our Stellenbosch based partner Aleit, a professional wedding coordination company with years of experience in organizing lavish weddings for overseas couples that never fail to surpass expectations.

Contact info@hiddenvintage.com for more info or visit the African Weddings page on our website.

The Eastern Cape has quickly become one of South Africa’s most popular safari destinations.  It is easily combined with a visit to the Garden Route and boasts a selection of ‘Big Five’ reserves and sumptuous 5 star lodges in a malaria free region.  For many a visit here is all about an intense game experience, immersing oneself deep in the African bush and ticking off as many of the ‘Big Five’ and other animals as possible.  However for those looking for a more laid back and broader Eastern Cape experience The Elephant House really comes into its own.

Situated on a working stud farm only minutes away from the main gate to the Addo Elephant National Park, the Elephant House is a combination of a relaxing, country retreat and a game lodge.  Though there is plenty to do for the adventurous soul, including open vehicle game drives into Addo, day visits to other of the regions game reserves, a valley tour through the famous citrus groves of the Sundays River Valley and historical day tours, there is also ample opportunity to simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.  Nothing beats a bit of ‘time out’ during your holidays and this is the perfect place for it. 

Ideal for honeymoons to family holidays the Elephant House has that special atmosphere unique to an intimate, owner run lodge.  Make yourself at home in the inviting couches of the wrap around verandas, enjoy a complimentary massage in the treatment centre, relax at one of the two pools and in the evenings relish the starlit dinners.  Your enthusiastic and gregarious hosts Clive and Anne Read have truly created one of the gems of the Eastern Cape.

* 3 Nights for the Price of 2 at Elephant House:
3 Nights B&B from R1,000 (€ 105) per person sharing.
4 nights B&B from R1,500 (€ 160) per person sharing + complimentary dinner for 2.
Valid:  01 May – 30 Sept ’07 .

3 nights B&B from R1,500 (€ 105) per person sharing + complimentary dinner for 2.
Valid:  01 – 30 April ’07

* nights can be combined with the Elephant House’s sister property The Windermere in Port Elizabeth.  Rates on request.

As the summer season draws to a close in South Africa more and more special offers will become available.  Below is a pre-selection to whet the appetite:

Five Rivers Safari Special
If you’ve got the chance to organize a last minute safari to Botswana you won’t want to miss this opportunity.  Create your ideal safari itinerary from any combination of 9 fully inclusive lodges before the end of March for only US$ 280 / person sharing / night

Valid until 31st March ‘07

O on Kloof – Cape Town
Enjoy a complimentary 3 course dinner and a bottle of bubbly when you book a 3 night stay or longer in the stylish O on Kloof, one of Cape Town’s most sought after contemporary boutique hotels overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the fashionable suburb of Bantry Bay.

Valid until 30th September ‘07

Mont Rochelle - Cape Winelands
Exclusive to Hidden Vintage book 3 nights in the Mont Rochelle Hotel in Franschhoek with its exceptional views and award winning cuisine and only pay for 2. 

Valid until 30th April ‘07

Tsala Treetop Lodge & Gorah Elephant Camp – Garden Route and Addo
Combine two of the most sought after addresses in the Garden Route and the Addo Elephant National Park with this exceptional offer.  Stay for 4 nights in a combination of Tsala and Gorah and only pay for 3, plus enjoy one complimentary dinner OR stay 7 nights and only pay for 5, plus 2 complimentary dinners.

Valid from 16 April to 15 September ‘07

Thonga Beach Lodge – KwaZulu-Natal
A beach holiday the way nature intended it.  Enjoy scuba diving the colourful reefs of northern Maputaland and relax on isolated beaches surrounded by untouched wilderness while soaking up the barefoot luxury of Thonga Beach Lodge.

3 nights for the price of 2
Valid from 1st May to 30th June ‘07

Jatinga Country Lodge – Panorama Route
The Panorma Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic regions.  Take time out to relax and unwind before of after your Kruger safari with 3 nights for the price of 2 in Jatinga Country Lodge.

Valid from 1st May to 30th June ‘07

More Sizzling Specials…
From complementary massage treatments to 3 nights for the price of 2, make the most of our selection of individual special offers and create your own special holiday itinerary.

 Note:  Euro prices subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

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