Did you know that you don’t need to go to the canals of Venice Italy to experience the magic and romance of a gondola ride? You and your sweetheart can enjoy a laid back hour or two on a romantic gondola ride, just floating down the canals without a care in the world, right here in Durban. Departure for this is from Zulumoon Gondola Rides at Durban’s Point Waterfront next to uShaka Marine World, so once you’re back from your trip along the canals, you could spend some time at the water park, enjoying the rides or going on a sight-seeing tour. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Make sure that you go when it’s cool, i.e. early or late in the afternoon as the midday sun can get pretty hot!

The spectacular scenery of hot air ballooning in the Natal Midlands and Drakensberg region of Kwazulu-Natal is one for the romantics. Sky adventures also offer tailor-made proposal and wedding packages on request. Gently float up into the sky, and admire the spectacular aerial views, as you whisper sweet nothings to each other and sail among the clouds. Upon landing, you will also be treated to a champagne breakfast. So… what is a hot air balloon experience like? Well, not only is it romantic, but for many, it is an adventure that not only offers the thrill of floating high up in the sky, but also the peaceful serenity of our beautiful province. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Casual outdoor clothes are recommended since you’ll most definitely go for a walk in the countryside afterward. Thus good solid walking boots would be best.

This is probably one of the best-kept secrets in KZN and if your budget allows it, Karkloof Spa is the ultimate romantic spa getaway. They have, after all, been voted the best safari spa in the world and are only a stone’s throw away from the city, hidden in the Karkloof Valley. It’s a place where from the moment of your arrival, you know it’s going to exceed all expectations.

Built to embrace the natural environment, the world-renowned Karkloof Safari Spa features 17 generous treatment rooms, all with wonderful views over the native bush and surrounding gardens. The eco-design incorporates natural materials, with thatch and living roofs, which invite the game to graze gracefully in full view. Facilities include a glass-fronted, four-chair manicure and pedicure lounge, a Moroccan-flavoured Rasoul, a floatation pool, Kneipp therapy pools, open-air Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, and the Reflections Lounge.

A luxurious venue on water…La Vue is the only Floating Restaurant and Events Venue in South Africa. This 85-foot luxury catamaran offers a variety of recreational entertainment options. Set sail on this magnificent 200 seater passenger vessel, and live your own “romantic city experience.”

La Vue features 2 amazing decks, 2 full bars, and a dance floor! Begin your journey topside and stroll the outdoor deck under the stars, taking in all the sights of the Durban skyline while sipping on one of their designer cocktails. On the deck below, you will find a cosmopolitan dining deck, which offers fine-dining cuisine. The cozy climate-controlled decks are the ideal venue for romantic dinners (especially in the humid Durban summers)! You will also be treated to a variety of performers who provide entertainment during your meal. Custom charters are available for those who would like to design their own special experience. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Ladies, wear comfortable shoes, as it’s quite a task getting onto the yacht and down the spiral staircases with extremely high heels.

Experience the thrill of rafting on one of South Africa’s best white water rivers: the Umkomaas, Zulu name ‘Mkomazi’ – “place of the cows”, with Umkomaas Rafting Adventures. Situated in rural KwaZulu-Natal between Richmond and Creighton, the Umkomaas River offers warm, high-volume white water, interspersed with short pools to get your breath back and take in the beauty of its untouched valley and gorges.

The Umkomaas River originates in Giant’s Castle and follows a winding course down to the Indian Ocean. The white water rafting trips take place in a valley that lies just 95 km from Durban and 65 km from Pietermaritzburg. Summertime rafting on the Umkomaas is typically Grade 3, however, when the mighty African thunderstorms unleash themselves on the Drakensburg, this becomes a fast-flowing, high volume Grade 4 river. No previous rafting experience is necessary; however, participants must be reasonably fit to handle the physical nature of the rafting. Their river guides are amongst the most experienced white water paddlers in the country to ensure that your experience is safe and memorable. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Remember to plan your trip, as rafting on the Umkomaas is ONLY available in mid-summer months (generally November through to April) as the river level is highly dependent on rainfall in the catchment.

There is something magical about riding into the sunset with your sweetheart. Now you can experience the perfect Beach Sunset Rides with Horse Beach Rides on the beautiful Reunion beach in the south of Durban. They are one of the very few establishments in South Africa that does horse riding trails after dark!

Watch the sun setting and the moon rising on the beach from horseback. You will enjoy a magical adventure on a 12km horse trail bathed in the light of the moon. These especially romantic and magical rides take you along their regular beach trail, but leaving in the late afternoon when you are likely to see the magnificent changing colors of the sky as the sun is setting over the horizon, experience the magical sight of the moon rising over the sea, and to be able to ride through the bush with only the light of the moon showing you the way and learning to really trust your steed.
Horse Beach Rides always take the greatest precautions on safety levels, and therefore all riding in the dark is kept to a walk only. They also ensure that the horses and riders have high-visibility equipment when doing any riding in public areas after dark. OUR RECOMMENDATION: This ride is suitable for advanced or novice riders, so if you have never been on a horse before, we suggest you go on a ride in the day before your attempt the moonlit ride.