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holiday to United Arab Emirates & South Africa
Emma Louise Goldring and Ross Ethan Magee, 31st August 2025Our first safari experience was better than we could ever have imagined – it was the perfect honeymoon. The Mahlatini team were an absolute dream to work with. Planning a wedding is stressful enough and I honestly don’t think I could have managed organising a honeymoon on top of it – having them take care of everything felt like a huge weight lifted off our shoulders. As first-time visitors to South Africa, having their expert guidance and planning made all the difference. Every single detail was thought through so carefully – from the seamless transfers between hotels, airports and accommodation, to the incredible selection of places we stayed. Everything was completely stress free, allowing us to just relax and enjoy the whole experience. All of the accommodations were brilliant, with our safari lodge being the absolute highlight – we’ve come away with the most amazing memories that will last a lifetime. We are so grateful to Mahlatini for making our honeymoon everything we dreamed of, and more! We just want to do it all over again...
Accommodation Visited
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort
“We stayed here for three nights on our honeymoon during a layover in Dubai and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The room was spotless, modern and really comfortable. A special thank you to Logie, Jazz, and Shanza in the Club Lounge - they were so friendly, welcoming and made the best cocktails. Their warm hospitality made our stay extra special.”
Kensington Place
“We had the most wonderful stay at Kensington Place. From the moment we arrived, everything felt beautifully thought out and welcoming. Waking up to breathtaking views of Table Mountain from our balcony was unforgettable. The botanical Fijn amenities were a real treat and the heated carpet beside the bed made the room feel extra cosy. The whole building smelt beautiful and the interiors were stylishly designed, it felt like a true home-from-home. We loved the little turndown touches each evening, which made the stay feel extra special for our honeymoon. The staff were also incredibly helpful with our table reservations and made sure we felt relaxed and safe throughout our time there.”
The Last Word Franschhoek
“We had a lovely stay at The Last Word Franschhoek. The location was perfect, right in the heart of town yet still so peaceful. We loved the cosy fireplace next to the bar area and all the inviting little nooks that were perfect for relaxing with a G&T. Our room was incredibly spacious, with a lovely big bathtub that made it feel extra indulgent. The staff were all so friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and they went out of their way to answer all our questions about the local wine tram.”
Oliver's Restaurant and Lodge
“We only stayed one night, but it had everything we needed. The highlight was the food and wine, which were absolutely delicious. My husband also made use of the golf course right next to the hotel, which was such a nice touch. The spa facilities were fully booked, so I’d recommend booking treatments in advance as I have heard they are good!”
The Last Word Kitara
“It’s hard to put into words how we feel after leaving Last Word Kitara – we’ve come away with the most amazing, heartwarming memories that we will treasure forever. We loved absolutely everything about this place: the lodge itself, the staff, the food and of course, the game drives. Everyone made us feel so genuinely welcomed and cared for. Each morning we felt so excited to head out on our game drive – our guide Connor made it so much fun, and his incredible knowledge left us in awe. His passion and dedication meant we had some truly goosebump-worthy experiences, including getting us right up close to a pride of lions on a fresh impala kill, and then another pride the very next day with a buffalo kill. Even when it meant some serious off-road driving, he made sure we didn’t miss a moment. Our tracker Vusi was equally fantastic – his instinct for spotting wildlife was unbelievable. As it was our honeymoon, there were so many thoughtful touches, from a rose petal turndown to a private dinner one evening – both so special. One of our favourite memories has to be sitting on our private terrace with a G&T, watching a herd of elephants wander past – truly magical. We just didn't want to leave!”
Staff Review
“Karen and the wider Mahlatini team were fantastic – responses were always super quick, and the documentation they provided made everything really clear and easy to understand. It made the whole process smooth and stress-free”
