Limpopo has earned the auspicious reputation of being a magical land of sheer variety and natural beauty. Nestled within its vast landscapes of forests, mountains, rivers, lakes and savannas is an abundance of stunning wedding venues, each designed to make your day unique and special within the most fabulous of surrounds. In addition, these venues are situated nearby to wedding suppliers, such as dressmakers and decorators, so that accessibility and convenience ensure the success of your big day.

Because of the great variety of landscapes and natural features, the prospective bridal couple will find the ideal venue to suit their style and budget in Limpopo. If you have decided to celebrate your union under the towering canopy of the rainforest, Magoebasberg venues (such as Bramasole) are ideal, as they border the forest in discreet elegance. A typical South African bushveld affair can be best enjoyed in places like the Waterberg (Itaga Private Game Reserve, Bergsig Eco Estate or Chateau Larize). Alternatively, the Makalali Private Game Reserve within the Valley of the Olifants guarantees a breath-taking scene of African valley vegetation and a mystical air of romance. Other popular venues include Ubumanzi Private Reserve, Thandeka Lodge, Kapama Game Reserve, Jembisa Lodge and Moholoholo. These are particularly ideal for authentic bush-style weddings.

Limpopo is also situated close to the world-acclaimed Kruger National Park. This park is home to a number of game lodges and reserves, each of which has a charm of its own. Some of these venues include the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, Buhala Game Lodge, Jock Safari Lodge and Pestana Kruger Lodge.

Umklewu Bushveld Lodge is only an hour from Pretoria in Gauteng and is not only well-equipped to handle weddings, but is also the perfect retreat for honeymooning couples.

Umklewu seats up to 80 guests in a beautifully decorated wedding venue, which is draped and decorated to create your fairytale reception. As part of their comprehensive wedding package, Umklewu provides the décor; flowers; draping; music (DJ or live band); design and printing of invitations, menus, etc…; on-site photographer and an on-site hairdresser. Such convenience means that the bridal couple can relax in the full confidence that their day will be every bit as beautiful as they have wished. An added convenience is the charming chapel on the premises, which means that the guests do not need to travel to the reception venue. In fact, there is accommodation for 50 guests at the Umklewu Lodge itself. The bridal couple will be treated like royalty in the opulent Honeymoon Suite, where they can enjoy their first moments as husband and wife.

For guests staying over or for the bridal couple that stays here for their honeymoon, Umklewu offers plenty to see and do, including:

• Hiking and walking trails
• Mountain biking trails
• Quad biking
• Swimming

Bushman’s Hide is another such treasure, nestled in secrecy within the Waterberg Biosphere Nature Reserve. As a number of game and bird species delight the eyes in their natural environment, couples that are celebrating their big day or enjoying their honeymoon are sure to find solace within these breath-taking surrounds. This private retreat was once the home of the Indigenous people of the same name. They left remnants of their lives and cultures here, adding a significant resonance to the beauty and impact of the venue.

While honeymooning at Bushman’s Hide, guests can:

•    Embark on game walks
•    Spot and identify birds and game
•    Have barbecues or romantic picnics in the bush
•    Take a game drive through the reserve
•    Go quad biking

This article was posted by Celebration.co.za - South Africa Wedding Guide.