A friend recently became the romantic hero of our group by proposing to his girlfriend at the top of Lion’s Head. The hike up was a killer but when they got to the top and found a pre-set dinner table (done by loyal and brawny friends) under the moonlight, a very romantic proposal was hatched. Now the search is on for the best spots to propose, here’s our list, in no particular order:

1.    Oppikopi Rock Festival in Northam
The camping aspect of this festival makes it one of the unlikeliest places for a romantic proposal. But the opportunity to ask someone to marry you just when their favourite song is playing live on stage is too hip to be corny. By the way, sobriety is key for this.

2.    A Yacht in Camps Bay
If you can afford it, proposing on a yacht moored in Camps Bay could go down deliciously. The obvious thing with this plan is to make sure your partner doesn’t suffer from sea sickness.

3.    Diaz Beach at Cape Point
The sparkling white sand alone makes it one of the best beaches in Cape Town. It’s accessible on foot from Cape Point. Just don’t run into the ocean, delirious with joy because the currents are strong and the water is icy.

4.    Table Mountain
This is an oldie but such a goodie. The panoramic views of Cape Town, Robben Island, Table View and the Cape Peninsula are the only witnesses you’ll need for a very romantic proposal.

5.    Madame Zingara’s
After the original Cape Town restaurant burned down this gypsy themed restaurant has been reincarnated as a traveling circus-like tent between Cape Town and Johannesburg. It’s a spectacular meeting of food and theatre. Popping the question at a setting like this should go down very well.

6.    The Kalahari Desert
My friend Zane poetically put it like this, “The wide, open sky of the Kalahari humbles you and puts the frailty and transience of the human experience in perspective.” Once in the desert, you probably won’t need to wax this lyrical to get your proposal accepted.

7.    Victoria Falls
This is another obvious one but the sheer majesty of the Victoria Falls means this spot will never go out of style with the romantics.

8.    Graskop, Mpumalanga
If you can’t afford to stage a proposal in Switzerland you might consider Graskop. It stands at 1 490m above sea level where the sky is blue and completely smog free. The wooden huts, the fire places found in every pub, the mountains and the pine trees give this place an otherworldly character.

9.    Hot Air Balloon In Kwazulu-Natal
Up in the sky, looking down on the on the KZN midlands and the edge of the Drakensberg Mountains ending with a champagne breakfast; proposing on a Hot Air Balloon is sure to memorable.

10.    Your Bath
The bath tub, if shared, could turn out to be one of the most romantic places to pop the question. Make sure it’s big enough though!