Sunninghill Gardens

Welcome Party at the Penman's

Lunikhy Game Lodge

Before we say 'I Do' Braai

Wedding Day

Brunch with the Newlyweds

Our Wedding

A message from the Bride and Groom We are excited for our friends and family to join us in South Africa to celebrate our nuptials! Our wedding celebrations will mark the first time our nearest and dearest from across the world will be together in one place. Each one of you has played an important role in either one, or in some cases, both of our lives and we can't wait for you to join us in the African bushveld as we take the next step in our adventure together. ​​​​​ We appreciate the great distances our family and friends will be travelling to celebrate our special day and we would like to spend as much time as possible with you! In the spirit of celebrating, we have planned several wedding events in the lead up and after the wedding day. With love,Jack and Jess

Message from the Bride and Groom

Welcome Party

 5 Kitui Close, Sunninghill, Sandton, 2157, South Africa.

Before we say "I do" Braai

 Lunikhy Game Lodge, 42 Kalkfontein, Bela Bela, 0480, South Africa

The Wedding Day

Wedding Events

About LunikhyLunikhy Game Reserve is located just outside of Pretoria near Bela-Bela in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The reserve comprises of 2800 hectares of unspoilt African bushveld and is home to various wildlife from Buffalo, Giraffe, Sable, Roan, Eland, Wildebeest and much more! Getting to LunikhyWe will be putting on transportation for all our guests to Lunikhy on Friday the 5th of September 2025. For any guests that wish to join for the Wedding Ceremony on Saturday the 6th of September, or guests that would rather make their own way to Lunihky on the Friday, please see the directions below.Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/33BV3tdhmqrH1APW7 Complimentary transport to LunikhyA shuttle will depart a designated pick up stop in Sunninghill on Friday 5th of September and take you directly to Lunikhy. After brunch and farewell's on Sunday, a shuttle will pick up guests from Lunikhy and take them back to Sunninghill. For reference, the journey from Sunninghill to Lunikhy will take 1 hour 20 minutes approximately.

Travel to Lunikhy

Accommadation at LunikhyLunikhy Game Reserve offers various self-catering accommodation options from chalets to single occupancy rooms. There is sufficient accommodation for all of our guests to stay onsite with us for the duration of the wedding weekend. To reserve accommodation for the 5th and/or 6th of September 2025, please contact the Bride and Groom. Please RVSP your accommodation with us by the 1st of January 2025 so we can reserve your preferred accommodation type and ensure a seamless experience for you! For reference, the approximate price for accommodation varies from £35 per person per night to £55pp.

Accommodation at Lunikhy

Photos

Wedding Party

A note from Jess and JackAs mentioned in our wedding events schedule, the Penman's will be hosting a Welcome Party at their beautiful home in Sunninghill Gardens! With this in mind, we'd like to highly recommend that guests stay outside of Johannesburg and in the suburbs of Sandton, particularly Sunninghill. This area would make a great base for not only the Wedding Welcome Party but also day's out exploring nearby attractions. Note, the complementary transportation put on by Jack and Jess to the Wedding venue on Friday the 5th of September, will also pick up guests from Sunninghill.

The 4-star guesthouse is within the same gated community as Jess' family! For our friends and family joining us at the 'Welcome Party', this guesthouse is within walking distance of the Penman's family home! The Guesthouse features garden views, an outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace.. There is free private parking and the property provides paid airport shuttle service.Chalets at the guesthouse are equipped with a desk and a flat-screen TV. Every unit includes a kettle, a private bathroom and free WiFi, while selected rooms are equipped with a patio and some have pool views.For visitors looking to embark on day trips to nearby landmarks, the guest house offers a selection of packed lunches.Booking.com link: <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/sunninghill-guest-lodges.en-gb.html?aid=356983&amp;label=gog235jc-1DCAso-wFCGHN1bm5pbmdoaWxsLWd1ZXN0LWxvZGdlc0gzWANoUIgBAZgBCbgBF8gBDNgBA-gBAYgCAagCA7gCw8PztAbAAgHSAiQ5ZjVmMTc0OC02MDIyLTRhZGYtODJlZi1mNzhjYWMyMmViZmLYAgTgAgE&amp;sid=05fc41c92481115d6817f87d00ea0163&amp;dist=0&amp;keep_landing=1&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;type=total&amp;activeTab=main" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunninghill Guest Lodges, Johannesburg (updated prices 2024) (booking.com)</a>

Sunninghill Guest Lodge

The City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City is located in Waterfall City, midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. For reference, this hotel is a 10 minute drive or Uber to Sunninghill Gardens where the wedding Welcome Party will be held at the Penman family home.The hotel is situated within a business and leisure district, close to the iconic Mall of Africa and Waterfall Corner and their vast selection of retail, dining and entertainment offerings.This hotel features a café and restaurant, uncapped WiFi, sundowner bar, fitness room and sparkling swimming pool. Booking.com link: <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/city-lodge-waterfall-city.en-gb.html?aid=318615&amp;label=New_English_EN_GBIE_5226314545-RnYQj*qnIkYg15Re*SD5mgS634117827792%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atidsa-64415224945%3Alp9045661%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Aag5226314545%3Acmp108539665&amp;sid=05fc41c92481115d6817f87d00ea0163&amp;dest_id=437319&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;hpos=1&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;srepoch=1721558343&amp;srpvid=9ba64adf5e2307f3&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;activeTab=main" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City, Midrand (updated prices 2024) (booking.com)</a>

City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City

Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Riboville Boutique Hotel And Restaurant Situated a 30-minute drive away from the city centre of Johannesburg, Riboville Boutique Hotel And Restaurant features a restaurant and a fitness centre. The hotel is a 5 minute drive or Uber from Sunninghill Gardens, where Jess's family will be hosting the Welcome Party. The rooms at the Riboville Boutique Hotel offer balcony views of either the dam or the surrounding polo fields. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar and en-suite bathrooms. The onsite restaurant serves modern and contemporary gourmet cuisine and opens up onto a terrace. The property also offers free parking and WiFi. Booking.com link: <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/tintswalo-waterfall-johannesburg.en-gb.html?label=gog235jc-1DCAso-wFCGHN1bm5pbmdoaWxsLWd1ZXN0LWxvZGdlc0gzWANoUIgBAZgBCbgBF8gBDNgBA-gBAYgCAagCA7gCw8PztAbAAgHSAiQ5ZjVmMTc0OC02MDIyLTRhZGYtODJlZi1mNzhjYWMyMmViZmLYAgTgAgE&amp;sid=05fc41c92481115d6817f87d00ea0163&amp;aid=356983&amp;ucfs=1&amp;dest_id=-1240261&amp;dest_type=city&amp;group_adults=2&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_children=0&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;atlas_src=sr_iw_title" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Riboville Boutique Hotel And Restaurant, Midrand (updated prices 2024) (booking.com)</a>

Riboville Boutique Hotel and Restaurant

We've given a few accommodation options here but feel free to search Booking.com and Airbnb for other equally suitable accommodation options in the area!

Sunninghill Accommodation Options

Registry

Travelling from the United Kingdom to South Africa

International and Domestic FlightsA number of international airlines fly directly to South Africa’s major cities, with&nbsp;Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban the most popular. For our friends and family travelling from the UK, you can fly direct from London to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport and Cape Town airport. Direct flights are typically 11 hours. In-direct flights from London to South Africa are also available, should you wish to break up the journey with a layover in Europe or the Middle East. Manchester and Birmingham airports also schedule in-direct flights to both Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport and Cape Town airport. We recommend guests fly into Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport if they are beginning their holiday with the wedding. Once you are in South Africa, there are regular domestic and regional flights operating out of both Johannesburg O.R. Tambo and Cape Town airport which can get you to the main tourist destinations.

Getting around South Africa

Once in the country, there are many modes of transport which are safe to use. Please note, we do not recommend public transport like minibus taxi's and buses however we often use Uber and we often self drive whenever we are in the country. Organised transportation optionsIf you would prefer to have organised transport and guided tours for the duration of your holiday, there are excellent local guides and various private transportation options. If you would like some help organising private transportation and transfers, please contact our family friend Ellie Parkinson, who operates as an independent Travel Agent. For more information on how to contact Ellie, see the Travel Expert tab above! Self-drive transportation optionsSouth Africa is an excellent self-drive destination and we highly recommend this method for confident drivers who want the freedom to travel around the country. There are many car hire locations all around the country; at all major airports, in city centres and a number in larger towns. Most car hire companies will have a choice of vehicles from urban runabouts, luxury saloons to pick-up trucks and SUV!&nbsp;Please see our care hire recommendations below. What should you be aware of if you want to self drive?South Africans drive on the left and give way to the right. The South African government advises UK drivers to obtain an international driver’s permit if they wish to drive within the country. International driving licenses are easy to buy from most Post Offices in the UK for approximately £5. Driving in South Africa is easy to adapt to with most signposting in English. In general, speed limits are 120 km/h (75 miles) on highways and 60 km/h (37 miles) in towns and cities. There are a number of toll roads in South Africa that are clearly indicated well before reaching the toll stations. Car hire companiesThere are a number of car rental companies and locations which allow you to find the best rates and location to collect and return your hire car.&nbsp;We often rent a hire car once we land at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport. The airport is home to various car rental companies, we recommend Avis, Sixt, Europcar and Budget.

Travelling to South Africa

A note from Jack and JessWe might be bias but South Africa is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse country in the world! For our outdoorsy friends, we recommend the grand peaks of the Drakensberg, surfing at the world-famous waves at Jeffreys Bay and exploring the trails of Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. For our wildlife lovers, a Big-Five safari will most definitely be on your agenda! However, don’t neglect the African penguin colonies in the Cape or whale watching, September is a great time to see migratory southern right or humpback whales! If you’re interested in history, South Africa has excellent museums and important sites to visit, including the District Six Museum and Robben Island, both of which are in Cape Town.&nbsp;

Johannesburg Recommendations

Known as the “City of Gold”, Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and built on a long history of gold mining. The city offers exciting indoor and outdoor activities, here are some of our recommendations!Sun CitySun City offers an unmatched array of experiences for families. The Valley of Waves is a water lover’s paradise with exhilarating slides and a stunning beach. For our avid golfers, challenge yourself on two world-class golf courses designed by Gary Player.&nbsp;The Cradle of Humankind The Cradle of Humankind covers an area of 47 000 hectares with fossilized remains of ancient animals, plants, and, most interesting, hominids can be found in the area’s dolomitic limestone caves.&nbsp;Walter Sisulu National Botanical GardensThe nature reserve is home to an&nbsp;abundance of wildlife with about 240 bird species recorded on site, namely a breeding pair of Verreaux's Eagles.&nbsp;Gold Reef CityBuilt on the site of a former gold mine, Gold Reef City is a theme park which provides entertainment for both children and adultsSoweto TowersFor our adventurous friends, the towers&nbsp;are used for extreme sports such as bungee jumping, abseiling, zip-lining, pendulum swinging and SCAD falling.Magaliesberg Drive an hour north from Johannesburg along the R512 and you will find the Magaliesberg mountain range. There you can admire the Hartbeespoort Dam by aerial cableway or on foot, stroll around curio markets and visit an elephant sanctuary which provides a safe haven for African elephants. We highly recommend the Bill's Harrop's hot air balloon flight over the Magalies River Valley, it's one for the bucket list!&nbsp;

Ride the only&nbsp;aerial cable car&nbsp;in all of South Africa and enjoy amazing views along the way!

Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort

The Elephant Sanctuary offers an interactive elephant experience.

Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort

Bill Harrop's Balloon Safaris

Game Reserve Recommendations

Kruger National ParkThe Kruger National Park is world-renowned and a family favourite for the Penman's, not to mention the location of where Jack proposed to Jess! Kruger is South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary with 4.9 million acres of unrivalled wilderness and wildlife land, and home to, not only the Big Five, but more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve. Jess and Jack recommend staying around and entering the reserve at Crocodile Bridge Gate, the most eastern entrance. Our accommodation recommendations include Ngwenya Lodge, Buckler's Africa or Airbnb properties in Marloth Park, see links below. Please note, Kruger is a 5 hour drive from Johannesburg.Accommodation at Ngwenya: <a href="https://www.ngwenya.co.za/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ngwenya Lodge</a>Accommodation at Buckler's Africa: <a href="https://tingana.co.za/bucklers-lodge/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bucklers Lodge | Tingana</a>Airbnb properties in Marloth Park: <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/s/Marloth-Park--South-Africa/homes?refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;place_id=ChIJEQ0dFxHb5x4RFqQDjla9sOw&amp;checkin=2025-09-08&amp;checkout=2025-09-12&amp;adults=1&amp;tab_id=home_tab&amp;query=Marloth%20Park%2C%20South%20Africa&amp;flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&amp;monthly_start_date=2024-08-01&amp;monthly_length=3&amp;monthly_end_date=2024-11-01&amp;search_mode=regular_search&amp;price_filter_input_type=2&amp;price_filter_num_nights=4&amp;channel=EXPLORE&amp;ne_lat=-25.29131191377894&amp;ne_lng=31.81162957153748&amp;sw_lat=-25.47305658071948&amp;sw_lng=31.67781141363318&amp;zoom=12.034232378093048&amp;zoom_level=12.034232378093048&amp;search_by_map=true&amp;search_type=user_map_move" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airbnb | Marloth Park – Holiday Rentals &amp; Places to Stay - Mpumalanga</a>

Pilanesberg National ParkThe Pilanesberg Park is within 2 hours of Johannesburg in a&nbsp;malaria-free&nbsp;zone. The Pilanesberg's accessibility and captivating scenery make it&nbsp;must for nature enthusiasts wanting a safari experience a little closer to Johannesburg. The park is home to lions, elephants, black rhinos, white rhinos, Cape buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles! Accommodation in the Pilanesberg ranges from camping sites and caravanning to luxury private lodges. Note, Jack and I stayed at Shepherd's Tree in January 2024 and we couldn't speak higher of the luxury experience.

Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

Cape Town Recommendations

We highly recommend a visit to Cape Town, the city has a wealth of historical sites, natural wonders, cafes, hikes, beaches, diverse cuisines, lively nightlife not to mention plenty surfing opportunities! Some of our must do activities in Cape Town include:Table MountainThere are multiple hiking routes up Table Mountain but the quickest way up is via the cable car. The views from the top outlook over the Atlantic, the pointed peak of Lion’s Head, Robben Island and across the city.&nbsp;Lion’s HeadOne of the more popular hikes in Cape Town is Lion’s Head. It’s a challenging but rewarding climb and is an excellent sunset spot!The Garden RouteThe Garden Route is a scenic, coastal stretch of road spans around 124 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River.Visit the VineyardsTake a drive to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, between 1 to 2 hours outside of Cape Town, and have a delicious lunch accompanied with wine tasting at any of the beautiful farms or wine estates. There are dozens of wine farm's to visit, from luxury estates to rustic tasting rooms in old Cape Dutch farmhouses. Logistics are easier in Franschhoek, where we would recommend the Wine Tram which means no one needs to be a designated driver! Note, we have pinned Delaire Graff&nbsp;Estate below, it's a firm family favourite and a must for anyone visiting Stellenbosch. Robben IslandRobben island is home to a prison that held anti-apartheid activists, famous names such as Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela, as well as many hundreds of people who risked their lives in the struggle for freedom. Note, ferries leave from the V&amp;A Waterfront and the journey takes about 45 minutes.Whale watchingHermanus is considered the whale-watching capital of South Africa. Grab a boat trip from the V&amp;A waterfront or watch the southern right whales from land! Often during mating and calving seasons, whales come so close to shore that they can seen from land, this is typically between June and November.&nbsp;

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Delaire Graff Wine Estate

Things to Do

Want some help planning your holiday...let me introduce Ellie!

First a note from JessHello all! Jack and I are truly grateful and touched that so many of you want to travel to South Africa to be a part of our big day! For some of you, it will be your first time travelling to the Southern hemisphere and we understand you might have a few questions! While Jack and I are happy to give our own recommendations and share our experiences, I wanted to introduce you to a close friend of mine who operates as an independent Travel Agent, for anyone wanting assistance planning their holiday to South Africa. For those of you who don’t know Ellie, we’ve been best friend's ever since we bumped into each at a university netball try-out. Flashforward ten years and we have been inseparable, we've travelled the world, shared many special milestones and made incredible memories in the process. When Jack and I got engaged, I asked her almost immediately to be my Maid of Honour and in the same breath, help plan our honeymoon!

A note from EllieHello all! I am very much looking to meeting you all next year at Jack and Jess’ wedding! I’ve travelled several times to South Africa and on occasions stayed with the Penman’s, so I like to think of myself as an honorary family member! For a bit of background, I work for an award-winning travel company ‘Not Just Travel’ which gives me access to a multitude of specialist suppliers worldwide, including Africa, who I work with to tailor make a trip that works best for you&nbsp;and your family! I myself will be travelling with my family to Johannesburg for the wedding; we plan to make the most of our time with safari tours, cultural days out and a trip to Cape Town to whale watch! If you would like some help organising your holiday, I can offer expert advice and share my own personal experiences to make the most of your time in South Africa. As your personal Travel Agent, I will take care of everything to ensure you have a stress-free holiday with ABTA and ATOL holiday protection. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your holiday ideas! Get touch by mobile 07359 782941 or by email at ellie.parkinson@notjusttravel.com.

Jack & Jessica

Jack & Jessica

Travel to Lunikhy