As popular as Tanzania has become as a honeymoon destination, its appeal is still not known to everyone. So, we’re here to spread the word! For those couples looking to share an extraordinary experience in one of the world’s most exotic and fascinating destinations, Tanzania is calling. Romance. Indescribable scenic beauty. Experiences stimulating your senses and soothing your soul.

Form a bond by reconnecting with nature and your roots. Tanzania is a destination of uniquely astonishing features. Its vast beauty, rich culture, and diversity of destinations – beaches, mountains, endless savannahs, jungle, and archaeological treasures – are second to none.

A Tanzania honeymoon safari ticks that ‘something special’ box for sure. How could there be a better way to kick off your marriage? National parks of astonishing scale, five-star lodging along pristine, white-sandy beaches, and safari destinations under open skies, Tanzania’s charm will strike the perfect chord.

Imagine your first game drive: getting up at dawn, immersed in the sights and sounds of nature, full of anticipation of what the day will bring. The thrill of your first glimpse of elephants lumbering by, of giraffes gliding along the bush, or a lion on the prowl for prey. Picture the two of you exploring Tanzania’s national parks with plenty of Big Five sightings and encountering many other animals, the likes of which you’ll find nowhere else on earth. Then imagine relaxing with your favorite person at a luxurious beach resort on an island in the Indian Ocean, just a short flight from the African savannah.

And for many honeymooners visiting Tanzania, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the people when meeting the communities in the villages and getting the chance to learn more about their unique way of life is yet another highlight of their honeymoon.

THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Nature-loving couples will not want to miss the iconic Serengeti as Tanzania’s most famous national park and popular honeymoon destination. The Serengeti’s endless plains are home to Africa’s Big Five–lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The park is teeming with hundreds of species of birds, and cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and jackals roam the land freely.

The Serengeti is famous for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration that cycles clockwise through the region. Almost two million animals follow the rainfall, moving north from the southern Serengeti, crossing the Mara River, and then heading back south again toward the end of the year.

Spend your days in awe, surrounded by natural beauty and the wonder of wildlife in their natural habitat. And in the evening,it’s time to relax and enjoy your luxurious accommodations: perfectly-appointed traditional tents or a safari lodge with a private pool. Get up before dawn–the best time to spot wildlife on the move. You won’t want to miss a minute of the spectacular sunrise that awaits.

Let one of our experienced guides show you around the park; they’re the best at pointing out an animal up the tree or half-hidden in the bush. And while you can expect large crowds at popular sightings like the river crossings between July-October, some honeymooners prefer peace and quiet. Your Sababu guide will understand your preferences and know just where to take you so you feel like you have the whole Serengeti to yourselves.

THE NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

Another favorite honeymoon safari destination is the vibrant and beautiful Ngorongoro Crater. Called “Africa’s Garden of Eden” for a reason, this intact crater, created during the collapse of a now-extinct volcano, is one of the most distinctively scenic Tanzanian safari destinations.

With tens of thousands of wild animals living within its crater walls at any given time, the Ngorongoro Crater has its own ecosystem, an idyllic place to experience the enchanting beauty of nature. Honeymooners have the choice of staying at luxury accommodations on the forested crater rim with magnificent views of the crater floor beneath.

Part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge lies within the Great Rift Valley on the southern border of the Serengeti National Park. As one of the world’s most important sites of prehistoric archeological treasures, many visitors choose to visit the museum to view human artifacts dating back up to three million years. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet the Maasai people and learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. 

MOUNT KILIMANJARO

A favorite destination for physically fit, adventurous couples, an expedition to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro will provide important lessons in overcoming challenges with determination and heart! There’s nothing like being pushed to the limit and getting through it together.

As the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, nights at the higher elevations are much colder than in other destinations in Tanzania. But imagine waking up early after a night in your tent, being served a hot cup of tea or coffee and looking out into the distance taking in the stunning views from the roof of Africa!

So, depending on which of the seven routes you choose to take up the mountain, you and your new spouse can expect to spend around seven days in one of the most secluded places on earth. As a honeymoon adventure, Mount Kilimanjaro is a hard one to top.

ZANZIBAR

Now imagine the two of you at the beach on a warm afternoon, relaxing under the shade of a palm tree. With its glistening white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, Zanzibar may be the perfect spot to wrap up your Tanzanian honeymoon experience.

Called the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar offers a fascinating history, with African, European, Indian, and Middle Eastern cultural influences, specifically on display in historic Stone Town. Stone Town is an ancient city of narrow, winding streets and beautiful stone dwellings. The city is rich in history and cultural diversity, and visitors love exploring its markets and tasting the local delicacies.

The Zanzibar archipelago consists of a collection of islands in the Indian Ocean, only a short flight from the mainland. From sunset cruises on traditional dhow boats and snorkeling among beautiful coral reefs to getting up close and personal with giant tortoises on Prison Island, there is so much to do in Zanzibar.

Visit Jozani Forest in central Zanzibar, home to the endangered red colobus monkey. Or engage in some water sports activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, etc. This tropical paradise offers luxurious accommodations and opportunities for those who want it all: peace and tranquility, privacy, and lots of fun adventures.

JULY TO OCTOBER – THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE RIVER CROSSINGS OF THE GREAT MIGRATION

The Great Wildebeest Migration, during which nearly two million animals are driven to the north of the Serengeti between July and October in search of food and water, is one of Tanzania’s most popular attractions. Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the northern Serengeti between July and October to witness the spectacular river crossings every year, while others head to the Grumeti River in the western corridor in anticipation of the river crossing there. Massive herds of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra crowd along the river banks as predators wait for them to cross. The animals finally take the plunge, pushed forward by the pressing force of the herd behind them, stampeding in a desperate life-or-death struggle to reach the other side.

END OF DECEMBER TO MARCH – CALVING SEASON

The calving season gets into full swing on the plains of the southern Serengeti between the end of December and March. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth to approximately 8,000 calves each day, attracting a slew of predators. Predator density is at its peak – there is no better time to view predator-prey interaction. Plus, the Ndutu plains are the only destination where you are allowed to go off-road – a great opportunity to get close to the animals!

Even with the occasional showers providing momentary relief from the heat, the Serengeti is hot at this time of year. And from mid-December through mid-January, peak-season rates apply.

January through March are some of the best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro if you don’t mind cold nights and a little snow at the top. It’s a quieter time to hike and is often preferred by honeymooners.

END OF MARCH TO MAY – GREEN SEASON

Tanzania’s “green season,” from the end of March through May, is significantly quieter. While there is always the possibility of rain, it is an excellent season for birdwatching as migratory species arrive in droves.

During these months, heavy rains will turn the countryside lush green and the roads muddy and sometimes impassable. However, the sun still shines between showers and because it is the low season, expect steep discounts from camps and lodges. So while many people avoid the rainy season, it is an excellent time to explore the parks without the crowds.

EXPERIENCE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE ACROSS THE SERENGETI

While visiting the Serengeti National Park, apart from game drives, you shouldn’t miss going on a hot air balloon ride with your spouse. A balloon ride above the endless plains of the Serengeti is the best way to appreciate the park’s wild vastness and grandeur. You can enjoy a birds-eye view when flying at a higher altitude, as well as an up-close view of the animals when flying low. A hot air balloon ride can be the icing on the cake!

MAASAI TRIBE VISIT

Join the Maasai tribe to immerse yourself in their culture and learn more about their history and traditions; accompany them on a nature walk or bike ride across Maasailand; compete in a spear-throwing contest, or join the Maasai ladies in making traditional beadwork. Gain an in-depth insight into their lifestyle and sleep in traditional Maasai bomas (with or without Western amenities).

ACCOMPANY THE HADZABE BUSHMEN ON A HUNT

The Hadzabe are one of the world’s few remaining hunter-gatherer tribes — join them on a morning hunt and learn about their time-honored hunting methods, survival skills, food preparation, and cultural norms. This is one of the most delicate cultural exchanges available today. One word captures the core of Hadzabe culture: harmony. They live in peace and harmony with nature and one another.

STONE TOWN TOUR WITH (OR WITHOUT) COOKING LESSON

Explore Stone Town the way other tourists usually never see. A private guide will elaborate on Stone Town’s fascinating history, highlight its striking architectural features, and provide insight into everyday life in Zanzibar. Immerse yourself in the Zanzibari way of life and enjoy a delicious lunch at your guide’s home. Share a meal with the family, chat, and learn about the secrets of Zanzibar cuisine.

PRISON ISLAND TOUR, ZANZIBAR

Embark on a private half-day trip to Prison Island. Board the boat from the shores of Stone Town and dock at Prison Island’s beautiful beach, 5 kilometers away. Visit the sanctuary for giant tortoises and enjoy the marine life as you snorkel around the coral reefs that line Prison Island, then relax in the warm sun before returning to Stone Town.

JOZANI FOREST TOUR, ZANZIBAR

Jozani Forest is best known for Zanzibar’s endemic red colobus monkeys. Trek through the mangrove forests that are vital to Zanzibar’s ecosystem, providing habitat for many lizards, snakes, and birds.

EMERSON ZANZIBAR TEA CEREMONY

Learn about and taste different teas at the atmospheric Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, served in style with local delicacies.

ZANZIBAR BEAUTY EXPERIENCE

Visit the traditional Mrembo Spa, and learn about incense, and coconut oil as well as Swahili beauty rituals. You can then enjoy a massage and scrub and apply henna if you like.

MATEMWE, JAMBIANI AND NUNGWI VILLAGE TOURS – ZANZIBAR

Your local guide will lead tours through these villages (donations accepted). See how locals live their everyday lives and how they make their livelihoods. The tours wrap up with a great Swahili local-style lunch!

WORKSHOPS

We offer a wide range of workshops with experienced artists and craftsmen on Swahili cooking, spice blends, henna painting, oud (incense making), music lessons, traditional dance, batik, Tinga Tinga painting Workshops are held in different locations and have different prices. Tell us what you are interested in!

More and more couples are looking for a honeymoon destination beyond the familiar luxurious hotel suites and tropical beach resorts. Tanzania is perfect for those with an active lifestyle looking for both a thrilling adventure on the plains of the African savannah but also a relaxing time at the Indian Ocean. What else ticks those boxes better than a honeymoon safari in Tanzania? 

Short answer: Whenever you can go, but some months are better than others for certain activities. Long answer: It depends on what you really want to do. The calving season takes place in the southern Serengeti from January through March, but to witness the river crossings, you’ll need to travel between July and October. The best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are January through March or early fall. And the rainy season, especially in April and May, is an excellent time for birdwatching. And while some roads may be difficult to pass, the rates are down! 

Both Kenya and Tanzania are good safari destinations for wildlife viewing in Africa. But there’s no place like Tanzania – the sheer abundance of wildlife is unparalleled. Besides, Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park’s wildebeest migration, the fascinating topographical wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar’s tropical beaches.