Overview
This romantic journey through Tanzania blends untamed wildlife adventures with barefoot luxury. Designed for honeymooners, the itinerary combines the best of safari and beach. From the tree-studded plains of Serengeti to the lush depths of Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll share once-in-a-lifetime moments surrounded by Africa’s iconic animals. Then the rhythm slows as you fly to Zanzibar, where turquoise waters and powdery beaches invite you to unwind in total privacy. Staying in intimate lodges and handpicked beach resorts, each day offers the right balance of thrill and tranquility, making this a perfect way to begin your life together.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a local representative will meet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha. Nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru, this peaceful setting offers a calm retreat after your journey.
Overnight: Rivertrees Country Inn or Mountain Village Lodge
After breakfast, begin your safari with a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Tucked at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park is a mosaic of forests, grassy floodplains, and a shallow alkaline lake. You may encounter elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and if lucky, the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. Later in the day, arrive at your romantic retreat nestled near the lake.
Overnight: E Unoto Retreat
This morning, travel through the highlands toward the open plains of the Serengeti. En route, stop at the Olduvai Gorge, a renowned archaeological site where fossil discoveries reshaped understanding of early human history. Continue into the park for your first game drive among acacia trees and rocky outcrops. Expect sightings of zebras, wildebeest, lions, and cheetahs as you journey deeper into the savannah.
Overnight: Serengeti Sopa Lodge or Mapito Camp
Today offers a full day of exploration through the heart of Serengeti. Whether you're tracking a pride of lions or watching the migration of wildebeest, the park’s scale and variety will take your breath away. Game drives in both the morning and afternoon allow you to experience the changing moods of the landscape. Return to your lodge in the evening for a private dinner under the stars.
Overnight: Serengeti Sopa Lodge or Mapito Camp
Begin the day with an early morning game drive to catch wildlife in the golden light. After breakfast, continue through the Serengeti toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the afternoon, set out on a guided walk along the crater rim, escorted by an armed ranger. This area is home to buffaloes, elephants, and monkeys, with sweeping views across the highlands.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the richest wildlife havens in Africa. The crater floor is home to a dense concentration of animals including lions, black rhinos, elephants, and flocks of flamingos. With luck, you may spot all members of the Big Five during one game drive. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool before heading back to your lodge.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or a lodge in Karatu
After breakfast, visit a traditional Maasai village near Ngorongoro to learn about their customs and lifestyle. Later, transfer to Arusha for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your beachfront resort on the island’s northeast coast.
Overnight: Matemwe Bungalows or Matemwe Beach Village
Spend three romantic days at leisure on the shores of Zanzibar. Take morning walks on soft white sand, enjoy sunset views from your private veranda, or book optional excursions such as spice tours, snorkeling trips, or a dhow sailing experience. The days are yours to enjoy together at your own pace.
Overnight: Matemwe Bungalows or The Zanzibari
Your honeymoon adventure comes to a close with a transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight. Depart with memories of lion roars at sunrise and ocean breezes at sunset.
Inclusions
Includes
- Accommodation in listed lodges/camps (or similar)
- All meals during the safari
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari jeep with pop-up roof
- Game drives as per itinerary
- English-speaking professional safari driver-guide
- Bottled water on game drives
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Hot air balloon safari (optional, extra cost)
- Cultural village visits (optional, small fee)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs)
- Extra accommodation before/after the tour (available on request)
FAQs
Yes, this private safari can be tailored. Whether you want more time in the Serengeti or add special romantic extras like bush dinners or spa treatments, we can adjust the pace and activities.
You may encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hippos, buffalo, flamingos, and possibly the elusive black rhino in Ngorongoro. Seasonal migration sightings in Serengeti are also possible.
Zanzibar is known for its peaceful beaches and warm hospitality. Most resorts offer private, romantic settings ideal for couples, with optional activities available for exploration.
Yes, many of the accommodations offer special touches for couples, including secluded rooms, romantic dinners, or turn-down services with flowers and candles.
Neutral-colored clothing for game drives, a hat, a light jacket for mornings, swimwear, sandals, and reef-safe sunscreen are essential. Dress codes at lodges are casual but neat.