How to plan the perfect Tanzania honeymoon

Of course, we’re all different, and each honeymoon request is very personal (as it should be!). However, Tanzania has a wealth of natural beauty and dozens of gorgeous places to stay, so it’s easy to build a unique honeymoon that suits your taste as a couple. When it comes to Tanzania, no two honeymoons are the same. 

Having travelled extensively in Tanzania, I know the country well. Here are my top tips for planning a honeymoon to Tanzania that you’ll remember forever.

1. Split your time wisely 

Tanzania’s national parks are exceptional, and it makes sense to start on the mainland where you’ll be wowed by Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and culture. After your safari, you can finish your honeymoon relaxing on an idyllic island in the Indian Ocean. 

The ideal duration for a Tanzania and Zanzibar honeymoon is around two weeks, though longer is always good if you have the time and budget. Remember that a couple of nights will be taken up with overnight flights, but this still leaves ample time for a very special trip on the ground. 

Think carefully about how you want to split your time between safari and beach. Some couples prefer to do half-and-half, some only need three nights on the beach, and others like at least a week to relax after their safari. It’s entirely down to personal preference.

I’ve explored several mainland national parks and game reserves, including Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Nyerere, and each one has its own charm. It’s a good idea to combine a few national parks to experience the different habitats and soak up the diverse landscapes. To do this, you’ll at least five or six days on the mainland. Throughout your safari, you can expect gorgeous camps and lodges with expansive views, amazing game drives, and wonderful staff. 

After a once-in-a-lifetime safari, you can spend the rest of your time on the beach. Your transition from the mainland to the beach will require a little travelling and I strongly suggest flying this section. If you fly, you can be on safari in the Serengeti in the morning, and on a tropical beach later that afternoon. Magic! As for where you spend your time on the beach again it’s such a personal choice, there’s a myriad of options on Zanzibar and the surrounding islands to consider. 

If you plan to spend more than four nights on the beach, I highly recommend splitting your time between two resorts. For example, you could spend three nights on Zanzibar and three on beautiful Pemba or Fanjove Island. This will add a whole new dimension to your honeymoon, taking you to castaway islands that you’ve never even heard of.

2. Pick your moment 

Mainland Tanzania offers exceptional year-round game viewing. Even in the green (rainy) season, the wildlife is abundant. However, if you’re combining it with Zanzibar or other islands you will want to avoid travelling too close to April and May, as many lodges close until the rains have passed. Even though a safari on the mainland can still be exceptional, it’s not an ideal time to head for the beach. 

Also, if the goal of your honeymoon is to see the iconic Great Migration, you’ll need to time your safari wisely. The migration moves around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, throughout the year, and it’s a natural phenomenon you’ll never forget. 

We’ll guide you through where to stay and when to see the Great Migration, maximising your chances of seeing ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. We know all the best places to be on a month-to-month basis, so whichever month you travel, we can give you expert advice.

3. Choose a safari specialist 

My biggest tip is to work with a good tour operator who knows Tanzania and Zanzibar really well. I can’t emphasise the importance of this enough. In an era of DIY travel, Tanzania is a far more complex destination than your average holiday. 

You’ll want to narrow down the choice to get exactly what you want and be in the right place, at the right time. The logistics to get around can be complex, you’ll need a trusted mainland guide, a 4x4 and to figure out all the national park costings, associated admin and landing strips for safari flights. 

It’s easy to mess up if you’re unfamiliar with doing these things, and with a wedding to plan you’ll want this off your plate! This is where a good tour operator is essential. The planning should be fun, so let someone else do this for you. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so it’s important to get it right!

4. Don’t cut corners to save costs 

Let’s talk budget. This can be an awkward subject, but it’s important to be honest and realistic. Tanzania is not a cheap destination and there are costs on the mainland that you can’t avoid, such as national park fees, guide fees, 4X4s, and bush flights. The good news is that our trips include all of these costs, as well as most meals. This means that you'll only need minimal spending money while you're in Tanzania. 

As with all things, you tend to get what you pay for. Travel is one of the few things that makes us richer, so don’t hold back! Tanzania is a truly epic destination – it’s a culture shock and awe-inspiring at the same time. The difference, in terms of experience, between a £15k and a £20k+ honeymoon can be huge. Your honeymoon is a time to celebrate, and Tanzania and Zanzibar are well worth stretching your budget for. Life is too short!

5. Consider islands beyond Zanzibar 

I love Zanzibar - it’s an authentic working island with plenty of hustle and bustle. Beyond Stone Town, it has a mix of busier built-up resorts, plus other far quieter stretches of beach. 

If you want to stay in a lively part of the island, the northern resorts of Kendwa and Nungwe are for you. If you’re craving a quieter or more private honeymoon experience, then consider the idyllic east coast. The beaches in the east are very quiet and relaxed, but bear in mind that you can generally only swim at high tide (at low tide the water retreats far away towards the reef). 

However, Zanzibar isn’t Tanzania’s only island – far from it! There are actually over 50 islands and islets in the Zanzibar Archipelago, all with dreamy sandbanks and paradise beaches. If you’re looking for a secluded castaway sensation, I suggest looking beyond Zanzibar. 

The small nearby islands of Pemba, Mnemba, Bawe, and Fanjove, are all exceptional. On these islands, you’ll get a picture-perfect beach and a more peaceful honeymoon, with no real issues with the tides. There’s generally a little extra stretch in budget to reach these other islands, but the experience is completely different from Zanzibar. I’ve explored them all and you can expect unbridled barefoot bliss.

6. Splash out on extras 

Should you splash out on honeymoon perks? Oh yes. Absolutely. Your honeymoon is your time to shine. Whether it’s some bubbles and a complimentary spa treatment, a sunset dhow cruise, a romantic meal or a private lunch on an idyllic sandbank, there are some wonderful honeymoon perks to snap up. Just ask and we’ll make it all happen. 

My advice with honeymoons is to just go for it. For example, I once took an unforgettable hot air balloon flight at dawn over the Serengeti, followed by a champagne breakfast. It cost a fair bit, but the memories and photos still make me smile years later. These experiences are also superb additions to any wedding or honeymoon gift list!

7. It’s all about you 

You deserve to get the honeymoon you’ve always dreamed of, so take your time and refuse to compromise. Everything can be tailored around your wishes. We’re here to give you advice but, ultimately, you’re in control. 

Prefer a private safari vehicle instead of sharing with others? No problem. Keen to experience a couple of different islands? Again, no problem. Do one section on a budget so that you can afford to end with somewhere spectacular? Why not?! We’ll suggest things you may not have considered, and our trusted local partners will make it all happen on the ground.

So, what’s the ideal Tanzania and Zanzibar honeymoon itinerary? 

If you’re a first-time safari-goer, then the northern national parks of the Serengeti and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater will tick all the boxes for wildlife and the ‘Big Five’. For culture, I also recommend spending a couple of nights at a Maasai-run lodge. We work with several of these lodges. They are beautifully done, often with a pool, a spa, and endless savannah views over Maasai country. You can spend the day learning about Maasai culture before enjoying sundowners against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

If you have the time and the budget, I suggest dividing your time on the beach between two destinations. That way, you can spend a few nights in Zanzibar before exploring one of Tanzania’s smaller, more secluded islands. My favourites are Pemba and Fanjove – they are simply out of this world! 

To sum up, Tanzania is a truly special place. As a honeymoon destination, it will exceed all your expectations. I hope this blog has helped bring some ideas into focus. Just writing this has given me itchy feet again - it must be time to go back!

Ready to plan your honeymoon to Tanzania?

We’re experts in planning Tanzania safari honeymoons, and we’ll help you build your personal trip of a lifetime. We’ll listen your hopes for the trip, suggest unforgettable extras, and be there to support you every step of the way. To get started, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email.  You can also email Jonny who wrote this blog directly.

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