fbpx Skip to Content

How to Spend Your Honeymoon in Tanzania, Africa

Everyone wants an unforgettable honeymoon. Something out of the ordinary… something magical. And with Earth being a melting pot of exemplary destinations, picking one country to go on a honeymoon is not easy.

There are places we fondly call “city of love”, “city of romance”, “city that never sleeps” and while these make great honeymoon destinations, there is one place far more secluded and untouched, providing a unique flavor and a heap of intimate vibes perfect for a romantic getaway: Tanzania. So how is it any different? Well here is all the information you need to know if you are planning to spend your honeymoon in Tanzania.

Tanzania for Honeymooners

Tanzania is located in the Eastern part of Africa, neighboring countries of Kenya and Uganda to the North, Rwanda and Burundi to the West and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the South. The main airport of Tanzania is in Dar Es Salaam, although you can also fly straight to Kilimanjaro for the Safari takeoff places or Zanzibar in the East.

Tanzania romantic candle lit dinner for honeymoon couple

Tanzania offers a perfect setting for honeymooners with a combination of unique experiences in the wild and some of the best beaches in the world. And to top this, it still sees a relatively low amount of tourists each year which helps to ensure you get a more pristine experience without the huge crowds that you easily find in more popular places.

The popular choice for honeymooners visiting Tanzania is to combine a safari with relaxation at the beach. The most well known places to see wildlife up close is the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Both are located in the North Western part of the country with a rich wildlife and almost guarantees sightings of the big 5 – Elephants, Leopard, Buffalo, Lion, and Rhinoceros. This is also where you can experience the famous annual Wildebeest Migration taking place.

If you are looking for a more pristine and less visited place to see wildlife, you should head South where you will find the Selous Game Reserve. For beach, nothing beats the amazing beaches of Zanzibar. Here, you will find the whitest powdery sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Plus, Zanzibar has plenty of other experiences such as spice tour, dolphin watching or a walking tour of the old town of Stone Town.

THINGS TO DO FOR HONEYMOONERS IN TANZANIA

Romantic Safari

There is nothing wilder than a honeymoon in an African wilderness – lions roaring at a distance, giraffes browsing the trees, zebras grazing at the savannas, and birds chirping in a beautiful melody. You will be able to enjoy a wildlife safari, meeting wild animals eye to eye, with your loved one as you both ride aboard your own private open-sided vehicle which helps you feel really more upclose with the wild.

honeymoon safari

At the end of the day, you get to retreat in a lovely tented camp or lodge, luxurious or rugged depending on your style. Despite being in the wild, you will still be able to enjoy world-class amenities such as ensuite bath, electricity, plush sheets and comfortable beds, and even WiFi!

Thankfully, Tanzania is home to the largest population of animals per square meter in the world. Aside from its astounding wildlife, its quintessential landscapes provide breathtaking backdrops for your romantic honeymoon. The best thing is, all of it is only just an arm’s reach away from your lodge/camp!

See the Great Migration in the Serengeti

Did you know that Tanzania is home to the iconic Serengeti National Park? This park is one of the most sought-after safari game parks in the world, mainly due to its stupendous wildlife display all throughout the year, and of course, the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration. This wildlife event is deemed the largest inland migration in the world. It is so astounding that it is most often called “The World Cup of Wildlife” and even recognized as one of Africa’s Seven Wonders.

Great Wildebeest migration in Tanzania as animals cross a river

What makes the Great Migration ultra-amazing is that it happens all year-round, with some months highlighting important events such as the river crossings between June and October, and the calving season which happens around January to March. So when in Tanzania for your honeymoon, sharing this once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list-worthy experience with your loved one will really be an excellent idea.

If you’re wondering what you can see during this jaw-dropping event, imagine this: Remember that scene in The Lion King when wildebeests were stampeding across the dusty plains and dry river banks? That’s just a part of it. Because beyond that scene is an enormous 2.5 million population of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles, plus a bountiful of predators like lions, hyenas, leopards, and Nile crocodiles. Predator-prey interactions are also very abundant, making your honeymoon an adventure of a lifetime.

Stay at the Picturesque Crater Rim

Tanzania is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Crater. It is just about 2 hours away from Serengeti, and its landscape is so surreal it could create one interesting backdrop to any romantic honeymoon. What once was a majestic volcano which imploded million years ago is now the world’s largest caldera, amazingly hosting 25,000 animals including endangered wild dogs and rhinos. So imagine being in your comfortable lodge with your loved one, looking out to the Crater with a drink in hand while the sun slowly sets and gives an orange-pink hue on the sky. Also, Ngorongoro Crater is known to provide one of the most fascinating picnics in Tanzania! You get to dine in the middle of the wild with animals surrounding you.

Explore Bush to Beach

Tanzania’s wild side is in no doubt captivating. But did you know you can also enjoy some of the world’s most stunning and relaxing beaches in this country? In Zanzibar, an archipelago along the Indian Ocean, you get to revel in a tropical paradise complete with palm trees, white sandy shores, turquoise blue waters, amazing coral reef and a hodgepodge of beach activities! You can also explore maze-like streets, interesting historic structures, cultural spots and flea markets in the UNESCO Heritage Site of Stone Town. What better way to spend your honeymoon than to hit two memorable worlds in one go, right?

honeymoon resort in Tanzania on the beach

Here are the different regions of Zanzibar:

  • North coast: The more secluded area with less crowds and least tidal changes. Popular beaches include Kendwa and Nungwi. Popular activities include dhow sailing, beach bumming and scuba diving.
  • East coast: Relaxing beaches can be found in this area, with vast accommodation options that range from budget to ultra luxury. Popular beaches include Paje, and Jambiani in the southern part and Matamwe in the North East part. The East coast is known for the Popular activities include snorkelling, kite surfing, diving, boating and cycling.
  • South coast: A more remote and less developed area than the rest of Zanzibar. The most popular place here is Kizimkazi where you can go on a morning excursion to see dolphins and visit the oldest mosque in East Africa.
  • West coast and Central: This is the most popular and crowded region of Zanzibar offering both beaches and cultural and historic sites. It includes popular activities such as tour around Stone town, visit to various cultural sites, joining the famous spice tours and visiting Jozani forest to see the red colobus monkeys.

Cruise Along the Rufiji River in Selous

Selous Game Reserve is the largest fauna reserve in the world and one of the continent’s largest protected areas. It is located in southern Tanzania, the more remote and quieter part of the country, promising a more intimate atmosphere. Aside from exciting game drives, there is another wonderful activity you can share with your loved one here: boat safaris.

Meandering through the park to flow into the Indian Ocean is one of the country’s largest rivers, Rufiji. Nile crocodiles and hippos inhabit the river and fascinating bird species can be found in the river banks. Romantic cruises along the river can be very exhilarating. You can even have drinks on board while you enjoy a sundowner at dusk, gently bobbing down the river and listening to the wildlife, hand in hand with your spouse.

Start Your Morning in the Sky

romantic morning hot air balloon ride in Africa

Typical honeymoons start with an intimate breakfast for two either at a lush restaurant, a well-manicured garden or a shaded space at the beachfront. You can add in some rose petals spread out to make the place even more romantic. In Tanzania, you have the opportunity to spend your morning the unique way: an early morning hot air balloon ride as you wait for the sun to rise, slowly kissing the savannas and making it golden while peering over the stupendous wildlife dotted across the plains. Once you land, bush breakfast usually awaits and you get to indulge in a sumptuous breakfast spread in the midst of the wild.

Dinner Under the Stars

Romantic sunset better in African countryside

“Eating out” in Tanzania is taken to a new level as you and your loved one get to enjoy a chef-prepared meal under the stars. As your dinner is being prepared, enjoy sunset drinks in the wild with an amazing view over the savannah. Meanwhile, a romantic place will be set up for your meal. It is our choice if you prefer a fancy dinner plan or a barbecue setup. Either way, your dinner will be served in a dreamy way with no one else but you, your loved one and the stars dazzling over you.

Where to Stay

For the perfect honeymoon setting, nothing beats a stay right in the center of the wilderness. Serengeti Acacia Seronera Camp is a luxury tented camping option that lets you experience the rawness of the Serengeti without compromising top-notch service. You will not just hear crickets at night. We’re talking about lion roars from kilometers away!

tanizania honeymoon suites

In Zanzibar, The Z Hotel Zanzibar is a chic boutique hotel that promises to provide  an authentic beach-holiday experience with its contemporary london–inspired designs, high caliber service standards, and a touch of African hospitality like an icing to your cake. It’s just a few steps away from the powdery sand Zanzibar is known for.

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge gives unobstructed views of the magnificent sunsets to the west, and located at the highest point on Ngorongoro crater’s entire rim. It stands well over half a kilometre above the crater floor. Imagine sweeping and unparalleled views  across this enormous caldera, need we say more?

Tanzania – A Honeymooners Paradise

Tanzania is truly a honeymooners’ paradise. Its natural beauty and incredible wildlife are something to behold… something unmissable. And if extraordinary is what you’re looking for in a honeymoon, Tanzania truly has this magic.

About the Authors

Martin and Erika maintain their own blog where they write about their own experiences and travel guides on traveling in Africa. Follow their journey on https://whileinafrica.com/ as they visit this beautiful continent while trying to promote more sustainable travels.