Best Honeymoon Safaris in Tanzania
Romantic trips in Tanzania: Top 10 places to honeymoon & stay
Tanzania is a place you’ll never forget. It gives an irresistible mix of wildlife, beaches and lodges. This African gem offers unforgettable memories with your loved one. Whether you want to see animals on safari, sail into the sunset on the Indian Ocean, or climb to the snowy top of Kilimanjaro, it’s all possible.
We’ve handpicked ten amazing spots for your honeymoon in Tanzania. Now get ready to fall head over heels with each other and this enchanting country.
Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains & Magical Wildlife
The Serengeti doesn’t need an introduction. This iconic savannah seems to go on forever as far as the eye can see teeming with wildlife. As well as being a great spot for a honeymoon it’s also known for its heart-stopping encounters with lions, leopards and elephants.
Rise early for a hot air balloon flight over the golden plains and watch animals wake up below you. In the day go on game drives spotting cheetahs hunting prey or giraffes munching on leaves until their hearts content Lunch on bush food and sip on sundowners in the bush while watching the sky change colours.
When it comes to picking somewhere to stay there are many options in Serengeti National Park. Singita Sasakwa Lodge is perfect if you’re looking for colonial-era romance on a private concession with butler service and infinity pools overlooking the plains. Sayari Camp is right next door to where thousands of wildebeest pass by yearly so make sure you pick them if that’s something you’re interested in seeing! Dunia Camp delivers vintage canvas charm in the heart of Moru Kopjes so if that’s what you’re looking for then head here!
Insider Tip: Hire a guide just for yourselves instead of sharing one so you have full flexibility and can go at your own pace.
Zanzibar – Spices, Sands, & Sailing Dhows
Just the name ‘Zanzibar’ is enough to make anyone dream of exotic spices and beaches. It’s a honeymoon heaven. With a mix of culture from all over and world class resorts to stay in it makes for an amazing trip.
Walk through Stone Town hand in hand and walk through the winding alleys together making sure you stop to look at every doorway. Take a spice tour or take a dip into the crystal clear water. Soak up the sun after scuba diving with sharks and sail off into the sunset on a dhow.
Zanzibar’s beachfront lodges are amazing and many offer five-star luxury if that’s what you’re looking for. Zuri Zanzibar is located on Kendwa’s pristine northern shore with yoga decks, gardens full of spices and private beaches. If you want something smaller Xanadu Villas & Retreat has six romantic villas tucked away on the south east coast which each have their own plunge pool. If you really want to treat yourselves spend your days at Mnemba Island where they whisk you away to your very own private island!
Insider Tip: Make sure to catch one of Stone Town’s Taraab shows so that you can experience their signature music style which fuses African, Arabic, and Indian influences.
Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife Wonderland
Picture a world of confusion where 30,000 animals roam around in the remains of a collapsed volcano. That’s what you get with the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
When you descend 2000 feet to the crater floor, you’ll be greeted by a 300km2 bowl that is teeming with all sorts of wildlife. All of the Big Five animals can be found here – most famously the highly endangered black rhino. Well known for being one of the most intimate and mind-blowing safari experiences imaginable, take a minute to drink champagne by the hippo pool while watching zebras and wildebeest hangout just meters away.
Meanwhile, on top of the crater rim, there is andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge which is known as being super luxurious. It includes chandelier-strung bathtubs, personal butlers, and sumptuous suites evoking a baroque chateau. Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp is your spot if you’re looking for something more rustic and vintage-styled though – think about romantic tents in an ancient acacia forest just minutes from the crater floor.
Insider Tip: Wake before dawn to be the first on the crater floor – it’s worth losing sleep for the early morning serenity and phenomenal sunrise over the misty caldera.
Tarangire National Park – Elephant Encounters & Baobabs
If Serengeti is Tanzania’s best looking park then Tarangire must be its best kept secret. This uncrowded gem boasts having one of Africa’s highest concentration of elephants along with iconic baobab trees straight out of The Lion King.
Take some time out to watch massive elephant parades slowly make their way to the life-giving Tarangire River or newborn zebra foals finding their wobbly legs. When you aren’t doing that, spot over 550 species of colorful birds flitting between the twisty branches of ancient baobabs. Finally, go on a walking safari through the golden savannah and feel the thrill of being on foot in big game terrain.
For lovebirds, Oliver’s Camp and Little Oliver’s offer understated luxury in a secluded corner of the park, known for fantastic guides and tasty farm-to-table food. Tarangire Treetops puts you in the canopy, with 20 treehouse suites wrapped around massive baobabs and marula trees – perfect for a Tarzan and Jane fantasy!
Insider Tip: Visit between June and October, when huge herds of elephants congregate along the river – it’s a mind-blowing display you’ll never forget.
Mahale Mountains
Ready to ditch the crowds and embark on an unforgettable honeymoon? In western Tanzania lies Mahale Mountains National Park, a place of forested peaks, white sand coves, and chimpanzees that are used to human company.
Spend your days trekking through the emerald jungle before sitting amongst the chimps as they groom, play and squabble just meters away from you. When you’re not with them, snorkel in the lake’s clear waters or kayak to remote beaches. Alternatively sip cocktails on your private deck as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Your home will be Greystoke Mahale – six open-fronted wooden bandas with canopied beds on a white sand beach. It’s very intimate and romantic here, from lantern-lit dinners in the sand to Tanzanian butlers who’ll deliver coffee by canoe each morning.
Insider Tip: Book the honeymoon banda for total seclusion and a giant bed that rolls out onto the deck under the stars.
Mount Kilimanjaro
If you’ve always dreamt of standing atop Mount Kilimanjaro together then now is your chance. At 19,341 feet it’s Africa’s tallest mountain and one of seven summits worldwide. But don’t worry about climbing gear – this isn’t Everest!
There are seven routes – Machame is popular; Northern Circuit secluded – all offer incredible views as you pass through five different zones (from rainforest to alpine desert). Summit day is tough but reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise becomes a moment you’ll never forget. Gazing over those clouds is pure magic!
Although tented camps are part of most Kili climbs, there are luxurious lodge-to-lodge treks if you’d prefer hot showers instead of cold ones. For example Marangu Route has A-frame huts while Lemosho Route has private eco-camps. And, if you want to treat yourself after the climb then head to Legendary Lodge.
Insider Tip: Tackle the lesser-known Rongai Route on the mountain’s north side for sparser crowds and stellar vistas of the Tsavo Plains.
Pemba Island
If Zanzibar is a crown jewel then Pemba Island – just a quick flight from Unguja – is a hidden gem. It’s got secluded beaches, top diving sites and none of the tourist crowds.
Spend your days exploring untouched shores, from powder-white sands at Vumawimbi Beach to mangrove forests in Ngezi National Park. Don a mask and fins before swimming amongst vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish schools, turtles and dolphins. By night, either stargaze on the beach or take a traditional drumming lesson in a local village.
When it comes to lodges – Pemba has some of Africa’s best. Fundu Lagoon offers 18 stylish bungalows strung along three perfect beaches, as well as an infinity pool with stunning views and sunset dhow cruises. The Manta Resort has underwater rooms sunk into a blue hole off the west coast along with seafront villas and spa facilities.
Insider Tip: Visit between August and October to scuba dive with whale sharks in the Pemba Channel – it’s an unforgettable experience!
Selous Game Reserve
For a safari honeymoon without the crowds, Selous Game Reserve is Tanzania’s best-kept secret. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is larger than Switzerland, with just a handful of small, intimate camps scattered across its vast wilderness of savannah, riverine forest and miombo woodlands.
Spend dreamy days exploring by vehicle, foot, and boat. Track lions, leopards, and wild dogs on game drives, hike to secret hot springs, and sip G&Ts on sunset cruises down the mighty Rufiji River. Revel in the feeling of having an entire corner of Africa to yourselves, with not another vehicle in sight.
Beho Beho is Selous’ most exclusive camp, offering just eight lavish stone cottages perched on a hillside with panoramic views. Expert guides lead walking safaris, fly camping adventures, and boating excursions while gourmet Bush breakfasts and lamp-lit dinners under the stars up the romance factor. For a more rustic river experience Siwandu Camp’s luxe tents perch on the shores of Lake Nzerakera — prime territory for hippos and elephants.
Insider Tip: Selous has some of Africa’s best fly camping — sleep out under the stars on a dry riverbed for the ultimate honeymoon adventure!
Ruaha National Park
Rugged and remote Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s best-kept secret for wildlife lovers. With herds of elephant prides of lion and clans of hyena prowling the sun-baked plains it’s been dubbed the country’s answer to the Serengeti – minus they hype.
Rise at dawn for a heart-pounding game drive tracking cheetahs on the hunt watching huge herds of buffalo kick up dust (that’s their version of fun) Take a walking safari along the Great Ruaha River learning about medicinal plants and keeping a wary eye out for crocs basking on the banks. As night falls, sip a gin and tonic around the campfire and count the incredible stars overhead.
Jabali Ridge is the ultimate honeymoon hideaway with 8 chic suites strung along a rocky kopje overlooking the plains. Bathe in your private outdoor tub cool off in the infinity pool and enjoy candlelit dinners under a baobab tree (they’re so beautiful it’s hard to say no). For a wilder feel Kichaka Expeditions offers old-school fly camping with some of Ruaha’s best guides taking you deep into the untouched backcountry.
Insider Tip: Visit between January and April to see Ruaha’s stunning birdlife including flocks of vivid carmine bee-eaters nesting along the riverbanks
Mafia Island
For beach bums and scuba addicts Mafia Island is Tanzania’s dream honeymoon destination. A short flight south of Zanzibar this sleepy island boasts palm-fringed sands, vibrant coral reefs, and some of the best diving in East Africa.
Spend sun-kissed days exploring the underwater wonderland of Mafia Island Marine Park home to 400 species of fish five types of sea turtle and regular sightings of whale sharks, rays, and dolphins. Between dives stroll the coconut plantations discover crumbling ruins, watch sunrise from a traditional dhow sailing boat or just curl up together in your hammock.
Pole Pole Bungalows is the epitome of honeymoon romance with just seven rustic-luxe bungalows nestled into forest on Mafia’s southeast tip. Fall asleep to sound of waves in your canopied bed enjoy couples massages at hillside spa take a dhow to your own private sandbank for Robinson Crusoe-style picnic — do nothing but soak up that sun by day then gaze at an endless sky full of stars by night.
Insider Tip: The best time to visit Mafia is between October and March if you want to have the chance to swim with a whale shark and get the best diving conditions.
