The Complete Tanzania Honeymoon Guide

Sleeping under the stars in a tented camp, hot air ballooning over the Serengeti at dawn, watching herds of animals parade through the plains during a safari—Tanzania offers the perfect recipe for a honeymoon that is adventurous and relaxing. Whether you want to be surrounded by nature and wildlife in the Serengeti or basking on rugged beaches in Zanzibar that feel far away from the rest of the world, Tanzania offers couples sand of both styles—plus a warm welcome from the Maasai tribe, bucket list hiking and parks home to the Big Five.

Tanzania Travel Tips in this article:

• Is Tanzania Good for a Honeymoon?
• The Best Times to Visit Tanzania
• Tanzania Tourism Tips for Couples
• Best Things to Do in Tanzania for Couples
• The Best Hotels and Resorts in Tanzania
• What to Pack for a Tanzania Honeymoon

Is Tanzania Good for a Honeymoon?

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Pros of a Honeymoon in Tanzania

There aren't any direct flights from the US to Tanzania, so you'll have to make one or two stops along the way in cities like Amsterdam or Doha, Qatar. But once you're in the country, it's easy to get around thanks to three international airports at entry points to the Northern Safari Circuit (the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara), the Southern Safari Circuit and Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Tanzania is among the top 10 safest countries in Africa to travel in, doesn't require any vaccinations if you're coming from the US, and has an easy online application process for a single-entry visa ($50).

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Cons of a Honeymoon in Tanzania

Tanzania offers a variety of landscapes, from dry grasslands and dense rainforests to tropical islands, but if you prefer big cities to nature, this may not be the honeymoon destination for you. "Cities here can easily be missed—coming for nature should be the priority," advises Jonathan Alder, CEO of Jonathan's Travels. And even though the destination is a year-round one, Alder says to avoid the rainy seasons, from March to May and October to early December.

The Best Times to Visit Tanzania

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Peak season in Tanzania is from July to September, when there is warm beach weather on the coast, it's cool and dry in the parks, and the Great Migration of nearly 2 million wildebeest make their annual stampede across the Serengeti. You'll find better rates when the lodges and hotels are less busy other times of the year, but avoid April and May, the height of the rainy season, so you can still enjoy all the activities you have planned.

Tanzania Tourism Tips for Couples

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Some of the camps and safaris in prime locales for catching the Great Migration can book out as much as a year in advance, so if you're planning a honeymoon in peak season, make reservations early. It's safe for Americans to travel to Tanzania, and despite a connecting flight, not too difficult of a trek to make. Currency here is the Tanzanian Shilling, but it's better to use US dollars, especially when tipping lodge staff, drivers and guides. Swahili is the official language and the most spoken in the country, but English is the second official language and widely spoken as well.

Accommodations in Tanzania vary depending on the type of honeymoon you're planning, but couples can find everything from simple, authentic lodges and cottages to tented camps, luxury resorts, and private island hotels.

Best Things to Do in Tanzania for Couples

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Soar Above the Serengeti in a Hot Air Balloon

Rising and shining before sunrise may not be high on your honeymoon to-do list, but this is one time it's worth waking up early on vacation. Set off on a hot air balloon ride over the national park, watching elephants, zebras and hippos as the sun rises over the plains. Once you land, toast to the morning with a glass of bubbly before enjoying breakfast together in the bush.

Go on a Safari Adventure

Game drives are major highlights of a safari experience in the Serengeti, and you can join expert driver-guides tracking the Big Five on half- or full-day game drives complete with picnic lunches or sundowner cocktails. Experiences are typically booked through a lodge or tour operator, like Go Ahead Tours, which bundles game drives to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Simba Kopjes area of Serengeti National Park in its 12-day Tanzania vacation packages.

Meet the Maasai

The nomadic warrior tribe is one of the most present in the entire continent, and their tribal traditions and village life remains nearly intact and unaffected by the modern world. A typical add-on to a multi-day tour, a cultural visit to a Maasai village and the traditional huts (Manyatta) is an interesting insight into life in the Serengeti. If you want a few special souvenirs from your honeymoon, peruse the tribe's gallery-worthy collection of beaded handicrafts and wooden carvings.

The Best Hotels and Resorts in Tanzania

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Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Central Serengeti

Set in the heart of one of the world's most lauded wildlife reserves, couples will have guaranteed sightings of some of the Big Five, like elephants, right from their private balcony. The luxe lodgings bring elements of the outdoors in through floor-to-ceiling windows showing off sweeping shots of the savannah, which can also be admired from your infinity-edge plunge pool.

Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa, Zanzibar

The contemporary new all-inclusive beach resort sits on the white sandy shores of Matemwe's Muyuni Beach, on the northeast coast of Zanzibar. With 250 sprawling suites set on nearly 25 acres with direct sea access, you'll have all the comforts of a large resort while still feeling like you've got the place practically to yourself. Soothe away any jet lag with a Thai treatment at The Emerald Spa and indulge in a variety of cuisines from restaurants and pool bars that are part of the all-inclusive package.

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania, Ngorongoro

Billed as "Maasai meets Versailles," the luxe lodge is perched on the rim of a 3 million-year-old caldera. The picturesque locale is amped up by the baroque-style decor (a nod to France's landmark château), Victorian furnishings, and African elements that give the game lodge a sumptuous feel despite it being on what can seem like the edge of the Earth.

Ubuntu Migration Camp, Serengeti

For honeymooners who want to follow the flow of the wildlife during the Great Migration (and don't mind roughing it a bit), settle into a tent at Go2Africa's semi-permanent safari camp that pops up in the northern part of the Serengeti from June to October before moving to the south to watch the herds graze and calve from November through March. This is the ultimate safari setup, with just 10 tents that open up to the plains, campfire BBQs, and days spent exploring the Serengeti watching as thousands of wildebeest brush through.

Fanjove Private Island, Songo Songo Archipelago

Honeymooners seeking a beach vacation and want a private island experience will fall head over heels for the eco-friendly villas on tropical, secluded Fanjove. Ten thatched-roof private, solar-paneled beach villas sit along the sand, offering a bohemian-chic base for exploring nature trails, snorkeling and dolphin-watching along secluded sand banks, and marine safaris in search of spinner and bottlenose dolphins.

What to Pack for a Tanzania Honeymoon

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When planning what to pack for an African safari, it's a lot simpler than you may think. Bring a mix of lightweight, neutral layers that will keep you warm on chilly game drives or cold evenings. Think" long-sleeved tops, sweaters, T-shirts, a light scarf, and a waterproof jacket. A foldable, lightweight day bag is great for safaris or boat trips, and since many places are remote and may not have a full pharmacy of products available, pack a medical kit with insect repellent, sunscreen, travel sickness medication, and any other items you may need out in the bush or by the beach. Explore our packing list for more tips.