A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HONEYMOON SAFARIS IN TANZANIA
Honeymoon Safari Tanzania. Ikuka Safari Camp, Ruaha. Tanzania
Eager to start planning the honeymoon safari in Tanzania you've always dreamed of? There's no better way to celebrate tying the knot with your other half than venturing into Tanzania's wonderful wildlife reserves while residing in one of the country's main luxury resorts.
Imagine sharing moments of lion spotting, adventurous game drives through rugged terrain, and soaking up the lap of luxury in one trip as a toast to your love.
This safari guide for honeymooners coming to Tanzania covers everything you need to know before you book your dream getaway with your soulmate. It includes detailed breakdowns about when to visit, what to pack, how to choose a hotel, and so much more.
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Honeymoon Safari Tanzania. Asilia Africa, Jabali Ridge
When Is the Best Time to Go on a Honeymoon Safari in Tanzania?
Determining the best time to go on safari in Tanzania is challenging, as you'll have to select a month that is most suitable for you and your significant other's interests and travel styles.
Dry Season (June to October)
Newlyweds particularly enjoy the dry season for their honeymoon safaris, which lasts from June to October. The abundant sunshine, limited rainfall and pleasant dry season temperatures create optimum game-viewing conditions.
At this time of year, animals tend to convene around the rivers and lakes for water, making it considerably easier to spot the likes of lions, elephants and hippos.
Also, this is when the fabled Great Migration takes place, a truly remarkable spectacle that's sure to be the highlight of any safari in Tanzania.
Naturally, the favorable weather and animal-spotting opportunities make this an incredibly popular time for newlyweds and other visitors, which can result in crowded parks and resorts.
The Rainy Season (November to May)
If you'd prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, the rainy season from November to May draws noticeably fewer crowds. Tanzania's national parks are at their most striking at this time of year, as the grasslands are lusher and more vivid than ever.
Of course, this means that you'll have to contend with frequent downpours and high humidity. Not only can this make it more arduous to locate the animals, but it may not be the most comfortable safari experience if you're faced with somewhat adverse weather conditions.
However, Tanzania enjoys some respite from the rain in January and February. At this time, there's a break from the short and long rains that make up much of the wet period, and this signals the beginning of the calving season.
You'll have the chance to catch a glimpse of baby animals coming into the world, watch males go head-to-head in search of a mate and partake in some sensational bird-watching.
Honeymoon Safari Tanzania / Calving season.
The Finest Locations for a Honeymoon Safari
There are so many extraordinary national parks and wildlife reserves in Tanzania for you and your better half to explore, all of which have their own unique characteristics and qualities.
Some of our favorite picks for the best honeymoon safari destinations in the country include:
Serengeti National Park
Few safari destinations are as epic as Serengeti National Park. The scenery is staggering, sightings of the Big 5 (lion, African buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephant) are a commonplace here and it's the site of the Great Migration.
During this time of mass movement, almost two million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles traverse much of northern Tanzania and into southern Kenya in search of greener pastures.
Nogrongoro Conservation Area
Another amazing location is the Nogrongoro Conservation Area. The vast savannas and plains play host to the Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll gaze upon one of the world's most densely populated wildlife areas.
Much like Serengeti National Park, the Big 5 are regularly spotted here, as are a myriad of other fascinating animals, including hyenas, giraffes, and hippos.
Lake Manyara National Park
Small but spectacular, Lake Manyara National Park is where you'll find some of Tanzania's most intriguing wildlife. It was formed to protect its unusual tree-climbing lions along with the other 1,000 species residing here.
Nyerere National Park
Couples hoping to veer away from the well-trodden Tanzania safari routes will be drawn to the sprawling but less-visited Nyerere National Park.
Despite being the country's largest national park, this spot remains rather untouched and its diverse landscapes showcase baobab trees, swamps and dense woodlands. You can expect to find lions, gazelles, rhinos and leopards, among countless other species within the park.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is reminiscent of Nyerere National Park in that it's much less traveled and off the beaten path than the more well known national parks. Lying in central Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is a superb location for couples looking for a more intrepid safari.
It's quite likely that the both of you and your guide will be the only ones around to witness elephants, crocodiles and antelopes in their natural habitat. Moreover, Ruaha National Park is believed to boast around 10% of the world's total lion population.
Honeymoon Safari Tanzania / Nyerere National Park. Image: @aronmarinelli
Is It Safe to Go on a Honeymoon Safari?
Tanzania is a safe destination for a honeymoon safari, meaning you can focus all your attention on your magnificent surroundings and the adventurous outings you're about to embark on.
With our reputable guides, experienced drivers and dedicated hospitality staff, you'll rest easy knowing you're in safe hands. However, taking basic precautions will add an extra layer of security to your trip.
Here is some helpful information to be aware of:
Depending on your itinerary with us, you may be planning to set aside some time to explore some of Tanzania's urban areas. Much like any busy city, pickpocketing and petty theft are possibilities. Stick to busy places, keep your belongings out of reach and avoid walking at night or alone.
As you'll spend much of your honeymoon safari in Tanzania moving through rural areas, it's crucial to keep in mind that medical resources are scarce. Though minor illnesses and injuries may be treated with the supplies available at camps, moderate or severe issues will require you to be evacuated to larger urban areas.
While it may seem obvious, many dangerous animals reside in each safari park, so it's imperative to follow the instructions of your guides, lodge staff and drivers to ensure your safety.
Unfortunately, malaria is widespread in the Tanzanian wilderness, so it's best to arrive with sufficient antimalarial medication for your stay.
Honeymoon Safari Tanzania / Image: @ray30
Do I Need a Visa for a Honeymoon Safari?
Most visitors must obtain a visa to enter Tanzania. The type of visa you'll need will depend on your home country and how long you plan to spend in Tanzania but many travelers choose the single-entry option.
Factoring in the cost of a visa should be considered when planning your honeymoon. The popular single-entry visa will set you back $50 for those eligible. However, you should be aware that visa fees can add a significant amount to your safari costs in Tanzania, as some can be as much as $550.
What Animals Can I See?
As with any experience centered around nature, there's no way to tell which animals you'll encounter during your Tanzania honeymoon safari. There are countless animals that you'll have a good chance at spotting along the way, depending on when and where you visit, including:
The Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, African buffalo)
Giraffes
Cheetahs
Zebras
Hippos
Wildebeest
Gazelles
Hyenas
Crocodiles
Baboons
Wild dogs
Bird watchers should keep their eyes peeled for the following species:
Flamingos
Ostriches
African fish eagle
Giant kingfisher
Crowned hornbill
Marabou stork
Honeymoon Safari Tanzania / Marabou Stork. Image: @partha1705
What to Wear on a Tanzania Honeymoon Safari
Thankfully, deciding what to wear on a safari is much less stressful than you might expect, as comfort and practicality reign supreme here!
Some essentials for both men and women include:
Long-sleeved shirts
T-shirts or tank tops
Shorts
Long trousers (with detectable ends, if possible)
Warm fleece or sweatshirt
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Thermals
Warm pajamas
Thick, durable socks
Swimwear (if staying somewhere with a pool)
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or sports sandals)
Where Can I Stay for a Honeymoon in Tanzania?
Planning a luxury safari in Tanzania for newly married couples often starts with finding the perfect accommodation. Many safari resorts in Tanzania provide world-class service in the most surreal settings, from rustic campsites to luxury safari lodges.
While your preferences as a couple will dictate what style of lodging is suited to you, there are numerous high-end properties in most of the national parks that are particularly suitable for honeymooners.
For example, Ikuka Safari Camp in Ruaha National Park offers top-tier overnight stays and we at BornWild offer fantastic Tanzania safari honeymoon packages.
Ikuka Safari Camp
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Honeymoon Safari in Tanzania
And with that, you're all set to put the wheels in motion and book a safari in Tanzania with your bride or groom-to-be! If you're a pair of adventurous newlyweds, it doesn't get much better than a wildlife expedition through the untamed and rugged Tanzanian national parks.
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