AN EXAMPLE HONEYMOON IN TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR
This example itinerary is perfect of those who want both a safari and a beach holiday. Whether you’re going as a couple, on your honeymoon or with friends these African countries have it all. Below is just a taster, let us tailor make the perfect itinerary for you.
VISIT: Arusha - Day 1 to 2
A bustling, quirky and colourful town, Arusha is the gateway to the Northern safari circuit and there’s always a wonderful mix of people huddled in the cafes and restaurants. Close to the Kenyan border, nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru at an altitude of 1500m the town is pleasantly warm year-round with crisp, clean mountain air and surrounded by astonishingly green coffee plantations.
Start your day with a cup amidst the rows of verdant bushes, watch the Maasai in their deep red shukas and barter for souvenirs at the local market stalls.
STAY: Legendary Lodge
Sat in the heart of a working coffee farm, among lush gardens and with a beautiful frangipani tree at the entrance is the luxury Legendary Lodge Arusha. Popular with visitors beginning or ending their Tanzanian journey, many wish they could stay longer. Close to the town, you’ll be pampered with excellent accommodation, intuitive service and fabulous food.
EXPLORE: Ngorongoro Crater - Day 2 to 4
Ngorongoro Crater, possibly one of the most iconic animal-viewing areas in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cavernous bowl-shaped crater is in fact a caldera, formed two to three million years ago when a large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself. Today it’s the jewel in Tanzania’s crown where the Big Five roam free.
The flat floor is covered in nutritious grasses and is home to an unprecedented number of black rhino as well as black-maned lion, magnificent tuskers and smaller plains game.
STAY: Entamanu Ngorongoro
Entamanu is a tented camp perched on the north-west rim of one of the world’s most iconic natural phenomena, Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, with dramatic views, literally, all around. Breath taking landscapes aside, each space in the camp is comfortable, cosy and impeccable in its design, yet every structure is completely removable leaving not a trace on this beautiful environment. The area is home to the regal Maasai people, known for their rich history and hunting culture.
DISCOVER: The Serengeti - Day 4 to 7
Spanning an area of 30,000 square kilometres in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti is quintessential Africa and home to the iconic Great Migration, endangered rhino, predator-filled plains and game drives galore. .Expect acacia plains that roll to the horizon, seas of waving grass, and exceptional wildlife. The annual Great Migration with millions of wildebeest thunders across the savanna, followed by hungry predators picking off the weak and young. The Serengeti is one of the most popular parks on the continent and it’s not hard to see why.
STAY: Lamai Serengeti Camp
Superbly positioned in amongst the rocks of the Kogakuria Kopjies (little hills) in the northern Serengeti, Lamai Serengeti is a beautiful and tranquil camp. The interiors are serene and tasteful, with spectacular views across the grasslands that teem with wildlife for much of the year. This particularly special when the Great Migration moves through the area from July to October.
And with quality guides who will take you on a journey of exploration and discovery, this is just the camp for those looking to enjoy the best of the Serengeti.
VISIT: Stone Town, Zanzibar - Day 7 to 8
At the heart of Zanzibar’s capital is Stone Town, a living museum where time seems to have stopped a couple of centuries ago and the lanes and buildings have history etched into them. Once one of the busiest ports in East Africa, traces of cultural and religious influences (Arab, Indian and European) are mirrored in the architecture, yet Stone Town has retained its quintessentially Swahili blueprint.
Explore the town’s history at the ruins of the Old Fort, the House of Wonder, Palace Museum and the Christ Church Cathedral, which was built to commemorate the end of slavery in the location of the very last slave market in the world. And don’t miss Forodhani Gardens, where you can tuck into Zanzibar’s famous chapattis, kebabs, seafood and tropical fruit, or a cup of Spiced Tea overlooking the ocean.
STAY: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Located in two of the oldest buildings in Stone Town is ideally situated on the ocean front is The Serena Inn. It’s a quiet haven of tranquility and opulence amongst the bustle of one of Africa’s most ancient and enchanting towns. The large pool terrace overlooks the Indian Ocean and the hotel restaurant has some excellent cuisine.
Relax: Zanzibar - Day 8 to 13
A traditional trading point on the east African spice route, Zanzibar is a melting pot of history and tradition. The island is famous for its spice farms and beautiful azure beaches and a combination of African, Arabic and eastern influences make it a real cultural treasure. Stone Town is a bustling and unique little town with thin cobbled streets and vendors selling everything from fabrics to tasty food.
There are a number of pristine islands surrounding Zanzibar if you are looking to disappear completely, and day trips to the bigger island of Pemba is a must.
STAY: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa
White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is the ultimate beachfront paradise, nestled within the natural landscape and the pristine beaches of Paje, on the East Coast of Zanzibar. Designed by Neil Rocher, one of the best architects in Africa, the resort offers unique villas that blend unmatched luxury with natural beauty. The design celebrates the natural landscape by incorporating solar and wind energy, as well as prioritising other sustainable tourism practices.
The white sandy beach on your doorstep and the turquoise waters beyond are one of the best places in the world to learn kite-surfing. Explore the water sport centre at White Sand to try kite-surfing and other activities such as paddle-boarding, snorkelling, and kayaking.