17 Days Tanzania and Zanzibar Honeymoon Experience

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation for Your Kilimanjaro Adventure

The first day of your incredible journey. Begin with anticipation as you arrive in Tanzania for your 17-day Tanzania and Zanzibar Honeymoon Experience. Upon arrival at the airport, you will warmly greeted by your driver. This will assist with your luggage and transport you to your hotel in Moshi. A picturesque town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. After checking in and settling down. You’ll attend an orientation session led by your expert team leaders.

Hiking Gear Check and Preparation

During the orientation, your team leaders will guide you through the logistics of your trek. This ensures you are fully prepared for the adventure. The experts will thoroughly inspect your hiking gear and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you are well-equipped for the days to come. After this, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and mentally prepare for your life-changing adventure. Take the opportunity to enjoy the scenic surroundings of Moshi or simply rest and recharge for the exciting journey ahead.

Driving Distance: 32 km (40 Minutes)

Your journey to Moshi from the airport is a short, scenic drive of approximately 32 kilometers. Taking around 40 minutes. The scenic route offers glimpses of the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes, providing a gentle introduction to the stunning terrain that awaits you on your trek.

Day 2: Marangu Hike to Mandara Hut

On this scenic hike. You’ll venture to the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Exploring pristine tropical wilderness and immersed in stunning landscapes. The Marangu route, which was once used by the first Kilimanjaro explorers, is famous for its lush rainforest and unique wildlife. Along the trail, you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys living in the trees. Adding a magical touch to your journey.

Marangu Route Hike

Your adventure starts with a transfer from Moshi to the Marangu gate (departure between 7:00 am and 8:00 am). After entering the park and completing your registration, you will embark on a moderately strenuous hike through the rainforest. The hike is expected to take around 3-5 hours, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of lush vegetation and occasional glimpses of wildlife. A picnic lunch will either be enjoyed en route or at Mandara Hut, depending on your walking speed.

Descend to the Park Gates

After a fulfilling hike, you will begin your descent through the same forest trail, taking an estimated 3-4 hours to return to the park gates. Your driver will be waiting for you at the gate, ready to take you back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest and to continue your honeymoon journey.

Driving Distance: 108 km (2 Hours)

The drive from the Marangu park gates to Arusha is a scenic 2-hour journey, covering approximately 108 kilometers. The road will offer glimpses of the African countryside, marking the end of a memorable day on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Drive to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. A vast and picturesque wildlife haven renowned for its striking landscapes and abundance of wildlife. The park is particularly famous for its ancient Baobab trees. Which dot the landscape, creating a surreal atmosphere. Tarangire is also home to the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. Providing fantastic opportunities to observe elephant families in their natural environment.

Game Drive and Picnic at Tarangire River

Once inside the park. We will embark on a game drive, focusing on areas where recent animal sightings have been reported. Herbivores like giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras are abundant and easy to spot. While the more elusive predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs trickier to find. Midday, we will stop at the Tarangire River picnic site for a relaxing break.

Continue Game Drive and Departure

After lunch, we will continue with our game drive, exploring different areas of the park and keeping an eye out for more wildlife. As the afternoon winds down, we will exit Tarangire around 4:30 pm and head to our accommodation for the night.

Driving Distance: 128 km (2 Hours)

The drive to Tarangire National Park from your accommodation is approximately 128 kilometers, taking around 2 hours. Enjoy the scenic views during this short drive, marking the transition from the dense forest to the more open, expansive landscapes of the park.

Arrival and Visit to Lake Natron

Upon arrival at the entrance gate to the Lake Natron area, we’ll complete the necessary paperwork before proceeding to your accommodation for check-in. After settling in and freshening up, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a visit to the lake itself. Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll explore the lake on foot. The ground can be quite slippery and muddy, so be prepared to move carefully to avoid slipping. The lake remains shallow for quite some distance, allowing you the freedom to decide how close you’d like to get to the famous pink flamingos that gather there.

Flamingo Viewing and Sunset

The best time to see the flamingos is at sunset when they are most active, feeding along the shores of the lake. You’ll have ample time to observe their behavior and take in the surreal beauty of the scene. After enjoying this incredible experience, you’ll return to your accommodation where a well-deserved dinner will await you.

Driving Distance: 119 km (2 Hours)

The drive to Lake Natron from your previous location covers approximately 119 kilometers and takes about 2 hours. As you travel, you’ll pass through stunning landscapes that provide both a visual and cultural introduction to this remote and unique area of Tanzania.

Day 5: Waterfall Hike and Return to Karatu

Your day begins early as you prepare for an exciting hike to a nearby waterfall before the heat of the day sets in. The hike takes around 1 hour and will take you through the stunning landscapes surrounding Lake Natron. Be prepared for an adventurous journey, as you’ll need to cross the river several times to reach the waterfall. The refreshing sight of the waterfall is well worth the effort, and the cool spray will be a welcome relief. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area and enjoy a bit of a challenge.

Return to Karatu

After completing the hike and enjoying the waterfall, you’ll begin your return journey back to Karatu. The drive back will allow you to reflect on the beauty of Lake Natron and the surrounding region. You’ll have plenty of time to make your way back before nightfall, ensuring a safe and leisurely drive.

Driving Distance: 119 km (2 Hours)

The drive from Lake Natron to Karatu is approximately 119 kilometers, taking about 2 hours. The route offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley, and as you travel, you’ll pass through local Maasai villages, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich culture and way of life.

Day 6: Drive to Serengeti via Olduvai Gorge

After breakfast, we continue our adventure with a scenic drive from our Lodge to Serengeti National Park, with a stop at the fascinating Olduvai Gorge. This archaeological site is famous for its significant fossils of early human ancestors and the tools they used, providing a glimpse into humanity’s distant past. Here, you will also visit the Olduvai Museum, where you can learn more about the discoveries made at the gorge. The stop is also an opportunity to visit a nearby Maasai village and experience the culture of Tanzania’s semi-nomadic Maasai people, one of the country’s most iconic ethnic groups.

En-Route Game Drive

Following the visit to the gorge, we continue our journey with an en-route game drive through the stunning Serengeti National Park. Serengeti, covering an impressive 14,760 km², is home to a spectacular array of wildlife. You’ll likely encounter large herds of herbivores such as wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and buffalo, as well as the park’s famous predators — lions, cheetahs, and leopards. This vast open plain offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Africa, and you’ll have ample opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Lunch Options

During the day, you will enjoy your choice of a hot lunch at the Lodge or a picnic lunch to take with you as you continue exploring the Serengeti.

Driving Distance: 229 km (3 Hours)

The journey from your Lodge to Serengeti National Park takes approximately 3 hours and covers a distance of 229 kilometers. The drive offers scenic views of the African wilderness, and you may spot wildlife along the way.

Day 7: Visit to Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in the world. This enormous, volcanic caldera, measuring about 600 meters (1,968 feet) deep, offers a rare opportunity to witness abundant wildlife in a remarkably contained and diverse ecosystem. The crater is often referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden” due to its richness in flora and fauna.

Incredible Wildlife Viewing

During your visit, you’ll encounter a wide array of wildlife, including buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest, zebras, and elephants. The crater is also home to a large predator population, including lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and leopards. A standout experience in the crater is the chance to see the resident population of black rhinos, a rare and endangered species that is difficult to spot outside the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater provides a unique safari experience where you can observe a full range of animals in close proximity.

Afternoon Drive to Karatu

In the late afternoon, after a fulfilling day of game viewing, you’ll begin your drive to Karatu, where you will check into your lodge for the evening. Karatu is a charming town located near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Crater, making it an ideal place to rest and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Driving Distance: 229 km (3 Hours)

The drive from the Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu takes approximately 3 hours and covers a distance of 229 kilometers. The scenic journey offers views of the lush highlands and valleys surrounding the crater.

Day 8: Visit to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, your adventure continues with a drive to Lake Manyara National Park, situated beneath the stunning cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment, right on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. The park is known for its unique mix of lush forest, open woodlands, and soda lakes, creating an exceptional ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife.

Wildlife at Lake Manyara

The alkaline soda of Lake Manyara, which covers an area of 230 square kilometers, is home to large flocks of pink flamingos and a variety of other bird species. The lake is also famous for its large resident hippopotamus pods that you can observe from a distance. In addition to its rich birdlife, Lake Manyara is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, which are a rare and fascinating sight.

While game viewing, you may also be lucky enough to spot leopards, hyenas, and large herds of elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and impalas. The park is also home to a large population of primates, including common monkeys, vervet monkeys, and baboons.

Departure for Zanzibar

Around lunchtime, you’ll leave Lake Manyara National Park and head to the airport for a one-hour light flight to Zanzibar, where your beach holiday begins. This marks the end of your safari in northern Tanzania, and you’ll now transition to the serene beaches of Zanzibar to relax and unwind.

Driving Distance: 114 km (1.5 Hours)

The drive to Lake Manyara National Park from your accommodation will take approximately 1.5 hours, covering a distance of 114 kilometers. Enjoy the scenic landscape of the Rift Valley as you make your way to the park.

Day 9-16: Leisure at Zanzibar’s East Coast

Relaxation on Zanzibar’s East Coast
After the excitement of your wildlife safari, spend the next eight full days at leisure on Zanzibar’s beautiful East Coast, a secluded paradise known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear warm waters. This area offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, allowing you to unwind in a tranquil setting while still having plenty of optional activities at your fingertips.

Beachfront Relaxation and Water Sports

Spend your days lounging on the beach or swimming in the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. If you’re feeling more active, enjoy a variety of water sports available at your resort, including snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. You can also explore the vibrant underwater world with scuba diving excursions, offering the chance to see vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and perhaps even dolphins.

Optional Excursions

Zanzibar’s East Coast isn’t just about beach relaxation; you have a variety of optional excursions to choose from. Explore the Spice Plantations for a guided tour of the island’s rich history and famous spice production. Visit the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to immerse yourself in the island’s rich cultural heritage, or take a boat tour to explore nearby islands such as Mnemba Island—an idyllic spot for snorkeling and relaxing.

Vibrant Culinary Scene

Zanzibar is renowned for its incredible food scene, blending African, Arabic, Indian, and European influences. Enjoy fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and delicious Swahili cuisine at the island’s beachfront restaurants. Indulge in a romantic dinner on the beach as the sun sets, savoring the flavors of this beautiful island paradise.

Your Ideal Getaway

Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply the perfect place to unwind, the East Coast of Zanzibar offers the best of both worlds. Spend your days exploring, enjoying the local culture, or simply basking in the sun as you recharge for your next adventure.

Day 17: Departure from Zanzibar

Relaxation and Last Moments in Paradise
After a leisurely breakfast on Day 17, take the time to relax at your resort, soaking in the final moments of your 17-Day Tanzania and Zanzibar Honeymoon Experience. Spend the morning unwinding by the beach or enjoying the resort’s facilities, such as the spa or pool.

Airport Transfer and Farewell

At the appropriate time, our dedicated driver will collect you from the reception and drive you to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight home. This marks the end of your unforgettable honeymoon, filled with wildlife adventures, cultural experiences, and serene beach days.