Tanzania is a country of great beauty, from the incredible Great Migration in the Serengeti to its secluded and isolated wilderness areas, a honeymoon of any type is possible here. Seeing as a honeymoon is arguably the most important holiday anybody’s life, it is imperative that it is perfect. Below you will find some of the best destinations and lodges to visit for the most romantic getaway you could dream of.
Ikuka, Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is the largest National Park in Tanzania and its size rivals that of Slovenia in Europe. Yet unlike the Northern Tanzanian parks, this destination receives only a handful of visitors in comparison. With huge herds of buffalo that number in their thousands as well as massive lion prides, game viewing in Ruaha is some of the fiercest and exhilarating on the continent. The dry and arid landscape is perfect for a mixture of both South and Eastern African wildlife. Animals such as serval and aardwolf are no strangers, and neither are lesser kudu or leopard. The variety of flora and fauna here is breath-taking.
Situated on the incredible Mwagusi escarpment is Ikuka Safari Camp. A family run safari camp, you will feel part of this family as soon you enter the open and spacious lounge and bar area. The elevated library with its leather sofa is the perfect place to browse through a book during high tea before game drive.
The seven beautiful, tented rooms all have unrivalled views of Ruaha – even from the bathroom! The honeymoon room with its private plunge pool comes at no extra cost. The design is modern and contemporary whilst allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your natural surroundings with your own private deck and open sides. All rooms have super-king beds, en-suites and a lounge area making time in between game drives a pleasure. There is also a pool for those wishing to cool off during the heat of the day.
Sand Rivers, The Selous
Whilst Ruaha is dry and arid, Selous is a glorious water filled landscape that makes for the perfect combination with either Ruaha or Zanzibar, or both! Only a hop, skip and a jump from either destination, the Selous in Southern Tanzania also receives very few visitors in comparison to other areas of East Africa. It also offers something that no other safari destination in Tanzania does: boating safaris.
Nomad’s Sand Rivers on the banks of the Rufiji River not only offers stunning views across the hippo laden river but offers a prime location for wildlife viewing. From the packs of wild dogs that roam the Selous terrain to countless lion, buffalo and elephant that call The Selous home you can be sure of an action-packed safari adventure.
The lodge comprises of five river side rooms and three hill side suites, all offering beautiful views across this watery utopia. The openness of the room and their amenities like the waterfall shower and en-suite make it a romantic and secluded destination for a honeymoon. Your boat safaris leave from your doorstep and game drives can include romantic bush breakfasts by a splendid lagoon teeming with wildlife or the natural jacuzzi-like hot springs.
Asilia’s Highlands, Ngorongoro Highlands
Whilst most people flock to the Crater’s Rim for their accommodation by the Ngorongoro Crater, half an hour further on is the Olmoti Crater which is where Asilia’s Highlands is based. Far more secluded and private than many other Ngorongoro properties, The Highlands is arguably the most unique lodge in the North of Tanzania.
Each room resembles a bubble that is built onto the hillside which provides some amazing sunsets from your own private deck. The honeymoon suite comes with its own plunge pool and larger deck, giving couples that extra privacy and lavish feel to their stay. It does get chilly up in the Highlands, however the log-burner in the centre of every room ensures a cosy and romantic atmosphere throughout the evening.
Whilst at The Highlands, game drives in the Crater itself can be undertaken. Famous for its ‘Big 5’ sightings, the Crater never fails to deliver, but aside from game viewing, beautiful scenic hikes and Masai tribal visits are all part of the fun and education of a stay.
Lemala Kuria Hills, The Serengeti
The mobile tents of the Serengeti are famous for their authentic safari experience, however honeymoons are all about splashing out and having the most luxurious weeks of your life. In the Northern reaches of the Serengeti, you will find some of the most opulent permanent lodges.
Lemala’s Kuria Hills is one such lodge. Situated on the rolling hills of Kogatende, the Mara River is just a short game drive away. From mid-July through to October you can experience the migration in full swing and whilst at camp you can enjoy its luxurious surroundings.
Each room comes with its own private plunge pool and deck. Whilst a lounge area accompanies a super king-sized bed. The glass fronted rooms ensure you feel immersed within the natural world as they combine a traditional African feel with a modern contemporary design.
Greystoke Mahale, Mahale
Combining some rest and relaxation after an enthralling safari is often a popular choice when it comes to honeymoons, however there are ways to enjoy a few days by the beach without feeling following the common trend. Greystoke Mahale is a thatched lodge built on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. With lush forests behind it and the crystal-clear waters of the Lake in front, it is the ideal location to combine some incredible activities and relaxation.
The six thatched bandas offer a rustic barefoot luxury experience and the open-air dining and lounge areas ensure you are fully immersed within this utopia. Situated in the West of Tanzania, Mahale is one of the least visited areas in the country, allowing the privacy and intimacy that a honeymoon deserves.
Mornings can be spent hiking in the forests, or more probably trekking for chimpanzees. With over seventy individuals, Mahale offers one of the best chimpanzee trekking experiences in East Africa. After your morning exertions, unwinding on the pure white beaches, taking a dip or cruising out on the crystal-clear waters is all possible. Any couple that ventures out this far will be rewarded with the perfect combination of thrills and relaxation within an exclusive paradise.
Marc Harris is Managing Director of Tanzania Odyssey. Tanzania Odyssey is a leading tour operator that has specialised in Tanzania since 1998.