Exotic Zanzibar

And Best of Northern Tanzania

Have you decided to spend your honeymoon on a great safari, but you'd still like a few days relaxing on that perfect "honeymoon beach" to start things off? Beach lovers and adventurers alike will love this itinerary since it takes both endeavors into account, without compromising one for the other. A combination of the exotic ambiance of Zanzibar as an entrée to your honeymoon, followed by the best locations in northern Tanzania may indeed be the answer!

After a quick transit night in...

Dar es Salaam at the lovely Oyster Bay Hotel, it's on to Zanzibar! You couldn't have asked for a more exotic place to start your honeymoon – there are of course amazing beaches and world class snorkeling and diving, but the mystique and the romance this island offers makes it honeymoon-worthy, absolutely.

You've chosen Baraza Resort as your home on the beach. Immediately you notice the Omani influence in the resort's style that is part and parcel of the island's culture. Unique archways, textile-draped beds and flowing curtains mean you are in for an out-of-the-ordinary stay. Your individual villa with plunge pool is a perfect place to relax, and it also offers air conditioning, still somewhat of a rarity for resorts on this gorgeous island. You'll be steps away from the beach, and you'll find your few days at Baraza to be luxurious, enjoyable and easy. Meals are also included so you needn't plan in advance – all is taken care of for you.

Be sure, of course, to take full advantage of...

the bright blue waters, and a sunset dhow cruise with drinks is no doubt in order one evening. And snorkeling in various locations along the coast and Pemba channel is a real treat – the waters here are still in pristine condition, so you'll be sure to see plenty of fish and coral. By all means satisfy your curiosity about the island and its people, and take a trip into Stone Town, a throwback to another era. As you wander the tiny streets you drink in the smells of the spices and imagine what things must have been like hundreds of years ago, as traders from across the region stopped to buy and sell. All of your predecessors have left some small influence on Zanzibar, and you are the lucky recipients of this cultural mélange.

After the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, are you...

ready for some excitement? You've had ample time to relax, but now it's time to indulge the real reason you came to Tanzania – wildlife! You'll depart Zanzibar for your first safari stop, and the beautiful and unique Lake Manyara. One of the country's smallest national Lake Mayaraparks at only 127 square miles (330 square km) it is a microcosm of safaris around Tanzania. It has forests where you'll be entertained by baboons and monkeys. These give way to a grassy floodplain that has stunning views across the alkaline lake towards jagged volcanic peaks.

The plains are home to zebra, buffalo, giraffe, and others. Further inland is an acacia woodland that is home to Lake Manyara's famous tree climbing lions, whose curious behavior seems to be passed inherently between generations. Encircling the lake on a game drive, it's also not unusual to see more than 100 of the areas 400 species of birds, including stunning flamingoes. While you may not see yourselves as birders, surely you'll be enchanted by the lake's diverse ornithology.

While here you'll stay at...

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, which pays homage to the forest and the life within its branches through its "treehouses". It's a pleasure to relax on your deck at canopy-level and feel as though you are part of the ecosystem. But let's not forget that the lodge and the rooms are luxurious – not like the treehouses of your youth! The staff will take excellent care of you and ensure the continuity of that honeymoon feeling that was so evident in Zanzibar.

You'll depart early morning from...

Manyara to the Ngorongoro Crater, winding your way up to the rim of the caldera and then down again onto the crater floor, in search of some of its 30,000 animals. Rhino are more abundant here than elsewhere in Tanzania, so this is a good place to look for these thundering beasts, and as a result one of the better places to seek out a "Big Five" game viewing experience.

You'll also enjoy numerous plains animals along with their predators in tow. Have a picnic in the crater and continue your game drive, searching for elephant, leopard, jackal and others. From here, if you like, there are opportunities to visit nearby Masai villages. You'll make a mid-afternoon return to the eclectic and posh Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where you'll check into your suite and be drawn immediately to your terrace. No doubt this is where you'll choose to have sundowners tonight as you admire the view across the crater. No less spectacular in the morning, enjoy a private breakfast outside your suite, soaking in the view and the bizarre landscape around you.

Early afternoon, you are on your way again, this time via...

short flight to the northern Serengeti. Perhaps you've already been lucky and will have encountered parts of Tanzania's famed "migration" at the crater, but if not, the Serengeti may be your chance. Tucked up in the far northern reaches of the Serengeti near the Kenya border is Sayari Camp, which offers a very authentic and first class tented safari experience.

Your Masai guides seem born to track animals, and are able to show you the best of the area's flora and fauna, whether that includes thousands of wildebeest and zebra, or cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, elephant and others endemic to the Serengeti. This is a place to really focus on the animals for there are many many just waiting to be found! Since you will have seen most species by now, you'll take pleasure in watching the animals on an extended basis to observe their behaviors.

Across the Serengeti to the east is your...

final safari stop, Klein's Camp, located in a private concession just adjacent to the national park. You have the opportunity to enjoy a night game drive if you choose, and as a private concession, you'll be allowed off-road to more easily pursue game sightings.

But Klein's is also a very luxurious camp, and you'll definitely want to enjoy the comfort of your suite, even sleeping in one morning and taking a few hours to enjoy their excellent spa. The staff will arrange spectacular bush dining venues, replete with silver tray service, comfy pillows, and gourmet selections. While you'll still have access to all of the ecosystem's animals, the comfort and pampering you'll feel at Klein's will offer a perfect high note upon which to end such a special trip and incredible experience.

When it's time to head home, you'll leave...

tanned, relaxed and elated from your Zanzibar and safari adventures. We are willing to bet you will have also been bitten by the Africa "bug". You've touched upon a very special corner of the planet, and this first trip will undoubtedly set the stage for others to come.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Couples who enjoy gorgeous beaches and cultural experiences. If you want to see as much of Tanzania as possible in a short period of time. For luxurious accommodations across a variety of destinations.

Who should avoid this trip:

If you may prefer a more conventionally luxurious beach locale such as the Seychelles. The northern circuit is well traveled by many people, so if you'd rather be away from others, you might enjoy our itinerary Beyond the Circuit: The Secret Tanzania Honeymoon. If you prefer not to move around so much, a more moderately paced itinerary can be designed. Couples on a tighter budget may prefer to choose other lodges.