Beyond the Circuit

The Secret Tanzania Honeymoon

Are you willing to trade some travel time for the experience being in a truly remote locale? Where the reward of a pristine, secluded destination far outweighs an additional transit night, or multiple flights on small bush planes? If you are, then Tanzania has some hidden gems to offer for your honeymoon; namely places that are hard to reach, but oh-so-worth-it! This honeymoon itinerary takes you to the far reaches of southern and western Tanzania, where you'll discover the wilder and more inaccessible side of this amazing country.

Welcome to Tanzania!

Your arrival in Dar es Salaam's quasi-chaotic airport is smoothed by an executive arrival service, which is fortunate because you'll want to maximize your time tonight at your first hotel, The Oyster Bay. Granted, it's only a transit night, but this little gem is the perfect place to unwind after a long flight. Upon arrival, you may wish to take a pre-dinner nap in your comfy bed, admire the contemporary African art around the property, or go for a dip in the pool while enjoying a gin and tonic. A sumptuous dinner of lobster, fresh local vegetables and a fine bottle of wine ensures a great night's sleep, free of any jet-lag.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll head back to...

Dar es Salaam's petite domestic airport for your flight to the Selous Game Reserve. Located in the extreme southern part of the country, this reserve is larger than the country of Switzerland,Beho Beho and is home to completely wild and unspoiled bush. As a World Heritage Site, you are eager with anticipation! The park is bisected by the Rufiji River, and also features lakes, hot springs, woodlands, grassy plains and rocky outcrops

Your lodge, Beho Beho, is perfectly sited atop...

one of these outcrops, providing a romantic view across the vastness of the Selous. Beho Beho is the perfect place to begin your honeymoon safari adventure – the knowledge their small and personable staff will impart to you over the next three days will be equaled only by their warmth and hospitality. While here you'll focus on the animals, which you'll actively track by Land Rover, on foot, and in some cases by boat. The Selous is home to about 1/3 of the world's wild dog population so you'll be sure to catch a glimpse of this incredibly rare species along with many many others.

After exploring the Selous to your hearts' content...

you'll fly north again, this time to a much smaller reserve, the Tarangire National Park. Home to the highest concentration of elephants in Tanzania, this park does have a very high density of animals in general, which means more prolific game viewing, including lion, leopard, cheetah and more than 500 species of birds. It is also known for its majestic Baobab trees, which provide an excellent back-drop for photos. You'll be welcomed at Oliver's Camp, in the extreme southern part of the park, with a bottle of sparkling wine and warm congratulations on your recent marriage. The camp itself features 8 warmly furnished safari tents, with all the comforts you could want. Enjoy sundowners at the end of the day, have a delicious dinner prepared by the gracious staff, and then fall asleep to the sounds of the bush. Heaven.

It's now time to go from the excitement of safari to a most unexpected honeymoon beach – Lupita Island Lodge, located on a small private island just off the shores of Lake Tanganyika. In the far west of the country, this region is hard to reach, so after Tarangire, you'll proceed north to Arusha for an overnight at the lovely Arusha Coffee Lodge. The next morning, you'll meet your pilot for a 3 hour flight to the shores of this mighty lake for yet another adventure, albeit more relaxing than those previous.

This captivating lodge, reached by a short...

boat ride from the landing strip, sits high above the waters below. It may be hard to tear yourselves away from the view, your plunge pool, and the privacy of your suite, but when you do, you'll enjoy the full service spa, excellent food and wine, and an eclectic and beautiful environment in which to relax. This definitely feels like a honeymoon! If you do choose to explore the area, there is an abundance of things to do – you can opt for a guided hiking excursion, visit a nearby traditional fishing village, dive or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the lake, work on your tan at the beach, enjoy a sunset cruise, or traverse the coastline in kayaks. If you have the time and the inclination, you can also travel by private charter to the Mahale Mountains National Park (30 minute flight) to observe families of chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

At the end of a few blissful days on...

Lake Tanganyika, you'll know it's time to go home, but you won't want to leave – have you ever been this relaxed in your lives? As you head back north to Arusha and Kilimanjaro for your international flight, you'll smile and laugh at one another as you realize you are already making plans for a return trip to celebrate your 5th anniversary!

Who will enjoy this trip:

This is a great itinerary for couples who have already been on safari and are looking for something different. Adventurers who like to go as far from civilization as we know it as possible. People seeking walking safaris in particular. People who value fine accommodations but understand the limitations remote locations present.

Who should avoid this trip:

If you have limited time and need to maximize travel efficiency. If you prefer a more typical oceanside beach. If you may feel as though you might "miss" some of the major sights by not visiting the northern circuit. Couples who are uncomfortable being very very far away from almost anything.