Tanzania Honeymoon Itinerary & Cost – Safari & Beach (Zanzibar)

Did you know Tanzania offers the perfect blend of luxury safari adventures and dreamy beach escapes for your honeymoon?

With its world-class safaris, white sandy beaches, and romantic hideaways, Tanzania and Zanzibar promise an unforgettable experience for newlyweds as well as being one of my favourite safari destinations in Africa

Whether you’re watching lions, leopards and cheetahs in the Serengeti, unwinding on Zanzibar’s pristine shores, or enjoying a private dinner under the stars, this destination offers everything you need for a perfect honeymoon.

Tanzania is one of the most popular safari destinations, boasting some of the world’s best national parks and unforgettable wildlife experiences. My personal favourite in Tanzania is the Serengeti National Park, closely followed by the magical and unique Ngorongoro Crater.

Tanzania Honeymoon Itinerary Map

Is a Safari Good for a Honeymoon?

Yes – In my experience a safari is a wonderful option for a honeymoon and a very popular choice. It allows you to share incredible experiences with your partner and create memories which will last a lifetime.

Spending a honeymoon on a safari, surrounded by incredible scenery of plains, hills, and forests teeming with wildlife, can be the most unforgettable experience for newlyweds.

From private hideaways and Tarzan-style treehouses to luxurious resorts, safari stays across the continent offer many romantic activities to enjoy Africa’s splendour on your special occasion.

While the main focus of safaris is early morning and late afternoon game drives, there’s plenty of other ways you can view the wildlife too. You can take a helicopter or hot-air balloon ride, letting the wind glide you gently above the savannahs, watching the wildlife below, and then follow that up with a champagne breakfast under an acacia tree.

You could also set off on foot, horse ride, or bike across the plains, or even take a sunset cruise or canoe ride across lakes or through clear blue waterways while viewing the game along the shoreline.

You could even combine these adventurous activities with something more relaxing, like just spending time together soaking in the sun by your own private pool.

What better way to end each day than watching a blood-red sun set across the plains, a glass of wine in hand with your loved one, followed by a private candlelit dinner somewhere in the wild under the starry African night sky, with only the sounds of nature in the distance?

So yes, if you let your imagination run wild, a safari destination is certainly perfect for a honeymoon.

Is Tanzania Good for a Safari Honeymoon?

Tanzania is a fantastic safari honeymoon location and quite possibly the best overall choice when compared to other options, which well cover in a minute.

Having some of the most dramatic landscapes and wildlife-rich game reserves on the continent and of course the tropical island of Zanzibar, it’s only natural for Tanzania to feature highly among the most romantic and desirable safari honeymoon destinations.

Below is a map of Tanzania showing the northern safari circuit highlights.

Top of the list would be the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, famous for being home to all of the Big Five and its high density of big cats. It’s also equally famous for hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration, regarded as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, a year round migration involving millions of wildebeests and zebras.

Tanzania is also blessed with several other national parks and game reserves, such as the Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ruaha National Parks, each with their own special appeals, natural beauty, and concentration of wildlife.

However, none is more unique and fascinating than the Ngorongoro Crater, which resembles a lost world. The crater is known as Africa’s own ‘Garden of Eden’ and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tanzania is also home to Africa’s tallest mountain, the towering snow-capped Kilimanjaro, rising high above the dense rainforest, vast national park, and coffee plantations that surround it.

After your safari, a short 2-hour domestic flight will take you to the exotic white sand beaches of the Zanzibar Islands, fringed by tall swaying coconut palms, resorts, bars, and restaurants on one side, and the inviting sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on the other. What better way to appreciate such beauty than sharing it with your loved one during this memorable time of your lives?

I’ve been thinking hard to find any cons for Tanzania as a honeymoon destination. However, I managed to think of two: avoid visiting during March, April and May, when the country receives excessive rainfall, which can certainly put a dampener on your special occasion.

The second con is cost, safaris are not the cheapest holiday and you’ll probably need a budget of at least $300 – $350 per person per day. In terms of value for money, safaris provide the trip of a lifetime and the park fees you pay are helping to preserve and protect these incredible ecosystems and animals.

Despite those two cons, Tanzania is certainly a fantastic safari honeymoon destination. However, is Tanzania the best? Read on for my comparison below.

Which African Country is Best for Honeymoon?

Below I’m going to compare Tanzania with two of the other most popular African safari honeymoon destinations to help you decide if Tanzania is the best destination in Africa for your honeymoon.

Tanzania Honeymoon Vs Kenya Honeymoon

Kenya and Tanzania are both idyllic honeymoon destinations, offering a combination of safari and beach without leaving the country. However, there are some key differences we’ll go into below.

Tanzania vs Kenya for Safari

Both these countries boast iconic safari parks, perfect for a romantic honeymoon.

Tanzania’s flagship nature reserve, the Serengeti, borders Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, with both offering spectacular views of the Mara River crossings during the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Both parks are home to some of the highest densities of big cats in Africa. The Great Migration can be seen over a longer period in the Serengeti, making Tanzania a more popular choice.

The Serengeti is over 8 times the size of the Masai Mara, and due to it’s smaller size, the Masai Mara can get much more crowded than the Serengeti in peak periods. However, you can avoid the crowds of the main Masai Mara Reserve by visiting the surrounding conservancies. Accommodation in the Conservancies does tend to be quite a bit more expensive.

As for convenience and accessibility, distances between Tanzania’s key parks on the northern circuit are shorter and easier to reach than those in Kenya. This is a major bonus for Tanzania, allowing you to visit most of its premier parks in a shorter time.

When it comes to the most romantic location, Kenya’s parks are incredible, but none compare in uniqueness and magic than Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater – a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and natural beauty. After the Serengeti, personally, this is my second favourite location in Tanzania.

Best Safaris Winner: Tanzania

Tanzania vs Kenya for Beaches

While both offer wonderful bush and beach getaways, Kenya’s beach resorts are limited to the African mainland. In contrast, Tanzania boasts the spectacular Zanzibar Islands, which offer a more diverse range of activities and a more romantic setting.

Both destinations feature magnificent beaches, accommodation, dining, nightlife, and water activities like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and windsurfing. However, Zanzibar has the historic Stone Town, filled with narrow streets, quaint shops, markets, eateries, and historical landmarks – a perfect setting for a romantic stroll.

Zanzibar is easily reached by boat or plane and offers a wide range of accommodation options, from the most luxurious to very simple. The northern and west-facing shorelines provide truly romantic sunsets every evening.

Apart from Mombasa and nearby districts, Kenya’s most popular beach resorts are in two areas: Diani Beach, a short drive south of Mombasa and Malindi, about 80 miles (100 km) north of the port city. Diani Beach is a top honeymoon destination with miles of white sandy beaches, ideal for water activities, along with first-class resorts, beach bars and restaurants. 

However, when you consider the number of superb beaches on Zanzibar and the much longer mainland coastline, Tanzania becomes a more favourable combined safari and beach honeymoon destination.

Best Beaches Winner: Tanzania

Tanzania vs Kenya Costs

Tanzania has a slightly higher starting price for a private safari costing from $350 per person per day vs Kenya’s $300.

Whilst Kenya used to be notably cheaper, there is not too much in it these days after daily entrance fees to the Maasai Mara were increased to nearly three times those of the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Accommodation is slightly cheaper in Kenya as you can stay just outside the Masai Mara (saving overnight fees) as it’s much smaller than Tanzania’s vast Serengeti which requires accommodation in side the park.

Costs Winner: Draw – whilst Kenya is slightly cheaper overall the Masai Mara is now has much higher park fees vs the Serengeti.

Which is the best overall safari honeymoon destination out of Tanzania and Kenya?

Tanzania Honeymoon Vs Botswana Honeymoon

Botswana is a safari mecca, renowned for the most pristine wilderness and prestigious game lodges in Africa.

Safaris are not cheap and Botswana is the most expensive & exclusive safari destination so does this make it a better honeymoon destination? Let’s find out below.

Tanzania Vs Botswana for Safari

Botswana limits the number of visitors to most parks, avoiding overcrowding and ensuring a more private, authentic safari experience.

The lodges are mainly high-end, offering ultra-luxurious amenities, numerous safari activities, and services deep in the bush far from crowds, creating a more intimate atmosphere – truly perfect for a romantic getaway. 

In terms of wildlife, Botswana too has it all. The Big Five and other iconic wildlife are found here, as well as rare and endangered animals, such as African wild dogs. Although Botswana cannot match the density of the big cats of Tanzania, it does have a healthy predator population as well as the largest concentration of elephants in the world.

Botswana also has its own mini-migration made up mainly by 30,000 zebras, but that cannot compare to the Great Wildebeest Migration of Tanzania, where over two million animals trek for 800 miles (1,000 kms) throughout the whole year.

Botswana does however offer more diverse landscapes than Tanzania, although the distances between them can be long. To the north, you’ll find the premier parks of the Okavango Delta, including the world-acclaimed Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, home to the famous Savuti Channel.

These large parks consist of vast savannahs, abundant forests, and thousands of miles of beautiful rivers, lakes, and lagoons. There are also crystal blue waterways, which provide romantic canoe rides, sunset cruises, and live-aboard luxury houseboats – perhaps the most idyllic and romantic way to experience Africa’s magic. But they can be super expensive.

To the south of Botswana, the landscape and climate change drastically, with flat, dry salt pans dotted with ancient, giant baobab trees. When the rain arrives, the area transforms into an evergreen oasis. Despite seeming barren during the dry months, it’s filled with wildlife like Kalahari black-maned lions, cheetahs, gemsbok, springbok, meerkats and flamingos.

Best Safari Winner: Draw – Both provide incredible safaris – Tanzania has the Great Migration, a super-high density of predators and the world-class Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater whilst Botswana has varied landscapes of the Okavango Delta, Wild Dogs and lower visitor numbers.

Tanzania Vs Botswana for Beaches

Botswana is landlocked so it cannot offer both a safari and beach honeymoon, unless you’re willing to catch multiple expensive flights to Mauritius or the Seychelles via South Africa.

In contrast, Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island just a 2-3 hour direct flight away from the Serengeti’s Seronera or Kogatende airstrips. You could be viewing a pride of lions in the savannahs in the morning and then sunbathing on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches in the afternoon.

Best Beaches Winner: Tanzania

Tanzania Vs Botswana Costs

Botswana’s exclusivity and low impact, high cost model does come at a price. Botswana struggles to compete with Tanzania in terms of affordability, as it likely has the most expensive safari lodges in Africa.

Starting prices for a budget safari in Botswana are $450 per adult per day compared to $350 in Tanzania and for that you’ll be staying in a tent which is not everyones idea of a honeymoon.

For more luxurious semi-permanent tented camps and lodges in Botswana you’re looking at $1,200 per person per day compared to a luxury safari in Tanzania which starts at $650.

Costs Winner: Tanzania

Which is the best overall safari honeymoon destination out of Tanzania and Botswana?

Tanzania Honeymoon Destinations

With mountains, sea, and over 20 world-class national parks, you’ll be left wondering which places to visit and which to leave out. To make things easier, I have listed the must-see spots that are sure to provide the most memorable safari honeymoon in Tanzania.

The parks below are not only selected for their natural beauty and rich wildlife but also for their convenience. They are situated close to one another, reducing unnecessary travel time.

These parks often feature together on Tanzania safari itineraries as they form Tanzania’s northern safari circuit (shown in the map below), making it possible to visit them all in one trip – a major advantage in Tanzania’s favour.

Serengeti National Park

Home to the Big Five, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and one of the most diverse concentrations of wildlife on the planet, Serengeti National Park is the number 1 safari destination for nature lovers worldwide.

Central Serengeti (Seronera) is characterised by vast, flat grassy savannas and a high concentration of big cats. Meanwhile, the Western Corridor, offers denser vegetation and is where the migratory herds face their first major challenge – the Grumeti River, home to some of the largest Nile crocodiles on earth. To the north, the landscape becomes a mix of open plains, hills, and dense woodlands, teeming with nearly every species of wildlife found in Africa.

Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) is also where the Great Migration reaches its most dramatic phase, as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes attempt the infamous crossing of the crocodile-infested Mara River to reach the green plains of the Maasai Mara in neighbouring Kenya. Months later, this spectacle repeats as the herds make their way back through the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park, completing their never-ending cycle of survival.

All in all, the Serengeti is home to the Big Five, including over 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 500 cheetahs, and 8,000 elephants. More than 500 bird species further enrich its incredible biodiversity. 

Visitors can choose from game drives, hot-air balloon or helicopter rides, and cultural visits to local tribes, creating a magical safari experience across this iconic landscape.

You can view a video of my experience in the Serengeti below:

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is arguably the most interesting and unique safari reserve in Africa. It forms part of the Ngorongoro Conservation area which is a UNESCO Heritage site.

Located near the Serengeti, Ngorongoro is a tiny 100-square-mile (260 km²) park, entirely encircled by a 2,000-foot (610-metre) high volcanic crater wall that stretches 12 miles (19 km) across. Within this picturesque setting live over 25,000 animals, including the Big Five and millions of birds.

The steep crater walls and year-round water sources minimise any migration, making Ngorongoro a year-round safari destination. However, these same walls mean giraffes unfortunately cannot enter the crater, and along with crocodiles, they are the only animals missing in Ngorongoro.

Many other wildlife, including the rare and endangered black rhinos, are abundant. At the heart of the crater lies the alkaline Lake Magadi, filled with hippos and home to vast colonies of flamingos and thousands of other aquatic birds.

Although no accommodation is permitted inside the crater, around 6 lodges sit on the crater rim. These lodges are relatively expensive mid-range and luxury lodges and typically offer panoramic views of the crater floor (check your room has views when booking), creating a romantic and idyllic safari honeymoon setting.

Budget accommodation options are in Karatu which is an hour’s drive away.

You can view a video of my experience in Ngorongoro Crater below:

Tarangire National Park

Located near the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park is another must-visit safari honeymoon destination.

If you’re an elephant lover, this park is a dream come true. Spanning 1,100 square miles (2,850 km²), Tarangire is home to four of the Big Five (excluding rhinos) and over 500 species of birds.

You’ll also find cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, eland, impala, hippos, crocodiles, and many smaller predators and herbivores. Rare and endangered species, such as the fringe-eared oryx, also call Tarangire home.

The main attraction, however, is its elephants – some of the largest herds in Africa, with groups of up to 300 individuals, create a truly awe-inspiring spectacle in the wild.

What sets Tarangire apart is its striking landscape, featuring bright green grasslands, tall granite formations, red soils, and majestic baobab trees. This vibrant and contrasting scenery provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife photographers. A range of accommodation options is available both within and just outside the park, ensuring minimal travel time to key game-viewing spots.

After visiting these three iconic parks, you’ll have experienced some of the finest wildlife adventures and romance-filled activities Africa has to offer.

You can view a video of my experience in Tarangire National Park below:

Zanzibar Island

After an exhilarating week of incredible wildlife sightings on safari, what better way to end a romantic honeymoon than by spending a few days on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches? Just a few hours’ flight from these game parks, you could also fly to Dar es Salaam and take a two-hour ferry to Zanzibar City and the historic Stone Town. From there, choose a hotel or guesthouse or head to some of East Africa’s finest beaches and resorts.

The northern and west-facing tips of Zanzibar Island have minimal tidal changes allowing for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving at any tide.

Meanwhile, the east-facing shoreline experiences dramatic tidal shifts, with the sea receding over a mile at low tide. Some of the best hotels are located on the east coast.

Known as the Spice Islands, Zanzibar boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, magical sunsets, delicious seafood, and serene waterfront lodges – perfect for a truly romantic honeymoon finale.

You can view a video of my experience in Zanzibar below:

Tanzania Safari and Beach Honeymoon

There aren’t many countries in the world where you can watch wild game in the heart of the African savannah and snorkel in crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant fish and coral reefs all in the same day. That’s exactly what Tanzania offers.

After having the safari of a lifetime in Tanzania’s world-class parks, swap your hiking boots and binoculars for flip-flops and shorts, and spend your days at your own pace, whether it’s sleeping in, lounging by the pool, sunbathing, or strolling along exotic beaches. Stop for cocktails at beachside bars, swim, snorkel, or even windsurf.

For an even more secluded experience, take a boat ride to one of the uninhabited islands near Zanzibar such as Prison Island with its famous tortoises. You can also explore spice plantations, wander the narrow streets of Stone Town shopping for fabrics, spices, and souvenirs, or visit historical landmarks while meeting friendly locals. End each day with a sunset cruise, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

A combined bush and beach honeymoon offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and romance, making it truly special.

How to Book Your Tanzania Honeymoon Safari

Without a doubt the most popular and easiest way to go on a honeymoon safari in Tanzania is to book your trip with a local tour operator. This is how I book all my Tanzania safaris and I’ve always been extremely happy.

These types of trips are extremely convenient as your tour operator will take care of everything, from booking hotels and permits to giving you up-to-date recommendations on the best places to visit based on recent wildlife sightings.

You can get quotes from the same local tour companies I use to organise my own trips here: Safaris By Ella

Other types of safari are available, including self-drive safaris and fly-in to hotel safaris, where you fly from lodge to lodge and each lodge offers game drives. And of course there are package holidays, where an international travel agent takes care of everything, including international flights.

The option you choose will have a large impact on the price of your honeymoon safari as well as the experience itself. Below I will provide you with the pros and cons of each option.

Option 1: Self-Drive Safari

Self-drive safaris have several advantages, mainly being the most cost-effective way and provide the freedom and flexibility of going wherever and whenever you want.

It’s worth noting that self-drive safaris don’t always end up being all that much cheaper than booking through a local tour operator with experienced guides.

You’ll need to hire the correct type of vehicle that will be accepted in the parks, buy fuel and insurance, navigate through unfamiliar roads and rough terrain with limited signage, know where the wildlife is likely to be during that particular time of day or year, spot your own animals and if you get stuck, have flat tyre or breakdown in the bush, you’ve got to sort yourself out.

Guides know their terrain and the behaviour of the wildlife and can take appropriate action should they recognise a particular warning sign, averting any possible danger. 

For these reasons and from my own past experiences, I am not a fan of self-drive safaris in Tanzania where wildlife viewing is the aim of the game.

Option 2: Local Tour Operator

Local tour operators are my preferred way to book a safari and they are usually great value and provide the best safari experience.

Local safari companies can arrange your accommodation, transport, safaris, pay the park fees and arrange your food and drinks whilst on safari or in transit.

With boots on the ground, they have an intimate understanding of what’s happening in the parks at all times and can assist with almost any issue. The best part of booking through them is that you’ll know exactly what your costs will be from the start, so there are no nasty surprises when you arrive or as your trip comes to an end.

Local tour operators employ knowledgeable guides who are expert trackers, familiar with the road conditions in the parks, and in radio contact with other guides. This allows them to take you to rare sightings you might otherwise miss.

Many provide private safaris where you can fully customise your itinerary to suit your specific needs.

With low overheads and small profit margins, local operators are much cheaper than booking through international travel agents, who often subcontract many of the internal safari logistics to them and mark up the costs for a higher profit. Additionally, you can feel good knowing you’re supporting local companies rather than large international corporations. 

Having travelled extensively through Tanzania and across Africa, I’ve found local operators to be the best, most affordable, and most convenient way to book a safari, relieving much of the stress by organising nearly everything for you.

Option 3: Hotel Safaris

Hotel-arranged safaris offer a certain level of convenience if you plan to spend all your time at one or two lodges. They are however, usually the most expensive way of going on safari.

Also as you’ll typically spend a lot of time at the one or two lodges, they can be a little risky if the lodge turns out to be poorly located for wildlife.

You’ll usually be sharing your game drives with other lodge guests. These safaris may also not be as flexible as you may have wanted for your honeymoon and you have less of a say on what times to come and go, what sightings to prioritise or how long to stay at each one.

You could however, use a local safari company to arrange a private safari for you and they would book your lodge as part of the safari package, usually at preferential rates. Local companies can also arrange domestic flights to and from lodge airstrips.

Option 4: International Travel Agents

International travel agents typically cost 30% or more than local safari companies as they have their own overheads and profits to cover on top. However, they offer the convenience of dealing with a company in your own country and they can book international flights.

The safaris themselves are usually outsourced to a local safari company so the safari experience itself will be similar one booked directly with the local company.

International travel agents typically offer some protection in the event of a company going bust e.g in the UK, you will be covered by Package Travel Regulations, which can provide some assistance, while your international flights will be covered by the ATOL scheme. In America, there are schemes such as the Airline Passenger Protection Act and the Federal Aviation Administration’s consumer protection rules.

However, when booking through a local tour operator, there are steps you can take to protect against these risks yourself when booking directly with local operators, such as paying the deposit with your credit card, as that offers a certain level of purchase protection (In the UK, it’s called Section 75).

You could also purchase good travel insurance with travel interruption protection or similar terms. If you opt to book through a recommended local safari company, they will usually require a deposit and allow you to make the balance payment nearer to the trip date, which further minimises any risk.

Private vs Group Tanzania Honeymoon Safaris

There are two main choices for your safari, a private safari or a group safari. We’ll delve into the pros and cons of each below.

Private Honeymoon Safaris

Let’s face it, private honeymoon safaris are by far the best option. You get to decide where and when to go on safari, what sightings to go to and how long to spend at each sighting. Everything is customised to suit your needs.

With private safaris you don’t have to waste time picking up other members of the group which means you can get into the park early for the prime viewing time as predators are most active around sunrise.

If you have the budget, go for it, it is your honeymoon after all.

Group or Shared Honeymoon Safaris

Group or shared safaris on the other hand are lower cost than private safaris, especially for solo travellers (which hopefully isn’t you if you’re on your honeymoon!). They do, however, come with certain drawbacks. 

Firstly, they are not flexible and run at precise times and follow set routes. This means you have no say over what time to go or come back, which sightings to prioritise and how long to stay at each sighting. Being in a truck full of people also means you may not always get the best seat and they sometimes pack a third row of seats in the middle of the truck, offering limited views and making the entire drive quite uncomfortable.

Often you group safaris waste a lot of game viewing time going from camp to camp picking up the various guests in the group.

How Much Does a Honeymoon in Tanzania Cost?

For a budget private safari through a local operator, expect to pay around $350 per person per day for budget safaris. Mid-range safaris start at $450, while luxury safaris can cost upwards of $650 per person per day. These prices cover accommodation, meals, airport transfers, game drives, guides, fuel, park fees. International flights, visas and tips are not included. 

Group camping safaris are cheaper, as costs are shared and typically cost around $250 per person per day.

Prices tend to be around 30% or more higher when booking through an International travel agent.

For a further in-depth cost breakdown, view my guide to Tanzania safari costs. 

Tanzania Honeymoon Safari Costs Breakdown

The largest portion of your safari costs comes from accommodation and park entry fees, which vary by park and your chosen level of comfort. For example, daily entry fees for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the most expensive parks in Tanzania, cost $70 + 18% tax, plus an additional $60 + 18% if you’re staying in a concession area. This brings the total to over $153 per person per day for park fees alone. Ngorongoro Crater also charges a daily vehicle fee, raising costs to over $250 per day per person based on two people sharing.

Accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the park and whether you stay inside or outside. Staying outside the park is usually cheaper, but for the Serengeti, it’s not recommended as the long distances may take up valuable game-viewing time. However, staying outside is ideal for Tarangire Natipma Park and Ngorongoro Crater, where several lodges are located near the main gates.

Accommodation can range from $50 per person per night for budget lodges to $1,000 or more for luxury options. For a honeymoon, I’d recommend at least some Mid-range or luxury accommodation where possible.

Vehicle and driver/guide costs typically make up around 16% of the total safari cost.

Below I’ve included a chart which breaks down where the money goes for a safari of two people.

Factors Affecting Tanzania Honeymoon Safari Costs

There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of your safari. The most obvious factor is the level of accommodation that you select. A luxury safari will cost a lot more than a budget one.

There is also the factor of how you book your safari as booking with Travel Agent will cost more than booking through a local operator. There are a couple of additional factors to consider as well.

How You Book your Safari

Overseas Travel agent or international safari company is the most expensive option as they add their profits on top of the local operators price who usually carries out the safari.

Working with a local local safari company is usually by far the best value. These days I book all my safaris with my trusted local tour operators.

DIY self-drive safaris are slightly cheaper but not having a guide means you miss out on a lot of wildlife sightings. Group safaris are also lower cost but come with a lot of compromises.

Below you can view a chart of showing how the cost of a budget safari varies by booking method.

Accommodation

Accommodation comfort levels vary greatly. Budget safari accommodation typically costs $80 per person per night, while mid-range options are $110. Luxury safaris can exceed $350 per person per day. For those seeking ultra-luxury, top-tier boutique lodges can cost up to $3,000 per person per night.

Time of Year

The time of year plays a significant role in safari costs. June to mid-October is the peak season, with July and August being the most expensive. March to May is the low season, while mid-October to February is the shoulder season. 

Booking during the shoulder season can save around 12-15%, and the low season offers savings of 20-30%. Some lodges and tented camps in the low season may even offer discounts of up to 40% but the biggest savings are usually with luxury accommodation.

Park Fees

Park entry fees form about 30% of your overall safari costs and vary between each park and seasons. If you stay inside the park you also have overnight fees to pay.

Serengeti Park fees for 2025 are $70 plus 18% tax during high season (16 May-14 March) and $60 plus 18% tax during low season (15 March-15 May)

Ngorongoro Park fees for 2025-26 are $60 per person plus 18% tax for both high and low seasons. Vehicle permit (2,000-3,000 kgs) costs $177 and an extra fee of $295 per vehicle is charged for visiting the crater. Same prices apply for both seasons.

Tarangire Park fees for 2025 are $50 per person plus 18% tax during high season (same as for Serengeti) and $45 plus 18% tax during low season.

Mode of Transport on Game Drives

Your transport and driver guide costs make up around 20% of your total safari cost based on a group of two people.

Typically, game drives are conducted in 4×4 safari trucks, such as modified Toyota Land Cruisers. For private safaris, the cost of a safari vehicle with a driver guide is around $350 – $450 per day, shared among the passengers.

You can upgrade your vehicle further to a photography-ready Land Cruiser which has larger windows that open all the way so that you have even better views of the wildlife. Often these vehicles come with beanbags too to help you get the best photos.

Group Size

Group size affects the cost of your private safari. For honeymoons with two passengers with works well.

However, if you are travelling alone, you can expect to pay the full $350 – $450 for the safari vehicle and driver guide per day. For two people, the price drops down to $175 – $225 each. If there are three of you, then you will pay even less. 

How You Get Around: Flying vs Driving

Mode of transport between parks and the airport also plays a role in the overall safari costs. 

You have two basic ways – flying or driving. Driving is far cheaper as you already have your safari vehicle and driver guide.

Scheduled flights on small safari panes cost around $350 per person each way. I often choose to fly for drives over 5 hours.

Best Time to Go on Honeymoon in Tanzania

Although Tanzania is considered a mostly all-year-round tourist destination, for your honeymoon, you’ll want to ensure you experience the best weather to make your trip as memorable as possible.

Situated just south of the equator, Tanzania’s seasons are not based on temperature but rather the arrival and end of the rains. These rains affect everything – from the Great Migration and wildlife movements to when tourists arrive and depart, and even pricing.

When the rains do come, they can certainly impact your experience, whether you’re on safari or enjoying a beach vacation.

Tanzania has two rainy and two dry seasons: the short dry season and long dry season (both high tourist seasons), and the short rainy season and long rainy season (low seasons).

The best time for a honeymoon in Tanzania is during the long dry season, typically between June and September, possibly extending to mid-October.

For more guidance, see my month by month guide on the best time to visit Tanzania.

How Long to Spend in Tanzania on Honeymoon

A 10-day honeymoon itinerary in Tanzania is absolutely ideal for experiencing the best the country has to offer. You can jump to my 10-day honeymoon itinerary.

10-Days allows you to visit both the northern and central Serengeti for a few days of game drives, explore the Ngorongoro Crater and its stunning landscapes, discover the wildlife of Tarangire National Park, and then unwind for a few days on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.

It’s the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to take in the rich wildlife, culture, and stunning natural beauty without feeling rushed.

However, if you have the luxury of time, a 2-week or even a 3-week safari & beach honeymoon would be an amazing option. This would give you more flexibility to take your time exploring each location. Having those extra days would allow you to truly slow down and make the most of your time in this incredible destination. 

For those with less time, you can view my itineraries for a 5-Day Luxury Fly-in Safari & Beach or  3-day safari only itinerary, so you can still enjoy a shorter but memorable experience.

If you’re considering combining Tanzania with another nearby destination, like Kenya, a 10 day itinerary  or even 2-week itinerary is the perfect way to get the most out of both countries.

Tanzania Safari Logistics

Your tour operator will arrange most of your trip logistics, but there are still several things you need to know and arrange yourself. These may include visas, vaccinations and medication.

Visa

Visitors from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and several European countries require a visa to enter Tanzania. 

A single-entry visa costs $50 and can be obtained on arrival or by applying online in advance, which is recommended to avoid delays at the airports. It’s advisable to apply well in advance as it takes several weeks to receive the approval.

Visitors from the USA however, need to purchase multi-entry visas, which cost $100. Visas are normally valid for 90 days.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled date of return and also has at least two blank pages for stamps.

Vaccinations

Tanzania has a low risk of Yellow Fever and no vaccination certificate is required, but if you’re crossing from Kenya, which is a high risk area, or have transited through an airport of a country with a high risk, a Yellow Fever certificate is required.

Although no other vaccinations are mandatory to enter Tanzania, it is highly advisable to review the list of recommended vaccines. Some of the vaccines you may need to consider include Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Meningitis and Typhoid.

Medications

Tanzania is a high-risk malaria area, particularly during the wet seasons and necessary precautions must be taken.

Whilst strict mosquito-bite avoidance practices, such as having sufficient supplies of insect repellent and wearing appropriate clothing, especially in mornings and evenings, are advisable. I’ve not personally had any issues with mosquitos on the game drives themselves.

If you have any allergies or chronic conditions, such as diabetes, ensure you have sufficient medication, monitoring equipment, and any necessary dietary supplies with you. This becomes even more important when visiting remote areas, where medical assistance may take longer to arrive, as is the case in many safari parks in Tanzania.

Food poisoning is always a concern when traveling, so it’s wise to carry anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachet. However, tourist accommodation usually has a high standard of food safety and the food can be exceptional in mid-range and luxury accommodation.

Whilst I’ve never had a funny tummy in Tanzania, just be a little careful with buffets as these can be higher risk if you have a sensitive stomach. Usually there is the option to have freshly cooked food at buffets too.

10-Day Tanzania Honeymoon Itinerary Overview

Having visited Tanzania on numerous occasions and been on many safaris in most of its game parks and reserves, I’ve created what I believe to be the perfect 10-day safari honeymoon itinerary.

This trip will offer you a romantic and unforgettable experience, showcasing the best of what Tanzania has to offer.

I’ve selected three of the most iconic game parks, which are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also host some of the densest and largest concentrations of wildlife found anywhere on the planet. These parks have also been chosen for their convenient proximity to each other, reducing the time and cost of traveling between them.

You’ll spend 7 mesmerising days driving through the country, visiting Tarangire National Park, then on to the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, before heading to the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

After witnessing some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, iconic animals, and fascinating tribes, you’ll leave the dusty tracks of the Serengeti and fly directly to the tropical island of Zanzibar.

There, you’ll spend the last 3 days of your honeymoon relaxing at your own pace, surrounded by white sandy beaches, tall palm trees, and the alluring crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

10-Day Tanzania Honeymoon Itinerary Map

Day by Day Breakdown of 10-Day Tanzania Honeymoon Safari Itinerary

This is what you can expect to experience on your epic 10-day Tanzania Honeymoon safari itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Although this 10-day safari honeymoon certainly does not come cheap, I have no doubt it will provide you with a honeymoon neither of you will ever forget.

Having spent seven days being mesmerised by the stunning natural beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater, seen Africa’s most majestic animals, got to meet some of the most famous tribes in the world, and perhaps witnessed massive herds of wildebeest churning up dust on the savannahs of the Serengeti, is enough to create permanent memories all on their own.

But to end that with three totally relaxing days on an exotic island full of history, charm, and surrounded by a crystal blue ocean, may just make it a honeymoon of a lifetime – and isn’t that what a honeymoon should always be.