As honeymoon fantasies go, an authentic safari resplendent with gorgeous African sunsets, is very definitely near the top of the wish list for many soon-to-be-married couples.
Another hope high on the honeymoon hit list quite often tends toward tropical beaches, with tepid azure waters lapping onto powdery white shores.
The solution, a combined bush and beach safari, taking in both the extraordinary wilderness of Tanzania, along with the intoxicating charms of the nearby ‘Spice Islands’ of carefree Zanzibar.
Tanzania plays host to no less than seven of the world’s heritage sites, most notably, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and the Selous Game Reserve, all of which offer utterly incomparable safari prospects for honeymooners, including entirely enchanting camps and lodges to suit every imaginable romantic taste and desire.
For the safari part, choose from :
The Ngorongoro Crater
Set in the highlands of Northern Tanzania, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater, is home to the highest density of big game in Africa, amongst which, Africa’s legendary Big Five of elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo.
One of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa, the lush Ngorongoro Crater, is also one of the most beautiful natural wildlife safari sites on earth, a veritable auditorium of animal life and drama.
Perched high on the rim of this vast crater, the opulent French baroque style andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a downright decadent lodge offering 30 private stilted suites in three luxuriously furnished camps … all camps boasting fine silks, plush brocades, ornate antiques, gilded mirrors, elaborate crystal chandeliers, and exquisitely stylish wall panels
Private balconies proffer jaw-dropping views over the crater, claw-foot bath tubs sprinkled with rose petals entice you to take a long soak, and butlers at each camp ensure your personal wellbeing.
Sip champagne, enjoy fine dining, savour sundowners overlooking the crater, both day and night.
The Serengeti
The vast open plains of the Serengeti are in turn one of the most famous destinations for a safari in Africa, and just plain perfect for a honeymoon. The immense, open grasslands epitomise for many, what Africa is all about, and deliver a breathtaking backdrop to the annual wildebeest (and zebra) migration, punted by many as ‘the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth’.
For a taste of a bygone era of African safari, andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas, offers extravagant camping in luxury Bedouin style tents, the very quintessential of Meryl Streep’s quixotic ‘Out of Africa’.
A mere nine tents make up two individual mobile ‘under canvas’ camps, all tents with large beds, lavish linens and flush loos. The camp itself is dazzles with Indian rugs, polished brass chandeliers, silver- and crystal-ware, and evokes safari romance from every angle. A private butler service perfects this honeymoon picture.
For a more current option, a contemporary and organic interpretation of a classic safari lodge, the stunning riverine Singita Faru Faru Lodge has intimacy, luxury and excellent game viewing in abundance. Singita Faru Faru has nine modern and incredibly spacious suites, the front of which are completely glass, which if desired, at the touch of a button, can easily slide open.
Unexpected, sumptuous, unreservedly enchanting and whole-heartedly romantic, Singita Faru Faru truly is a honeymoon dream.
The Selous
One of the largest faunal reserves of the world, the mighty Selous Game Reserve is densely populated with a spectacular myriad of wildlife. Unique for the diversity and numbers of animals to be sighted, elephants, hippopotami, African wild dogs, Cape buffalos, as well as crocodiles, are all relatively easy to locate in the reserve, as well as to capture on film.
Once again, outstanding honeymoon accommodation is to be found here, in the form of the Azura Selous Tented Camp
For intrepid travellers who like to travel to remote corners of the planet but desire style and luxury. There are 12 air conditioned tented villas with opulent stone bathrooms and private plunge pools. Each villa is gorgeously furnished, with luxurious soft linens and decks with unsurpassed views of the reserve. For honeymoon romance and relaxation, retreat to your deck or the edge of the infinity pool, sip a cocktail, and soak up the fantasy wilderness vistas.
Float ethereally in a hot air balloon over the vast plains of Africa at dawn, relish an intimate dinner beneath star-studded velvet skies, take in unrivaled views whilst delighting in a romantic picnic on the savannas of the Serengeti, discover the beautiful people of the Masai tribe … or time your honeymoon to coincide with the great wildebeest migration … Tanzania really does offer newlyweds the ultimate in both thrilling wildlife encounters and ‘Out of Africa’ romance.
For the beach part, choose Zanzibar!
After a somewhat dusty, often rigorous, but always remarkable wildlife encounter in the game reserves of Tanzania, what could possibly be more magical than time spent lolling on languid silvery beaches next to the balmy ocean, relishing freshest seafood landed by local fisherman, enjoying guided tours in forests of spice trees … or snorkeling crystal clear water alongside brilliantly coloured fish. Intriguing Zanzibar is the Tropical utopia that has this all.
For honeymoon accommodation, couples are spoilt for choice in Zanzibar; from larger resorts and lodges, to secreted hideaways down palm-lined lanes, and the pure mystic of boutique hotels in exotic Stone Town.
A short boat ride from the northern tip of Zanzibar’s main island, andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge is one such treasure; away from it all, with just ten open-sided guest ‘bandas’ on the entire islet, it really is a private paradise.
Soaring thatched roofs shelter beautifully simple spaces, big bedrooms open to wide verandahs with intimate dining table, armchairs and cushioned day beds, en suites offer glass beaded showers opening onto the leafy forest. Your personal butler will attend to your every whim; morning coffee and breakfast at your suite, picnic lunches on the beach, romantic seafood dinners served by candlelight right on the seashore.
Exclusive, romantic, unpretentious, andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge is sheer island and honeymoon bliss.
The wedding was perfect, everything you dreamed it would be, now pack your bags and head to Tanzania and Zanzibar for your bush and beach honeymoon, which promises to fulfill any and all of your honeymoon dreams.
