Tanzania Honeymoon Safari and Zanzibar

How Much Does a Tanzania Honeymoon Cost?

A honeymoon in Tanzania offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets, depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. On average, a mid-range honeymoon combining both safari and beach relaxation can cost between $4,000 to $7,000 per couple for around 10 to 14 days. This typically includes accommodation in comfortable lodges or tented camps, domestic flights, park fees, meals, and private guided game drives.

If you’re aiming for a more luxurious experience, with high-end lodges in the Serengeti, private bush dinners, hot air balloon safaris, and five-star beachfront resorts in Zanzibar, the cost can go up to $10,000 to $15,000 or more. These packages often come with added perks such as spa treatments, champagne on arrival, and exclusive honeymoon suites with stunning views.

For couples traveling on a budget, a Tanzania honeymoon is still very possible. By choosing more modest accommodations, joining group safaris, and limiting the number of national parks visited, it’s feasible to plan a memorable trip for $3,000 to $4,000. Zanzibar also has a wide range of guesthouses and boutique hotels that offer good value.

In addition to the package price, couples should budget for international flights (usually between $800 to $1,500 per person), visa fees, tips, and optional activities like snorkeling, diving, or guided cultural tours. The final cost depends greatly on travel season, length of stay, and the level of personalization you want.

When to go on a Tanzania safari and beach honeymoon?

January – Great for Safari and Beach
January marks the beginning of the calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. It’s an excellent time to witness thousands of wildebeest giving birth, with predators nearby—making game drives exciting. The landscapes are lush and green from recent rains, and the crowds are still relatively low. On the coast, Zanzibar enjoys warm and sunny weather, ideal for a beach retreat.

February – Calving Season Continues
February is one of the best months for wildlife in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro area. It’s the heart of the calving season, offering dramatic wildlife scenes. The weather is warm and relatively dry, both inland and along the coast, making it perfect for combining safari with romantic beach time in Zanzibar.

March – Start of Rains, Still Worth It
March is a transitional month. Early March can still offer great sightings in the Serengeti, especially in Ndutu, before the long rains begin. By mid to late March, rains start to pick up, making some areas muddy and less accessible. However, prices are lower, and honeymooners can still enjoy quieter lodges and fewer crowds. Zanzibar remains warm, though occasional showers may occur.

April – Rainy and Green, Low Crowds
April is peak long rainy season, with heavy showers across much of Tanzania. While some lodges close temporarily, others remain open and offer significant discounts. It’s not the best time for wildlife spotting due to thick vegetation, but ideal for couples seeking privacy and great deals. Zanzibar also sees rain but offers lush green scenery and fewer tourists.

May – Rain Continues, Off-Peak Travel
May is still part of the long rains, especially in northern Tanzania. While game viewing may be limited, travelers looking for seclusion and budget-friendly honeymoon options might find good value. The beaches in Zanzibar are quiet, and some days can be sunny between the showers.

June – Dry Season Begins
June marks the start of the dry season, with wildlife beginning to congregate around water sources. The western and central Serengeti come alive with migrating herds, and walking safaris become more accessible. Weather is cool and pleasant. Zanzibar enjoys sunny skies and calm seas, perfect for beach relaxation and water sports.

July – Peak Safari and Beach Time
July is an outstanding month for a Tanzania honeymoon. The Great Migration is in full swing in the western and northern Serengeti, offering thrilling wildlife encounters. Conditions are dry, and visibility is excellent. On Zanzibar’s beaches, it’s sunny and breezy—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying romantic evenings by the sea.

August – Ideal Weather, Great Migration
August offers optimal safari conditions: cool mornings, dry landscapes, and abundant wildlife. The Migration is usually in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings near the Mara River. It’s a popular time, so accommodations fill quickly. Zanzibar remains a dreamy beach destination with fantastic weather, though it’s also a high season.

September – Still Superb
September continues the dry season with excellent game viewing, especially in northern parks like the Serengeti and Tarangire. The weather is warm and stable, and the migration is still in the north. Zanzibar is calm and sunny—perfect for honeymooners seeking a mix of adventure and rest.

October – Warming Up Before the Short Rains
October is still dry but warmer, with wildlife concentrated in key areas. It’s less crowded than July–September, offering a quieter honeymoon experience. Tarangire is excellent for elephant viewing. Zanzibar beaches remain inviting, though short rains may start to appear late in the month.

November – Start of Short Rains
November sees the return of short rains, which are usually light and sporadic. While some safari areas may be greener and harder to navigate, wildlife is still visible, especially in the Serengeti. Prices drop, making it ideal for budget-conscious couples. Zanzibar remains warm, with occasional rain but mostly pleasant beach weather.

December – Festive and Scenic
Early December is quieter, while the holiday season draws more visitors later in the month. The southern Serengeti starts seeing the return of the wildebeest, kicking off the calving season. The landscapes are green and photogenic. Zanzibar is sunny and festive—ideal for a romantic escape around Christmas or New Year.

Accommodations on a Tanzania safari and beach honeymoon

Tented Camps
Tented camps offer a blend of adventure and intimacy, making them a favorite choice for honeymooners seeking a close-to-nature experience. These are not ordinary tents—most come with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, comfortable beds, and private verandas overlooking the wilderness. In places like the Serengeti or Ndutu, you’ll find seasonal mobile camps that follow the wildlife migration, offering unmatched access to the action while still providing privacy and comfort. Nights in a tented camp are often accompanied by the distant roars of lions and crackling campfires under starlit skies—an unforgettable way to experience the wild together.

Lodges
Safari lodges in Tanzania provide a more permanent and structured accommodation option, often nestled in scenic landscapes like crater rims, forest clearings, or riverbanks. These lodges blend rustic charm with modern comforts—stone fireplaces, large rooms, and spacious decks with panoramic views. Honeymooners enjoy the balance lodges offer: access to nature with the convenience of on-site amenities such as pools, bars, and full-service restaurants. Lodges in places like Ngorongoro and Tarangire often incorporate local architecture and design, adding a cultural richness to the stay.

Luxury Accommodations
Luxury stays on a Tanzania safari combine high levels of service with elegant design and unique locations. From private plunge pools to in-room dining and curated experiences like bush breakfasts or sunset game drives, these accommodations are crafted for exclusivity. Many luxury camps and lodges also prioritize sustainability, blending into the environment with eco-friendly materials and supporting local communities. Ideal for honeymooners, luxury options allow for quiet seclusion while still delivering exceptional wildlife access and tailor-made service.

High-End Beach Resorts
After the safari, the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island offer the perfect setting to relax and reconnect. High-end beach resorts in these areas offer ocean-view villas, open-air spa treatments, fine dining with freshly caught seafood, and tranquil settings designed for romance. Whether it’s an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean or a candlelit dinner on the beach, these resorts offer a serene and luxurious finale to the adventurous inland safari. For couples looking to indulge, many resorts also offer private butler service and customized honeymoon packages.