Tanzania’s spectacularly beautiful vistas make it one of Africa’s favorite vacation destinations. Its pristine national parks, the iconic Kilimanjaro, the Great Migration across the Serengeti, the abundant wildlife, or the chance to sunbathe on the gorgeous beaches of Zanzibar or scuba dive off its shores—all promise a magical experience.
And Tanzania has something for everyone. Long known for its Big Five safaris and natural beauty, it’s now a mecca for honeymooners. From luxurious lodges overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater to shopping in Zanzibar’s Old Town, honeymooning in Tanzania has become a favorite of couples who share a sense of adventure.
Never short on scenery, activities, and wildlife, Tanzania is like no other place on Earth. So, for all of you looking for something new and different, let’s look at some unique and adventurous things to do in Tanzania.
1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the “Roof of Africa”
Very few places on this planet evoke such magic and stir our imaginations as Mount Kilimanjaro. We can picture the iconic image of its snow-capped peak looming high above the land. It’s the “roof of Africa,” the highest mountain in Africa, and at 19,340 feet, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro calls to many of us. From experienced climbers and avid hikers to active families or honeymooners looking to start their new life together in a big way, summiting at Uhuru Peak will be a memory never forgotten.
And even more than the adrenaline rush or the fantastic sunsets, its unspoiled beauty and out-of-this-world views, your sense of accomplishment at climbing the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth will bolster your confidence and belief in your abilities. Both a test of endurance and a celebration of spirit, it is the sheer joy you will experience, standing at the top, with the dazzling expanse of clear blue sky above you, the horizon still pink in the distance.
So, whether you’re planning a Tanzania honeymoon safari, a solo trip, or a dream family vacation, why not take this on? For all those with active lifestyles and reasonably good physical condition, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will be a standout moment in a series of standout moments on your Tanzanian honeymoon or bucket-list vacation.
Very few places on this planet evoke such magic and stir our imaginations as Mount Kilimanjaro. We can picture the iconic image of its snow-capped peak looming high above the land. It’s the “roof of Africa,” the highest mountain in Africa, and at 19,340 feet, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
2. Put a Safari at the Top of Your Bucket List
For this once-in-a-lifetime vacation, a safari in Tanzania is a must. There are so many possibilities for adventure: jungle wildlife-spotting, mountain climbing, catching the Great Migration or spotting the Big Five animals on the Serengeti, or visiting the geological wonders of the Great Rift Valley, Olduvai Gorge, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
With 22 national parks around the country, Tanzania offers a wide range of hiking trails, over varied terrain, for viewing and even interacting with the wildlife in their natural habitat. At the Mahale Mountains National Park, with its wildlife preserve and scenic shores along Lake Tanganyika to the west, visitors can wander along easily accessible trails and get close to the world’s largest protected chimp population. The Arusha National Park, with its Mount Meru, just west of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the world’s largest giraffe population, with plenty of chances to catch hippos, buffalo, and elephants. And there’s nowhere better than the Tarangire National Park for fantastic bird-watching opportunities with over 500 species of birds, many of them rare. And, of course, there’s the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti is the most popular choice for visitors from all around the globe. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981, the Serengeti National Park is home to the Big Five game animals. Visitors on safari can expect to see them all—elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo. There are few places on Earth where we can move among these magnificent animals, kept safe by knowledgeable and professional guides.
We’ve all seen documentaries or looked at photos of African wildlife as they moved through the bush or migrated across great savannahs. Why not experience it all firsthand?
3. Sunbathe on the White-Sand Beaches of Zanzibar
Most people love the calm and peace of the ocean, and the island of Zanzibar, just a two-hour ferry ride out of Dar es Salaam, will not disappoint. After hiking miles along wooded and mountainous trails or cruising across the magnificent Serengeti National Park, making time for the white sands of Zanzibar could be the perfect way to cap off your trip.
For honeymooners, there are endless miles of beach for strolling and luxurious lodging with private pools and moonlit dinners along the shore. For those looking for water sports, there is boating, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Beautiful coral reefs lie offshore, teeming with brightly colored fish in clear blue waters. Enjoy visiting other islands in the archipelago on a dhow, the traditional sailboat of the waters off the eastern shore of Africa. Dine aboard the dhow and take in one of the most stunning sunsets of your life.
Zanzibar’s history is rich and diverse. Tourists can visit the oldest settlement on the island, Stone Town. This was one of the world’s largest trading hubs in the 19th century and was subject to German, Portuguese, British, and Arabic rule and influences, some of them still visible today within the city. While strolling along charming streets, you’ll note the Arabic-style architecture and, inevitably, end up at the large, central marketplace to enjoy the many local delicacies and fine shopping.
4. Mingle With the Friendly Maasai Community of Tanzania
The Maasai is among the most well-known of the over 200 semi-nomadic tribes in Tanzania. They are warm and friendly people, and interacting with the Maasai can be one of the most enriching experiences of your time in Tanzania.
According to their oral history, the tribe’s origins lie in Egypt along the lower Nile, and over the last 300 years, they have emigrated steadily southward into central Tanzania. Semi-nomadic and primarily pastoral, they now live by herding cattle and goats. And although they have difficulty getting by, they have resisted efforts by local governments to assimilate into modern lifestyles.
Traditionally known as a warrior tribe, they’re now better known for their colorful garments and jewelry. Your tour operator can give you the best advice on which tribes are most welcoming to visitors. They’re very hospitable and eager to share their history, traditions, and customs with interested visitors.
Wrapping Up
Tanzania is a truly remarkable destination. The wildlife is diverse and abundant, the environment is lush and lovely, and the energy is dynamic and vibrant.
We’ve covered our very favorite activities, but, as always, we recommend contacting an experienced tour operator. They will assist you with putting together the best itinerary to perfectly suit the time of year you’d like to visit and the list of your heart’s desires while honeymooning or vacationing. Here’s to discovering the romanticism and the magnificence of Tanzania!
