Combine a Tanzania safari with the warm waters and white beaches of Zanzibar. There’s something wonderfully romantic about stargazing in the bush one night and dining toes-in-the-sand the next. We help you choose between whether to add time in Stone Town, which of Zanzibar's intoxicating mix of beautiful beach resorts, Pemba and other private-island escapes.
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Spend the first part of your honeymoon in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Highlands, Tarangire or Nyerere (Selous) National Park, then swap game drives and early starts for warm Indian Ocean water and some deliberately slower days. There’s something wonderfully romantic about stargazing in the bush one night and dining toes-in-the-sand the next.
Zanzibar offers an Intoxicating mix of beautiful beaches, spice farms, coral reefs and palm trees.
But Zanzibar isn't just one type of beach holiday.
You can combine atmospheric Stone Town with a small boutique beach hotel, choose a sophisticated resort with plenty of facilities, head to quieter Pemba Island, or splurge on somewhere exceptionally private such as Mnemba Island.
The trick is choosing the right one for you.
It combines naturally with safari - Good light-aircraft connections make Zanzibar relatively straightforward to combine with both northern Tanzania and southern Tanzania. There are some direct flight connections from both the Serengeti and Nyerere (Selous) Game Reserves. That matters on a honeymoon. We'd rather have you spending your time on game drive or beside the sea than losing an unnecessary day getting from your safari lodge to the beach. (There are also good flight connections via Kenya, Ethiopia and the Middle Eastern hubs to and from Europe.)
Its atmospheric maze of narrow streets, carved doors, markets and architecture reflect Zanzibar's long history as a Swahili trading centre, with African, Arab, Indian and European influences. Whilst inland on the island rich green valleys are filled with the aroma of spices.
It gives you a completely different side of Zanzibar before you move on to the coast.
But you don't need to include Stone Town simply because you're there. If your priority is safari followed by complete relaxation, we’ll take you straight to the beach.
Best for: Couples who enjoy food, history and atmosphere as well as beach time.
Zanzibar's beaches and resorts differ considerably, and the most beautiful hotel photograph doesn't necessarily tell you what the beach will be like at different times of day.
Areas around Nungwi and Kendwa tend to be less affected by Zanzibar's dramatic tides than much of the east coast, making them particularly appealing if being able to swim in the sea at any time of day is important.
There is also more going on, with restaurants, boats and beach activity.
Best for: Couples who prioritise swimming and like a little more life around them.
The east coast has some beautiful stretches of beach and excellent hotels, but the tides are much more noticeable.
At low tide, the sea can retreat a considerable distance. Some people love the changing landscape and long beach walks; others are disappointed if they were expecting to swim directly in front of the hotel all day. (Note many still have a shallow band water protected by the coral reefs.)
This is why we ask what you actually want from the beach, rather than simply recommending our favourite hotel.
Best for: Beautiful beaches, relaxed resorts and couples who don't mind working around the tides.
For some honeymooners, the smaller tropical islands, with a more laid-back beach vibe, are even more appealing.
Pemba is quieter, greener and much less developed than Zanzibar's main island.
It is particularly attractive to divers, with excellent reefs and dramatic drop-offs, but it also suits couples who simply want somewhere peaceful and away from the main tourist areas. See Fundu Lagoon
Best for: Diving, seclusion and a more low-key island experience.
The ultimate “castaway but chic” splurge option.
This tiny private island off Zanzibar offers exceptional privacy and a very different experience from staying in a large beach resort.
It comes at a price, so it certainly won't suit every honeymoon budget. But if you're looking for somewhere genuinely special for a few nights, it can be extraordinary.
Best for: A very private, high-end honeymoon finale.
Mafia is a mecca for keen divers and more adventurous travellers. It sits away from the main Zanzibar archipelago and has a much quieter, less developed feel.
Best for: Divers and couples who actively prefer somewhere off the mainstream honeymoon trail.
Tell us when you're travelling, your plans so far, the sort of safari you have in mind and what you want from your beach stay : complete privacy, diving, a beautiful resort or simply somewhere to switch off. We’ll help you to find a relaxed, stylish safari-and-beach escape. Five minutes on a call beats hours of scrolling. Contact us now.
30 years of Africa travel planning • Owner-run • Independent, candid advice
Depends on how much beach you like. For most safari-and-beach honeymoons, we recommend around at least 6 nights on safari, and then from 4 to 7 nights in Zanzibar.
Four nights is enough to unwind, but five or six gives you more time to settle in without feeling that you have to choose between relaxing and doing something.
June to October are Zanzibar’s main dry season and is particularly popular. January and February can also be excellent months. The wetter period is generally around March to May, and some smaller hotels close for part of this period.
Check out our Best time to go to Zanzibar to make sure you know what the weathers going to be like…
Yes, although the best choice depends on how serious you are about diving.
Zanzibar itself offers gentle diving and snorkelling around several areas, while Pemba and Mafia Island are particularly attractive to keen divers. Tell us how important diving is and we’ll choose the best location around it.
Check out our page on Zanzibar and Mafia Island diving.
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