Itinerary Inspo
Honeymooning in Kenya & Tanzania
If there's anything you take away from this article it's this: bury me at the Meliá Serengeti.
When I talk to clients who are beginning to plan their honeymoon, I like to flag that this is one of the few opportunities in life where you should feel empowered to take more time off of work, go nicher, fly farther, and visit that one place you never imagined you would get to go.
For my husband and I, it was a no-brainer that we wanted to check an African safari off of our bucket list. Now I will caveat, 10 days on safari is not relaxing, so I think it's crucial to add in a few days on the beach if possible (read - helloooo Zanzibar). It can be a lot of time in the car and endless bumpy roads - a kind of bumpy you can't even begin to imagine. When planning with Please Come Visit, we can highlight key areas worth splurging on (read - take the flight transfer, upgrade to the Land Rover).
Regardless of where you choose to stay, an African safari offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and indulgence; an experience that will stay with you long after you return home.
Arrive in Nairobi
Most flights from the US will get you into Kenya in the evening, your private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel so you can have a good night’s sleep before the adventure begins.
Three Days in The Masai Mara
I strongly recommend transferring by air to begin your safari in the Masai Mara. There are a variety of luxury lodges in the Mara for you to choose from - to the point where it can feel overwhelming. PCV will get a sense of your overall vibe and bring a tailored list of options to you. Most have private airfields and are just a 45 minute flight to start your true adventure. I recommend spending three full days in the Mara - it’s smaller than Serengeti but packed with opportunities for excursion
Essential Activities: Hot air balloon ride, visiting a Masai village, game walks (yes a Masai guide will walk with you through the same land where lions roam)
Three Days in The Serengeti
Now I stand by the fact that there are endless luxury lodge options to choose from. However, the Meliá Serengeti will always hold a special place in my heart. I strongly recommend my clients go full board throughout their safari. For only around $50 more a day, you get access to the most insane gastronomical experience at their Savannah Restaurant. Meliá Hotels International is a Spanish brand with impeccable taste. We’ve stayed at a few of their resorts and are consistently wowed with the attentive staff, fabulous menus (we had sushi one night in the Serengeti (and it wasn’t sus)), and beautiful architecture.
Essential Activities: PCV clients get 25% off spa treatments
Two Days at Ngorongoro Crater
From the Serenghti, we drove around three hours to Ngorongoro, a huge, intact volcanic caldera that is home to a dense population of wildlife. At this point in our safari we had seen all of the majestic Big 5 (buffalo, lions, a leopard, elephants) except for the elusive rhino. We spent one day in the crater and I kid you not saw 5 different rhinos.
We stayed at the Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge (duh,) which had just recently opened and did not disappoint. Our room overlooked the otherworldly crater and it was just the most magical few days.
Unwind in Zanzibar
After 8 days on Safari, our guide dropped us off at Kilimanjaro International Airport and we took off on a short 1 hour flight to Zanzibar.
A crossroads of cultures on the Indian Ocean (not to mention the home of Freddie Mercury??,) Zanzibar offers far more than turquoise waters. Here, centuries of African, Arab, Indian, and European influence converge.
We stayed at the Residence Zanzibar where PCV clients enjoy perks such as a floating breakfast in your cabana, or a private beach front dinner.
Essential Activities: Walking tour through Stone Town, boat excursion
Whether it’s an itinerary like this, or an even more adventurous jaunt to the jungles of Rwanda to trek with the gorillas, PCV is dying to help design your next adventure. Schedule some time so I can get to know you and we can chat through ideal times of year to go on safari, the most trustworthy tour companies, and more. Let’s get started!