Nate’s Safari Honeymoon

Based on our conversation, I’ve done some research and have a few ways you could spin your honeymoon. The sample lodges used here are my favorites with published retail rates, but pricing and availability are not guaranteed. If they are booked up, we can find similar options based on something you like. The rates below do not include flights, ground transfers, and tips. However, most safari properties include activities and food.

Kenya

Part 1: Maasai Mara

Kenya would be a good option because it has diverse landscapes and a great culture. You also already have those rooms booked at the JW Marriott Maasai Mara. I’ve done more research on it, and I had confused the room count with the Four Seasons Serengeti. The JW has 20 rooms, which is larger but not unreasonable. If you can pay entirely with points, it may be a way to upgrade other parts of your trip with the savings. You booked a good time of year – the Great Migration may have passed, but the wildlife and weather are still good – with fewer crowds. However, I would shorten this stop to four nights.

Other options in the area include House in the Wild, a great family-run camp on a private reserve.

Part 2: Laikipia

Laikipia Plateau is a high-elevation safari area around Mount Kenya. The wildlife is quite good, but I would like to book it second because you will see everything in the Mara and can enjoy the range of activities here better. Horseback riding, walking, mountain biking, and helicopters are all great options.

My favorite luxury camp here is Lewa Wilderness (4 nights for $11,464). They have massive rooms and plenty of activities, including flights around Mount Kenya and multi-day walking safaris if you’d like a taste of adventure. Lewa House is a good alterative with a similar experience at a lower price point (4 nights for $9,200).

Part 3: Beach

After you return to Nairobi, you can connect to a flight to the coast for a beach finale. Zanzibar is the traditional choice, and while I like a couple of resorts here, it is getting crowded. Nearby Pemba Island, a short connection to Zanzibar, has one of my favorite resorts, The Manta (4 nights for $6,000). They have incredible snorkeling and a commitment to supporting the local community. If you want a really off-the-radar spot near some historic towns, Manda Bay, on Kenya’s Lamu Island, is a great choice and less expensive (4 nights for $3,392).

You can also connect to Seychelles via Nairobi on a four-hour flight. There are many options here, but I particularly like the Four Seasons ($2k per night) and the Hilton (4 nights for $2,269) on the main island. The outlying islands offer a more exclusive experience if you have extra time and budget. I like Alphonse Island ($2k per night)

Tanzania

Tanzania is comparable to Kenya in many ways regarding culture and wildlife. I would choose here if you are more intent on seeing the Great Migration because the Serengeti offers better opportunities to see this. It can be quite crowded, but I have a luxury lodge circuit that I love with Legendary Expeditions. A full itinerary will probably cost around $27k.

Part 1: Chem Chem Reserve

After a layover in Arusha, travel to Chem Chem reserve between Ngorongoro Tarangire National Park. Here, you can get away from the crowds and have a super authentic wildlife and cultural experience. They specialize in “slow safaris” that are very immersive.

Part 2: Serengeti

After your first stop, I like to mix in a tented camp to see the migration and then a luxury lodge in a private reserve like Mwiba to relax at the end of your stay.

Part 3: Beach

The same options available for the beach in Kenya apply in Tanzania, though I would rule out Lamu here in favor of Zanzibar. It’s a tricky island to book, but I have some resorts I love like Zuri ($850/nt)

South Africa

You can get a really good safari for a generally better price in South Africa. The landscapes and cultures of the safari areas are less stunning, but you can start in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. There is also a great food scene here. You can end your trip on the beach in Mozambique or Madagascar, which have great off-the-beaten-path vibes.

Safari Options (Price for 4 nights):

• Simbavati Hilltop: $6,918
  • This is a great value location option in the Timbavati Reserve near Kruger National Park. It has a plunge pool and a large room. The camp has only six rooms, so it’s very private.
• Simbavati River Tented Pool Suite: $4,570
  • This is near the Hilltop Lodge. The room is tiny, but it has a small plunge pool and outdoor shower. It’s a great value.
• Dulini River: $9,950
  • This is one of my favorite honeymoon camps in the private Sabi Sands reserve near Kruger National Park. It offers top-notch style, small camps, and great game drives. Sabi Sands costs a bit more because of it’s reputation as the premier reserve, but this is a good value for the money.
• Tanda Tula: $9,849
  • This camp has been recently refurbished with a more contemporary design. Great location in Timbavati Reserve near Kruger.

Beach Options (Price for 4 nights):

• Sussurro: $5640
  • This new resort is on the mainland and further from snorkeling, but the location makes it more affordable than other options. It’s also one of my favorite resort designs in Africa – great value for what you get.
• Azura Benguerra Island: $7,770
  • This is one of my favorite honeymoon destinations. It costs a bit more, but they have a good location and are very community-oriented. I can sometimes get a free helicopter ride at this price.
• Tsara Komba: $1779
  • This new resort in Madagascar has a barefoot vibe and is a very good value if you want to dive and look for lemurs.