Honeymoon in Rwanda & Tanzania
Begin your honeymoon in the verdant forests of Rwanda, where you will embark on truly life-changing treks to discover the endangered gorilla species that take refuge here.
Next, head off on your safari experience in Tanzania. You'll start with the iconic Ngorongoro Crater and explore the remoteness of the vast Serengeti savannah followed by the serene Chem Chem Concession, teeming with wildlife.
After your mainland adventure, jet off to Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania where white-sand beaches are framed by azure Indian Ocean and an enviable mix of local foods, culture, and history in the old quarters of Stone Town lie waiting for you.
May 24 – 25, 2024
- Kigali, Rwanda | Kigali Serena Hotel
May 25 - 27, 2025
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | One&Only Gorilla's Nest
May 25 - 27, 2025
- The Serengeti, Tanzania | andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas
May 30 – June 3, 2025
- Zanzibar, Tanzania | The Residence Zanzibar
As a general guide, comfortable, casual wash-and-wear clothes are recommended. Muted, earthy colours are preferred for game viewing on safari.
The most practical items to pack:
- Sun Hat
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Shorts/skirts (short skirts are not practical for getting in and out of 4x4 game drive vehicles)
- Long trousers for evenings and cooler days
- Closed walking shoes and sandals – preferably low healed or flat if you are going on safari
- Swim and beachwear (including sarongs)
- Jackets and sweaters are recommended for early morning and evening game drives
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Hat and gloves for the cold winter months
- More formal attire is appropriate for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains
- Good quality sunglasses
- Torch (head torches are practical)
- Malaria tablets (if applicable) and insect repellant
- Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from allergies
- Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness
- Suntan lotion (with a high SPF factor)
- Basic medical kit
- Binoculars
- Sufficient memory cards and batteries for your camera equipment
For gorilla trekking you will need:
- A small, lightweight, frameless, waterproof backpack
- Light, waterproof hiking boots or shoes with tread soles
- Thick socks
- Leather or heavy canvas (gardening-style) gloves
- Waterproof rain pants, a rain suit or a poncho with a hood
- Long trousers made of light-weight material
- Waterproof, foldable hat
- Water bottle
Please be aware that your luggage allowance is 1 x 15kg luggage per person in a soft duffel bag on the smaller planes.
- Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted on charter flights to 15 kg/33 lbs per person in a soft bag. This is for safety and space reasons (suitcases don’t physically fit into the holds)
- Maximum dimensions of the soft bag (no frames or rigid structures) are 25cm (10 inches) x 30cm (12 inches) x 62 cm (24 inches). If it is essential to bring additional luggage you can book an extra seat for an additional 70kg (154lb) but no single bag may weigh more than 32kg.
- The luggage limit is taken very seriously by charter companies and additional luggage could result in valuable possessions being left behind, or extra charges
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by a representative and escorted through passport control, immigration and baggage claim to your private driver for transfer to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset
Meet your driver in the arrivals area of the airport, after clearing customs. Upon meeting your driver, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
- Meeting time: To be determined
- Meeting point: Arrivals hall
- Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
Booked by Scenset
Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and its capital city is no exception; Kigali is a region of rolling hills, valleys, ridges, and steep slopes. It enjoys a temperate tropical highland climate, a bit cooler than typical due to its high elevation of 1,540 m (5,140 ft). Average daily temperatures range between 15 and 27C (59 and 81F) and don’t fluctuate much throughout the year. Farmland comprises over 60% of the land within the city’s boundaries, mostly in outer areas surrounding the urban center and, like the rest of the country, most of the agriculture is small subsistence farming.
As in all of Rwanda, the last Saturday of each month in Kigali is a morning of mandatory community service called umuganda. One person per household between the ages of 18 and 65 is expected to carry out community tasks such as cleaning streets or building homes for vulnerable people. Most normal services close down during umuganda, and public transportation is limited. People take great pride in this national service and in the ritual of coming together to support one another, and their commitment shows.
Local people are in general very friendly and often willing to share the country’s history of genocide with visitors. The Kigali Genocide Museum is well done and worth a visit for those looking to understand the events leading up to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
There is also a flourishing local art scene with many new galleries opening up.
On an enchanting boulevard in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, in a secure location just a five-minute walk from the CBD, lies a hotel. A distinctively rich blend of Rwandan heritage, art and culture with contemporary 5-star comfort in 148 sophisticated rooms and suites, the hotel provides a private and peaceful retreat like no other for discerning international diplomats and executives. Discover a hotel renowned for going above and beyond to exceed all expectations and establish its reputation as one of the best hotels in Rwanda. The hotel's unique sense of place, landscaped gardens and exquisite health spa and swimming pool set a serene backdrop for a truly extraordinary experience.
After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to your hotel in Volcanoes National Park.
- Meeting time: Morning
- Meeting point: Hotel lobby
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 - 3 hours
- A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and lunch will be included along the way.
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Visit the humbling Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and learning dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It offers a powerful experience for visitors, promoting reconciliation and building peace through education.
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Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local Rwandan cuisine. Options include traditional dishes such as brochettes, plantains, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Just a three hour drive from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park encompasses 160 km2 (60mi2) in a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, with evergreen and bamboo forests. The national park includes five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, with Karisimbi being the highest at 4,507 m (14,785 ft). The lush slopes of these volcanoes provide a dramatic natural setting for one of the most thrilling and memorable wildlife experiences: seeing the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Roughly half of the world’s wild population of mountain gorillas reside on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas massif.
Eye to eye with swaying eucalyptus trees, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is the closest resort to Volcanoes National Park – a historic rainforest home to a diverse tapestry of wildlife, including over 340 mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and 300 bird species. In and around the resort, there is an incredible topography of peaceful sleeping volcanoes that defy gravity, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere and perfect setting for cyclists.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is set against the historic volcanic mountains of Volcanoes National Park – the first national park in Africa and home to endangered mountain gorillas. This is a place that has fostered a spirit of love and protection over the years, most notably from a renowned primatologist.
- Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Alcoholic (house wines and beers) and non-alcoholic beverages with meals are also included
Booked by a user
Although the immense size of the silverbacks might be overwhelming, these 400-pound creatures are actually extremely accommodating to human presence amongst their family. The guides might even teach you a few words in ‘Gorilla’ so you can greet them and show that you are, in fact, friendly!
The day of the trek usually begins with an early start at your hotel and then a drive to park headquarters. Here, park officials assign you to a gorilla family and you meet your gorilla guides. After being briefed on protocols, you head over to the specific starting point, where teams of porters are available for hire. Remember, you are trekking for around 2,500m and so any help is welcome.
Groups are limited to eight guests. The initial trek is usually through rural Rwanda's open fields of potatoes and pyrethrum, until you reach the rough wall boundary of the park itself. From here, your guide will be in communication with the trackers and you will begin the hike through the forest to meet the gorillas. Your permit allows one hour with the gorilla family, after which you say goodbye to your trackers and hike back down to meet your awaiting vehicle.
- Meeting time: Early morning
- Meeting point: The lodge and Primate Guide will discuss times on arrival and advise the exact meeting time and location
- Duration: The duration depends on the gorilla family's location
Inclusions:
- Guiding Services
- Use of 4x4 Safari Vehicle
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
Booked by Scenset
The Virunga Mountains straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are home to around 480 mountain gorillas, more than half of the world’s entire population — the rest live in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
In Volcanoes National Park, which encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, twelve gorilla groups are now habituated for tourism and offer one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural experiences. To be in the presence of these gentle giants at such close quarters is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
- Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Alcoholic (house wines and beers) and non-alcoholic beverages with meals are also included
Booked by a scenset.
After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a private transfer back to Kigali International Airport.
- Meeting time: will be provided
- Meeting point: Hotel lobby
- Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
Booked by Scenset
Depart on your safari flight with Auric Air to the Serengeti.
Please be advised on notes regarding baggage allowance and intermediary stops during your safari flights.
Booked by a travel agent
Upon arrival in the Serengeti, you'll be met by your guide and driver and begin your safari as you make your way to camp.
Booked by Scenset
This photographer’s paradise is one of the best places in Africa to view the big cats as well as an amazing array of plains game. The northern Serengeti has the classic big open plains of the African savannah, sprawling views, and consistently delivers excellent wildlife sightings. It is one of the best places in East Africa for leopards, and the kopje strewn hillsides that are home to these elusive creatures are in themselves stunningly beautiful. A few days here can be very action packed and there’s even chances to see black rhinos in some areas.
The Serengeti is perhaps the most famous African wilderness area, its name synonymous with the notion of safari for nearly a hundred years. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers 14,750 km2 (5,700 mi2) of premiere game viewing in Acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and undulating savannahs interspersed with seasonal rivers. The park on the northern side borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and, together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas, forms the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Welcome to Serengeti Under Canvas Experience a classic tented safari in soothing solitude and spectacular comfort, with only the canvas walls of your tent separating you from the wonders of the Serengeti.
Moving five times a year the camps attempt to anticipate the movements of the Great Migration, bringing guests as close as possible to the wildebeest action, as well as exploring magnificent resident game. With just nine tents nestled at each private campsite, enjoy the luxury of complete contentment and nights spent in the African bush.
Using only private campsites, these mobile camps are intimate and exclusive. The ultimate in luxury camping, enjoy a private butler service, chandeliers, silverware, crystal, ensuite flush WC, outdoor heated bucket style showers and comfortable beds with fluffy duvets. Custom made rugs and polished brass samovars add a touch of elegance and romance.
The guest areas include a dedicated sitting and dining tent, which provides deep sofas from which to contemplate the vastness and peace of the surrounding landscape. Relax under the dark velvet night sky and savour hearty cuisine served on sparkling crystal and silver that reflects the twinkling light of millions of shining stars. Cluster around a roaring campfire to share stories of the day’s magic and listen to the African night come alive.
- Inclusions: Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on lodge activities, laundry, safari activities. Emergency medical evacuation cover, scheduled transfers between lodge airstrip and lodge. One complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik Companion 8x32 binoculars per room t share during your stay. Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist, and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist.
Booked by a guest
Experience the thrill of the African bush with a blend of adventure and comfort, where the charm of camping meets the luxury of true relaxation. Enjoy evening drinks by the campfire, dine under a canopy of stars, and fall asleep to the distant roars of lions amidst the serene bushveld, far removed from the chaos of the world. This ultimate safari experience places you in the midst of vast herds, with wildebeest frequently visiting the camps, alongside incredible year-round game viewing, including big cats, rhinos in the north, cheetahs in the south, and massive herds of elephants and buffalo. Surrounded by diverse landscapes and vibrant wildlife action, Under Canvas offers an unparalleled opportunity for photographers, from capturing the beauty of the day to the stunning constellations of the night sky, all thanks to minimal light interference.
The Serengeti Under Canvas camp movement is carefully planned to anticipate the movements of the Great Migration, bringing you as close as possible to the wildebeest action. The campsites move five times a year to better enable our guests close access to this extraordinary phenomenon.
- Inclusions: Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on lodge activities, laundry, safari activities. Emergency medical evacuation cover, scheduled transfers between lodge airstrip and lodge. One complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik Companion 8x32 binoculars per room t share during your stay. Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist, and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist.
Booked by a guest
Enjoy your final safari game drive of the trip before heading to the airstrip for your onward flight to Zanzibar.
Booked By Scenset
Depart on your safari flight with Auric Air to Zanzibar.
Please be advised on notes regarding baggage allowance and intermediary stops during your safari flights.
Booked by a travel agent
Just a short flight from the Tanzania mainland lies the idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar. Famous for intoxicating aromas of spices, beautiful white sand beaches, and warm turquoise waters, the heart of the island is undoubtedly Stone Town, a fascinating step back in time with narrow winding streets, Swahili traders and local fisherman, and the daily call to prayer in this predominantly muslim town.
In addition to its fascinating Swahili and Arab history, Zanzibar offers world class scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and, at certain times of year, kitesurfing. There is also endemic wildlife in the Johazi Forest.
Nicknamed “Spice Island,” Zanzibar was an important part of the slave and ivory trade as a connecting point between the mainland interior and the Middle East. This made some slave traders very wealthy. A walk around the Sultan's Palace is reminiscent of this dark past. More recent pop culture will undoubtedly lead to the doorway of Zanzibar's most famous son, Queen's iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury.
Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, meet your private driver in the arrivals hall for a transfer to your hotel. This is a transfer of approximately 1 hour.
Booked by Scenset
The Residence Zanzibar lies within a lush, forested 32-hectare estate where five-star luxuries sit harmoniously alongside nature’s untouched beauty. Feel your spirits soar amid extensive tropical gardens that meet with powder-soft white sand lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Inspired by the island’s eclectic culture, this luxurious Zanzibar resort blends modern comforts with Swahili, Omani, British, and Indian influences.
- Inclusions: Full board, romantic turndown, beach bag, local ‘kitenge’ (sarong), beach dinner for two with a bottle of sparkling wine & 45 minutes couple massage
Booked by a person
Enjoy carefree days relaxing by your private pool, on the beach, or exploring the gardens on foot or by bicycle. Savor a taste of the Spice Island’s unique blend of cultures and cuisines, and the pleasure of sensational spa treatments.
Discover more of the island and the waters that surround it with a myriad of activities, from visiting historic sites and rare natural wonders to deep sea fishing and diving with dolphins. Whether you dream of a quiet couple’s retreat or fun in the sun for the whole family, embrace all the delights of island life at The Residence Zanzibar.
Read more about what's on offer at The Residence here.
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- Inclusions: Full board, romantic turndown, beach bag, local ‘kitenge’ (sarong), beach dinner for two with a bottle of sparkling wine & 45 minutes couple massage
Booked by a person
After breakfast and check-out this morning, meet your private driver for a transfer to Zanzibar Airport. This is a transfer of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
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Depart on your scheduled flight with Auric Air to Dar Es Salaam.
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Upon arrival in Dar Es Salaam, you will meet your airport representative who will assist you in transiting to your international flight home.
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Please refer to our terms & conditions here.