A Honeymoon in the Serengeti
Start your honeymoon at Legendary Lodge, located at the foothills of Mount Meru on the outskirts of Arusha. This is the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. From here, venture off to the vibrant slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater or directly to the Serengeti to experience the Great Migration first-hand. Your next stop is the Grumeti Game Reserve, a protected corridor for large portions of the migration and home to two incredible Singita properties. Finish your adventure with a quick stop before ending in paradise on Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago.
Arusha | 1 night | January 16 - 17 | Legendary Lodge
Mwiba Wildlife Reserve | 4 nights | January 17 - 21 | Mwiba Lodge
Grumeti Reserve | 4 nights | January 21 - 25 | Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Nairobi | 1 night | January 25 - 26 | Hemingways Nairobi
Lamu | 8 nights | January 26 - February 3 | Manda Bay
For safari, we recommend layering your clothing. Game drives take place early morning and evenings and it is quite cold before the sun rises and after it sets. The day-time temperatures can be warm and sunny and it can get quite hot. Light, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are recommended for during the day (shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses around the lodge) and in the evenings, layer up with long trousers, long sleeve vests and a warm jacket. Formal wear is not required at any of our lodges – you are free to come straight from game drive into dinner.
We recommend neutral tones and light colors. Certain colors, like black and navy blue attract Tsetse flies in East Africa and dark colors attract the heat. Neutral colours are advised. Avoid white/bright colours for bush walks. Laundry is done complimentary at the lodges, so that is one less thing to worry about as well and will help with packing lightly.
- Long trousers or denim jeans
- Long sleeve vests/t-shirts
- Shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses
- A warm jacket, fleece or windbreaker
- Woolen hat/beanie, gloves and scarf for morning drives
- A good pair of walking shoes
- Longer socks to wear with walking shoes – especially if you plan on going on Bush Walks
- Sandals or flip-flops for during the day at the lodge and some closed shoes or sneakers for evenings
- Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses and a good sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Camera, video camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment. Some lodges do provide spare sets of binoculars on game vehicles and at the lodges if you don’t have your own.
- A small flashlight or headlamp for walking around camp
- Anti-allergen medication such as Zyrtec
- Insect Repellent with DEET
- Lotions, tissues, moisturizers, chapstick
- Personal cosmetics, toiletries
- Money belt or fanny pack for cash and travel documents
- Power bank for charging of phone on safari drives
- A good book to read during down time at the safari lodge
- Passport
- Cash for personal expenses
Currently, travelers with US passports require Visas for Tanzania. For nationalities that are required to obtain a Visa on arrival, we recommend obtaining your Visa in advance to avoid delays upon arrival at the airport. A return ticket must be presented upon arrival in Tanzania. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the travel date, and two blank pages are required in your passport.
Please be aware that Kilimanjaro International Airport has recently changed the process for issuing Visas on arrival. The new process requires travelers to wait in multiple lines (one for a Government Control Number, one for payment, and one for immigration processing), significantly increasing arrival processing time. Some travelers have experienced delays of over two hours. Therefore, we strongly encourage all travelers flying into Kilimanjaro to obtain their Visa online before arrival. Processing for an E-Visa typically takes 2–3 weeks.
Always check the most up-to-date regulations with your nearest Tanzanian High Commission or Embassy before your trip. More details are available on the Tanzania Ministry of Home Affairs website.
Malaria is prevalent in Tanzania and we recommend taking anti-malarial tablets.
The most important defenses against malaria are:
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved cotton clothing from dusk into the evening.
- Tabard and Peaceful Sleep are commonly used insect repellents.
The Yellow Fever vaccination is no longer officially required when entering Tanzania. It is however still a requirement if you wish to visit Zanzibar. Although the vaccination certificate is not always requested, it can be in some instances, particularly when traveling from a country where Yellow Fever is present, and guests should be aware that not having the certificate may lead to denied entry.
Always check the latest recommendations with your travel clinic or doctor. We do not recommend drinking the tap water in Tanzania and advise that you drink bottled water.
PRE-DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS:
- All travelers (including children) are required to complete a Travelers Surveillance Form. Upon submission, a Unique Health Code will be requested during primary screening. The form is available here for Tanzania mainland and here for Zanzibar within 24 hours before arrival
- Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to take a PCR test and must show a vaccination certificate with a QR code upon arrival. Vaccines must have been approved for use by the Republic of Tanzania and the WHO
- Unvaccinated travelers (5 years and above) are required to take a PCR test 72 hours before arrival into Tanzania
ON ARRIVAL:
- A health form will need to be completed upon arrival in Tanzania.
- Presentation of a Covid-19 vaccination certificate / PCR test certificate / QR code & health screening.
- If necessary, travelers are advised to pay for a COVID-19 rapid test online to avoid unnecessary queues on arrival through an automatically generated control number obtained after filling out the online Traveler’s Health Surveillance Form.
- Travelers testing positive must isolate for 14 days or until they test negative (RT-PCR test) & will be under strict surveillance procedures.
Check-in is 1 1⁄2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.
Some scheduled regional and inter-lodge flights may involve multiple stops before reaching the final destination. Many flights are operated as air shuttle transfers and therefore departure times may vary by up to one hour.
When traveling on normal scheduled international flights, the luggage limit is usually 20kgs (approx. 44 lbs.) per person.
On light aircraft transfers there is usually a 15kg (approx. 33 lbs.) per person limit on luggage. This is for safety and space reasons. Please note that this 15kg includes any cameras, camera bags and any associated equipment. For those carrying heavy personal equipment, it is possible to book an extra seat and which allows for an additional 80kg (approx. 176 lbs.) of baggage (up to three extra bags; max 32 kgs (approx. 70 lbs.) per bag).
Please remember:
- Only soft bags (no hard suitcases can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft) will be accepted. This includes camera equipment and hand luggage.
- The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows; 25cm (10 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high x 62cm (24 inches) long.
Tipping during your holiday is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:
Currency: We advise clients to take spending money in the form of US Dollar cash, as this is favored on most excursions for tips, drinks and curios. Credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, lodges and a few safari camps. The Vat rate is currently 18%.
Transfers: We recommend about US$10 per transfer for the driver per movement.
Touring (excluding Camp/Game Lodge) Driver and/or Guides: For half day tours we recommend about US$20 and for a full day tour we recommend US$30 per day.
Safari Guides/Trackers at Game Lodges: We recommend US$40 per room per day for the guide and US$20 per room per day for the tracker.
Porterage: We recommend about US$5 per guest per movement.
Hotel/Guest House/Game Lodge Staff: We recommend about US$40 per room per day for hotel staff i.e. housekeeping, etc. In some instances where you are allocated a butler or dedicated waiter for the duration of your stay at a specific property, you could tip about UD$20 per room per day.
Restaurants/Hotels: 10 - 15% is customary on meal accounts if you are satisfied with the service. For bigger groups of 10 people or more, some restaurants charge a mandatory service fee to the final bill.
We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your honeymoon, full of local talent to discover!
- The Sound of Africa is full of contemporary African artists making waves in the music industry, offering a glimpse into the sounds of Africa!
- Open Road is your soundtrack for driving and looking at beautiful sceneries.
- Campfire Chill for those nights under the stars!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, receive VIP Meet & Greet service as you are escorted through Immigration, Customs, and Baggage Claim.
Receive a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to a lodge in Arusha for check-in.
The drive time is approximately 40 minutes.
Arusha is located at the foothills of Mount Meru on the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley. This is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, with easy access to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru. Its elevation of 1,400 m (4,600 ft) keeps temperatures relatively cool despite proximity to the equator; temperatures generally range between 10 and 30 C (50 and 86F), with little humidity due to the altitude.
Most Tanzania safaris either start or end in the gateway city of Arusha, and there are few better options to bookend your trip than the Legendary Lodge. Guided nature walks and tours of the surrounding coffee plantation hype guests up before their safari, while a restorative massage at the spa or an afternoon nap in your private cottage is the perfect way to wind down afterward.
Deluxe Garden Cottage
- Inclusions: Dinner, breakfast, pre-stocked soft drinks in mini bar, arrival and departure transfers between Legendary Lodge and Arusha Airport (not including JRO), and Wi-Fi Internet
For your flights around the Serengeti and to Nairobi, your luggage will be subject to the following restrictions:
- Checked luggage: 15kg (33lb)
- Hand luggage: 5 kg (11lb)
- Only soft-sided luggage is accepted (duffel bag)
After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver for transfer to Arusha Airport.
Depart on your scheduled flight from Arusha Airport to Mwiba Airstrip.
Mwiba Wildlife Reserve is a conservation concession dedicated to the balance between wildlife and communities. This area is only available to a handful of guests, facilitating an excellent, uncrowded safari experience within the greater Serengeti eco-system. This vast 129,530 acre wildlife reserve is vibrantly lush with 33 freshwater springs and a diverse array of wildlife. Game drives, bush walks and cultural excursions to the local tribe’s village are just a few of the magical experiences that begin at Mwiba, where a world of adventure awaits.
At the southern end of the Serengeti, the hilltop Mwiba Lodge is surrounded by dense jungle rather than the open plains that the national park is known for, but the local guides are no less adept at leading boisterous safari excursions. There are only 10 treehouse suites, each with its own veranda so you can look for wildlife without even leaving your room, but we recommend bringing your binoculars to the infinity pool—it may be the only bathing suit safari in Tanzania.
Tented Suite
- Inclusions: All meals, house wines, beers, local spirits, water, juice and soft drinks. Unlimited safari drives as well as night drives within the privately managed areas. Bush walks with a professional walking guide. Transfers between lodge and nearest airstrip, tribal experiences. Use of all lodge facilities including the gym and pool. One 45-minute spa treatment per guest, daily laundry service and complimentary mini bar and internet.
Enjoy these days at leisure exploring the wildlife reserve, relaxing at the lodge, and experiencing the incredible walking safaris and cultural offerings at Mwiba.
Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, a conservation concession dedicated to the balance between wildlife and communities, is only available to a limited number of guests, facilitating an excellent, uncrowded safari experience within the greater Serengeti eco-system. This vast wildlife reserve offers a diverse array of safari experiences. Game drives, bush walks, scenic helicopter flights, fly-camping and authentic cultural interactions are just a few of the magical experiences that begin at Mwiba, where a world of adventure awaits.
The Datoga are nomadic herders, depending largely on cow and goat meat and milk for their diet. Datoga women wear beautiful jewelry that they make themselves as well as colorful traditional wear. The bracelets around their wrists and ankles create a percussive beat for their singing, dancing and jumping during celebrations.
During this cultural exchange, you will arrive in the late afternoon at a Datoga boma which becomes a hive of activity just before sundown as the livestock and young herders return from the pastures after a day of grazing. The coolness of dusk is a relief after the heat of the day and you can feel the energy of homestead life as the people gather together and sing words of welcome in their mother tongue. A Nilotic tribe, the Datoga women are beautifully adorned with intricate beaded necklaces and copper bangles while the men stand proud and tall. Join them as they leap into the air, an ancient ritual or perhaps be invited to see inside their homes.
Head out on a morning walk through the bush to witness the Hadzabe way of life. Your guide and tracker will take you in search of the nomadic Hadzabe hunters who are constantly moving through the wilderness. As this is not a contrived experience, there is a chance that the Hadzabe will not be found during this morning activity.
Upon finding them, guests may have the opportunity to accompany them as they forage for their vital food sources. They will show you how to prod the rich African soil for tubers and stalk small mammals and hunt birds. Listen as the Hadza re-tell tales of their ancestors and chant gratitude as they come upon their fruitful bounty in the bush.
The short rains of November and December have brought the millions of wildebeest down into the southern Serengeti around the area of Mwiba Wildlife Reserve. Depending on how weather patterns play out, there's a good chance you may see this incredible migration of wildlife along with the predators that follow.
Please be advised that the migration is a special event that is only dictated by Mother Nature! While there is a chance you'll see an incredible sighting from the migration with high predator action, there is also the chance that the herds of animals just aren't in the area during your stay at Mwiba. We always suggest going in with no expectations and letting the wild Serengeti play out before you.
Depart on your scheduled flight from Mwiba Airstrip to Sasakwa Airstrip.
Singita Grumeti, located next to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, is a key part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, home to the Great Migration. The reserve was established by the Tanzanian government in 1994 to protect the annual wildebeest migration route and the native biodiversity of this large, significant ecosystem. In 2002, the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund (now known as the Grumeti Fund), a non-profit organization, was given the right to manage and conserve the 350,000 acres. Singita took over property management to improve low-impact luxury tourism. The area benefits from having few lodges, offering an exclusive and high-quality game viewing experience. Aside from black rhino, all of the big five are present. Even outside the peak migration season (May-June), the reserve has a substantial resident wildlife population.
Sabora Tented Camp is set in a large area of protected wilderness in Singita Grumeti, which provides guests with a front-row seat to some of the most prized game viewing on the continent. Singita Sabora Tented Camp charts a visionary new course for luxury adventures under canvas. A destination perfect for travellers yearning for an African safari infused with the continent’s contemporary energy and enveloped in unrivaled levels of comfort. It features mindfully created interiors with a rich combination of textures, forward-thinking and functional aesthetics, and a modern interpretation of the quintessential elements of a romantic tented safari.
Tent
- Inclusions: All meals and beverages (including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs but excluding French Champagne). Twice daily safari drives in open safari-viewing vehicles. Return road transfers between the Sasakwa airstrip and the lodges. Telephone calls and laundry service, Wi-Fi access where applicable. A nightly Wildlife Fee will be provided per adult and a Carbon Offset Levy will be provided per person per night.
Take the next few days to relax in your luxurious accommodations at Singita Sabora.
Offering superb game-viewing opportunities all year round, the reserve is perfect for guided game walks on foot which further enhance experiencing the Serengeti plains up close. At Singita Sabora, there is also a swimming pool, fitness center, boutique & gallery, and spa. Wine experiences, community visits, and a chance to visit the anti-poaching observation post.
After breakfast and check-out, depart on your scheduled flight from Sasakwa Airstrip to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Meet your private driver in the arrivals hall for transfer to a hotel for check-in.
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant population of 4.5 million. Unique to the city is the proximity of Nairobi National Park, a true wilderness area juxtaposed against the larger urban metropolis. It is the only national park like it in the world and a real embodiment of the human-wildlife conflicts that challenge many African communities who must learn to cohabitate with wildlife on their doorstep.
With nods to literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and Out of Africa writer Karen Blixen, Hemingways Nairobi feels like it was taken directly off the pages of a 20th-century novel. The colonial-style architecture feels historic without being stuffy, thanks to breezy decorative touches and the natural backdrop of the Ngong Hills. In between dusty safari excursions, it’s the perfect place to lounge on your balcony, luxuriate in the spa, or simply sip on cocktails by the pool.
Deluxe Suite
- Inclusions: Breakfast daily, express check-in and check-out, butler valet service and high speed Wi-Fi internet. Satellite television, local newspaper, use of the gym, sauna, steam, and outdoor pool. Unlimited supply of mineral water, fruits, and flowers in the room.
Nairobi National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see rhino and also has a healthy population of lion, leopard, cheetah, and plains game like giraffe and antelope. Other attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Center, Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, a visit to a tea farm, and shopping for local crafts and trinkets. There are some great local and cross-cultural restaurants to explore, from roadside food stalls to local nyama choma (barbecue joints) to five-star dining establishments.
After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver for transfer to Wilson Airport.
To visit the mystical island of Lamu is to take a step back in time. There is only one vehicle on the island, otherwise people walk, ride donkeys, or sail on traditional Arab sailboats called Dhows or Ngalawas. The ocean side of the island is fronted by a huge, eight mile long deserted beach, with commanding dunes that shield the coconut and mango plantations and small villages behind. At the heart of the island is the Old Town, where narrow winding paths and traditional Swahili architecture reflect the combined influences of the Omani, Indian, and Portuguese merchants and explorers over a thousand years of spirited trade.
The handful of lodges that make up Manda Bay could be the definition of barefoot luxury. Each cottage is made with locally-sourced wood and palm leaves with open-air walls, letting the ocean breeze do its job of keeping you cool. Hundreds of miles away from the touristy beaches of Mombasa, you’ll have your own pockets of Indian Ocean to yourself for snorkeling, kayaking, or just laying out on the powdery white sand.
Beachfront Sea View Room
- Inclusions: Accommodation; All meals during your stay; Desalinated drinking water; Airstrip transfers from Manda airport; Use of the swimming pool; Use of Games Room activities; Use of yoga room; Kayaking, Sailing, Windsurfing, SUP boarding; Laundry and WiFi
All of the below activities are suggestions and have not been pre-arranged at this time. Please speak with the concierge team on property should you wish to partake in any of the below.
Manda Bay is a small privately owned boutique lodge located on the northern tip of Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago on Kenya’s coast. An unspoiled, secluded location where you can switch off from the rest of the world, take your shoes off and enjoy simplistic beauty in palm thatched cottages and open living spaces. The only access to Manda Bay is speedboat so guests can enjoy this private island all to themselves. Manda Bay combines the ultimate bush and beach experience with miles of soft white sand on a private beach and coconut palms mixed with doum palms, Acacia Tortilis and a variety of wildlife.
There are numerous water based activities available at Manda Bay, from deep sea fishing, snorkelling, and fishing from the beach. If fishing is not for you but you are still keen on water-sports, then try out our paddle boarding & kayaking, water skiing or take a simple Dhow sunset trip in the evening.
For those who really do want to relax, then take a game drive in the early evening to visit the Manda ruins and see if you can spot the elusive Leopard or Hyena. If your interest is purely cultural then the ancient Arab town of Lamu - now a world heritage site - is a 20 minute boat ride away.
After the early morning game drives while on safari, you deserve a morning to sleep in! Take the day at your leisure to get acclimated with the property, relaxing on the beach, and engaging in some water sports at the Water Sports Centre. At the end of the day, join other guests at the bar for an evening drink as the sun goes down. The Manda Bay bar makes an impressive Dawa or G&T! This is also a great opportunity to mingle with the lodge owners and learn about the on-going conservation efforts to keep Lamu and Manda island protected for future generations.
Given you will be at Manda Bay in the middle of prime deep-sea fishing season, we suggest taking out the hotel's own fishing boat called Cheza which is a Lochin 33ft Sportfisher with twin 230hp engines. There is the option of a half day (6 hours) fishing or full day (10 hours) out on the ocean with a departure in the morning. During the dry season between November and April, Manda Bay experiences warm northeasterly winds, calmer seas and clear water visibility. Species that are predominantly caught at this time of year include Sailfish as well as Black and Blue Marlin.
Spend today visiting Lamu Old Town. Lamu is a short boat ride from the lodge and well worth a visit if you enjoy architecture and a walk back in time. As you walk around the narrow streets, there are small artisan shops to browse wood workers, silversmiths as well as local fabrics and basket ware. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient town is Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited town, and was one of the original Swahili settlements that formed part of the trading seaports along coastal East Africa. It is believed to have been established in 1370. Lamu has maintained its social and cultural integrity, as well as retaining its authentic building fabric up to the present day. A conservative and close-knit society, Lamu is majority Muslim, but tolerant of all other cultures and religions. This medieval town has a unique style of building and plasterwork which has been retained over the centuries and the decor of the houses have been influenced by European, Persian, Arab and Indian imports from the trading days of the past. Large dhows would bring goods to trade on the East African coast and then return with ivory, mangrove poles, spices, cowrie shells, animal hides, cereals and food supplies, and slaves from Africa.
Relax this morning with some spa treatments and beach time. In the early evening, it is possible to take a game drive to visit the Manda ruins, an ancient human settlement that dates back nearly 1000 years. A few remnants of this town can be seen if you take a drive where you experience a complete contrast from the beach and see old coral buildings amongst enormous baobab trees and acacia woodland. Manda Bay is home to a host of creatures both large and small and whilst most of the animals are nocturnal including the greater Galago bushbaby, white tailed mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, hyaena, genet cat and occasionally leopard; we regularly see dik-dik, buffalo and bushbuck, dwarf mongoose, yellow baboons and vervet monkeys.
Today can be a day to get involved with some of the conservation projects that are ongoing at Manda Bay. Currently, there is a coral restoration project whereby guests can be actively involved in caring for the ocean and learn about the importance of the ocean reefs to the local environment. Manda Bay also manages a small rangeland on Manda island and oversees the custodianship of a small herd of Cape buffalo. The buffalo can be visited in the evening at the water trough where they are supplied with supplementary water and food in the dry season.
Head back to Lamu today to see the Takwa Ruins. A thriving trading town during the 15 and 16th Century, it was eventually abandoned in the 17th Century due to the salination of the once fresh water wells and the constant fighting with its neighbors on Pate island. Enjoy an off-property lunch and dinner today in Lamu.
As it is the last day of your honeymoon, we strongly suggest taking the day to relax on the beach and do as little as possible before heading home.
Meet your private driver for transfer to Nairobi's International Airport for your flight home.