13 days Honeymoon — Northern Tanzania & Zanzibar
Six days of safari and six on the island, with a rest day at the start — built for people who have just done a wedding and need the pace easy.
Honeymoon & Wildlife
Ruaha, Nyerere & Zanzibar — Fly-In
Two southern parks and the island, connected by light aircraft. Four nights in each park, so the days are spent looking rather than moving.
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At a glance
- Destinations
- Ruaha · Nyerere · Zanzibar
- Best for
- Wildlife safari, Beach & marine, Honeymoon
- Travel style
- Luxury · Fly-in, Ferry/boat
- Activity level
- Easy — most of the day is spent in a vehicle or on a boat
- Best time to travel
- June to October usually combines strong Ruaha and Nyerere game viewing with drier Zanzibar beach days. In the wet season, confirm camp openings and river activities before arranging flights; island boat outings still depend on sea conditions.
- Start and end
- Starts in Dar es Salaam, ends in Zanzibar
Why this journey
- Four nights at Ruaha and four at Nyerere
- Scenic flights between every leg — no road transfers
- A full day on the Rufiji by boat
- Premium camps with private guiding
- Four nights on Zanzibar to finish
Day by day
Flying between Ruaha, Nyerere and Zanzibar removes three full days of road transfer from a route like this, and the days go back into the parks. Premium camps throughout, with a full day of boat safari on the Rufiji.
Day 1 — Arrival in Dar es Salaam
A warm welcome at Julius Nyerere International Airport and hotel transfer. After check-in, rest or explore local dining showcasing Tanzanian cuisine.
Stay Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam or The Kilimanjaro Meals Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 — Fly to Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, a 1.5-hour scenic flight to Ruaha, then transfer to Ikuka Safari Camp. An afternoon game drive explores Ruaha's vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and famous elephant populations.
Stay Ikuka Safari Camp Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 — Ruaha National Park
The day begins with a wilderness walking safari introducing the park's unique flora, fauna, and hidden natural wonders. After a leisurely lunch, an evening game drive as wildlife emerges as temperatures cool.
Stay Ikuka Safari Camp Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 — Ruaha National Park
A morning game drive searching for iconic wildlife, then lunch and relaxation at the lodge. Evening options include spa treatments or lodge amenities, followed by a night game drive exploring nocturnal wildlife.
Stay Ikuka Safari Camp Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 — Ruaha National Park
Morning game drives offer chances to spot lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Guests may choose guided walking safari or cultural village visits. An afternoon game drive captures sunset views over the vast savannah.
Stay Ikuka Safari Camp Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 — Fly to Nyerere National Park
After breakfast, a short 1-hour scenic flight to Nyerere and the Roho ya Selous lodge. An afternoon game drive explores this vast wilderness, known for its rich biodiversity, rivers and open country.
Stay Roho ya Selous Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 — Nyerere National Park
An early breakfast precedes a morning game drive spotting elephants, buffalo, lions, and various bird species while guides share behavioural insights. A midday return allows lunch and leisure — swimming or spa treatments. An afternoon game drive explores more terrain, with optional night activities.
Stay Roho ya Selous Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 — Nyerere National Park: full day boat safari
After early breakfast, a full-day boat safari along the Rufiji River. Expert guides share ecosystem knowledge while travellers observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species including fish eagles and kingfishers. A scenic picnic lunch along the river, with afternoon exploration continuing.
Stay Roho ya Selous Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 — Nyerere National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives showcase the park's rich biodiversity, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of bird species. Guided nature walks and community interactions provide deeper understanding of the landscape and local traditions.
Stay Roho ya Selous Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 — Fly to Zanzibar Island
After breakfast, a scenic 1.5-hour flight to Zanzibar and transfer to a beachfront resort. Afternoon options include the beaches or nearby Stone Town's historic charm, with dinner featuring long views over the Indian Ocean.
Stay The Residence Zanzibar Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 11–13 — Zanzibar Island
White sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters with optional snorkelling, diving or spice plantation visits. Guided Stone Town tours explore the history, narrow streets and vibrant markets, and cultural experiences include visiting local artisans or attending traditional music and dance performances.
Stay The Residence Zanzibar Luxury Hotel Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14 — Departure from Zanzibar
A relaxed breakfast, free time for shopping, beach walks or ocean relaxation, then transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Stay and travel
Premium camps and lodges, chosen for where they sit rather than how many rooms they have.
Light aircraft on the routed sectors, with a road vehicle and guide waiting at each strip.
Camps fill and light aircraft schedules move. Where something changes we substitute at the same level and tell you before you travel, not after.
Included and excluded
What is included
- Every activity named in the day-by-day
- Accommodation as listed, or a similar alternative if a camp is full
- Meals as noted against each day
- Transfers between the agreed pick-up and drop-off points
- Park, reserve and conservation area fees
- An English-speaking Tanzanian driver-guide
- A 4×4 with a roof hatch, or the vehicle the route calls for
- Drinking water through the day
- Government taxes
- Internal flights on the routed sectors
- Boat safari and transfers
- TANAPA armed ranger where the park requires one
Not included
- International flights, airport taxes and visa fees
- Travel, medical and baggage insurance
- Personal spending — drinks, laundry, telephone
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Anything not listed as included
Practical information
- Luggage on light aircraft
- Bush flights cap baggage at around 15 kg in a soft bag. Anything else can wait at your first hotel.
- Visas, insurance and tipping
- A visa is arranged before travel or on arrival. Travel and medical insurance is a condition of booking. Tipping is customary and we will suggest a range rather than set one.
Related journeys
Every route here can be changed
Tell us what you would keep, what you would drop and how long you have. We will send back a version that is yours.