12 Days/11 Nights: Honeymoon Safari Kenya and Tanzania

Kenya and Tanzania have some of Africa's best wildlife and holiday sanctuaries for honeymooners wanting a more active safari. This African Safari Honeymoon is uniquely designed for you, with game viewing in world-famous wildlife sanctuaries and luxury accommodation.

This safari takes you to Kenya’s Rift Valley where the spectacular pink shimmer of flamingos on the horizon of Lake Nakuru opens a truly memorable way to celebrate your romance and marriage.

The world-famous Masai Mara Game (Wildlife) Reserve is Kenya's number one park and is always on the Must See List of every tourist. The annual Serengeti-Masai Mara migration of thousands of wildebeest and other grazing herbivores as they fight for survival to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in search of grazing land is one of the greatest spectacles in the natural world that makes East Africa a top tourist destination.

On your honeymoon safari, you will have a private guide and luxury safari van allowing you the ultimate flexibility and private experience as you set out in vast Mara and Serengeti plains in search wildlife.

This honeymoon safari in the African jungle is an unforgettable romantic experience.

The detailed itinerary for this safari is as follows:

DAY 1: NAIROBI ARRIVAL
You arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi onboard morning/evening flight. You are met and transfer to your Nairobi hotel by our representative.

Overnight at Nairobi Serena Hotel/The Stanley Hotel. Meal Plan (Bed and Breakfast).

DAY 2: NAIROBI- MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
After breakfast, there will be safari briefing at 0700hrs and then depart for to the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. You'll travel towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the Rift Escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. Look for the charming chapel they built at the foot of the escarpment.

You will pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the Great Rift Valley to Narok, and then travel across acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Masai Mara in time for lunch.

Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge before the sun sets. Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge/Keekorok Lodge/Mara Sarova Luxury Tented Camp on a full board basis. Meal Plan {B, L, D}.

DAY 3: MAASAI MARA
Breakfast at the lodge. Leave at 0900hrs for full day game drive and carry picnic lunch. Between meals there is optional visit to the Maasai Villages for an insight to their culture. Meals and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge/Keekorok Lodge/Mara Sarova Luxury Tented Camp on a full board basis. Meal Plan {B, L, D}.

DAY 4: MASAI MARA - LAKE NAKURU
Depart Maasai Mara 0700hrs after breakfast and travel across the bread basket of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok town, the district headquarters of Masai-land.

Enjoy the views of the landscape as you drive across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley. You will see herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up the Mau Escarpment, before arriving at your destination, Lake Nakuru in time for lunch and a siesta, afternoon game drive at the Pink Lake, which derives the name from thousands of pink flamingos and other birdlife.

Lake Nakuru is a bird watchers’ paradise. All the Big Five, except the elephant, can be seen here.

Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge/Sarova lion Hill. Meal Plan {B,L,D}

DAY 5: LAKE NAKURU - AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Depart Lake Nakuru and your journey today takes you across the top of the Rift Valley Escarpment, providing spectacular views of Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley, with the dormant Longonot volcano at centre stage.

Traveling on through Kenya's highlands, you will have lunch in Nairobi and then head south across the Athi Plains to the border town of Namanga. Here, you’ll turn East to Amboseli National Park at the foot of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, home to a wealth of wildlife but most famous for its elephants.

With a spice game drive en route, you’ll arrive at your lodge late in the evening. The next day, you’ll enjoy morning and afternoon, returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge/Amboseli Sopa Lodge. Meal Plan { B,L,D}

DAY 6: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Early morning and late afternoon game drives in this photogenic park hosting a great variety of animals and birdlife.

All meals and overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge/Serena Lodge. Meal Plan { B,L,D}

DAY 7: AMBOSELI - LAKE MANYARA
After breakfast, you'll catch your last views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as you depart Amboseli viewing game en route to the border of the park.

From here, you’ll turn West to the colorful border town of Namanga. You’ll clear with customs and then proceed to Arusha. Lunch at Arusha Impala Hotel.

After lunch, proceed to Lake Manyara Serena/Lake Manyara Hotel. Game viewing en route to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Meal Plan { B,L,D}

DAY 8: LAKE MANYARA - SERENGETI
Enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, whose inhabitants include hippos, monkeys, tree climbing lions, flamingos and other varieties of birdlife. Lunch at the lodge.

After lunch, you’ll drive to Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight at Sopa Lodge/Serena Lodge. Meal Plan { B,L,D}

DAY 9: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the endless plains of the Serengeti for a chance to see the great herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles or a pride of lions lounging in the shade. Meals and overnight at Sopa Lodge/Serena Lodge. Meal Plan { B,L,D}

DAY 10: SERENGETI - NGORONGORO
Depart for a morning game drive in the Serengeti National Park. Lunch at the lodge. After lunch drive to Olduvai Gorge, site of Louis and Mary Leakey's renowned archaeological discoveries. Their findings include some of the man's earliest known ancestral remains.

Continue driving to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for dinner and overnight at Sopa Lodge/Serena Lodge. Meal Plan { B,L,D}

DAY 11: NGORONGORO CRATER
Today, you will descend 2000 feet (0ver 600 metres) to the floor of the crater for a half day crater tour with picnic lunches. Explore the forest areas that are inhabited by monkeys and elephants, the lake area, where you may see the flamingos and the open savannah where the lions hunt for food. Dinner and overnight at Sopa Lodge/Serena Lodge. Meal Plan { B,L,D}

DAY 12: NGORONGORO – ARUSHA – NAIROBI
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha. Lunch in Arusha town. Then at 1400hrs, you’ll take a shuttle back to Nairobi arriving at 1900hrs. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home. Meal Plan { B,L}

African Safari Wildlife Facts

Amazing Wild Animal Facts and Behavior for African Tourists

Going on vacation to Africa? This information will enrich your safari experience. The more you know about the unique behavior and traits of our wildlife, the more you will appreciate the absolute beauty of their interaction in the African travel.

Hippos are not good swimmers. They are bottom dwellers, keeping slow-moving water ways open by acting as dredgers against siltation and vegetation growth. They wear pathways along the bottom, can push their way to the surface in deep water and slowly return to the bottom. This is not swimming as they cannot control their buoyancy. Hippos can only stay under water for about 5 minutes and will drown in water too deep to reach the surface for air and therefore require a habitat of slow moving water that is deep enough from them to submerge, but not too deep to make surfacing for air impossible. Hippos can sleep under water, subconsciously raising their head to the surface for air. Baby hippos can suckle under water.

Spotted hyena often sit in water to cool off. They are unable to perspire and so pant nasally, the evaporation from the moist mouth and nasal cavities cooling the inhaled air and the blood going to the brain.

Giraffe have seven neck vertebrae, as is common with most mammals; however, one vertebra can be over 25cm long. The forelegs of a giraffe are longer than its neck, therefore the giraffe must bend or splay it legs to drink or feed on the ground. A giraffe's heart, weighing up to 12kg needs to be large and powerful to pump blood through the large body and against the force of gravity up that long neck to the head. Its lungs can hold 55 litres of air. A newborn giraffe is about two metres tall with a weight of 100kg. The baby falls about 2 meters to the ground at birth, the female bending her legs slightly to lessen the height. The slight impact when hitting the ground helps start the lungs breathing.

All zebras have individual striped patterns, as well as their left and right side patterns differing. There is a greater concentration of capillaries under the black stripes than white stripes which is thought to help with dissipating heat which the black draws more of.

Leopard, cheetah and wild dogs have dark bodies with a highly visible and contrasting white patch at the end of the tail. This is used as an easily visible "follow beacon" for young and other members of the pride/pack through long grass or thick bush. Lions have a black tip on their tail, contrasting with a light tan body. Observe the comical warthog that, when alarmed, runs off with tail extended straight up towards the sky so as to be easily followed into the bush.

Lions are the only true social cats with a matriarchal social structure. Groups are formed and based on close bonds among females, not necessarily closely related. Males fight for the right to rule a territory and have access to its females but may form coalitions with brothers, half-brothers or strangers. This improves their chances of maintaining a home range and does not necessarily impede mating opportunities. Lion will defend their territory against members of the same sex.

Black-backed and side-striped jackals form a monogamous bond for life and only find another mate if one partner dies. The male also assists with parenting and supplying food.

Spotted hyena cubs have a black coat for the first three months of life. When twin females are born, one usually kills the other. This is because hyenas are a matriarchal society. Spotted hyena females are bigger than males, and because they dominate food sources, stay that way. Hyena generally dominates all other predators except for lion. In numbers they can intimidate and drive lions off a kill particularly because of superior teamwork. Female genitalia have changed in appearance to mimic those of males, possibly linked to when the species evolved into a matriarchal society. The clitoris has become enlarged to look like a penis which still encloses the vagina and urethra, which has become a common tract. The labia mimic a scrotum and the "testes" are fatty deposits which shrink with age.

A white rhino male can reach up to 2 300kg whereas a large black rhino weighs around 1 100kg. A white rhino has pointed ears, a flattish back with a bump near the middle, and elongated head, a square upper lip for grazing. The young usually runs ahead of the mother and the tail curls back when alarmed. The black rhino has rounded ears, a concave back, a rounded head, and a pointed prehensile upper lip for browsing. The young usually runs behind the mother and the tail is held straight out when alarmed.

Elephants can swim well, not needing to stay in contact with the bottom. The trunk will be used as a snorkel when crossing deep water. Dust or mud bathing after a swim helps protect the skin from sunburn. Suckling calves do not use the trunk to suckle but use the mouth directly.

Pangolins have no relation to armadillos even though they have a superficial resemble and dietary similarities. They are largely free from predation, even from prides of lion and spotted hyena. This is because the pangolin when harassed wraps itself into a ball and is protected by scales made of keratin. These scales are hard with small ridges and have a sharp leading edge. When curled up they lie still, but if harassed further they scythe their tail from side to side which can inflict a nasty cut or even an amputation.

African Safari - Tanzania Highlights

Tanzania contains some of the most incredible African Safari highlights such as the Serengeti with the great migration and the incredible game filled Ngorongoro Crater along with the highest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro. Throw in the idyllic Pemba Island and its an incredible all round destination.

Tanzania is one of the "hotspots" for African Safari wildlife viewing and is home to the popular Mount Kilimanjaro.

Serengeti National Park spans 14 736 square kilometers/5689 square miles of protected area that borders Kenya's Masai Mara Game Park. The Serengeti's endlessly rolling grass filled plains, sprinkled with acacia trees and numerous wildlife, show off its wild and untarnished beauty. The annual wildebeest and zebra migration is an awesome spectacle. It is the largest mass movement of land animals on the planet, with more than a million animals making the seasonal journey to fresh grazing towards the north, then after the rains journey back to the south. Every year this drama is played out with crocodiles lying in wait at river crossings, lion and other predators hunting the young or weak, and opportunistic scavengers lurking around kills waiting for their chance to steal a meal. The migration spans a number of parks in Tanzania as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera (a type of collapsed volcano) in the world, approximately 20 kilometers/12 miles across. Before the Nogorongoro volcano exploded, it was one of the world's tallest mountains. When the volcano exploded it left behind a flat plain ringed with steep walls. The crater floor is 600m/2000 feet below the crater rim. Within the crater rim, large herds of wildebeest and zebra graze while lion bask sleepily in the sun. A wide variety of animals including the Big 5 are found here along with Thomsons's gazelles, rhinos, water buffaloes and more. Tall Masaai herd their cattle and goats over pastures outside the crater's rim, living alongside the wildlife as they have done for centuries. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes forests, scrub bush and huge expanses of highland plains approximately 8300 square kilometers/3204 square miles. A descent down into the crater takes you through lush rain forest and thick vegetation, and onto to grassy plains on the crater floor. The wildlife viewing here is superb as the abundant year round food and water supply eliminate the need for a mass migration.

Selous Game Reserve - Located in a remote and little-visited part of the country, this is Africa's largest protected wildlife reserve. This untouched gem is only accessible by small aircraft, and its plains, rivers and hills are home to packs of wild dogs, black rhino and elephant populations.

Lake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, amazing birdlife and spectacular views. This tiny park (325 square kilometers/125 square miles) combines bush plains, baobab lined cliffs, hot springs and forests. Lake Manyara is an alkaline soda lake, and its brackish water is home to an incredible variety of birdlife. Pink flamingos in their thousands, herons, yellow-billed storks and more. This park was also made famous for its tree climbing lions. During the rainy season they make their home in the acacias and mahogany trees.

Ruaha National Park offers a pristine and untouched environment. With herds of elephant numbering in the thousands, vast numbers of buffalo, gazelle and over 400 bird species, together with the Kisigo and Rungwa Reserves, they form a 40 000 square km/ 15 444 square miles wildlife conservancy. The Great Ruaha River offers spectacular game viewing on its banks. With its remote location, this national park offers an adventurous and unique experience.

Tarangire National Park - The Tarangire River supplies this park with a year round water supply. When the dry season arrives at the Serengeti (late June to early November), many animals move into Tarangire and can be viewed on the river banks. Tarangire is scenically very beautiful, is great for bird watchers and has fewer visitors than the more well knows parks.

Tanzanian Coastline - Hundreds of tiny romantic bays, peninsulas and islands have for thousands of years attracted traders, fishermen and explorers from the Far East, Persia and the Arabian Peninsula. These influences have resulted in an exotic mix of cultures, style, architecture, and cuisine.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak and most famous mountain in Africa. The trek to the top takes hikers through alpine grasslands, forests, barren rock face and striking white glaciers. The top of Mt Kilimanjaro offers stunning views of the surrounding areas such as Kenya and the Masaai Steppe.

Mahale Mountains National Park borders the shore of Lake Tanganyika and the western border of the Congo. The park is home to a large number of primates with regular sightings. A chimpanzee safari including hikes into the jungle to observe these primates in their natural habitat is a very rewarding experience. The park is only accessible by small aircraft.

Arusha National Park offers spectacular views of Mt Meru, the crater the region is named after. This small park includes the Ngurdoto Crater, a volcano that has been extinct for a quarter of a million years, Mt Meru and the Momela Lakes. There are day hikes along the lower slopes of Mt Meru with paths to crystal clear rivers and cascading waterfalls, and for the more adventurous it's a 3 day trek to reach the crater's summit.

Pemba is dotted with desert islands, coconut palms and some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean, with diverse species of marine life and coral. Her unspoilt shores and pristine waters, along with clove plantations and spice fields make this a unique destination.

Warm climate with maximum temperatures of 32°C/90°F. Early mornings and evenings can be cold with minimum temperatures of 12°C/90°F. Winter is from May to September, and summer from October to April. Rainfall is seasonal with the so-called ‘short rains’ in November and December and the ‘long rains’ from March to May. The Great Migration can be seen in the Serengeti National Park from November through to June.

A Tanzania Safari has much variety to offer and is the experience of a lifetime.

What to Know and Pack for an African Safari Vacation

Packing for a safari is very different from a normal vacation. Factor in light airplane flights, water transfers, game drive vehicles, malaria, scorching hot sun and you need to be prepared. Good binoculars are very important as well as medical evacuation insurance.

Clothing:
Casual and semi-casual clothing is best suited to the relaxed informal style of African Safari and tourist lodges. Bright colors and white are not suitable for game viewing. Stick to neutral colors and do not take a large suitcase and a multitude of clothes.

General Packing suggestion:
Sunglasses, binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, notebook and pen, mammal or birding bird (depending on your interests), alarm clock, small torch/flashlight, sunscreen lotion, sun hat, insect repellent, swimwear, light cotton trousers, cotton shorts, light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved), sandals, walking shoes, waterproof/windbreaker jacket, polar fleece. During winter pack an additional warm jacket, woolen hat, scarf and gloves.

Luggage:
Pack light, especially if you are traveling on a multi-destination safari where you may use different methods of transport (light aircraft, trucks, boats). Most lodges have a laundry service so you do not need a lot of clothes. Luggage should be kept to the following restrictions - Two pieces of soft (not hard case) luggage per person and one carry on (backpack which you will use to carry you safari gear when game viewing) bag. Total weight should not exceed 20kg (40lbs). Certain baggage restrictions apply on small charter aircraft, as well as the requirement of a soft bag. Restrictions vary from 20kg (40lbs) to 12kg (depending on the size of the aircraft) and this includes camera equipment and carry-on baggage.

Should guests arrive with excess baggage without prior warning their baggage could be delayed as it would have to be flown into the camp at a later stage at a considerable cost to you. With advance warning of extra baggage, an extra seat can be booked for the bags at an additional cost.

Photography/Binoculars:
African Safaris offer many excellent photo opportunities. As the game drives usually occur early morning and late afternoon we suggest using a high speed film (200/400ASA), and a telephoto lens (at least 80-300mm). A ultra-violet filter and lens hood are also a good idea as well as a sturdy protective bag and a dust cover or plastic bag. Film and batteries are usually available en route but it is advisable to purchase before departure. For digital cameras make sure you have large capacity memory cards.
One essential piece of equipment for game viewing is a good quality pair of binoculars. It can be very frustrating seeing an animal in the distance and not being able to take a closer look because you only have a cheap pair of binocs.

Health:
Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions. Lodges do have first aid kits, but remember to take any specific medicine that you need with you. A course of basic anti-biotic is always a good idea to carry with you in Africa, cold/flu tablets, allergy tablets, immodium (for diarrohea), travel sickness pills, bite relief cream, paracetamol.

Toiletries/General:
Sun block, skin cream, insect repellent, mosquito coils (do not use in a tent), body soap or shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, wet wipes, band aids/plasters, pocket knife, plastic bags (for muddy shoes, wet washing), sanitary products for women.

Water:
Tap Water is safe to drink in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe, however bottled water is freely available. Bottled water is recommended for other destinations. Most lodges supply complimentary bottles of mineral water with meals and in lodge rooms.

Passports & Visas:
Please ensure that you are holding a passport with sufficient blank pages for entry stamps and more than 6 months to expiry. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas depending on the country you are visiting.It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country you are visiting for the latest entry and visa requirements.

Travel Insurance:
Certain safaris carry a medical evacuation insurance. This is to the nearest suitable hospital and does not replace normal travel insurance. Other safaris carry a mandatory requirement of travel insurance. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers personal effects, personal accident, medical travel expenses, baggage, cancellation and curtailment prior to arrival.

General Safety:
As anywhere in the world, take standard security precautions such as not walking alone at night in the city, leaving baggage unattended at airports, and venturing into unfamiliar areas. Do carry a record of your passport number, air tickets, traveler's checks and travel insurance.

Wildlife Safety:
The animals you will be seeing in the wild are not tame by any means. Do not be fooled by their relaxed attitude as it can change in an instant. Most safari lodges and camps are unfenced, and have potentially dangerous game wandering through. Do not go wandering off on your own without a guide, even to your room unless you have been advised otherwise. Do not leave your room after you have retired for the night.And most importantly, listen to the camp staff and guides as the safety precautions are there for your safety and need to be strictly adhered to.

Never approach or attempt to feed any wild animal, especially on foot. This is very important near lodges and campsites where animals have become accustomed to humans.

Money:
Most international airports have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually available at lodges, hotels, shops and restaurants. ATM's are widely available in South Africa and accept many international bank and credit cards. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in commercial establishments, whereas American Express and Diners Club are not accepted everywhere.

Tipping Guidelines:
At the end of your stay at a private game lodge, most guests will want to tip both the ranger and the tracker. Tipping guidelines vary from lodge to lodge, but plan to give the local equivalents of about US $5-10 per person per day to the ranger and not much less to the tracker; an additional tip of US $25 for the general staff would be sufficient for a couple staying two days. For porters it is US $1 per person, for waiters at lodges it is US $1-2 per person per meal.

African Vacations: Safari Packages to South Africa

South Africa is knew by people in different ways: some know about it that was the last country in the world which abolished the apartheid regime, others appreciate the excellent wines from this African country, some remember that there took place a football world championship, but much more people heard about this land as a great spot for African vacations, especially in wildlife parks such as Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

African safari packages are numerous and are a type of vacations more and more requested by holiday makers. This happens because people saw many documentary movies about wildlife of Africa and about the interesting and unique cultures of peoples who live there. Also, many vacationers understood how fragile is the life on the planet Earth and want to see some of the last unspoiled parts of it.

Safari packages to South Africa are in harsh competition with safaris offered by other countries, especially from Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya, but also from other countries like Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Still many tourists prefer to buy vacation packages to this country even if sometimes other countries offer more affordable deals. Why happens this? Foremost, because of the richness of wildlife from the national parks and game reserves in this African country. There are many areas where can be seen many species of animals, but the most renowned are Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Kruger National Park, with 18,989 square km (7,332 sq mi), is the largest game reserve in South Africa. Together with Gonarezhou National Park from Zimbabwe and with the Limpopo National Park from Mozambique it make up the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Kruger is renowned for the many bird species (517) but also for the many mammals species (147), including the most demanded of all, called the "Big Five": lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. There are plenty of safari packages to Kruger National Park, some of them being "Savanna Private Game Reserve Package in Kruger National Park", "Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge Package in Kruger National Park", "The Classic Kruger National Park Tour", and "Wildlife Experience in Kruger National Park".

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a private owned park which actually is comprised of more smaller game reserves named Mala Mala, Singita, Exeter, Djuma, Londolozi, Lion Sands, Sabi Sabi and Ulusaba. The entire area is home for a multitude of wild animals like cheetah, elephants, lions, buffalo, leopard, rhinos, and others. Because there is no barrier between this park and Kruger the animals can move free, so the game viewing is really spectacular! Some packages include only this park, while others include visits to more game reserves. Some safari packages that include Sabi Sand are "Panorama Route and Big 5 Safari: Sabi Sand Wildlife Reserve" and "Wildlife Experience at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge".

South African vacations are not limited, of course, at this two main holiday spots. There are also other safaris which include wider areas, some of the most requested trips being "South African Excursion", "3 Day Garden Route - Cape Town to Port Elizabeth", "Dolphin Coast and Big Five Safari", "Highlights of South Africa", "16 Day South Africa Adventure - Cape Town to Johannesburg", and "6 Day Rhino Route Durban - Johannesburg".