Kelsey and her husband Jose chose a Tanzania safari for their honeymoon. They were excited to explore the country’s famed Northern Circuit – Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti – followed by some relaxation time at the beach in Zanzibar. They noted that there was “never a dull moment” and that they were “so excited for every day.”
They experienced many highlights during their journey. One standout was visiting the Ngorongoro Crater.
“We had breakfast down in the Crater by some of the hippos. We saw so many animals up close where it felt like we could reach out and touch them.”
They had several memorable wildlife sightings on safari. Among the animals they saw were elephants, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, zebras, hippos, monkeys, cheetahs, wildebeest and more. The couple had some favorites:
“My favorite wildlife sighting is probably tied between the baby elephants and the baby lions. We saw so many baby animals and I loved them all so much.”
Kelsey and Jose enjoyed getting to know their guide and appreciated his encyclopedic knowledge about African animals, birds and nature.
“Eddie was our guide for all of our safari days in Tanzania. He was incredible. His knowledge of the animals, wildlife, birds, insects, plants and culture was so much more than I could ever have hoped. Hands down, he is one of the smartest people I have ever met. He was so friendly and truly made this experience so much better.”
The honeymooners loved their accommodations, which ranged from a treehouse to a gilded lodge on the Crater rim and an under-canvas camp in the Serengeti.
“Our treehouse was so cute and romantic. Lions slept outside our treehouse on the first night! Ngorongoro Crater Lodge was probably my favorite place…our room was directly overlooking the Crater where we could just watch from our deck. It was so romantic with the fireplace in the evening. In the Serengeti we stayed in the glamping tents and this was such a cool experience. For being a tent, it was so luxurious.”
The food was another highlight of their trip.
“Our most memorable meal was at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. We had a dinner with the sommelier, Ladi. His knowledge of wine was so extensive that I wanted to take notes to remember it all. The food was perfectly paired with the wine. We truly enjoy all wine even more now with the knowledge that Ladi shared. Ladi even had my husband open a bottle of champagne with a sword.”
There was no shortage of romance on their honeymoon to ensure that Kelsey and Jose had a memorable start to their marriage.
“Every single day and meal, the staff went above and beyond to make our honeymoon special. Rose petals all over, special dinners and special drinks - this was the most romantic place I have ever been.”
Zanzibar was a contrast to being on safari, yet they enjoyed their ocean view suite and private pool and found Stone Town to be a highlight.
“Zanzibar was also incredible because we were able to take a day trip into Stone Town. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and our guide for the day took us shopping and showed us all the historical sites. We walked in the market and were able to immerse ourselves in the culture for the day.”
Kelsey and Jose have some advice for others considering a safari:
“Please, please, please go! This was a life changing vacation and I cannot wait to go back. Nell was amazing to work with and our time would not have been the same without her extensive planning expertise.”
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Photos courtesy AAC Livingstone Club member Kelsey L. and Lake Manyara Tree Lodge