Next, we’re heading to the Ngorongoro Crater, with a stop at Lake Manyara along the way. This scenic lake is home to flamingos, pelicans, and the famous tree-climbing lions (eeek—Joe is hoping for a full-on 'Circle of Life' moment). The crater itself is a wildlife wonderland, where we’ll see elephants, lions, rhinos, and hippos gathering at the watering hole. With limited daily admission, we’ll pack lunches and spend our days exploring this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.

The final leg of our safari—and the part Kate is most excited for—glamping in the Serengeti. We planned our honeymoon right after the wedding for many reasons, one being that it perfectly aligns with the Great Migration. While in the Serengeti, we’ll experience breathtaking landscapes and encounter elephants, lions, cheetahs, and giraffes up close. To top it all off, we’ll end our safari with a morning hot air balloon ride over the savannah!

Our final stop is Zanzibar, where we’ll unwind by the ocean. We’re excited to stay at the Zawadi Hotel, where we'll have a private oceanfront villa with a pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Kate can’t wait to explore the island, while Joe’s looking forward to cocktails in his private jacuzzi.

As the sun rises over the Serengeti, we’ll drift above the plains, watching the animals start their day. Our pilot will navigate the balloon up and down to give us unique views of the wildlife. We’ll get up close when we spot animals, then rise higher for sweeping views of the landscape. After taking in the sights, we’ll land and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the open savannah —this might just be the highlight of our trip. Fun fact: Kate’s parents got engaged in a hot air balloon!

We’ll head out on game drives through Africa’s jaw-dropping landscapes, where we’ll get up close and personal to some iconic wildlife —elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and more. With every turn, we’ll be on the lookout for the next exciting encounter, whether it’s a pride of lions lounging in the sun or a herd of elephants wandering across the plains.

A few years ago, when Kate and Joe were in Costa Rica, Joe decided on the last day of the trip that he needed a fancy pair of binoculars. Kate, being the practical one, figured that buying something we’d use less than once a year in a NYC apartment didn’t really make sense. This quickly became a running joke, with Joe pointing out all the times he could have used those binoculars. Fast forward three years, and we’re finally ready to get Joe his dream pair!

If you know Kate, you know photography is her passion. Every trip we take, she can’t leave home without her camera. We’re pumped to get her a new lens for all the action we’ll capture on safari!

Our adventure begins at Tarangire National Park, where we’ll spend a few days immersed in wildlife. The Tarangire River attracts elephants, lions, zebras, and wildebeest, while giraffes, baboons, and vibrant birdlife roam the vast landscape. We’re especially excited for our stay at Elephant Springs, where we’ll be nestled in a private lodge in the heart of the savannah, and we'll have a chance to spot large herds of elephants right from our balcony!