Tanzania: The most romantic place on Earth? Honeymooners certainly think so…

It’s one of Africa’s many gems and now Tanzania has been named the top honeymoon hotspot on the planet.

Over a sixth of newlywed couples choose the East African nation as their post-wedding destination of choice, according to a new study conducted by holiday experts Tanzania Odyssey.

17% of honeymooners chose Tanzania in a recent survey, ahead of the likes of Hawaii, the Maldives and Mauritius.

The lure of adventure alongside relaxation seems to be key with the chance to safari at Serengeti National Park, go hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro or simply relax on one of the country’s many picture-perfect beaches too much to resist for the couples questioned.

The research suggests there has been a huge switch in honeymooner attitudes; newlyweds no longer want to simply sit by a pool before moving things upstairs. 40% now wish to combine adventure with relaxation, according to the survey, which is helping to boost Tanzania’s tourism industry dramatically.

Over 1.2 million people visited the country last year, compared to just 700,000 in 2010, with more tourists enticed by the country’s rich culture and breathtaking landmarks.

With some of the most famous and stunning national landscapes on the planet, it’s no surprise people are choosing East Africa, a far cry from the concrete jungles of London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Serengeti National Park is perhaps the most famous and certainly the most visited attraction, home to the legendary Great Migration, Maasai villages and Moru Kopjes.

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, offers adventure-loving newlyweds the chance to experience a once-in-a lifetime opportunity and in 2013 (last available data) the attraction generated US $51 million in revenue. The Tanzania National Parks Authority also reported that a quarter of tourists who visited the site went on to hike the mountain.

According to the study, Hawaii was the second most popular honeymoon destination, thanks to its laid back atmosphere and stunning beaches, with the Maldives, Mauritius and Madagascar completing the top five most popular honeymoon spots.

The top 5 honeymoon destinations revealed are:

Tanzania – 17%
Hawaii – 13%
Maldives – 11%
Mauritius – 10%
Madagascar -9%