Safari And Beach: The African Safari & Beach Holiday Destinations
An African safari combined with a beach holiday presents the finest experiences that Africa offers: distinctive wildlife and unparalleled beaches.
Falling asleep amid the sounds of jackals and rising before dawn to stalk elephants and buffalo, and potentially observe a lion kill, is an unparalleled experience. Nevertheless, early mornings and rigorous focus during safari can be taxing. What more fitting conclusion to your bush expedition than to unwind on a tropical African beach with a deserved, umbrella-adorned beverage.
We have curated the finest combinations of safari and beach holidays, featuring iconic safari locations such as Kruger National Park and Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, alongside pristine Indian Ocean locales including the Quirimbas and Bazaruto archipelagos, as well as the premier beach destination, the Seychelles.
Integrating various destinations is more feasible than one may assume; contemporary air travel and efficient logistics may transport you from the wilderness to the beach within the same day—awakening to the sounds of hippos and elephants and retiring to the soothing sounds of lapping waves and rustling palms.
If you seek a honeymoon that combines safari and beach experiences, see our experts‘ selections of the most romantic African retreats that offer the best of both worlds.
How to choose your beach extension after an African safari
Uncertain about which coastal destination to pair with your African safari? Sharon from Kabira Safaris assists you in selecting the most suitable beach extension for your safari.
Determining the destination for your beach extension can be a challenging option. Several criteria should assist you in refining your options: specifically, the area of your safari, the time of year you are visiting, and your budget. Generally, if you are heading to East Africa, your primary selections should be Zanzibar or the Kenyan Coast; conversely, if you are visiting Southern Africa, Mauritius, Mozambique, and the Seychelles should be your foremost options. Nonetheless, each itinerary is unique, and it is advisable to discuss your preferences with your safari professional.
I will now delineate each beach spot to provide you with additional insights regarding what to anticipate from the locale. In each sector, I also examine all safari spots that can be integrated with the coastal region.
The African Safari & Beach Holiday Destinations
In Africa, merging big game watching with barefoot luxury on palm-fringed beaches is more feasible than one might assume. By strategically combining suitable destinations, you will experience the optimal blend of a safari and beach vacation, transitioning effortlessly from renowned wildlife reserves to sun-drenched tropical islands.
Presented below are our premier destination combinations suitable for incorporation into any itinerary, encompassing luxury retreats, family-oriented excursions, romantic honeymoons, and solo journeys. We have incorporated a selection of our most sought-after safari and beach holidays, which, because to our proven logistics, allows you to minimise airport time and maximise exploration.
Retrieve the sunscreen; it will be necessary for both your game drives and beach strolls. If you seek a romantic getaway, consider our ideas for safari and beach honeymoons.
Experience African Safari & Beach Holidays
Kruger & Mozambique Islands
Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier reserve, along with its exclusive private reserves, is renowned for its opulent lodges and diverse animals. We assert that the Kruger’s Sabi Sands Private Reserve offers the premier Big 5 game viewing in Africa. Upon saturating your camera’s memory card with wildlife observations, it is but a few brief flights to Mozambique’s reef-encircled Bazaruto Archipelago or the more secluded private islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Tanzania And Zanzibar Holidays
Tanzania is a premier destination for traditional luxury safaris. Camp beneath canvas on the Serengeti Plains to observe the wildebeest migration, or reside at a safari resort situated on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater — an ancient volcanic caldera abundant with large wildlife. What could be more ideal than concluding these extraordinary safari experiences with several days on the beaches of Zanzibar Island, the unique Spice Island situated just off the coast of Tanzania? For a more personalised feeling of sand between your toes, consider staying on Pemba Island or the secluded Mnemba Island, renowned as one of the premier diving destinations globally.
Kenya Safari & Beach Holidays
Kenya has both safari and beach lodging, including an expansive terrain filled with unspoiled nature teeming with wildlife, alongside a pristine, extensive coastline. Observe the remarkable phenomenon of millions of wildebeest migrating through the Masai Mara, accompanied by opportunistic carnivores pursuing them relentlessly. In addition to the great migration, premier safari experiences in Kenya encompass walking safaris with red-robed Maasai warriors, the flamingo-populated Lake Nakuru, and game drives in Amboseli National Park, featuring the iconic vista of Mount Kilimanjaro. For a post-safari beach retreat, select from the all-inclusive resorts along the Kenya Coast or travel to Zanzibar to discover the cobbled streets of Stone Town and the island’s pristine white beaches.
South Africa Safari & Beach Holidays
South Africa is an exceptionally diverse nation; within hours, one can go from a Big 5 game reserve to a stunning coastline. Our premier selection for a South African safari and beach vacation encompasses the inviting shores of the Garden Route and the easily accessible, malaria-free Big 5 reserves of the Eastern Cape, ideal for families. For a more adventurous experience, consider the province of KwaZulu-Natal, where traditional big game viewing, pristine sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs are all conveniently accessible.
South Africa & Mauritius Holidays
If you seek an enjoyable, dynamic beach vacation, the island of Mauritius is unparalleled. Located a mere four-hour flight from South Africa, Mauritius boasts a selection of resorts that provide an array of water sports, including water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing, in addition to exceptional spa amenities and championship golf courses. Featuring children’s clubs and childcare services, the majority of resorts in Mauritius are suitable for families. Therefore, if you are travelling with children, we may suggest a beach and safari vacation that encompasses one of South Africa’s malaria-free reserves.
Botswana & Mozambique Holidays
Botswana, a landlocked nation, is among Southern Africa’s premier safari locales; but, reaching Mozambique’s idyllic Indian Ocean islands requires merely a straightforward trip through Johannesburg. Embark on a safari in the Okavango Delta’s wetlands to observe the vast elephant herds in Chobe National Park, followed by a journey to Bazaruto or the Quirimbas Archipelagos, renowned for exceptional scuba diving, big game fishing, and beachfront resorts.
Tips for Booking an African Safari and Beach Holiday
1. Should You Do Bush or Beach First
An optimal safari and beach vacation commences with an excursion to the wilderness and concludes with cocktails at an immaculate beach. There is no correct or incorrect method to do this; nonetheless, shifting from the hustle of a safari to the serenity of a secluded island provides an ideal equilibrium to your schedule. For nearly two decades, we have been crafting excellent wilderness and beach holidays, customizing your experience to meet your specific needs.
2. Time Your Safari and Beach Getaway Just Right
While most wilderness and coastal areas remain accessible throughout the year, certain periods are more advantageous for visitation than others. Safaris are most enjoyable during the dry season, as game viewing reaches its zenith due to sparse vegetation and animals congregating at the limited waterholes. The optimal period for visiting East Africa is from June to October, whilst the ideal season for a break in Southern Africa is from May to September.
Combining your safari trip with an island or beach retreat will be significantly simpler, since most areas provide consistently mild weather throughout the year, and the optimal visiting periods coincide seamlessly with those of the safari destinations.
3. Consider Logistics When Planning
Africa is a vast continent with several destinations necessitating domestic or international flights or transfers for travel between them. Allocate sufficient time to meticulously organize a safari and beach vacation that optimizes logistical efficiency. For example, coordinating a safari in the Serengeti with a coastal holiday in Cape Town would be challenging to arrange, necessitating considerable travel. A journey to the Serengeti complements Zanzibar seamlessly, as it requires only a single domestic flight. The same holds true for the Masai Mara and Diani Beach, Kruger National Park and Cape Town, or any Southern African safari site paired with Mozambique’s lush beaches.
4. Choose Your Accommodation Carefully
The plethora of safari hotels and camps available in East and Southern Africa presents an abundance of options. Offering a range of luxury and pricing, accommodations cater to every traveler, from all-inclusive luxury camps and eco-lodges to more economical options and mobile camps for the adventurous.
Selecting a beach resort will be simplified, as barefoot luxury at five-star establishments with ocean views is standard, whether one is visiting the Seychelles or the Bazaruto Archipelago.
5. Get the Necessary Documents and Vaccinations
To guarantee a seamless and enjoyable journey, verify the visa prerequisites and suggested immunizations for your African safari and beach holiday destinations, particularly if you are visiting numerous nations. Malaria is common in numerous safari and coastal areas; therefore, it is strongly recommended that you seek medical advice regarding antimalarial drugs and bring insect repellent.
6. Book with a Reputable Africa Safari Travel Agency
Regardless of whether it is your inaugural visit to Africa or your tenth, securing your safari and beach holiday through a reliable safari tour provider is advisable. Engaging a travel agent with direct experience and expertise in traversing Africa is essential for optimizing the travel experience.
A qualified travel agency can suggest destinations, accommodations, and activities that align with your preferences, creating a customized itinerary that fulfils all your requirements. It also enhances safety and peace of mind—our Africa Safari Experts will assist you throughout the entire process, from visa applications and flights to ground transfers, and will provide 24/7 assistance during your travels.
7. Pack for the Occasion
During the initial segment of your journey, it is imperative to ensure that you bring all necessary safari items. This encompasses neutral-hued apparel (khaki, beige, olive) and lightweight layers that may be readily removed as the day shifts from cool mornings to sweltering noon heat. Additionally, it is essential to include a robust pair of shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, camera equipment, and binoculars for seeing distant wildlife.
Transitioning from savannah plains to vast expanses of golden sand and crystalline blue waters necessitates a wardrobe adjustment. For the beach segment of your journey, it is advisable to bring lightweight, breathable attire, swimwear, a sarong, sandals, and a hat. Primarily, ensure that your selected sunscreen is reef-safe, as numerous coastal locations priorities the preservation of marine ecosystems.
