Safari and Beach Holidays in Africa
A safari & beach holiday is one of the most sought-after travel combinations in Africa. It blends the excitement of a wildlife adventure with the relaxation of a tropical coastal escape. It offers the perfect balance for couples, families, and honeymooners.
By its nature, time spent on a safari involves full days with a certain pace which includes early-morning game drives, walks, dramatic sunsets, and unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife – a pace not always associated with a traditional holiday, so ending it with a period of true relaxation on the soft white sands and turquoise waters of easily accessible beaches just makes perfect sense!
This unique pairing allows you to experience the very best of Africa in a single, seamless itinerary. Whether you prefer the spice-scented shores of Zanzibar, the untouched coastline of Mozambique, or the glamorous islands of the Seychelles or Mauritius, a safari and beach holiday promises both adventure and indulgence in equal measure.
Why Combine Safari & Beach
A safari and beach holiday gives you two contrasting experiences that complement each other beautifully. After days filled with wildlife sightings and wilderness activities, the beach offers a peaceful space to slow down, unwind, and reflect. The combination works especially well for honeymooners looking for romance, as well as multi-generational families seeking variety, or the “best of both” without needing multiple long-haul trips. The safari component immerses you in Africa’s natural wonders – the reason you have come to Africa! Expert guides will bring the bush to life, explaining animal behaviour, tracking wildlife, and revealing the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Each day brings new encounters & experiences, from lion prides resting in the shade to elephants crossing riverbeds, or a leopard pulling a kill into a tree.
Following the excitement of the safari, a beach setting invites you to relax with warm ocean waters, snorkelling over coral reefs, long swims, sunset dhow cruises, and lazy afternoons in hammocks or beachfront lounges. Many beach destinations also offer superb diving, cultural excursions, fishing trips, and spa treatments. The transition from safari to beach is smooth and effortless, with well-connected flight routes between major safari hubs and coastal paradise destinations. In short, combining safari and beach creates a holiday that is both rejuvenating and deeply enriching—a perfect blend of discovery and rest.
Best Safari & Beach Destinations
Depending on where you are going to be on safari, it makes sense to couple that area with a beach destination that makes logistical sense so as not to waste precious time in unnecessary travelling … Thankfully there is no shortage of excellent beaches to choose from – Below are just a few great combinations and some safari & beach itineraries to consider ..
East Africa & Zanzibar
East Africa offers a classic safari-and-beach combination … Take the safari component in Tanzania’s Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater which offers some of Africa’s most spectacular safari moments - especially during the Great Migration, or Kenya’s Masai Mara & Amboseli National Park and combine this with the time on the sun-washed island of Zanzibar for a blend of ancient Arab charm, winding historic alleys, and turquoise beaches – a place where centuries of culture meet the rhythm of the Indian Ocean.
Southern Africa & Mozambique
South Africa’s private reserves—such as the Sabi Sands and Timbavati—deliver exceptional Big Five sightings paired with some of the finest luxury lodges in Africa. In the same region as Botswana’s pristine wilderness, particularly the Okavango Delta and Linyanti region give a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Both these safari destinations connect easily and timeously with time in southern Mozambique’s idyllic coastline or the Bazaruto archipelago. Here, the balmy and crystal-clear waters allow for a barefoot luxury beach stay.
Zimbabwe & the Garden Route
Zimbabwe offers exceptional safari moments by combining Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools - famous for elephant herds, wild dogs, and dramatic river scenery … After the excitement of bush life, South Africa’s easily accessable Garden Route is a breathtaking blend of forested mountains, coastal cliffs, and inviting sandy beaches, dotted with charming towns where adventure and natural beauty meet at the ocean’s edge.
