Top 6 Best African Destinations For Safari And Beach Holiday : Get the best of both worlds on your next African vacation by combining safari excitement and beach leisure. They are still our most popular form of vacation, and it’s easy to see why: the opportunity to enjoy nature’s raw beauty, view fantastic species in their native habitat, witness spectacular experiences, all followed by some laid-back beach days—an enticing combination. We’ve separated this post into standard safari and beach combinations, animal-specific safaris, energetic safaris, and more unusual safaris to help you select.
CLASSIC SAFARI AND BEACH
- Kenya safari and beach
Kenya frequently ranks first in terms of classic beach and bush options. Kenya, home to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve as well as a plethora of other wonderful and easily accessible safari areas such as Samburu, Amboseli, Lewa, and Laikipia, allows you to easily combine two different safari areas, and then it is a short hop to the soft, sandy beaches of the Kenyan coast or Zanzibar Island.
Highlights
Big five safaris: spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes.
Great Migration: You may see millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of better grazing pastures if you go during the annual Great Migration, which normally occurs from July to October. Any safari in Kenya would be incomplete without seeing this amazing natural wonder.
Get to know the Maasai or Samburu tribes; by interacting with them, you can discover more about their distinctive traditions, customs, and ways of life.
Combine two separate safari locations so that you can see a variety of wildlife and take in the diverse terrain that the nation has to offer, from huge savannas to towering escarpments and lovely lakes. Your safari experience is enhanced by the scenery’s inherent attractiveness.
Various lodging options: select from ultra-luxury to more modest safari lodges, as well as traditional tented camps.
A variety of safari activities: A variety of safari activities are available, including 4×4 and strolling, horseback riding, helicopter rides, and even camel safaris.
Hot air balloon: Flying over the Masai Mara at sunrise in a hot air balloon is one of the most popular “bucket list” activities because it gives you an entirely different perspective on the wildlife below.
A quick trip to the beach: relaxing at one of Kenya’s stunning beaches brings a sense of serenity after the thrill and adventure of a safari. You may enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and other water sports anywhere you choose to spend time in the Indian Ocean, including the idyllic islands of Lamu and Diani as well as Zanzibar.
Water sports: Activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, kiteboarding, and deep-sea fishing are abundant along Kenya’s coastline. Ocean lovers will find it to be a paradise due to the warm waters and abundant marine life.
Coral Reefs and Marine Life: The marine reserves and coral reefs off the coast of Kenya offer wonderful snorkeling and diving opportunities, allowing you to explore vibrant marine ecosystems and get up close and personal with marine wildlife like turtles, dolphins, and different fish species.
Accessibility: Easily accessible with direct flights from the UK to Kenya.
- Top 6 Best African Destinations For Safari And Beach Holiday : Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach
Combining a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar offers a full East African experience, allowing you to explore diverse wildlife, immerse yourself in local culture, and enjoy the best of both worlds with thrilling adventures on land and tranquil relaxation by the sea. Tanzania offers a similar traditional safari experience to Kenya and is also home to the tropical spice island of Zanzibar, one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa.
Highlights
Big five safaris: The Big Five can be seen here, along with a variety of other animals and bird species.
Great Migration: The annual Great Migration, in which millions of wildebeests and zebras move in search of greener pastures, takes place every year in Serengeti National Park’s vast savannas.
The UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater is home to a variety of species in an unusual caldera environment. On the crater floor is the Big Five’s home.
Cultural Immersion: With more than 120 ethnic groupings, Tanzania has a rich culture. You can learn about indigenous tribes’ traditions, customs, and prehistoric ways of existence by interacting with them, such as the Maasai and Hadzabe.
Combine two separate safari locations so that you can see a variety of wildlife and take in the diverse terrain that the nation has to offer, from huge savannas to towering escarpments and lovely lakes. Your safari experience is enhanced by the scenery’s inherent attractiveness.
Multiple safari activities are available, including 4×4 and strolling, horseback riding, helicopter rides, and even camel safaris.
Varied accommodation: Tanzania provides a selection of luxury lodges and tented camps that provide a high degree of comfort and customized care, enhancing your safari experience.
Simple beach access: Because Zanzibar is situated just off the coast of Tanzania, it is simple to combine a safari with a beach vacation. To get to Zanzibar from the mainland, you can either take a quick flight or a boat.
Zanzibar is renowned for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and white sands. You can choose from a variety of beach resorts and hotels at Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Matemwe, depending on your tastes.
Water activities: Zanzibar is a great place to practice water activities like sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The coral reefs on the island are home to an abundance of marine life, making for superb diving opportunities.
In addition to its stunning beaches, Zanzibar has a long history that combines African, Arab, and European influences. This is evident in Stone Town. You may learn about the history of the island’s spice trade by touring the old Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- South Africa’s Kruger Safari and Beaches in Mozambique
The Johannesburg airport in South Africa, from which one may travel to the beaches of Mozambique, is close to Kruger National Park, making this combination of beach and bush a superb alternative.
Highlights
Abundant wildlife: discover the Big Five, a variety of additional creatures, and more than 500 different bird species. It’s a treat to see uncommon wild dogs in Kruger National Park.
Private Reserves: For those looking for a more secluded game-viewing experience, South Africa was the first nation to offer private reserves. There are no fences separating Kruger National Park from the reserves that border it, including the well-known Sabi Sands Reserve, which means there is a large amount of wildlife there without people, and a variety of alternative activities are available.
High-quality lodging: Compared to Kenya and Tanzania, South Africa provides a wider selection of luxury lodges and tented camps at more affordable rates. In general, South Africa is renowned for having extraordinarily high standards for lodging, services, and cuisine.
Self-drive: The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most well-liked locations to undertake a self-drive safari because of the paved roads that are well-marked.
Walking Safari and night drives are only two of the many additional safari activities available in the private reserves connected to Kruger.
Beautiful Archipelagos: From Johannesburg, it’s simple to get to Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. Some of Mozambique’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches may be found on this group of islands, which also includes Bazaruto, Benguerra, and Magaruque. It is a haven for snorkeling, diving, and other water activities due to the clear seas, fine sand dunes, and an abundance of marine life.
Whale viewing: Mozambique’s waterways turn into a hotspot for whale viewing during the humpback whale migration season, which lasts between June and October. On their yearly journey, these wonderful creatures pass through the region, giving us the exhilarating opportunity to see their majestic displays.
Snorkeling and diving: Mozambique’s coastal waters are alive with a variety of marine life, making it a perfect location for these activities. Discovering a variety of marine animals, such as tropical fish, rays, turtles, and even dolphins, is possible while exploring beautiful coral reefs.
- Top 6 Best African Destinations For Safari And Beach Holiday : South Africa’s Eastern Cape and the Garden Route
Combining a South African safari with the Garden Route is another choice that has endured in popularity. This allows you to enjoy a really diverse trip by combining a safari with bustling Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Garden Route beaches.
Typically, you would either choose to combine the Garden Route with the Eastern Cape near the city of Port Elizabeth or you would choose to combine the Garden Route with Kruger National Park (or one of the private conservancies attached) and then fly down to Cape Town from Johannesburg and begin the Garden Route from here. We are going to focus on the second option.
Amakhala, Shamwari, and Kwandwe are just a few of the private game reserves found in the Eastern Cape. You may easily travel to the Garden Route after your safari adventure in the Eastern Cape because it begins not too far from the game parks. The Garden Route’s spectacular splendor can be experienced within a few hours by traveling the picturesque N2 roadway.
This choice is ideal if you want to have a well-rounded and diversified vacation while dipping your toe into the safari and adding in some beach time.
Highlights
Private Game Reserves: Private game reserves like Amakhala, Shamwari, and Kwandwe, which provide unique safari experiences with opulent lodges and close encounters with wildlife, can be found throughout the Eastern Cape.
The Big Five, as well as other creatures including cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and different antelope species, are all present in large numbers in these private game reserves.
Malaria-Free Safaris: The Eastern Cape, in contrast to several other safari hotspots in South Africa, is mainly malaria-free, making it a safer choice for families and tourists who prefer to stay away from malaria-prone areas.
Family-friendly: The Eastern Cape has many lodges that are designed with families in mind, providing kid-friendly amenities and activities, making it a great option for family safaris.
Beautiful beaches like Plettenberg Bay, for example, are well-liked stops along the Garden Route and offer possibilities for whale viewing (seasonal), as well as environmental reserves like Robberg Game Reserve. The sea here isn’t as warm as the Indian Ocean, it should be noted.
Whale watching: Hermanus is one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations, and whales are frequently seen from the coast. There are also sandy beaches here, but the flower-lined clifftop walkways are a must-see.
Ostriches: Oudtshoorn, the “Ostrich Capital of the World,” is a town off the Garden Route. It provides unusual opportunities like touring ostrich farms and the Cango Caves.
Winelands: Although the Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are not exactly on the Garden Route, they are close by and make a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy long lunches while surrounded by mountains and some of the best wine in the world.
Cape Town: The cosmopolitan town of Cape Town boasts a huge selection of museums, shops, and restaurants, as well as being home to a number of sandy beaches, of which Camps Bay is particularly popular.
- Top 6 Best African Destinations For Safari And Beach Holiday : Zambia and Malawi
Zambia and Malawi are places to go if you’re seeking something a little bit unusual and off the beaten path. Malawi, despite being a landlocked country, is home to Lake Malawi, which offers a fantastic beach experience. Zambia, on the other hand, is sometimes regarded as a second-time safari destination since it is wilder and rawer than some other places.
Highlights
Remote and Untouched Wilderness: The vast, inaccessible wilderness areas of Zambia are renowned for providing a genuine, uncrowded safari experience. National parks in the nation, notably South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue, offer great chances to observe a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five.
Leopards: Due to the great density of leopards present in South Luangwa National Park, which is undoubtedly the best location in Africa to see these majestic cats, the area is frequently referred to as the Valley of Leopards.
Walking Safaris: Zambia was one of the first countries to provide these excursions, which let you explore the wilderness on foot while being supervised by qualified and experienced safari guides. You get more in tune with nature and gain a deeper understanding of the African bush through this special experience.
Zambia and Zimbabwe share ownership of the famous Victoria Falls. A trip to the falls is a breathtaking way to see the sites, allowing you to take in the majesty and magnificence of one of the biggest waterfalls on earth.
Zambia is blessed with rivers like the Zambezi and the Luangwa, which provide chances for water-based safaris like canoeing and boat tours. Your safari will take on a new dimension thanks to these encounters, which will allow you to see wildlife from a different angle.
The third-largest freshwater lake in Africa, Lake Malawi, is the main attraction in Malawi. Over 580 kilometers long, it provides stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of water activities.
Swimming and Snorkeling: Lake Malawi has the special distinction of being home to a wide variety of colorful cichlid fish, making it a delight for snorkelers and underwater aficionados. It is also safe for swimming.
Island Retreats: The Lake Malawi islands of Likoma and Chizumulu provide quiet beach escapes with lovely resorts in an isolated setting.
Water sports: Lake Malawi offers chances for kayaking, sailing, and fishing in addition to swimming and snorkeling. You can explore the islands in the lake and find their secret treasures.
Relaxation and Serenity: Compared to other coastal locations, the beaches near Lake Malawi’s coastlines are less congested, creating a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere for reflection.
UNUSUAL SAFARI AND BEACH COMBINATIONS
- Top 6 Best African Destinations For Safari And Beach Holiday : Namibia
Namibia might be the place for you if you’re seeking an entirely different safari and beach experience. The expansive, lush plains of the Masai Mara are a world away from a desert safari, and Namibia’s arid coastline is better suited to exploring desert-adapted wildlife, vegetation, and activities than it is to lazing on a beach. The appeal is that it’s not your typical beach and bush combination.
A safari and beach vacation in Namibia delivers the ideal fusion of excitement, wildlife sightings, breathtaking scenery, and relaxation along the lovely coastline. It’s a voyage that allows for a profound understanding of Namibia’s natural beauty, which is diverse, and its distinctive offerings in the sea and the desert.
Highlights
Desert safari: Namibia’s top wildlife destination is Etosha, which is renowned for its enormous salt flats and a variety of species. Elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and other antelope species are just a few of the many animal species that call the park home. Waterholes near the pan draw animals, creating a fantastic opportunity to see game.
Species that have adapted to the desert: Damaraland is a rough and lonely area that is renowned for its unusual species that have adapted to the desert, including desert elephants and desert-adapted lions. Discovering Damaraland gives you the chance to see these amazing animals in their harsh habitat.
Numerous safari activities are available in Namibia, including game drives, nature hikes, and even hot-air balloon rides over the breathtaking scenery. Exclusive safari experiences are offered by a lot of resorts in Namibia in private reserves.
Coastal adventures: Swakopmund is a coastal community that offers a distinctive balance of excitement and relaxation. It is tucked between the desert and the ocean. Quad riding in the sand dunes, excursions into the desert, and water activities like kayaking and kiteboarding are all things to do in Swakopmund.
Pelicans and flamingos: Walvis Bay, which is located south of Swakopmund, is well-known for its lagoon, which is a home for a variety of birds, including flamingos and pelicans. There are opportunities to observe dolphins, seals, and occasionally even whales during boat cruises around the lagoon.
Wild coastlines: Known for its shipwrecks and unearthly scenery, the Skeleton Coast is a rough and barren stretch of shoreline. For those looking for an adventure as well as a more off-the-beaten-path beach experience, it offers a special and frightening beauty.
Go at your own pace: Since Namibia is mostly a self-drive location, you may take your time, take in the breathtaking scenery, and stop whenever you like.
Get in touch with us at Focus East Africa tours if you would like to combine beach and safari into one itinerary for your upcoming African safari tour
