Imagine being surrounded by nothing but grassy savannah, closely following the movements of majestic sable antelope as they roam freely in the wilderness of these spectacular African plains.
The never-ending thrill of seeking out and discovering wildlife like elephants, lions and more takes up a surprising amount of energy. That's what makes safari and beach holidays such an excellent idea.
Spending a few days on a paradisiacal beach is the perfect way to unwind after an adventurous safari, with Africa home to numerous destinations offering the very best of both worlds.
So, which is the best safari and beach combination for you?
Read our handy guide to find out more.
Why Choose a Safari and Beach Trip?
Safari and beach holidays in Africa provide a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
Following the excitement of game drives, bush walks, wild camps and other wildlife watching activities, you may find that returning back home soon after isn't the best way to end your experience. By choosing to head to the beaches, you get to explore more of the destination and fully unwind instead.
Not only that, but these types of holidays are ideal for honeymooners, families and adventure seekers. By combining thrilling game drives across the savannah plains and through the African bush with time on a heavenly tropical beach, you have all the ingredients for a true adventure of a lifetime.
Top Destinations for the Best Safari and Beach Combination
Africa beach holidays and safari adventures go hand-in-hand with one another.
The top destinations where you can experience this beautiful coming together are the following:
Some honourable mentions include Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, which all combine well with a beach destination. But for flights and connections, you may be required to overnight in Johannesburg.
1. South Africa
Home to some of the best safari experiences available, with a chance to see each of the 'Big Five' and other wildlife, South Africa is a pilgrimage for safari-lovers. But aside from sprawling national parks and waters populated with migrating whales, you can also explore rugged mountains and lush vineyards.
Additionally, there are South African beaches well worth visiting during the same holiday. We recommend a trip south of Cape Town to Boulders Beach to see the incredible penguin colonies residing there.
Beach holidays in South Africa may also lead you to Coffee Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay in addition to Also Plettenberg Bay and Umhlanga Beach.
Best Safari and Beach Twin Centre Combination
One of our twin centre safari and beach holidays to keep an eye on is South Africa Safari and Mauritius Classic. This sample itinerary is a great example of a romantic South Africa and Mauritius honeymoon getaway, as you experience all the pampering and wildlife activities you could possibly want.
Enjoy thrilling game drives and bush walks at the intimate Garonga Safari Camp before heading to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, where you can chill out on the beautiful lagoon of Grand Baie.
2. Malawi
Surprisingly overlooked, Malawi has plenty to captivate and charm its visiting travellers. The Majete Wildlife Reserve, a unique conservation area in the south of the country, harbours an impressive array of species. Wildlife encounters with elephants, leopards, buffalos, hippos, rhinos and African wildcats are all possible while innovative reintroduction efforts mean a lot of other animals are in abundance, too.
As Malawi is a landlocked country, we suggest you head to Lake Malawi for your beach fix. The ultimate combination of safari and 'beach', our Malawi Safari and Beach sample itinerary takes you to both Majete and Lake Malawi, during which you can spot the 'Big Five' and recuperate in the span of one trip.
"Malawi offers a rustic and 'off-the-grid' feel compared to the classic safari and beach combination!
"In terms of carbon footprint, doing the safari and beach element in the same country is a great option. After arriving in Malawi, the logistics and travelling times are not bad at all - and, depending on what beach lodge (on the lake!) you opt for, the transport can be fully arranged via road transfer.
Our Africa Travel Specialist, Shelley, during her Malawi trip in 2023.
"Lake Malawi's 'beaches' are a nice extension to your safari experience and offer the chance to relax but also enjoy some water-based activities such as kayaking and snorkelling. Also, the beaches on the lake at Blue Zebra and Pumulani are great options - both small and rustic with an ‘African’ charm." - Shelley Phillips, Africa Travel Specialist
Shelley also snapped this picture shortly before enjoying her own water-based activity in Malawi, 2023.
3. Kenya
In East Africa, Kenya and its expanses of savannah are dotted with some of the world’s most impressive wildlife. Cheetahs, lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, giraffes and wildebeest all roam the African plains.
However, by visiting the Masai Mara between July and August, you may be lucky enough to bear witness to the natural phenomenon that is the Great Migration. Over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles run the gauntlet as hungry predators such as lion and leopard follow in pursuit of their prey across the region.
After experiencing such dramatic and heart-pumping scenes, blowing off some steam simply feels like the right idea. Heading over to the coast treats you to stunning beaches and colourful coral reefs you can dive into and explore - the perfect end to Kenya safari and beach holidays.
Best Safari and Beach Twin Centre Combination
Additionally, Kenya combines well for twin centre safari and beach holidays. Our Kenya Safari and Zanzibar Beach Honeymoon allows you to enjoy exhilarating game viewing in the Masai Mara and relaxation on the powder-white sand beaches at Pongwe Beach Hotel on the beautiful Zanzibar Coast.
This Kenya and Zanzibar honeymoon also includes a romantic stay in a former Zanzibari palace. Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town, just a short walk from the seafront.
4. Namibia
Although it's not your typical 'relaxing beach destination', Namibia in Southern Africa is still worth a mention for the Skeleton Coast alone! Take your safari vehicle for game drives along the 300-mile stretch of coast to see desert-adapted elephants, hyenas, abundant birdlife and Cape fur seal colonies.
Heading out on a day trip kayaking along the coast introduces you to the resident seal colonies as well as many marine species and birds, all from the water. Or how about embarking on a Walvis Bay boat trip? While on board, your guide will show you the various bird and wildlife in the area as well as its history. Once you find the dolphins and seals, you'll see exactly how they play in the wake of the boat.
"Driving along or flying over the Skeleton Coast, it quickly becomes apparent why it's called the 'Skeleton Coast', as you pass old, rusted ships that are visible from land.
Candice on the Skeleton Coast during her 2016 trip to Namibia.
"There's even still one (Eduard Bohlen) that's further inland in the desert, which is visible from the sky. I would definitely recommend going out on a boat to see the marine life - you may even be lucky enough to see some Heaviside's dolphins." - Candice Buchan, Head of Rainbow
Candice took this photo of the marine life along the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, 2016.
5. Tanzania
Tanzania is brimming with wildlife-rich national parks and fringed by the blissful Indian Ocean coastline.
During Tanzania safari and beach holidays, you can enjoy witnessing the incredible natural phenomena of the Great Migration in the Serengeti and spend time on the tranquil beaches of the Tanzania Coast.
In addition to the Serengeti and Tanzania Coast, a Tanzanian safari and beach holiday may also include visits to the Ngorogoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. The Serengeti supports large herds of zebra and wildebeest while Tarangire is known for its huge number of elephant and giant baobab trees.
Best Safari and Beach Twin Centre Combination
Selous Safari and Pemba Island Escape is an excellent choice for twin centre safari and beach holidays. Firstly, discover the untamed wilderness of the continent’s largest game reserve, Selous, with a completely wild safari in the African bush - where great numbers of lion, giraffe and hippo all reside.
Then from here, transfer to Pemba Island and make yourself at home with the abundance of spice plantations, tropical fruit trees, vibrant coral reeds and pristine untouched beaches.
Best Time to Book a Safari and Beach Holiday
The season you travel in may affect safari sightings and beach weather.
In South Africa, you're able to enjoy wildlife and beach holidays almost all year round. For example, KwaZulu Natal enjoys a subtropical climate whereas Kruger is good for game viewing May to September.
The best time to visit Malawi, on the other hand, is June to August - the country's peak season. Whereas for Kenya, plan your trip for July to October, as there's virtually no rain and temperatures aren't too hot. As for Namibia, May through to September provides sunny skies for outdoor activities.
Lastly, if you want an unforgettable Tanzania beach and safari, June to August is the popular time to go since it's drier. It can be chilly during early morning game drives, so take warm clothes and wrap up well!
Tips for Planning Your Safari and Beach Holiday
Plan your safari beach holiday with a few of our helpful tips:
If you need more advice, speak with our Travel Specialists over the phone to tailor-make your adventure.
1. How to balance time between safari and beach
The balance between African beach holidays and safari adventures depends on how much you want to see and do. Safaris can be quite full on as they generally start early in the morning and feature late drives in the afternoon. But the more time you can spare on safari increases the chances of seeing all of your bucket list wildlife. So, we generally suggest doing safari first and then the relaxation at the end.
2. Packing tips for both environments
Don't forget to pack everything you need, as you'll need separate items for the different elements of your beach safari holidays. On safari, you have luggage restrictions, so pack less – lodges will generally offer laundry either complementary or at a small supplement. There may also be an opportunity to lock up excess luggage at airports or with our representatives in country to collect when en route to the beach destination.
3. Choosing the right accommodations
The best accommodations for an Africa safari and beach holiday are those safari lodges which get you in thick of the action and beach resorts that allow you to relax with ease. It also depends on who you're travelling with. Families will benefit from child-friendly facilities and amenities whereas couples may need extra privacy. Speak with our Travel Specialists to discover your perfect accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best safari and beach combination for families?
South Africa has some of the best family programmes on safari, during which you'll stay at incredible lodges in malaria-free areas while your children can spend time enjoying plenty of educational activities. Madikwe Safari and Mauritius Beach is a great example, featuring Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge and its knowledgeable rangers as well as Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort and its 300-metre golden beach.
How long should a safari and beach holiday be?
Four or five nights is the minimum amount of time you want to spend on safari, or more if you can spare it, giving you plenty of time to see an abundance of wildlife. Six or seven nights is the ideal amount of time for the beach. But these times ultimately depend on your main interests or holiday priorities.
Can I customise my safari and beach itinerary?
The safari and beach holiday ideas we've showcased are intended to paint the picture of what other travellers have loved. However, every wildlife holiday is tailor-made, and our specialist Africa team will help you plan every single detail - to ensure that your trip is uniquely tailored to take into account your likes and preferences. After all, a safari and beach holiday is a very important holiday to get exactly right.
Why Book with Rainbow?
Speak with our Travel Specialists to create your perfect holiday. We have deep knowledge in tailor-making safari and beach holidays and have access to exclusive lodges and beach resorts as well as being able to offer personalised service and local knowledge - wherever you'd like to visit in Africa.
