Our Top 10 Safari & Beach Trip Ideas

Come for the safari, stay for the powder-soft sand and azure water. It’s no secret that people from all over the world visit Africa in droves each year to enjoy big game viewing in popular wildlife destinations. But a little-known secret on the continent is its incredible palm-fringed beaches and beautiful tropical islands.

After a week or two indulging in exquisite meals, going on exciting game drives and immersing yourself in the untamed African wilderness, there’s no better way to end off your safari than with some R&R beachside.

To give you a taste of what you can look forward to with a bush and beach combo, we’ve listed our favourite East and Southern Africa safari and beach trip ideas below. But first…

Is It Possible To Have a Safari and Beach Vacation Together?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to enjoy an African safari and beach holiday together. The proximity of Africa’s top safari destinations to some of the continent’s most pristine and beautiful waterside locations makes travel logistics a breeze. So, whether you’re watching the wildebeest migration in East Africa or enjoying game drives and walking safaris in Southern Africa, it is incredibly easy to add on a getaway in paradise.

Tropical islands and Blue Flag beaches might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of the continent, but Africa is home to some of the world’s best beaches. Whether it be the world-famous beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton in Cape Town or the remarkable coral reefs lining the Seychelles islands, there is a place to suit every taste and budget.

What Are Some of the Best East Africa Safari and Beach Trips? 

1. Romantic Vacation in Kenya’s Masai Mara & Coastline

Duration: 11 Days | Destinations: 3 | Accommodation: Boutique Hotel, Luxury Lodge & Beachside Villa

Enjoy the very best of what a Kenya safari and beach trip has to offer on this hassle-free and seamless adventure. Hailed as one of East Africa’s top safari destinations, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the world-famous Masai Mara and witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (in season). You’ll end your week in the African wilderness with a stay in paradise. Kenya’s Diani Beach provides the ultimate beachside respite. And with a private luxury villa all to yourself, this tranquil hideaway is the perfect way to end your trip.

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy a game drive through Nairobi National Park with the urban landscape of the city as your backdrop.
• See nature’s gentle giants at the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
• Incredible game viewing & picturesque scenery in the Masai Mara.
• View the Great Wildebeest Migration in season.
• Stay in a private, exclusive-use beach villa with dedicated staff at your service.
• Explore Shimba Hills in search of forest elephants.
• Unwind with a range of water-based activities, like swimming, snorkelling, diving, boating and more.

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

2. Safari Holiday in Tanzania’s Serengeti & Zanzibar

Duration: 9 Days | Destinations: 3 | Accommodation: Charming Country Inn, Tented Camp & Island Resort

Like Kenya, its neighbour also offers some amazing safari beach holidays. Tanzania safari and beach holidays match thrilling game viewing in some of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations with a blissful getaway on pristine beaches. Your 9-holiday takes you from the breath-taking views of the Maasai Steppe and Mount Meru in Arusha to view the spectacular river crossings of the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti to the palm-fringed, powder-white sand and crystal-clear water of Zanzibar’s north-eastern coast.

Tour Highlights:

• Exquisite year-round game viewing in the iconic Serengeti National Park.
• See the Wildebeest Migration in season.
• Exceptional views of the natural scenery at every accommodation.
• Relax on Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches and enjoy a range of water-based activities, like diving, snorkelling and kayaking.
• Visit the historic Stone Town, with its colourful markets and local flavours.

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners
• Small groups

3. Safari-and-Island Getaway in the Masai Mara & Seychelles’ Islands

Duration: 11 Days | Destinations: 3 | Accommodation: Safari Lodge, Tented Camp & Island Resort

Those seeking an authentic, classic safari experience in Africa will enjoy this 11-day adventure through the Masai Mara and Seychelles. The first part of your journey sees you exploring the country’s capital city – where urban living meets traditional safari. Game drives through Nairobi National Park is sure to get your appetite wet with its abundant wildlife. The main course of this trip is your visit to the Masai Mara, where year-round game viewing and the wildebeest migration await. End off your journey with dessert in the form of barefoot luxury in the Seychelles – a world-class tropical paradise.

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy an authentic African safari experience in the famous Masai Mara.
• Game drives, walking safaris led by the Maasai and a hot-air balloon ride over the Mara.
• See the wildebeest migration river crossings at the Mara River in season.
• Incredible year-round game viewing in one of Africa’s sought-after wildlife destinations.
• Barefoot luxury in a tropical paradise.
• Enjoy a unique mix of urban and safari in Nairobi National Park.
• Indulge in world-class amenities, activities, spa treatments and culinary experiences.
• Exciting water-based activities include diving, kayaking, snorkelling and swimming.

Best Suited For:

• Families with teens
• Couples
• Honeymooners
• Small groups

4. Gorilla Trekking, Game Viewing & Beachside Fun in East Africa

Duration: 14 Days | Destinations: 4 | Accommodation: Boutique Hotel, Safari Lodge, Tented Camp & Intimate Retreat

This itinerary is one of the best safari and beach trips, combining East Africa’s top travel experiences into one seamless adventure. Starting in Rwanda, you’ll have the life-changing opportunity to hike through Africa’s rainforests to encounter habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Then it’s off to Tanzania to enjoy front-row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration in the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Your journey ends with some well-deserved rest and relaxation on the powder-soft beaches of Zanzibar.

Tour Highlights:

• Golden monkey and gorilla trekking through the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park.
• Incredible game viewing of Big 5 and popular animals in the Serengeti.
• Witness the annual wildebeest migration in season.
• Crusoe-chic living in an exclusive beach villa on a tropical island.

Best Suited For:

• Families with teens
• Couples
• Small groups

5. Ultra-Luxury Fly-In Safari & Private Island Experience in East Africa

Duration: 13 Days | Destinations: 5 | Accommodation: Safari Lodges, Tented Camp & Island Lodge

This East African bush-and-beach trip is perfect for lovebirds seeking a romantic getaway for an anniversary, honeymoon or just a simple holiday for two. Indulge in pure luxury throughout your journey, enjoying the very best that Tanzania has to offer. A wildlife- and adventure-rich safari awaits you, from the infamous tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara to the world’s largest intact volcanic crater in Ngorongoro Crater to the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti. After 8 days of exploring Tanzania’s wilderness, you’re rewarded with a stay on a pristine private island off the coast of Zanzibar.

Tour Highlights:

• Explore three of Tanzania’s most sought-after game reserves.
• Spend time on Mnemba, a private tropical island off the coast of Zanzibar.
• See the Great Wildebeest Migration in season in the Serengeti.
• All-inclusive fly-in safari experience.
• Enjoy some of the best game viewing on the continent.
• Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
• Witness the infamous tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara in person.
• Scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking and fly-fishing.

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

What Are Some of the Best Southern Africa Safari and Beach Trips?

6. Romantic Escape to Cape Town, Greater Kruger & Mozambique

Duration: 12 Days | Destinations: 3 | Accommodation: Boutique Hotel, Safari Lodge & Island Resort

This Kruger and Mozambique safari and beach escapade is perfect for the romantics. Whether you’re honeymooners who are freshly in love or a seasoned couple looking to keep the spark alive, this private and comfortable trip is for you. Start in the vibrant Mother City, enjoying the many sights and attractions that have put Cape Town on the global travel stage, including Table Mountain, Blue Flag beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Then, it’s off to the Kruger for incredible game viewing of everything from the Big 5 to the elusive pangolin. End your adventure off with five days on the immaculate shores of Mozambique.

Tour Highlights:

• Stay in a luxury apartment, conveniently located near all of Cape Town’s top attractions.
• Thrilling year-round game viewing in Sabi Sands, including the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo & leopard.
• Enjoy barefoot luxury and an exclusive beachside getaway on Bazaruto Island.
• Indulge in spa treatments and massages throughout your trip.
• Delight in water-based activities like snorkelling, fishing, water-skiing and scuba diving.

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

7. Honeymoon Extravaganza in Greater Kruger & Seychelles Mahe Island

Duration: 9 Days | Destinations: 3 | Accommodation: Boutique Hotel, Safari Lodge & Island Resort

This Kruger safari and beach trip was made for lovers. Award-winning luxury accommodation throughout, incredible game viewing opportunities in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve and wining and dining on the beaches of the Seychelles are the undisputed highlights of this 9-day safari and beach honeymoon adventure.

Tour Highlights:

• Opulent fly-in safari and beach holiday experience in Southern Africa.
• Incredible year-round game viewing of the Big 5 and other popular animals in the Kruger.
• Guided bush walks through Sabi Sands& cultural interactions at a local village.
• Enjoy beachside relaxation on a tropical island paradise.
• Water-based activities like swimming, snorkelling and diving available in Mahe.

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

8. Fun-Filled Family Time in Cape Town, Greater Kruger & Mozambique

Duration: 14 Days | Destinations: 4 | Accommodation: Boutique Hotels, Safari Lodge & Island Resort

This family-friendly trip idea is suitable for those travelling with little ones, teenagers or adult children. No matter the age range of your brood, there’s something for everyone on this getaway. You’ll spend 14 days venturing through South Africa and Mozambique’s top travel destinations. The first part of this adventure-packed holiday is spent in Cape Town, where you have the chance to explore the many exciting attractions, from Table Mountain and Robben Island to further afield in Cape Point and the Cape Winelands. Your next stop is the Kruger National Park, where sensational Big 5 game viewing and starlit dinners around a campfire await. Round your vacation off with some fun in the sun on Mozambique’s idyllic Bazaruto Island.

Tour Highlights:

• Stay in family-friendly accommodations throughout.
• Explore exciting attractions in Cape Town.
• Visit the penguin colonies on Boulders Beach in Cape Point.
• Indulge in top South African wines and world-class cuisine in the Cape Winelands.
• Enjoy family game drives in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
• Relax with massages and spa treatments throughout your holiday.
• Water-based activities like dune boarding, horse riding, water-skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling and windsurfing on Bazaruto Island.
• Dedicated kids’ club keeps your young children safe and entertained.

Best Suited For:

• Families of all ages

9. Safari Sojourn Through Greater Kruger, Zimbabwe & Bazaruto Archipelago

Duration: 12 Days | Destinations: 4 | Accommodation: Boutique Hotel, Safari Lodges & Island Resort

Indulge in luxury and romance on a 4-day sojourn through some of Southern Africa’s world-famous safari destinations. Begin in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, a game-rich region located next to Kruger National Park. After exceptional Big 5 viewing in Kruger, it’s off to Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve for even more exceptional wildlife sightings – which might include a glimpse of the rare black rhino found in the area. Last but certainly not least is the blissful relaxation portion of your trip in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago.

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy exciting game drives in two of Southern Africa’s wildlife-rich regions.
• See the famous leopards of Sabi Sands.
• Spot Malilangwe’s rare black rhino.
• Be treated to fine dining, picturesque scenery, and state-of-the-art facilities and amenities throughout your trip.
• Barefoot luxury on a remote, unspoilt island in the Bazaruto Acrhipelago.
• Step out of your chic villa straight onto a pristine beach.
• Enjoy private butler service and seafood feasts while in Mozambique.
• Water-based activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, big game fishing and dhow cruises available.

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

10. Exciting Luxury Vacation in Cape Town, Greater Kruger & Mauritius

Duration: 14 Days | Destinations: 3 | Accommodation: Boutique Hotel, Safari Lodge & Beach Resort

Keep the romance alive with a trip through three of Southern Africa’s most loved destinations. Your unforgettable vacation begins in the streets of Cape Town. This vibrant hub is home to cosy cafes, world-class restaurants and trendy retail stores, as well as sought-after attractions that include the likes of Table Mountain, Blue Flag beaches, the Cape Winelands and Boulders Beach.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve is the next stop on your itinerary. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a classic African safari experience that sees you exploring the untamed wilderness in search of the famous Big 5. After a week in the wild, it’s time to recoup with a well-deserved getaway at the beach. Mauritius is most people’s idea of an island paradise – and with its pristine beaches, clear-blue azure water, temperate weather and luxury resorts, it’s not hard to see why.

Tour Highlights:

• Explore the many attractions of Cape Town, Cape Point and the Cape Winelands.
• Incredible year-round game viewing in the Greater Kruger.
• Access to 60 hectares of unspoilt beachfront.
• Spa treatments, fine dining, 18-hole golf course and a variety of water-based activities available.

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

Ready to Tailor-Make a Bush & Beach Adventure?

Get in touch with our African Safari Experts to start planning. With over two decades of experience and knowledge, we are professionals in crafting tailor-made itineraries that are sure to be the trip of your dreams.