What Makes South Africa The Ultimate Beach & Safari Destination?

Aside from a high level of convenience and accessibility, with various substantial and well-connected international airports, South Africa lends itself to almost every type of traveller. Not only does this allow for easy arrivals in South Africa, but ensures convenient internal connections.

From safari heavyweights such as Kruger National Park and the private concessions and reserves in the greater Kruger area to smaller, more bespoke spaces in the Cape, South African safaris suit a diverse array of interests and requirements. For example, when travelling with young children, the safety of malaria-free reserves such as Madikwe may draw you in, or the luxury of a private vehicle for game drives tailored to your little ones. Perhaps your travels entail a safari and beach honeymoon, South Africa style, with romantic sunsets, superlative suites, and sublime days spent in the sun.

Not only is the safari and beach scene in South Africa something special, but so too are the other aspects it has to offer; Cape Town being a prime example. Just outside of the city lie world-class wineries and sprawling vineyards accompanied by a look into the country's diverse history. At its core, glorious restaurants, bars, and blue flag beaches await alongside some truly standout accommodations – perfect for foodies, families, multi-generational travel, and the most discerning honeymooners.

Top Safari Destinations to Begin Your Trip

With so many fantastic options, what makes the ultimate South Africa safari and beach holiday? Ultimately, it comes down to preference and what best suits your travel style and purpose. Allow us to break down the best places to visit in South Africa:

Kruger National Park & Private Reserves

As we mentioned earlier, Kruger National Park is one of South Africa's safari heavy-hitter destinations and a haven for Africa's iconic Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It enjoys a large variety of wildlife and offers fantastic flora and birdlife too. The same can be said of the surrounding private reserves found nearby, just on a different scale. While these reserves may be smaller, they pack no less of a punch, just with fewer vehicles and sometimes even the opportunity to enjoy night drives. They're also home to some of the crème de la crème of luxury safari accommodation and even a few private villas.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Known, loved, and lauded as one of South Africa's premier family-friendly destinations, Madikwe Game Reserve also enjoys a malaria-free status ensuring a safe environment for those both young and more mature. Vast and varied landscapes keep everyone entranced while an impressive array of wildlife venture through, including the Big 5. This is also a prime spot for bushwalks led by experienced guides. As a private reserve, viewings are less busy and often game drives can be tailored to young travellers.

Eastern Cape Safaris

Drive or fly away from the Mother City of Cape Town to the Western Cape's sister province for coastal adventure and safari sojourns. The Eastern Cape is known for its easy-going, malaria-free destinations that are wonderful for families and multi-generational travellers, but also for couples or honeymooners who wish to combine the bustle of the city with the more quaint seaside towns and private reserves along the way. Our suggestion: visit the likes of award-winning Kwandwe, Shamwari, and Pumba – home to Africa's rare white lions.

Botswana’s Kgalagadi

Attention all adventure travellers, this one's for you. If the call of an off-the-beaten-track safari beckons, the answer may lie in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. While we know we said this was about South Africa, the Kgalagadi straddles the border to Botswana and is a wilderness like no other. Salt pans, dry riverbeds and red dunes that provide a striking contrast to the sky, offer landscapes that need to be seen to be believed. Home to the Kalahari lions with their unusual black manes and a variety of other big cats, predator sightings abound alongside fantastic birdlife.

The Best Beach Destinations to Pair With Your Safari

Now that we've covered safari destinations, it's time to talk about the beach component, and South Africa may have more suitable locations than you think. Let's look at beautiful beaches:

Cape Town & Camps Bay Beach

Starting with what may seem the most obvious, Cape Town and its awe-inspiring Camps Bay beaches are a must. The city offers a staggering number of different environments to enjoy – from a bustling but relaxed cityscape and world-class Blue Flag beaches to winelands a short drive away and coastal luxury, all surrounding the magnificent Table Mountain. Whether its Clifton, Camps Bay, Bakoven, or those slightly further afield, Cape Town beaches do not disappoint.

Mozambique

While the mainland of Mozambique offers its own national parks and rich cultural experiences, its beaches are a standout affair. With largely untouched coastlines and swaying palms, it's a prime location following any safari adventure. Aside from the pristine stretches found along the coast, Mozambique also offers barefoot luxury with the likes of Benguerra Island and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Cruise along aboard a traditional dhow and soak in the sunshine or seek adventure with a host of land- and water-based activities. Its position and accessibility make it perfect as a combination for a safari in Kruger and Mozambique beach holiday.

KwaZulu-Natal

Found north of the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) offers beautifully warm waters and sunrises worth waiting for. Its sub-tropical climate and balmy beaches are a dynamic duo following an adventure-filled safari. For those hoping to keep to one area for a combination holiday, KwaZulu-Natal is home to several sensational safari options including the likes of Phinda Game Reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Pongola Game Reserve, and UMkhuze Game Reserve. But it also offers so much more. From incredible scuba diving opportunities and humbling battlefield tours, to horse riding excursions in the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains, KZN is a world unto itself.

The Garden Route

Famous in its own right, the Garden Route is somewhat of a household name in South Africa and can encompass so much due to the diversity found along this stretch of coastline. Venturing from the Western Cape through to the Eastern Cape, this is a wonderfully popular drive but can easily be done as a fly-in itinerary. As mentioned earlier, the Eastern Cape is home to several standout reserves, but the beaches along the way are also worth noting. The likes of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are perhaps most notable, with both vast sprawling sands and also quiet nooks to be found. Aside from their beautiful beachscapes, these towns also ooze character and charm while maintaining a modern feel.

The Best Time to Visit: Safari and Beach Season

When talking to the best time to visit South Africa, the purpose of a visit is the main consideration. Undoubtedly the best time for a safari is in the dry season from May to October. This is typically when the land is most dry and wildlife tend to congregate around water sources – this paired with less dense shrubbery makes game easier to spot. However, it also makes it peak season, which is why many opt to visit in the Green Season where birdlife is thriving and new life is born, this also coincides with South Africa's summer months – December to March.

For those looking to enjoy a Cape Town safari and beach itinerary, the summer months in Cape Town pair well with the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal, but coincide with part of Mozambique's cyclone season. Fortunately, Cape Town's autumnal months (March to May) are generally fairly mild and allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds with fewer crowds.

Ultimately, the best time to visit and enjoy a safari and beach combination falls to where you wish to go and what you're hoping to experience. Speaking to one of our seasoned safari experts is a surefire way to ensuring the perfect time of year for you.

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Top South Africa Safari & Beach Tours

Planning Tips for Your Safari & Beach Itinerary

Over the years, we've compiled a few of our most asked questions. Hopefully, they'll help answer any initial queries you have:

Should You Do A Safari or Beach First?

Unhelpful as it sounds, this is entirely up to you. Are you looking to relax and unwind on the beach to really get into the holiday spirit first or are you excited to experience adventure first and then get some true R&R afterwards? Consider the destinations you're hoping to combine and decide which order would work better. Typically, we would probably suggest scintillating safari first and beachside bliss to follow.

Malaria-Free Options

Fortunately, South Africa is able to offer malaria-free safaris and low-risk destinations, making it suited to families and multi-generational travel. While it does limit your safari options slightly, the malaria-free reserves are no less special. The benefit of combining the two is that while safari destinations may require extra thought, your beach options are far greater. Besides, South Africa's malaria-free reserves and the camps or lodges within them are no less luxurious or enthralling.

Budget and Accommodation Types

Most holidays and their required budgets will depend on choices – how luxury or comfortable are you wanting to go? Are you opting for a private villa or a more quaint safari lodge? Is the reserve an easy fly-in option or will it take a little longer to get there? These are all aspects to consider when it comes to budget.

Do I Need A Visa to Visit Mozambique After South Africa?

Visa requirements vary depending on your passport and country of origin. It's best to consult your Africa Safari Expert for your exact visa needs.

Can I Self-Drive a Safari & Then Head to The Beach?

Yes, absolutely! Whether you decide to self-drive in one destination and make your way to another or to do them all in one destination – for example, along the Garden Route.

Ready to Plan Your Next Great Adventure?

With South Africa's reputation as a ‘world in one country', there's no need to compromise or choose between wildlife and waves. Whether you're a solo traveller, couple, family, or even group of friends, South Africa is the perfect all-in-one combination destination. Speak to one of our Africa Safari Experts to start planning your safari and beach escape.