Safari and Beach Holiday Tours

An African safari and beach holiday gives you the very best Africa has to offer: unique wildlife and incomparable beaches.

Going to sleep to the sound of jackals and waking before the sun to track elephants and buffalo, and maybe even witness a lion kill, is an experience like no other. However, early mornings and intense concentration on safari can take its toll. What better way to end your bush adventure than to relax on a tropical African beach with a well-earned, umbrella-decorated drink.

We've put together the best safari and beach holiday combos we can think of, taking in classic safari destinations like the Kruger National Park and Botswana's Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park together with sparkling Indian Ocean destinations such as the Quirimbas and Bazaruto archipelagos not to mention the ultimate beach destination, the Seychelles.

Combining these destinations is easier than you might think, modern air travel and slick logistics will have you on the beach the same day that you leave the bush – wake up to the sound of hippos and elephants and go to sleep to the sound of lapping waves and rustling palms.

And if it's a safari and beach honeymoon you're after, browse our experts' picks of the most romantic African getaways including the best of both.

Tips for Booking an African Safari and Beach Holiday

1. Should You Do Bush or Beach First?

The ideal safari and beach holiday starts with a visit to the bush and ends with sundowners on a pristine beach. There's no right way or wrong way to do it but transitioning from the busyness of safari to the tranquillity of a remote island injects the perfect balance to your itinerary. We've been curating exceptional bush and beach holidays for over two decades and we tailor your experience to suit your needs.

2. Time Your Safari and Beach Getaway Just Right

Most bush and beach destinations are open year-round, but there are some periods that are better than others to visit. Safaris are best enjoyed during the dry season when game viewing is at its peak, thanks to the thinned-out vegetation and animals gathering en-masse at the few remaining waterholes. The best time to visit East Africa is June to October, while a Southern Africa holiday is best enjoyed from May to September.

Pairing your safari destination with an island or beach getaway will prove much easier, as most regions offer year-round temperate weather and the best time to visit lines up perfectly with their safari counterparts.

3. Consider Logistics When Planning

Africa is a massive continent with many destinations requiring domestic or international flights or transfers to get from one to the next. Take the time to properly plan out a safari and beach holiday that makes the most logistical sense. For instance, pairing a safari in the Serengeti with a beachside vacation in Cape Town would be difficult to plan, requiring extensive travel. But a trip to the Serengeti couples perfectly with Zanzibar as it is one internal flight away – the same applies to combining the Masai Mara and Diani Beach, Kruger National Park with Cape Town, or any Southern African safari destination with Mozambique's tropical islands.

4. Choose Your Accommodation Carefully

You're spoilt for choice with the amount of safari lodges and camps on offer across East and Southern Africa. Varying in luxury and price, there's something to suit every type of traveller, from all-inclusive luxury camps and eco-lodges to more budget-friendly options and mobile camps for the more adventurous.

Choosing a beach resort will be much easier, as barefoot luxury at 5-star properties overlooking the ocean is par for the course whether you're visiting the Seychelles or the Bazaruto Archipelago.

5. Get the Necessary Documents and Vaccinations

To ensure a stress-free and smooth trip, take the time to check the visa requirements and recommended vaccinations for your African safari and beach holiday destinations, especially if you're combining multiple countries. Malaria is prevalent in many safari and beach regions, so it is highly advised that you consult with your doctor about antimalarial medications, as well as pack insect repellent.

6. Book with a Reputable Africa Safari Travel Agency

Whether it's your first time visiting Africa or your tenth, you can't go wrong with booking your safari and beach holiday through a reputable safari tour agency. Consulting a travel agent with first-hand experience and knowledge of travelling through Africa is vital to having the best possible experience.

A reputable travel agent can recommend destinations, properties and activities best suited to your interests, tailor-making an itinerary that ticks all your boxes. It also adds a layer of safety and ease of mind – our Africa Safari Experts will assist you every step of the way, from visa applications, flights and ground transfers to providing 24/7 support while travelling.

7. Pack for the Occasion

For the first part of your trip, you'll want to make sure that you pack all the safari essentials. This includes everything from neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, beige, olive) to lightweight layers that can be easily stripped off as the day transitions from chilly mornings to scorching midday temperatures. And, of course, you can't forget a good pair of sturdy shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, your camera gear and binoculars for spotting animals in the distance.

When you switch savannah plains for endless stretches of golden sand and clear blue water, your wardrobe will need to adapt. For the beach portion of your trip, you'll want to pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a sarong, sandals and a hat. Most importantly, make sure your sunscreen of choice is reef-safe, as many beach destinations are conscious of protecting marine ecosystems.

Ready to Plan Your African Safari and Beach Holiday?

Whet your appetite for adventure with our selection of safari and beach combos below. When inspiration strikes, reach out to one of our Africa Safari Experts to help tailor-make an itinerary that blends the best of both worlds: