African Safari & Beach Holiday Destinations
African safari and beach holidays. Why choose between wild game drives and white sand beaches when Africa offers the perfect combination of both? A safari and beach holiday blends thrilling Big Five encounters with luxurious coastal retreats. From the savannas of the Serengeti to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, these paired experiences offer the ultimate African escape—ideal for honeymooners, families, and adventure seekers alike.
This guide highlights the best African destinations that combine safaris with beach vacations, recommended itineraries, and tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Why Combine Safari & Beach?
- Balance: Start with action-packed game drives, then relax by the sea
- Convenience: Direct connections between parks and coasts via regional airports
- Romance: Ideal for honeymoons and anniversaries
- Family-friendly: Great mix of adventure and downtime for all ages
- Value: Many tour operators offer all-inclusive packages
Best Safari & Beach Combo Destinations in Africa
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Tanzania & Zanzibar
Best for: The ultimate East African safari-beach experience
Tanzania’s iconic parks—Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire—offer unbeatable game viewing. After safari, fly to Zanzibar for sun-soaked beaches, Swahili culture, and coral reefs.
Top Safari Spots:
- Serengeti National Park (Great Migration)
- Ngorongoro Crater (dense wildlife in a volcanic caldera)
Top Beach Spots:
- Nungwi & Kendwa (luxury beach resorts)
- Paje & Jambiani (kite surfing and boutique hotels)
Travel Tip: Flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar take under 2 hours.
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Kenya & Diani Beach or Lamu Island
Best for: Classic safaris with a touch of coastal charm
Combine the Maasai Mara or Amboseli with the soft white sands of Diani Beach or the cultural beauty of Lamu Archipelago. Kenya offers reliable internal flights for seamless travel.
Top Safari Spots:
- Maasai Mara (Migration & Big Cats)
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (rhinos, chimps, luxury camps)
Top Beach Spots:
- Diani Beach (resorts, snorkeling, vibrant nightlife)
- Lamu (UNESCO old town, dhow sailing)
Travel Tip: Daily flights from Nairobi to the coast make this combo easy and affordable.
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South Africa & Mozambique
Best for: Malaria-free safari options and barefoot beach luxury
Start your journey in Kruger National Park or the malaria-free Madikwe Reserve, then hop over to Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago for castaway-style beach bliss.
Top Safari Spots:
- Kruger & Sabi Sands (world-class game viewing)
- Madikwe Game Reserve (family-friendly, malaria-free)
Top Beach Spots:
- Bazaruto Islands (snorkeling, diving, private villas)
- Vilanculos (charming coastal town with access to islands)
Travel Tip: Flights between Kruger and Vilanculos make the transition easy.
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Namibia & Skeleton Coast
Best for: Dramatic desert landscapes with a remote beach twist
Namibia offers incredible self-drive or fly-in safaris to Etosha National Park and Damaraland, followed by wild Atlantic beaches along the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast.
Top Safari Spots:
- Etosha National Park (salt pans, elephants, black rhinos)
- Damaraland (desert-adapted elephants, rock art)
Top Beach Spots:
- Swakopmund (German-style beach town with adventure sports)
- Skeleton Coast (secluded, surreal coastal experiences)
Travel Tip: Perfect for adventurous couples and photographers.
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Botswana & Mauritius
Best for: Luxury travelers seeking exclusivity and relaxation
Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park deliver intimate safaris with fewer crowds. Fly to Mauritius for five-star beach resorts, spas, and crystal-clear lagoons.
Top Safari Spots:
- Okavango Delta (mokoro rides, luxury camps)
- Chobe (huge elephant herds and boat safaris)
Top Beach Spots:
- Mauritius (all-inclusive resorts, hiking, marine life)
Travel Tip: Flight links via Johannesburg make this combo accessible and upscale.
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Uganda or Rwanda & Lake Kivu
Best for: Gorilla trekking followed by lakeside relaxation
For a unique twist, pair mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park with a relaxing break at Lake Kivu, where you can swim, kayak, or sip coffee by the water.
Top Safari Spots:
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (gorilla tracking)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park (tree-climbing lions)
Top Beach Spots:
- Lake Kivu (peaceful lodges, kayaking, coffee plantations)
Travel Tip: Ideal for eco-tourists and honeymooners looking for offbeat charm.
How to Plan Your Safari + Beach Holiday
Step 1: Choose Your Style
- Luxury: Private guides, charter flights, boutique resorts
- Mid-range: Shared safaris, 3- to 4-star lodges, beachfront hotels
- Budget: National park camping + beach hostels or guesthouses
Step 2: Pick the Right Time
| Region | Best Time (Safari) | Best Time (Beach) |
| East Africa | June–October | December–March |
| Southern Africa | May–September | April–December |
| Rwanda/Uganda | June–Sept / Dec–Feb | June–September |
Step 3: Use a Trusted Tour Operator
They can combine flights, transfers, accommodation, and special activities to simplify your trip and ensure value.
Sample 10-Day Safari & Beach Itinerary (Tanzania & Zanzibar)
1–2 days: Arusha – overnight lodge & briefing
3–5: Serengeti Safari – luxury tented camp with game drives
Day 6–9: Zanzibar – beach resort in Nungwi with sunset dhow cruise
Day 10: Depart Zanzibar
Inclusions: All internal flights, meals, park fees, transfers, and beach excursions
From: $3,200 per person (mid-range all-inclusive)
Plan Your African Safari & Beach Holiday
Africa offers more than just wildlife. It’s a continent where the roar of lions and the rhythm of ocean waves come together in harmony. Whether you’re looking for romance, family adventure, or a bit of both, combining a safari with a beach holiday gives you the best of Africa in one unforgettable trip.
