Best safari and beach holidays 2024/25

They remain our most popular type of holiday and it is no wonder – the chance to experience the raw beauty of nature, observe incredible wildlife in their natural habitat, witness unforgettable moments, all followed by some laid-back beach days…an irresistible combination.

To help you decide on the best option safari and beach combination for you, we’ve divided this article up into classic combinations, animal specific, active options and more unusual safaris.

Classic safari and beach

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1. Kenya safari and beach

When it comes to classic beach and bush options, Kenya often comes up top. Home to the world-famous Masai Mara, as well as a plethora of other wonderful and very accessible safari areas including Samburu, Lewa and Laikipia, Kenya easily allows you to combine two different safari areas together, and then it is a short hop to the soft, sandy beaches of the Kenyan coast or Zanzibar.

Highlights

• Big five safaris: spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes.
• Great Migration: if you visit during the annual Great Migration (typically from July to October), you'll witness millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Mara River in search of better grazing lands. This incredible natural spectacle is a highlight of any Kenya safari.
• Meet the Maasai or Samburu tribes: engaging with these communities allows you to learn about their unique traditions, customs, and ways of life.
• Combine two different safari areas: so, you experience different wildlife, as well as appreciate the varied landscape the country has to offer from vast savannas to dramatic escarpments and picturesque lakes. The sheer beauty of the scenery enhances your safari experience.
• Varied accommodation: choose between traditional tented camps or more modern safari lodges ranging from ultra-luxe to more basic accommodation.
• Range of safari activities: combine 4x4 safaris with walking, horse riding, helicopters or even camel safaris.
• Hot air balloon: one of the most popular bucket list activities is to do a sunrise hot air balloon over the Masai Mara giving you a completely new, birds-eye perspective of the wildlife below.
• A quick hop to the beach: after the excitement and adventure of a safari, unwinding at one of Kenya's beautiful beaches offers a sense of serenity. Whether you choose the coastline along the Indian Ocean, the idyllic islands like Lamu or Diani or pop over to Zanzibar, you can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, and various water activities.
• Water sports: Kenya's coastline offers excellent opportunities for water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, kite surfing, and deep-sea fishing. The warm waters and vibrant marine life make it a paradise for ocean enthusiasts.
• Coral Reefs and Marine Life: the marine reserves and coral reefs off the Kenyan coast provide fantastic opportunities for snorkelling and diving, allowing you to explore colourful marine ecosystems and encounter marine species like turtles, dolphins, and various fish species.
• Easily accessible with direct flights from the UK to Kenya.

Trip ideas:

Affordable Masai Mara & Safari Beach

Big Five Safari to the Masai Mara & Samburu & Kenyan Coast

Kenya’s Masai Mara & Zanzibar beaches

2. Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach

Tanzania offers a similar, traditional safari experience to Kenya and is also home to the tropical spice island of Zanzibar, one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa. Combining a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar offers a complete East African experience, allowing you to explore diverse wildlife, immerse yourself in local culture, and enjoy the best of both worlds with thrilling adventures on land and tranquil relaxation by the sea.

Highlights

• Big Five: spot the Big Five, as well as an abundance of other animals and bird species.
• Great Migration: Serengeti National Park is renowned for its vast savannas and the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras migrate in search of greener pastures.
• Ngorongoro Crater: a UNESCO natural wonder with a high concentration of wildlife in a unique caldera setting. Home to the Big Five on the crater floor.
• Cultural Immersion: Tanzania is culturally diverse, with over 120 ethnic groups. Interacting with local tribes like the Maasai and Hadzabe allows you to gain insight into their customs, traditions, and ancient ways of life.
• Varied accommodation: Tanzania offers a range of luxury lodges and tented camps that provide a high level of comfort and personalized service, enhancing your safari experience.
• Easy beach access - Zanzibar is located just off the Tanzanian coast, making it easy to combine a safari with a beach holiday. You can take a short flight or a boat ride from the mainland to Zanzibar.
• Idyllic Beaches: Zanzibar is famous for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and white sands. Whether you choose Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Matemwe, you'll find a wide range of beach resorts and lodges to suit your preferences.
• Water Activities: Zanzibar offers excellent opportunities for water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing. The island's coral reefs are rich in marine life, providing fantastic underwater experiences.
• Historic Stone Town: In addition to its beautiful beaches, Zanzibar has a rich history with a blend of African, Arab, and European influences. You can explore historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about the island's spice trade heritage.

Trip Idea:

Tanzania and Zanzibar

3. South Africa Kruger safari and Mozambique beaches

The Kruger National Park is a short hop from Johannesburg airport in South Africa, which is the same airport to head towards the beaches of Mozambique, so these two destinations combine wonderfully well as a beach and bush option.

Highlights

• Abundant wildlife: spot the Big Five, as well as an abundance of other animals and over 500 bird species. The Kruger National Park is a wonderful place to see rare wild dogs.
• Private Reserves: South Africa was the first country to introduce private reserves for those wanting a more exclusive game-viewing experience. There are no fences between the Kruger National Park and reserves such as the famous Sabi Sands which border these meaning vast amounts of wildlife, without the crowds and a whole host of additional activities available.
• High-standard accommodation: South Africa offers a range of luxury lodges and tented camps which are often priced more competitively than those in Kenya and Tanzania. Generally, South Africa is known for having exceptionally high accommodation, service and food standards.
• Self-drive: If you want to explore at your own pace, the Kruger in South Africa is one of the most popular places to try a self-drive safari thanks to the tarmac roads which are well signposted.
• Walking and night safaris: In the private reserves attached to Kruger you can try a whole host of other safari activities including walking safaris and night drives.
• Stunning Archipelagos: Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique is easy to access from Johannesburg. This group of islands, including Bazaruto, Benguerra, and Magaruque, offers some of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in Mozambique. The crystal-clear waters, white sand dunes, and abundant marine life make it a paradise for snorkelling, diving, and water sports.
• Whale Watching: During the humpback whale migration season, which occurs between June and October, Mozambique's waters become a hotspot for whale watching. These magnificent creatures pass through the area on their annual journey, providing a thrilling opportunity to witness their majestic displays.
• Snorkelling and diving: The coastal waters of Mozambique are teeming with diverse marine life, making it a fantastic destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter an array of marine species, including tropical fish, rays, turtles, and even dolphins.

Trip idea:

Luxury Kruger and Mozambique

4. South Africa’s Eastern Cape and the Garden Route

Another enduring popular option is to combine a South Africa safari with the Garden Route which allows you to have a very varied trip combining a safari with buzzing Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route beaches.

Typically, you would either choose to combine the Kruger National Park (or one of the private conservancies attached) and then fly down to Cape Town from Johannesburg and begin the Garden Route from here, or else combine the garden route with Eastern Cape near the city of Port Elizabeth – we are going to focus on this second option.

The Eastern Cape is home to several private game reserves, such as Amakhala, Shamwari, and Kwandwe. After your safari experience in the Eastern Cape, you can easily proceed to the Garden Route, which starts not too far from the game reserves. You can drive along the scenic N2 highway, and within a few hours, you'll be immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Garden Route.

This option is perfect if you want to dip your toe in a little bit of safari and add in some beach time, but to have a well-rounded and varied holiday.

Highlights

• Private Game Reserves: The Eastern Cape is home to several private game reserves, such as Amakhala, Shamwari, and Kwandwe, which offer exclusive safari experiences with luxurious lodges and intimate wildlife encounters.
• Abundant Wildlife: These private game reserves boast diverse wildlife populations, including the Big Five, as well as other animals like cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species.
• Malaria-Free Safaris: Unlike some other safari destinations in South Africa, the Eastern Cape is largely malaria-free, making it a safer option for families and travellers who prefer to avoid malaria-prone areas.
• Family-Friendly: Many lodges in the Eastern Cape cater to families, offering child-friendly activities and accommodations, making it an excellent choice for family safaris.
• Beautiful beaches: Such as Plettenberg Bay are very popular destinations along the Garden Route and have whale-watching opportunities (seasonal), and nature reserves like Robberg Nature Reserve. It is worth noting that the sea here isn’t as warm as the Indian Ocean.
• Whale watching: Hermanus is one of the whale-watching capitals in the world and you can often see whales from the shore. The clifftop paths woven with flowers are an absolute must, and there are sandy beaches here too.
• Ostriches: Oudtshoorn is located just off the Garden Route, and is known as the "Ostrich Capital of the World." It offers unique experiences like visiting ostrich farms and exploring the Cango Caves.
• Winelands: Whilst not strictly the Garden Route, it is a short throw to the Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek which make a wonderful place to relax and enjoy long lunches surrounded by mountains and with some of the best wine in the world.
• Cape Town: the cosmopolitan town of Cape Town has a huge array of museums, markets, and restaurants, as well as being home to a number of sandy beaches of which Camps Bay is particularly popular.

Trip Idea:

Classic Garden Route Self-Drive

Cape Town, Winelands, and Safari

5. Zambia and Malawi

If you’re looking for something a little bit different and off the beaten track, then Zambia and Malawi are such to tick the box.

Zambia is often considered a second-time safari destination as it is wilder and rawer than some other destinations, and Malawi whilst landlocked, is home to Lake Malawi which provides a brilliant beach experience.

Highlights

• Remote and Untouched Wilderness: Zambia is known for its vast and remote wilderness areas, offering an authentic and uncrowded safari experience. The country's national parks, like South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue, provide excellent opportunities to see diverse wildlife, including the Big Five.
• Leopards: South Luangwa National Park is often called the Valley of Leopards due to the high density of leopards found here, arguably the best place in Africa to see these magnificent cats.
• Walking Safaris: Zambia is one of the pioneers of walking safaris, allowing you to explore the bush on foot, guided by experienced and knowledgeable safari guides. This unique experience brings you closer to nature and offers a more intimate understanding of the African wilderness.
• Victoria Falls: Zambia shares the iconic Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe. Visiting the falls is a spectacular sightseeing experience, where you can witness the immense power and beauty of one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
• Rivers and Water-Based Safaris: Zambia is blessed with rivers like the Zambezi and Luangwa, offering opportunities for water-based safaris, including canoeing and boat cruises. These experiences add a different dimension to your safari, as you can observe wildlife from a unique vantage point.
• Lake Malawi: The star attraction in Malawi is Lake Malawi, the third-largest freshwater lake in Africa. It stretches over 580 kilometres and offers beautiful beaches, clear waters, and a variety of water sports.
• Swimming and Snorkelling: Lake Malawi is safe for swimming and has the unique feature of being home to a vast array of colourful cichlid fish, making it a paradise for snorkelers and underwater enthusiasts.
• Island Retreats: The islands of Likoma and Chizumulu in Lake Malawi offer secluded and tranquil beach getaways, with beautiful lodges and a remote atmosphere.
• Water Activities: Besides swimming and snorkelling, Lake Malawi provides opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and fishing. You can explore the lake's islands and discover their hidden gems.
• Relaxation and Serenity: The beaches along Lake Malawi's shores are less crowded compared to other coastal destinations, providing a peaceful and serene environment for relaxation and contemplation.

Trip Idea:

Luangwa and Lake Safari Adventure

Zambia & Malawi Luxury Honeymoon

Unusual safari and beach combinations

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6. Namibia

If you’re looking for a completely different safari and beach experience, then Namibia could be for you. A safari within the desert is a world away from the vast, lush plains of the Masai Mara, and the harsh coastline of Namibia lends itself to discovering desert-adapted plants, seals, and adrenaline-fueled activities rather than sunbathing on a beach. Certainly not a classic beach and bush combination, but that’s the appeal!

A Namibia safari and beach holiday offer a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and relaxation along the picturesque coastline. It's a journey that provides a deep appreciation for Namibia's diverse natural beauty and its unique offerings in both the desert and the sea.

Highlights

• Desert safari: Etosha is Namibia's premier wildlife destination, known for its vast salt pans and abundant wildlife. The park is home to diverse animal species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and various antelope species. Waterholes around the pan attract animals, providing excellent opportunities for game viewing.
• Desert adapted wildlife: Damaraland is a rugged and remote region is known for its unique desert-adapted wildlife, such as desert elephants and desert-adapted lions. Exploring Damaraland offers a chance to witness these incredible animals in their harsh environment.
• Range of safari activities: Namibia offers a variety of safari activities, including game drives, nature walks, and even hot air balloon rides over the stunning landscapes. Many lodges in Namibia provide exclusive safari experiences in private reserves.
• Coastal adventures: Swakopmund is a coastal town nestled between the desert and the ocean, offering a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Activities in Swakopmund include quad biking in the dunes, desert tours, and water sports like kayaking and kiteboarding.
• Flamingos and pelicans: Just south of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay is known for its lagoon, which is a haven for birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans. Boat cruises in the lagoon offer opportunities to see dolphins, seals, and sometimes even whales.
• Wild coastlines: The Skeleton Coast is a rugged and desolate coastline known for its shipwrecks and otherworldly landscapes. It provides a unique and eerie beauty for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path beach experience, but ideal for those looking for adventure!
• Go at your own pace: Namibia is predominately a self-drive destination allowing you to take your time, marvel at the incredible scenery and stop as you please.

Trip Idea:

Classic Namibia Self-Drive

Animal-specific safari followed by beach

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Whilst these aren’t traditional safari and beach breaks, they allow you to combine looking for specific safari wildlife with a beach.

7. Leopards in Sri Lanka and beach

Sri Lanka might not be the first place you think of for a safari, but it is well known for its high leopard population, as well as elephants and crocodiles. It is a different experience to an African safari as there isn’t the same vast wilderness, but combined with its stunning coastline and pristine beaches, not to mention tea plantations, temples, and delicious food, Sri Lanka has plenty to boast about.

Highlights

• Leopards: Yala National Park in particular is famous for its high leopard population, not to mention elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a vast array of birds.
• Elephants: If you’re looking for herds of elephants, then you want to head to Udawalawe National Park which offers close encounters with these majestic creatures. The park also features water buffalo, deer, and various bird species. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is also popular if you want to see a herd of elephants being cared for and bathed in a unique conservation centre.
• Whale-watching: The beach town of Mirissa is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and is a hub for whale-watching. Between November and April, you can embark on boat tours to spot blue whales and other marine creatures.
• Surfing: Arugam Bay is a surfer paradise with consistent waves and a relaxed vibe, making it a great place to unwind.
• Palm-fringed beaches: Unawatuna is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. The coral reefs off the coast provide an opportunity to explore marine life.
• Temples, tea plantations and culture: Sri Lanka has so much to offer beyond safari and beach from the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy to climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress to visiting Visit tea estates to learn about tea production, and enjoy stunning hillside scenery.

Trip Idea:

Sri Lanka Leopards and Wildlife

8. Tigers in India

The most distinctive of big cats with their vibrant orange and black stripes, the chance to see a Bengal tiger in the wild is truly breathtaking, and it is easy to combine this with the gorgeous beaches of Goa, as well as famous landmarks such as the Taj Mahal. It’s a wonderful way to combine the diverse offering India has in a single trip.

Highlights

• Tigers: There are two famous parks to spot these Bandhavgarh National Park and Ranthambore National Park. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh is known for its high tiger population and lush landscapes. It also offers a good chance to spot leopards, deer, and various bird species. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan is known for its historic Ranthambore Fort and excellent chances of tiger sightings.
• Golden Triangle: A tiger safari is easy to combine with the Golden Triangle in India allowing you to see the bustling Delhi, the Taj Mahal and the royal Pink City of Jaipur.
• Beaches: Goa boasts a variety of beautiful beaches such as Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, and Palolem. You can choose from lively and bustling beaches to serene and secluded ones, depending on your preferences.
• Water Sports: Goa is a hub for water sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving, making it a paradise for adventure seekers.
• Nightlife: Goa is known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous beach clubs, bars, and restaurants where you can dance the night away.
• Cuisine: Throughout your trip enjoy the diverse range of Indian curries from hot and spicy to mild seafood curries.

Trip Idea:

Golden Triangle & Tigers

9. Jaguars in Brazil

One of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Brazil is observing jaguars in their natural habitat and the best place to do this is Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area. Combine it with Brazil’s stunning coastline for a truly memorable holiday.

Highlights

• Jaguars: ​these are one of the most elusive and hard-to-see Big Cats, but you're in luck, because the northern Pantanal in Brazil, is perhaps the best place in the world to see these magnificent animals. Take a river safari for your chance to see Jaguars swimming or along the banks, and perhaps even catching a caiman.
• Other wildlife: The Pantanal is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, and although jaguars are the main attraction, you might also encounter capybaras, caimans, giant otters, various bird species, and other wildlife.
• Iconic beaches: The iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are located in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy a mix of beach culture, city life, and breathtaking views of landmarks like Christ the Redeemer.
• UNESCO World Heritage site Paraty: Paraty boasts 65 islands (some with restaurants) and more than 300 beaches of beautiful waters and lush vegetation. It is the perfect place to snorkel, swim and relax.
• Wind-surfing and kite surfing: Jericoacoara, Ceará is a remote paradise (accessible only by 4x4) known for its pristine beaches, sand dunes, and laid-back atmosphere. It offers water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding, as well as breathtaking sunsets.
• Rio de Janeiro, Amazon and Iguazu: It is easy to combine your safari and beach with sight-seeing in Rio de Janeiro, exploring the Amazon and visiting the famous Iguazu Falls.

Trip Idea:

Just Jaguars Brazil

10. Gorillas in Rwanda

Bucket list activities don’t get much bigger than spending time with the rare mountain gorillas with just over 1,000 of these gentle giants remaining in the world - seeing them up close in their natural habitat is something you’ll not easily forget.

Whilst Rwanda is landlocked and so doesn’t have a typical seaside experience, the shores of Lake Kivu are a wonderful place to relax.

Highlights

• Mountain gorillas: trek to spend time with rare mountain gorillas – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. Volcanoes National Park is home to several habituated gorilla families, and the experience of observing these majestic creatures up close is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Please note, permit are limited and you need to book well in advance.
• Primates galore: as well as Mountain Gorillas, you can also see Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Colombus Monkeys, and Olive Baboons.
• Luxury lodges: Rwanda has some of the most luxurious accommodations in Africa with popular spots selling out far in advance.
• Scenic landscapes: Rwanda is often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills" due to its stunning topography of rolling hills, lush green valleys, and dramatic landscapes. The country's natural beauty is a visual treat for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
• Cultural experiences: Rwanda has a rich cultural heritage, and you can immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional villages, attending cultural performances, and exploring the history and art of the Rwandan people.
• Lake Kivu: Stunning views and peaceful surroundings, make it an ideal place to unwind after your gorilla trek. You can simply relax on the shores, take boat rides, or swim in the clear waters. Visit the nearby hot springs at Gisenyi for a soothing natural spa experience.
• Adventure Activities: Rwanda offers a range of adventure activities, including hiking, cycling, and water sports on Lake Kivu. The varied landscape provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Cleanliness and Safety: Rwanda is known for its cleanliness, and it's one of the safest countries in Africa for travellers. The government has made significant efforts to maintain a safe and orderly environment for visitors.

Trip Idea:

Rwanda Gorillas, Primates, & Landscapes

11. Lemurs in Madagascar

Madagascar is the only place in the world you can see lemurs in their natural environment. Thanks to the island’s geographical isolation, over 90% of species here are endemic, including six different types of Baobab tree, more than 100 subspecies of lemur, 115 bird species, and over half of the world’s chameleons.

But that’s not all, Madagascar has 1,800 miles of beautiful beaches, palm-fringed shoreline, numerous offshore islands and coral reefs that provide wonderful snorkelling and diving.

Highlights

• Indri Lemurs: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Located in eastern Madagascar, this park is famous for its indri lemurs, the largest of all lemurs, known for their distinctive wailing calls. You can also spot other species like diademed sifakas and black-and-white ruffed lemurs.
• Ring-tail Lemurs: Located in the southwestern part of Madagascar, Isalo National Park is famous for its unique sandstone formations, canyons, and diverse wildlife, including ringtail lemurs. You can spot them while hiking through the park, and they are often seen near the park's canyons and waterholes.
• Avenue of Baobab trees: This iconic natural wonder is a collection of ancient baobab trees lining a dirt road. It's a favourite spot for photographers and a symbol of Madagascar.
• Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: Known for its dramatic limestone formations, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore narrow canyons and see unique flora and fauna.
• Tropical Island Beaches: Nosy Be is a tropical island off the northwest coast offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. You can explore colourful coral reefs and see a variety of marine life.
• Whale Watching: From June to September, you can go whale-watching off the coast of Île Sainte-Marie to see humpback whales during their migration.
• Birdwatching: Madagascar is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 200 bird species found nowhere else on Earth. Birdwatching tours are available in various regions.

Trip Idea

Madagascar Wildlife and Beach

Madagascar Wildlife

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at these popular blogs.

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These trips are just ideas to inspire you, we create each and every single itinerary from scratch so if there’s somewhere that you are hoping to do a safari and beach experience, get in contact, and we’ll make it happen.