Best Safari and Beach Holiday Destinations in Africa

The best safaris in Africa often combine spectacular savannah settings with a beach paradise. After an exciting safari exploring wildlife-rich plains, imagine relaxing on picturesque shores and swimming in turquoise water.

A holiday to Africa offers so much more than just wildlife – the continent is blessed with luxurious white-sand beaches for travellers looking to spend some time in the sun. Here are a few of the best safari destinations in Africa where you can combine a wilderness escape with a beach holiday.

South Africa

Best Safari Destination – Kruger National Park

One of the best safari parks in Africa is South Africa’s Kruger National Park. It’s home to a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five.

Kruger is a fantastic all-year-round safari destination. However, the ideal time to visit is during the dry winter months from May to September, as the animals congregate around waterholes and rivers.

After exploring one of the best places to safari in Africa, head to Cape Town, a destination celebrated for its stunning beaches.

Best Beach – Camps Bay

Cape Town’s Camps Bay beach attracts thousands of tourists each year thanks to its turquoise-coloured waters.

Naturally, the best time to visit Camp’s Bay is during the summer months of December, January, and February. However, the summer can be crowded, so the spring – September to November – is perfect for a more serene experience.

Kenya

Best Safari Destination – Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara has long been regarded as one of the best places to safari in Africa. It stretches for 1,510 square kilometres and is home to rich concentrations of wildlife, including the Big Five (although rhinos are rare) as well as over 500 different bird species.

However, the highlight of the Mara Reserve is the Great Wildebeest Migration – one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The herds head to the Masai Mara from July to October, crossing the Mara River in their quest for better food and water resources.

Watching the immense herds of the Great Migration while they move in unison and dodge predators is a bucket list travel experience – a migration safari is truly one of the best safaris in Africa. And the perfect way to let this experience sink in afterwards is by relaxing on one of Kenya’s premier beaches.

Best Beach – Watamu

Watamu is a small town on the coast of Kenya, its shoreline boasting white sand beaches and different bays such as Garoda Beach, Turtle Bay, Blue Lagoon Bay, Watamu Bay, Ocean Breeze, Kanani Reef, and Jacaranda Beach – all forming part of the Watamu Marine National Park.

One of the best safari places in Africa for marine excursions, snorkelling in this paradise can bring you to sightings of hundreds of fish species as well as turtles. Manta rays, whale sharks, and dolphins are also known to visit this area.

Tanzania

Best Safari Destination – Serengeti National Park

Tanzania is considered to be the best place for an African safari in many circles because of the Serengeti National Park. This destination is a pristine habitat and home to a rich variety of wildlife, including big cats. One of the destinations of the annual Great Migration, in the beginning of the year a safari here can include witnessing the calving season.

Best Beach – Zanzibar

Another jewel in Tanzania’s crown is the Zanzibar Archipelago. Boasting all-year-round warm weather, Zanzibar is a luxurious beach destination for those looking to relax after spending some time on safari.

Its crisp white sand beaches and sky blue waters make it one of the most popular beach holiday destinations on the planet. Zanzibar is also commonly known as the Spice Islands due to their production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper.

South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania are three of the best safari countries in Africa. Their parks and reserves, coupled with perfect tropical beach destinations, create the ultimate African safari experience.

Start planning your perfect safari itinerary, complete with a few days in a beach paradise. One of our safari experts will tailor-make your dream tour so that all you need to do is show up and enjoy the adventure.