Sun, sea and savannah make up Africa's "killer combo"!

Africa is renowned the world over for its amazing wilderness areas, filled with iconic wildlife species... but it's also the home of some of the world's most beautiful, pristine beaches. Its eastern coastline stretches some 5000km from northern Kenya down to Cape Aghullas, and up again in the west to Namibia and beyond... 

When it comes to the east coast, lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, this is where you'll find idyllic beach destinations like Diani and Malindi in Kenya, Tanzania's Saadani National Park and the amazing white sands of Zanzibar as well as Mozambique's Bazaruto archipelago and Tofo and South Africa's Kosi Bay, Sodwana, St Lucia and KwaZulu-Natal coastline - not to mention the stunning Wild Coast, Eastern and Western Cape and wonderfully different west coast!

This means you can successfully combine the bush and the beach in one amazing safari package, spending time exploring the national parks and reserves that make sub-Saharan Africa so unique with the option of adding on a few days in paradise, enjoying soft white sands, swaying palm trees and an unbelievably azure ocean. 

There are a host of connection options between these destinations, ensuring you maximise the time you have to devote to both game viewing and sun-worshipping. You can also easily combine the offshore Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar with your African safari thanks to major hubs like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg. 

Imagine witnessing the spectacle of the great migration in the Serengeti and exploring the ancient city of Stonetown on Zanzibar... Or combining the snows of Kilimanjaro with the powdery sands of the Lamu archipelago... Or seeing the terrestrial Big Five in action and combing the ocean for their marine equivalents... With an itinerary that includes both bush and beach destinations, game drives and bush walks literally pave the way for snorkelling and scuba diving.

East Africa

Imagine the thrill of witnessing the wildebeest migration thundering across the Masai Mara, their hooves pounding the earth. Days later, you're sinking your toes into the soft sand of Diani Beach in Kenya, the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet. This is the magic of combining a traditional East African safari with a blissful beach escape.

Kenya and Tanzania offer classic pairings. Witness the vast Serengeti teeming with life, from graceful lions to lumbering elephants. Then, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry and turquoise waters of Zanzibar, a spice island steeped in history. Mozambique presents another enticing option. Explore the wilds of Gorongosa National Park, encountering a menagerie of creatures, before unwinding on the untouched paradise of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

The beauty doesn't stop at the shore. Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with life after your safari adventure. Imagine spotting playful dolphins or majestic whales off the Kenyan or Tanzanian coast. In Zanzibar, delve into the fascinating blend of Swahili and Arabic influences, exploring the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To craft your dream escape, consider the season. Peak wildlife viewing coincides with the dry season (June to October),while beach destinations like Zanzibar are lovely year-round. Factor in travel time between your safari and chosen beach haven. Opt for locations with convenient flights or short transfers for a smooth journey. Many tour operators offer pre-designed packages, but don't be afraid to customize your itinerary to perfectly suit your interests and budget.

For an extra dose of paradise, consider extending your adventure to the idyllic Seychelles or Mauritius. These islands offer luxurious resorts and pristine beaches, the perfect final chapter to your unforgettable East African odyssey. With careful planning, you can combine the untamed energy of the African bush with the serenity of its stunning coastline,creating an adventure that will stay with you forever.

Southern Africa

Of course, Africa's coastline doesn't end at Cape Aghullas - the place where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. It stretches round the Cape of Good Hope and up the western edge of the continent which also offers incredible options for those wanting to combine safari turf and surf! 

A visit to South Africa is not complete without taking in the fabulous KwaZulu-Natal coastline, heading south along the spectacular Garden Route with its coastal highway through some of the most amazing scenery the Rainbow Nation has to offer to the historic "Mother City" of Cape Town, with its vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle and the legendary Table Mountain. South Africa's lesser-known west coast is dotted with intriguing small towns and fishing villages and spectacular scenery and is a popular route for self-drivers, leading up the coast all the way to the southern border of Namibia through some of the least populated areas of the country.

Namibia, of course, has a truly spectacular coastline stretching from the mouth of the Orange River to the mouth of the Kunene River thousands of kilometres to the north and the border with Angola. In between are the forbidden diamond mining zones of the Sperrgebiet, the sands of the Namib Naukluft National Park and the legendary Skeleton Coast. 

It's an epic 1600km-long coastline dotted with historic towns like Luderitz, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund that's home to incredible breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals and the fascinating "strandloper" - the brown hyena. 

The possibilities for combining the African bush and the beach are quite literally endless... So when you're ready to put together your next African adventure, talk to us about creating the perfect balance of sun, sea and sand and savannah for the safari of a lifetime!