There’s a reason safaris and beach breaks complement each other so beautifully.
After the thrilling early starts, breathtaking game drives and unforgettable wildlife encounters of a safari, a beach getaway offers the perfect counterbalance: time to slow down, bask in the sun and let the magic of your adventure truly sink in.
That said, for some, starting with the calm of a beach escape is just what’s needed to unwind before diving into the excitement of the bush. Whether you crave adventure first or prefer to ease into it, the choice is entirely yours.
Africa offers access to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, from the pristine coastlines of Kenya and Mozambique to the nearby treasures of Zanzibar and Pemba Island.
For those willing to venture further afield, the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the Maldives are equally idyllic options.
When I celebrated my 40th birthday, I paired a South African safari with a stay in Mauritius. I’ll never forget taking an outdoor bath on my terrace, watching elephants wander past, or the thrill of snorkelling with wild dolphins and hiking Le Morne to see its incredible underwater waterfall illusion. It was the perfect blend of adventure and serenity—and I know just how to create the same magic for you.
But how do you choose the right combination?
The key is seamless travel logistics. Long layovers multiple connections, or overnight stops in places you’d rather skip can take the shine off your trip. Certain safari destinations naturally pair with specific beach retreats, ensuring your journey is as effortless as it is unforgettable.
So, which safari and beach combination will suit you best? Here are my handpicked recommendations for specific lodges and beach retreats to inspire your perfect getaway.
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Kenya & Seychelles: Maasai Mara and Desroches Island, Seychelle
The Safari Experience: Angama Mara, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Located on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara is a stunning lodge offering panoramic views of the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
Known for its year-round game viewing and the annual Great Migration, Maasai Mara offers guests opportunities to see lions, elephants and the elusive leopards.
Angama Mara combines excellent wildlife experiences with exceptional luxury. Each suite is designed to maximize views, and guests can enjoy a sunset meal on the plains, private guided tours and hot-air balloon safaris.
The Beach Retreat: Four Seasons Resort, Desroches Island, Seychelles
After the rugged charm of Maasai Mara, head to the secluded paradise of Desroches Island in the Seychelles.
The Four Seasons Resort offers private villas set along 14 km of pristine beaches.
With crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life, Desroches Island offers scuba diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing.
For relaxation, indulge in the resort’s luxury spa, unwind with beachfront yoga sessions or simply enjoy the peaceful seclusion that makes this island a truly private paradise.
Why This Combo?
This combination is perfect for travellers seeking classic safari thrills followed by pure, luxurious relaxation in an idyllic island setting.
Both the Maasai Mara and Seychelles are highly accessible from Nairobi, making this combination seamless.
Consider substituting the Seychelles with Zanzibar or Diani beach in Kenya, both perfect beach partners to a Kenyan safari.
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South Africa & Mozambique: Kruger National Park and Bazaruto Archipelago
The Safari Experience: Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge
In the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge is nestled among lush trees beside two large lakes.
The lodge offers a shaded lounging deck perfect for watching wildlife, including antelope, giraffes, and elephants, as they visit the water.
The lodge has eight luxurious, uniquely decorated suites with ensuite bathrooms featuring large tubs, indoor and outdoor showers.
Each suite includes a private plunge pool on a spacious deck overlooking the lake.
The Beach Retreat: Azura Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
After the safari, Azura Benguerra Island provides a spectacular beach escape.
Located in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, the resort is known for its chic eco-friendly villas, each with private pools and ocean views.
This paradise is perfect for snorkelling, diving and fishing, with vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life.
Guests can explore sand dunes, island lakes and traditional villages or indulge in Azura’s spa treatments and fine dining options.
Why This Combo?
Combining Kruger’s iconic Big Five safari with Mozambique’s white sandy beaches offers an ideal blend of wildlife excitement and tropical relaxation, and it’s relatively easy to travel between the two destinations from Johannesburg.
Consider substituting Mozambique for Mauritius, another perfectly suited combination.
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Tanzania & Zanzibar: Serengeti and Mnemba Island
The Safari Experience: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Serengeti, Tanzania
Singita Sasakwa Lodge, located in the Grumeti Reserves of the Serengeti, is the epitome of luxury and offers unmatched views of the Serengeti plains.
With its Edwardian-style architecture, the lodge offers a unique blend of African wilderness and refined elegance.
Safari activities include game drives, bush walks and hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti, where you can witness the Great Migration and spot cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos.
Each villa comes with a private plunge pool, creating an idyllic sanctuary to unwind after a day of adventure.
The Beach Retreat: andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge, Zanzibar
Mnemba Island, located just off the coast of Zanzibar, is a private island paradise with only a handful of luxury bandas, ensuring exclusivity and intimacy.
andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge offers direct beach access, excellent snorkelling and scuba diving in the surrounding coral reefs.
The island is a haven for relaxation, with spa treatments available and a team dedicated to ensuring guests’ comfort. For a romantic touch, private beach dinners under the stars make for a truly unforgettable experience.
Why This Combo?
Combining the iconic plains of the Serengeti with a private island escape in Zanzibar offers a quintessential East African experience.
Having experienced this combination of countries, I can personally voucher for the seamless travel connection between Serengeti and Zanzibar making it an efficient and luxurious pairing.
Consider substituting Mnemba Island for Pemba Island – another stunning beach destination close by.
  4.Botswana & Mauritius: Okavango Delta and Mauritius’ East Coast
The Safari Experience: Nxabega Camp
Nxabega Camp is a luxurious, remote safari lodge with stunning views of the Okavango Delta. Its nine elegant tents sit along a wildlife-rich floodplain, fully immersing guests in nature.
The camp’s central boma, with its thatched ceilings and grand dining table, creates a warm gathering space, while the lounge offers wooden coffee tables, African art, and a well-stocked bar for relaxation.
Outside, a sunny pool and sundeck overlook the serene lagoon, perfect for midday unwinding.
Each tented suite, raised on platforms, features private verandas, en-suite bathrooms and elegant, safari-inspired decor that blends luxury with nature’s beauty.
The Beach Retreat: One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
After the Delta’s wilderness, unwind at the iconic One&Only Le Saint Géran on the east coast of Mauritius.
The resort offers oceanfront suites, a private lagoon and an array of activities including water sports, golf and spa treatments.
Its Michelin-starred dining options and exceptional service make it a dream destination for luxury travellers.
Mauritius itself is known for its lush, tropical beauty, blending rich culture with natural splendour.
Why This Combo?
Botswana’s Okavango Delta provides one of the most exclusive safari experiences in Africa, while Mauritius is a tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear lagoons and pristine beaches.
This combination offers a perfect balance of untamed wilderness to tranquil luxury, and flights from Botswana to Mauritius are readily available via Johannesburg.
South Africa is also a perfect combination with Mauritius.
How to Book Your Ideal Safari and Beach Combination
Planning a safari and beach combination is no small feat, but with my expertise, it can be effortless and stress-free. Here’s why I’m uniquely placed to help you create the perfect trip:
Personal Experience and Expertise
I’ve booked countless safari and beach holidays for my clients—and with 10 safaris of my own under my belt, I know exactly how to balance adventure with relaxation.
Whether you’re dreaming of the iconic Serengeti paired with Zanzibar or the untamed Okavango Delta followed by Mauritius, I can help you create a trip that’s unforgettable.
Complex Logistics? Leave Them to Me
Multi-centre holidays involve intricate logistics—international flights, domestic connections, transfers, and activities can quickly become a headache.
When you book with me, I’ll take care of everything. From ensuring seamless connections to arranging bespoke activities, I handle the complexities so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
And if anything does go wrong while you’re away, you won’t be left to figure it out—I’ll be your first point of contact, ready to solve any issues that arise.
Plus, your trip will be ATOL-bonded and ABTA-protected, giving you complete peace of mind.
Unmatched Choice and Tailored Pairings
As an independent agent, I’m not tied to the narrow offerings of a single operator.
This means I can select from a much wider range of lodges and beach retreats, ensuring your safari and beach pairing is the absolute best fit for your preferences and needs—no compromises.
Whether you’re looking for an ultra-luxury lodge, a secluded island, or a conservation-focused retreat, I’ll find you the perfect combination.
Start Planning Today with a Free Consultation
To get started, I offer a free planning session where we’ll discuss your dream safari and beach holiday in detail.
I’ll listen to what you want, understand your preferences, so I can create an itinerary tailored just for you.
Following the session, I’ll provide an obligation-free quotation with carefully selected options for you to consider.
You’re under no pressure to book, but if you do, you’ll have the confidence that every detail is being handled by an expert.
Call me on 01372 677999 or email [email protected] to book your free consultation.
Let’s make your dream safari and beach holiday a reality
