Best Safari & Beach Combos in Africa

Is there anything better than pairing a classic safari with a relaxing beach break when exploring Africa? We don’t think so! There’s no better way to soak up the best of both worlds than by tracking lions across the savannah one day, and soaking up the sun on palm-fringed shores the next. These safari and beach holidays bring together Africa's wild heart and stunning coastlines in one unforgettable trip.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the top safari and beach combos in Africa—from the iconic plains of Kenya and Tanzania to the hidden gems of Mozambique and Madagascar. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Explore the Ultimate African Combos in This Guide

 Kenya: Wildlife & Coastal Paradise

• Masai Mara and Mombasa

• Best Time to Visit

 Tanzania: Safari & Islands

• Northern or Southern Circuit and Zanzibar

• Tanzania and Pemba Island

• Southern Circuit and Mafia Island

• Best Time to Visit

 South Africa and Mozambique

• Garden Route Highlights and Mozambique

• Best Time to Visit

 Alternative Option: Madagascar—Unique Bush and Beach

• Madagascar Highlights

• Best Time to Visit

 Practical Travel Tips

 Why Choose a Safari and Beach Combo?

Iconic wildlife spotting in East Africa

Kenya: Wildlife & Coastal Paradise

Masai Mara and Mombasa

Few places capture the essence of a safari and beach combo quite like Kenya. With its sweeping grasslands and abundant wildlife, the Masai Mara offers some of Africa's most thrilling game drives and close-up views of iconic animals like lions, elephants, and cheetahs. Outside of peak migration months, you'll still find excellent year-round wildlife. After your safari, Mombasa's coastline delivers palm-lined beaches, traditional dhow cruises, and coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving. Whether you want to explore Swahili culture or simply soak up the sunshine, this combo packs a startling variety of experiences.

Check out our Bush & Beach Safari for more details.

Big game adventures in the Masai Mara followed by a dreamy beach break on Kenya’s coast – the ultimate African safari holiday.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re dreaming of seeing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara and then unwinding on Kenya’s coast, the best time to go is between June and October. This dry season is ideal for game drives, with wildlife gathering around waterholes and the migration in full swing. It’s also a brilliant time to hit the beach in Mombasa. The weather is sunny, warm, and less humid, with clear seas perfect for swimming or snorkeling. For fewer crowds and a better deal, aim for early June or late October.

> Discover all Kenya Tours

Tanzania: Safari & Islands

Northern or Southern Circuit and Zanzibar

Tanzania is a dream destination for a safari and beach holiday, offering both iconic wildlife safaris and some of Africa’s most beautiful islands. Explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the north or head south to the more remote Selous and Ruaha reserves. After your safari, Zanzibar rewards you with historic Stone Town, spice tours, and beaches lined with swaying palms. Highlights of this unique combo include spotting the Big Five, visiting Maasai villages, and snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons.

> Learn more about our Magical Zanzibar Tour add-on

Relaxing on Zanzibar’s stunning beaches after safari thrills.

 

 

Tanzania and Pemba Island

Pemba Island is a much quieter and more laid-back compared to Zanzibar, ideal if you wish for more peaceful safari and beach holidays. The island's exquisite underwater treasures of pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life make it especially popular with divers and snorkellers. Above the shoreline are quaint villages that give you a genuine feel for local island life and traditions.

> Discover our Unique Pemba Island Stay.

Lush Pemba Island offers a peaceful beach break paired with Tanzania’s incredible African safari adventures.

 

 

Southern Circuit and Mafia Island

If you want a wilder, less polished experience, pairing the Southern Circuit with Mafia Island is a fantastic option. Mafia is famous for its rich marine life, where you can snorkel with whale sharks, see tiny turtles hatching and racing to the ocean, or simply float above colourful coral gardens buzzing with fish. It is an underwater world that feels wonderfully untouched.

If this safari and beach combination sounds like your perfect holiday, check out our Wild Tanzania Tour itinerary.

Whale shark encounters on a Tanzania beach break.

Best Time to Visit

For Zanzibar and most of mainland Tanzania, the best time is from December to March, offering dry weather and excellent wildlife viewing. For Pemba and Mafia Islands, June to October is ideal for clear, dry days, while December to February brings warmer seas. Wildlife highlights such as whale sharks and baby turtles vary, so it's worth planning around what you'd most like to see.

> Discover all Tanzania Tours

South Africa and Mozambique

South Africa and Mozambique create a fantastic safari and beach combo for those wanting a mix of adventure and coastal beauty. In South Africa, you can track the Big Five on thrilling game drives in iconic reserves like Kruger, or venture into private reserves for a more exclusive experience.

Wildlife spotting in South Africa is in a world of its own!

Mozambique brings a different kind of magic, with its relaxed islands, fresh seafood, and colourful coral reefs ideal for snorkelling and diving. Many of the lodges here offer an understated kind of luxury, where you can enjoy top-notch comfort without losing the simple, natural feel of the surroundings. This combination offers rich wildlife, welcoming local culture, and plenty of ways to enjoy both land and sea.

Learn more about our Mozambique Beach Break & Benguerra Island Tours.

This safari and beach combo has it all, from exhilarating safari drives to barefoot luxury on pristine shores!

Garden Route Highlights and Mozambique

If you're heading through South Africa’s southern regions, adding the Garden Route is a great choice. This scenic stretch of coastline serves up everything from forest hikes and rocky cliffs to wildlife-rich reserves and whale watching in season. You can stop off in laid-back coastal towns, take your time on the road, and soak up some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. It’s a brilliant mix of nature, adventure, and charm, especially if you’re planning to finish off with beach time in Mozambique. Perfect if you want a bit of everything: stunning views, wildlife, and a chance to fully unwind.

> Explore the Highlights of the Garden Route.

Africa travel ideas for nature lovers: South Africa’s dramatic Garden Route coupled with Mozambique’s idyllic beaches.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for this combination is from June to October. These months bring ideal safari conditions in South Africa and pleasant beach weather in Mozambique. As an added bonus, humpback whales also make their way along the Mozambican coast during this time. Catching sight of them breaching close to shore is one of those rare, spine-tingling moments that make a trip truly special.

> Explore more Mozambique Tours.

Alternative Option: Madagascar—Unique Bush and Beach

Madagascar Highlights

Madagascar offers a totally unique twist on the safari and beach holiday. The island's biodiversity is extraordinary, with landscapes and wildlife you simply will not find anywhere else. For nature lovers, in particular, Madagascar is a dreamy paradise, where lemurs swing through towering baobab trees, chameleons blend into the greenery, and all kinds of rare birds soar overhead. After days of discovery, you can relax on quiet, untouched beaches where the wild beauty of the island meets the sea. Northern Madagascar is a real standout, where you can hike through rugged national parks by day and unwind in quiet coastal hideaways by night. It blends wild landscapes with peaceful beaches in a way that feels adventurous yet sublimely laid-back.

You can learn more about our Northern Highlights Tour.

Madagascar’s rare wildlife and untouched beaches create a safari and beach holiday unlike any other in Africa.

Best Time to Visit 

If Madagascar’s calling with its curious creatures and tropical beaches, plan your trip between April and October. This is the dry season, when lemurs are more active, trails are easier to navigate, and national parks like Andasibe or Ranomafana are lush but not muddy. It’s also a great time to relax by the coast—Nosy Be, Île Sainte-Marie, or the southwest beaches near Ifaty all shine with sunny skies and calm seas. Bonus: from July to November, you might even spot humpback whales breaching just offshore.

> Discover Viva’s Madagascar Tours

Practical Travel Tips

Before wrapping up, here are a few useful tips to keep in mind as you plan your safari and beach holiday. We know sorting out all the details can feel like a lot at first, but that's where we can step in. Our team is here to make it simple, offering help with visa advice and flight bookings and ensuring your transfers between safari lodges and beach resorts are as smooth as possible.

• Visas and Entry: Many African countries require visas for entry, and requirements can vary by nationality. We always recommend checking early and are happy to guide you through the process to keep things simple.

• Getting Around: Most safari and beach combos are connected by regional flights, so you won't need to worry about long overland journeys. Plus, private transfers and charter flights are also available if you're after something more seamless or tailored. At Viva, we can arrange your experience from beginning to end. We take care of all the logistics; all you need to do is pack and go!

• Health: It's essential to check vaccination guidelines before you travel, and malaria precautions are worth discussing with your doctor, especially if you're visiting bush regions. We'll also keep you updated on any travel health advice along the way.

• Budget: Africa safari and beach combos don’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some Tips to Stretch Your Budget on an African Adventure.

• Camping Safaris: If it’s camping in the wilderness that entices you most, read our comprehensive guide on Camping Safaris in Africa – Things to Know Before You Go.

Why Choose a Safari and Beach Combo?

Combining an African safari with a beach holiday is one of the best ways to experience the continent’s incredible diversity. You can spend your days spotting lions, elephants, and giraffes in the wild, then head to the coast to swim, snorkel, or just watch the waves roll in. Safaris can be pretty full on, with early starts for morning game drives and full days out in the bush, so a bit of beach time at the end gives you the chance to rest and recharge before heading home. It’s the kind of trip that blends high-energy adventure with real downtime, all in one go.

If you're unsure how to put it all together, we are here to help make it simple, from choosing the right destinations to sorting out the finer details. And, since travelling to Africa often means a long-haul journey, it makes perfect sense to experience both safari and beach on the same trip. It's easy and convenient to do it all on one continent, saving you time and effort while making the most of your holiday.

> How to Get to Africa from New Zealand

Need help planning your perfect mix of bush and beach? Get in touch with us for personalised advice and expert guidance on crafting a trip that really suits you.