If you think of Africa, you most likely think of safari. And yes, it’s a must when you’re visiting our continent! However, what you might not realise is that we also have some of the best beaches in the world. And that's it's super easy to combine the two! So, let’s take you from the bush to the beach to show you why an island and safari holiday is the perfect combo for your next holiday…
Love inevitably blossoms on an island and safari holiday
1. Experience the Best of Both Worlds
First, there’s the African bush, golden hour sunsets with G&Ts, and iconic wildlife sightings. Then, you get stretches of silky white sand set against powder-blue skies, snorkelling in clear water bustling with kaleidoscopic fish, and dancing the night away in the moonlight. In short? The perfect pair.
Whether on safari or sandy shores, let your most fabulous self out to shine
2. From Adventure to R&R
As much as we adore early morning game drives and the exhilaration of a Big 5 safari, it can be quite action-packed! Therefore, ending your African safari on a more relaxing note on the beach is just what the doctor ordered. Well, that and bottomless cocktails!
As much as we adore safaris, we love doing nothing but soaking up the sun on the beach
3. Rev up the Romance
What does romance look like to you? In Africa, that “just falling in love” feeling blossoms in the pit of your stomach around every corner. It’s like you’re seeing the world with new eyes, and we can guarantee you won’t return home the same. Romance in Africa is meeting each other’s eyes after a lion just brushed past your game vehicle. It’s soaking in your plunge pool with elephants shuffling past in the not-so-far distance.
It’s also dinners under the stars on an isolated beach, sailing across the azure ocean and meeting dolphins along the way. It’s jumping from your room into the ocean and spending the day soaking up the sun with nowhere to be but right there and then. Africa is romance, and bush and beach are the perfect match.
This is what proposal dreams are made of, Image Credit: Angsana Balaclava
4. Smooth Sailing Logistics
Okay, so you're feeling giddy with excitement at the prospect of coming to experience both Africa's beautiful bush and bountiful beaches… But what's the catch? How easy is it really to combine the two on one trip? Africa's huge, after all!
Well, we have some really, really, really good news for you! There are flight routes from private airstrips that take you straight from the game reserves to the islands. So, in other words, you could enjoy your morning game drive and possibly still enjoy a picnic lunch on a private beach that same day!
We know all the best routes for a stress-free trip and will recommend the best destinations that make sense logistically and for what you're looking for.
Go from safari to island in one flight
Where to Go for the Best Island and Safari Holiday Combos
At Out2Africa, all our tours are tailor-made for you specifically, so the sky's the limit! But to get those ideas going and you dreaming, here are just a few examples of combos we utterly cannot get enough of.
East Africa: From Tanzania or Kenya to Zanzibar
East Africa is home to authentic “Out of Africa” safari settings, such as the world-famous Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya. If you think of that classic safari skyline from "The Lion King" with the flat-topped acacia trees and blood-orange sunsets, then you’re thinking of East Africa.
Sunsets in Africa just hit differently
And, not far from it awaits the Zanzibar Archipelago, where the most fabulous Queen of them all, our very own Freddie Mercury, hails from! He was born in Stone Town, a cultural hub you’ll love, along with Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. You’ll also feel like a castaway (in luxury, naturally!) by going island hopping on a traditional dhow sailboat.
Dhow-n't mind if I do!
South Africa: From Sabi Sand to Mauritius or Mozambique
Oh, South Africa! We know we shouldn't have favourites, but since we live here, I guess we get a free pass for this one? We adore South Africa because it’s not only super gay-friendly and diverse in all things cultural, wildlife, and landscapes, but it’s home to Sabi Sand. We love this leopard-rich land! And we know you’ll do, too.
Oh, how we love meeting these gentle giants on safari
Combine this with the classic honeymoon beach destination of Mauritius, or perhaps something a little bit more off-the-beaten-track like Mozambique, and you’ve got the stuff holiday dreams are made of.
From safari to sipping cocktails on the beach, Image Credit: The Oberoi Mauritius
Madagascar: From Antananarivo to Nosy Be
With some destinations, you’ve got everything right there. Madagascar is one of these, giving you unique wildlife sightings (we’re talking about species found nowhere else on this planet!) like lemurs. Then, head to Nosy Be for magical snorkelling, swimming with impressive but harmless whale sharks, and so much more.
Madagascar is like a mini continent
Let's Go to The Bush and Beach!
So, honey, are you ready for some safari and sandy fun in the sun? Our fabulous Travel Experts frequently visit our favourite safari and beach destinations, so they know precisely what to expect from a logistics point of view. Plus, they know about hidden gems those travel brochures most certainly won't tell you about.
As locals, no one knows Africa more intimately than we do. And trust us when we say she's going to leave you moaning with pleasure (and with displeasure when you have to leave!). Go on, reach out to our Travel Experts so they can get to know you a bit better to tailor the ultimate island and safari holiday combo for you.
