7 Amazing African Safari and Beach Holidays

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

For the ultimate beach and bush combination, pair Tanzania’s legendary Northern Safari Circuit with the exotic spice island of Zanzibar. On your luxury, guided journey, you will explore four distinct and world-famous national parks, each offering a unique wildlife perspective, from the dense elephant herds of Tarangire to the endless plains of the Serengeti. The journey culminates in pure relaxation on a perfect white-sand beach, creating a perfectly paced and unforgettable adventure.

• Wildlife Caldera: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a self-contained Eden teeming with Africa’s iconic wildlife.
• Endless Savannas: Witness the vast, sweeping savannas of the Serengeti, home to the Great Migration.
• Flamingo Spectacle: Marvel at the pink hue of thousands of flamingos wading in the waters of Lake Manyara.
• Historic Stone-Town: Explore the historic, spice-scented alleyways of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Island Escape: Unwind completely on the idyllic shores of Paje Beach, letting the turquoise ocean melt your cares away.

Places Visited:

• Zanzibar
• Arusha
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Olduvai Gorge
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Serengeti National Park
• Paje Beach

Length: 13 Days

Experience the quintessential East African adventure on Zicasso’s Best of Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This itinerary delivers a classic and seamless Kenyan safari and beach experience. By focusing on the world-renowned Maasai Mara, you get an immersive deep dive into one of Africa’s most famous reserves. The adventure is perfectly complemented by a short and easy connection to the historic coastal city of Mombasa. This single-country journey minimizes travel time and complexity, allowing you to enjoy iconic wildlife and rich Swahili culture with ease.

• Classic Safari: Explore the vast plains of the Maasai Mara on thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five.
• Maasai Encounters: Engage with the Maasai people and learn about their ancient culture and deep connection to the land.
• Coastal History: Discover Kenya’s oldest city, Mombasa, known for its historic Old Town and Fort Jesus.
• Beachfront Bliss: Relax at popular beach accommodations, enjoying the warm waters and white sands of the Indian Ocean.
• Seamless Journey: Enjoy the convenience of a single-country trip, requiring only one visa for the entire journey.

Places Visited:

• Nairobi
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Mombasa
• Malindi

Length: 14 Days

Enjoy a timeless adventure on our Best of Bush Safari and Beach Getaway: Masai Mara, Mombasa, and Malindi.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This is the pinnacle of luxury, combining South Africa’s most sophisticated experiences with the exclusive paradise of the Seychelles. The journey moves seamlessly from the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town and its world-class wine country to a premier Big Five safari in Sabi Sands. It concludes on a private island in the Seychelles, offering unparalleled luxury, seclusion, and natural beauty for a truly once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

• Cosmopolitan City: Discover the spectacular beauty and vibrant culture of Cape Town, one of the world's most scenic cities.
• Gourmet Indulgence: Indulge in gourmet food and wine tastings in the picturesque valleys of the Cape Winelands, sampling dishes like bobotie and sparkling whites.
• Premier Safari: Track leopards and lions on exclusive game drives in the Sabi Sands, famed for its incredible wildlife encounters.
• Island Paradise: Escape to the pristine, white-sand beaches of a private island in the Seychelles.
• Ultimate Luxury Experience the ultimate in luxury and style, with every detail curated for an unforgettable escape.

Places Visited:

• Cape Town
• Cape Winelands
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve
• North Island, Seychelles

Length: 13 Days

Embark on an incredible journey to cherish with our South Africa and Seychelles Honeymoon: African Journey to Cherish.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This itinerary is a study in contrasts. It mixes the unique, water-based wilderness of Botswana with the remote, idyllic islands of Mozambique. You will experience a huge diversity of landscapes, from the shimmering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the lush channels of the Okavango Delta. The adventure then shifts to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a marine paradise that’s perfect if you are seeking adventure and tranquil, sun-drenched relaxation.

• Okavango Mokoro: Glide silently through the channels of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro dugout canoe.
• River Safari: Witness the massive elephant herds of Chobe National Park on a spectacular river safari.
• Vast Landscapes: Explore the vast, otherworldly expanse of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a truly unique landscape.
• Azure Waters: Discover the turquoise waters and towering sand dunes of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique.
• Pristine Nature: Enjoy the serene tranquility of two countries known for their focus on water activities and pristine nature.

Places Visited:

• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Length: 14 Days

Discover two incredible countries on the Botswana Safari and Beach Island Paradise for Couples.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

If you are eager to take luxury off the beaten path, this combination of Zambia and Malawi offers an authentic and unexpected adventure. Zambia is the home of the walking safari and delivers superb, uncrowded game viewing in its premier parks. This is paired with the unique, island-style escape of Lake Malawi, a vast freshwater lake brimming with colorful fish. It’s an idyllic getaway if you appreciate wild beauty and genuine tranquility.

• Mighty Falls: Feel the spray of the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• Walking Safaris: Experience thrilling game drives and walking safaris in the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park.
• River Adventures: Enjoy canoeing and river cruises on the majestic Zambezi River, home to hippos and elephants.
• Lakeside Bliss: Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi, a freshwater paradise known as the “Lake of Stars.”
• Freshwater Snorkeling: Snorkel or kayak in the crystal-clear waters to see the dazzling array of cichlid fish.

Places Visited:

• Livingstone
• Victoria Falls
• Zambezi River
• Lower Zambezi National Park
• South Luangwa National Park
• Lake Malawi
• Likoma Island

Length: 15 Days

Experience an idyllic getaway on our Essential Zambia and Malawi: The Idyllic Safari Getaway.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This remarkable itinerary combines two of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences: trekking to see mountain gorillas and witnessing the Great Migration. Start in Rwanda’s lush, volcanic highlands for a life-changing encounter with gorillas in their natural habitat. Then, journey to Tanzania to experience the endless plains of the Serengeti before unwinding on the historic and beautiful island of Zanzibar for a truly comprehensive East African adventure.

• Primate Encounter: Experience the unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime thrill of trekking to see mountain gorillas with a private guide.
• Serengeti Migration: Search for the Big Five and witness the Great Migration on the legendary plains of the Serengeti.
• Island Relaxation: Relax on the idyllic white-sand beaches of Zanzibar after your thrilling wildlife adventures.
• Rich History: Explore the rich history and culture of Rwanda with an insightful visit to Kigali.
• Spice Island: Discover the ancient, winding alleyways and spice markets of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town.

Places Visited:

• Kigali, Rwanda
• Volcanoes National Park
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
• Zanzibar

Length: 14 Days

Embark on the ultimate East African adventure with our Romantic East Africa Safari: Gorillas, Serengeti and Zanzibar Luxury Escape.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This tour proves you don’t need multiple passports to experience Africa’s ultimate bush and beach holiday. South Africa has it all, from the cosmopolitan flair of Cape Town to the guaranteed Big Five sightings in a top private reserve bordering Kruger. The journey is completed at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site where savanna wildlife, hippo-filled estuaries, and pristine coastline converge.

• Iconic Cape Town: Explore the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, from Table Mountain to the Cape Peninsula.
• Premier Game Drives: Enjoy epic Big Five game drives in the Sabi Sands, one of the world's premier safari destinations.
• Unique Ecosystem: Discover the unique iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where hippos, crocodiles, and elephants meet the coast.
• Estuary Safari: Take a boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary to see one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa.
• Diverse Country: Enjoy the ease and diversity of a single-country trip, blending city, safari, and coast seamlessly.

Places Visited:

• Cape Town
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve
• Johannesburg
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Length: 11 Days

See the best of one country with our 11-Day Highlights of South Africa: City to Beach.

Deciding between the thrill of an African safari and the relaxation of an idyllic beach can be difficult, but the perfect solution is a custom-designed holiday that offers both. Our travel specialists excel at crafting seamless journeys that blend adventure and tranquility.

For further information and inspiration, explore our African Safari travel guide. When you are ready to plan, browse our African safari and beach vacation packages or find ideas in our country-specific guides.