Picture a landscape of unpaved paths snaking through the dry, yellowed savannah. A place where you can have breakfast while viewing lions, giraffes and zebras. Now picture this — just hours later you are taking a nap on a soft sandy beach, amidst turquoise waves lapping at your toes. It’s hard to believe all of this can exist in one place — and it does.
Africa is the continent that defies all norms by seamlessly blending worlds that seem impossible to fit together. Ancient cultures can coexist with modern luxuries. Jungle thrills with cool ocean breezes. Somehow, it’s worked for hundreds of years — so why not try it yourself?
Popular Beach & Safari Holidays in Africa
About The Beach Destinations in Africa
Kenya – Masai Mara & Diani Beach
Kenya is undoubtedly a classic safari and beach destination. Some of the best wildlife viewing in all of Africa meets stunning coastlines — what more could an adventurer ask for? Start your journey right in the heartland of Masai Mara National Reserve where plains stretch out as far as you can see, and where wildebeest migration is known worldwide as one of earths most breathtaking events.
While on your trip take part in thrilling game drives where you’ll find lions, elephants and cheetahs lurking around every corner.
When night falls rest easy knowing you are nestled away under bright stars at luxurious tented camps.
After your safari ends head over for some well-earned R&R at Diani Beach’s white sandy beaches. Here, 10 km stretches surrounded by palm trees await you — not to mention laid-back beach bars serving up drinks made with the freshest coconuts.
Where to stay:
Angama Mara: A luxurious lodge perched high above Masai Mara that is known for its stunning views and unforgettable safari experiences.
The Sands at Nomad: This eco-chic resort on Diani Beach is where you’ll find exactly what you need— laid-back luxury and Swahili style.
Tanzania – Serengeti & Zanzibar
Head just a little South of Kenya and you’ll land in Tanzania. Another top choice for safari and beach holidays, this destination combines the iconic Serengeti National Park with majestic Zanzibar — the island of spices.
Serengeti, home to Africa’s largest concentration of wildlife including the Big Five and annual wildebeest migration, will take your breathe away. Famed for being one of earths most awe-inspiring wonders, take part in daily game drives across vast plains — then head back to camp in elegant tented camps or lodges by nightfall.
South Africa is an inviting place to visit. It offers thrilling safaris and a good combination of things to look at in major cities along with the stunning beaches. A great way to start your adventure would be at Kruger National Park, which is on e of the largest reserves in Africa. You can choose from going out on a game drive or walking safari during the day, where you can spot all sorts animals including the Big Five along with various other species. At night, there are luxurious lodges and tented camps that are available for you to stay at.
After your safari, it’d probably be best if you go over to Cape Town for some beach time and cultural exploration. With Table Mountain as its backdrop and beautiful beaches, world-class restaurants, rich history, this vibrant city is perfect for anybody trying to find something interesting. There’s also a cable car that’ll take you straight up Table Mountain so you can enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town.
Where You Should Stay
You’re going to get everything under one roof when staying at Singita Lebombo Lodge: An unforgettable experience along with top notch service.
The One&Only Cape Town is located on the V&A Waterfront and offers rooms that show off stunning views of Table Mountain
Seychelles – Mahé & La Digue
The Seychelles is an incredible place to visit if you love nothing more than a beach holiday. It’s not known for its safaris, but this archipelago of 115 islands offers some of the most serene coastlines in the world. If you’re a nature lover, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained; think dense jungles, towering mountains and crystal-clear waters teeming with fish.
Start your trip on Mahé – the biggest island in the Seychelles – and spend your days exploring its many beautiful beaches. Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Intendance are two of our favourites. The former is often hailed as one of the most stunning shores on the planet! You can also hike through Morne Seychellois National Park or take a tour round Victoria – the capital city.
After a few days on Mahé, head to nearby La Digue for something a little bit quieter. Not only is this tiny island car-free, it’s also home to some truly breathtaking beaches (Anse Source d’Argent included). Spend your time cycling through the lush interior, snorkelling in the transparent sea and sunbathing on white sandy shores.
Where to stay:
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: This luxurious beachfront hotel on Mahé boasts stunning villas, first-class dining facilities and all sorts of outdoor activities.
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie: Set in a tropical garden on La Digue, this boutique hotel combines Creole hospitality with laid-back luxury.
Mauritius – Black River Gorges & Le Morne
Mauritius is another great destination for travellers who want to combine their love of nature with their love of luxury. While it doesn’t offer traditional safaris either, there are plenty of national parks and nature reserves where you can see unique animals or go for a walk in the wilderness.
Start your adventure at Black River Gorges National Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails and endemic species such as the Mauritian flying fox and the Mauritian kestrel. You can hike through lush forests, swim in freshwater pools and spend hours watching birds.
After you’ve finished exploring the park, head to scenic Le Morne peninsula for some beach time. Fringed by a lagoon and white sandy beaches, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the prettiest places on earth. Make sure you go snorkelling while you’re here – the local coral reefs are amazing – and don’t forget to learn about Mauritius’ history and culture.
Where to stay:
Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa: Overlooking Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, this eastern hotel offers beachfront villas, gourmet restaurants and plenty of outdoor facilities.
LUX* Le Morne: This wellness-focused resort on the Le Morne peninsula provides guests with stylish beachfront rooms and access to lots of activities.
Madagascar – Andasibe & Nosy Be
Madagascar isn’t like any other country in Africa. As well as stunning beaches and wonderful wildlife (most of which can only be found on this island), it’s also home to a rich cultural heritage that’s worth exploring if you have time. Start your trip in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – a rainforest that’s overrun by lemurs. These funny animals are Madagascar’s biggest drawcard so make sure you take some photographs!
Once you’ve seen enough lemurs, hike through the park’s trails looking out for other rare creatures too. The chameleons are incredible!
After your nature exploration, make your way to the tropical island of Nosy Be for a little beach time and water adventure. The stunning island off the northwest coast of Madagascar is home to white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Spend time snorkeling, diving, and hopping from one island to another. At night you can feast on fresh seafood while enjoying that laid-back island vibes we all love.
Where to stay:
Vakona Forest Lodge: This eco-lodge in the heart of Andasibe rainforest offers rustic-chic bungalows.
Tsara Komba Lodge: This luxurious eco-lodge on Nosy Be offers stunning beachfront villas.
Rwanda – Volcanoes & Lake Kivu
Despite being small in size, Rwanda offers some of the most life-changing safari experiences in Africa. You can also find beautiful lakes and a truly fascinating cultural heritage here as well. Kick off your adventure in Volcanoes National Park which is where you can find those iconic mountain gorillas. It was also the setting for Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking research if you’re a fan. Spend your days trekking through misty forests with these gentle giants and nights at a lodge with views of Virunga Mountains.
Once you complete your gorilla trekking experience, head over to Lake Kivu for some relaxation and fun with water sports. The vast lake that borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo hosts lots of stunning beaches you can lay out on after kayaking or swimming through its famous crystal-clear waters during the day.
Where to stay:
Singita Kwitonda Lodge: This ultra-luxurious lodge sits right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park and provides world-class service in addition to stunning views.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel: This charming lakeside hotel offers comfortable rooms along with its perfect location for exploring Lake Kivu’s beauty and culture.
Namibia – Etosha & Swakopmund
Namibia is a vast and dramatic destination that’s home to some of the most unique and otherworldly landscapes in all of Africa. In addition to great wildlife, you can also discover a fascinating cultural heritage here. Start your adventure in Etosha National Park where there’s a large salt pan surrounded by grasslands and savanna. This place is home to diverse wildlife like elephants, lions, and the endangered black rhino. Spend your days on game drives or walking safaris spotting those species and marveling at ethereal landscapes.
Once you’re done with your safari, head over to the coastal town of Swakopmund for some adrenaline-pumping fun before laying out on their stunning beaches. The charming town sits right on the edge of Namib Desert which is where you can do things like sandboarding or quad biking if you’re feeling adventurous enough.
Where to stay:
Onguma The Fort: This luxurious lodge can be found on the eastern edge of Etosha and has stylish rooms along with stunning views.
Strand Hotel Swakopmund: This iconic hotel offers comfortable rooms while being conveniently located on the Swakopmund beachfront.
Mozambique is an African treasure. It’s considered one of the most remote and unspoiled safari and beach destinations in Africa Start your journey at the Niassa Reserve. This massive reserve up north is home to some of the world’s best elephants, lions and wild dogs. Spend your days on a game drive or walking through this untamed terrain and your nights beneath a sky full of stars.
Once you’re done adventuring, head over to the Quirimbas Archipelago. These 32 coral islands are home to white sandy beaches, blue water and an amazing array of marine life.. Stay on Ibo Island if you want to experience a tropical haven that has a little more history behind it. There are plenty of restored colonial villas available for booking.
