5 essential safari and beach holidays to take this year
From travel novices to globetrotting animal lovers, safari holidays lure thousands to the world’s most secluded corners every year – and it’s not hard to see why! From thrilling wildlife encounters, deep in the heart of the bush, to unforgettable cultural experiences bookending your stay, safaris are amongst the most active experiences you’re likely to find, but that can mean they’re a little tiring too. What better way to relax then, after a busy week chasing the world’s most impressive game, than with a trip to the beach? Here are five top picks to help you pick your perfect safari-beach pairing.
Maasai Mara meets Mombasa
For a quintessential African safari experience, look no further than Kenya and its renowned Maasai Mara game reserve. Here, you’ll find a biodiverse haven rife with roaming giraffes, zebra, and hippopotami – if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Big Five or the region’s native big cats! Better yet, once you’ve had your fill of game drives, Kenya offers one of the world’s finest beachfront areas in vibrant Mombasa. With colourful urban areas interspersed with picturesque coastal stretches, this idyllic city offers the perfect space to unwind after a busy week in the bush.
Suggested tour: Kenya Grand Safari – Four-Night Mombasa Beach Extension
Tranquil Mossel Bay and the Garden Route Game Lodge
Alternatively, you might prefer a blend of slower-paced days and traditional safari experiences. If so, gentle nature cruises along South Africa’s Garden Route as well as days at leisure spent in easy-going Mossel Bay and coastal Knysna, offer some much-needed downtime to recharge in between game drives. What’s more, as you traverse the country’s south coast, you won’t be restricted to the land either and you’ll be just as likely to spot spell-binding sea life as the fabled ‘Big Five’. For a more casual and scenic safari experience, a trip along the Garden Route is an ideal choice.
Suggested tour: Cape Town, the Garden Route and Big Five Safari
The Serengeti and sun-kissed Zanzibar
Few sights are more impressive than the ever-lively Serengeti with breathtaking natural wonders and thriving ecosystems at every turn. In the summer months, you may even be lucky enough to witness the spectacular Great Migration! After the excitement of the Serengeti’s grand safaris, why not unwind with a few days on Zanzibar’s tranquil white beaches? A coastal gem on the azure Indian Ocean, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better island getaway than this!
Suggested tour: Great Safaris of Tanzania and Zanzibar Beach
Luxurious Safari Stays in South Africa and Mauritius
It’s worth mentioning that spending a week in the bush can be a daunting prospect for many, but our next pick is certain to put even the most anxious of safari-goers at ease. With touches of luxury throughout, and a stay in a five-star lodge right in the heart of the prized Mabula Game Reserve, an escape to Waterberg’s Safari Plains camp offers a truly unique wildlife-spotting experience where comfort is front of mind. Pair your luxury bush escape with a five-star resort stay on Mauritius’ white-sand beaches to truly round your trip out in style. With plenty of fascinating optional excursions and first-class facilities onsite, you’ll be free to do as little or as much as you’d like – the ideal end to a lively safari adventure!
Suggested tour: On Safari in South Africa - Luxury Safari Plains with Mauritius
Tiger-spotting and a Goan Beach Escape
If you’d rather balance your time between city sightseeing and captivating game drives, look no further than India’s glorious Rajasthan. From Delhi’s impressive Qutab Minar, and Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal, to the Royal Bengal tigers and Indian elephants native to Ranthambore National Park, unmissable sights await across the country’s majestic central region. Having spent the week in India’s lively urban centres, rife with memorable sights, smells and sounds, you may wish to take a few days away from the bustle of city life. A short trip south to Goa, Portugal’s former colonial gem, offers one of the country’s best options for a seafront getaway. Relax on one of the city’s palm-studded beaches, or perhaps venture out to a nearby spice plantation and learn about the area’s rich agricultural heritage, as you bring an extraordinary trip to an end.
Suggested tour: India – Tigers and the Taj Mahal with Four Night Goa Extension
Whether you’re hoping to bring your wildlife spotting to the azure waters of idyllic Africa’s island nations, or simply recharge in the comfort of a luxury beach resort, there’s no better way to bring your next safari adventure to a close than with an escape to the coast.
