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African Beaches

Imagine being able to combine the joy of game-viewing with sun-kissed African beaches. Mix wilderness with an ocean breeze, and you’ll get a perfect holiday. Whether you are looking for family-friendly adventures or luxurious honeymooning spots. Get the opportunity to feel like a safari explorer and perhaps even see the African Big Five. Then end your day with a relaxing swim or walk along the crystal blue waters of the African shoreline. Despite the number of recommended tours, the choice is up to you. 


  • Best Time to Go

    June-October

  • Average Beach Holiday Cost

    $800-$2,000

  • Highlights

    Zanzibar, Island off the Coast of Tanzania, Lamu Island, Kenya, The Traanskei, South Africa; Masai Mara National Reserve, Kruger National Park , Serengeti National Park, Great Wildebeest Migration and more.

African Beach Safari Holiday Highlights

  • The Masai Mara national reserve in Tanzania is synonymous with both wildlife and the Maasai tribes. It serves as the stage for the Great Migration, where close to two million wildebeest and zebras spilling into it annually from June to October.
  • The Kruger National Park is the most famous gem in South Africa’s twinkling tourism crown.
  • Kenya’s south coast, such as the Diani beach, delivers luxurious resorts, secluded beaches and a handful of islands, scattered through the Indian Ocean.
  • A vast landscape of wide plains, the Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest park.
  • Zanzibar, the luxurious the Spice Island, is perfect for a relaxing beach escape.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to safari and beach holidays, there are some perfect pairings, such as Kenya and Diani Beach, Tanzania and Zanzibar, and South Africa and Mozambique.

If you are looking for an authentic safari experience then East Africa, particularly Kenya, is the perfect place to visit.

If you are looking for a luxurious safari experience, then Tanzania should be your first choice. If you are considering a trip to Tanzania, make sure that you make time for the annual wildebeest migration of Masai Mara National Reserve. With Zanzibar, the Spice Island off the coast of Tanzania as the perfect beach extension for your holiday.

Pros
  • Several wildlife circuits for premium wildlife viewing.
  • A wide variety of habitats and scenery.
  • Beautiful beaches with plenty of resorts to choose from.
  • Interacting with a variety of indigenous African cultures.
Cons
  • Some of the main attractions may become crowded by tourists. Make sure you speak to guides about the best times to visit these attractions.
  • In some parts of Africa there is a higher risk of malaria infection. Consult your local medical practice before your visit about precautions that you can take.

Best Time to Go

The best time to go on an African beach safari holiday is between June and October, which is the dry season. The dry season is a very comfortable time of year to visit the Africa as there are fewer mosquitoes, little if any rain and temperatures are pleasantly warm during the day and refreshingly cool at night.

A walking safari is one of the most adventurous ways to have a wilderness experience. The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the best places to see wildlife and the dry season from the end of May to October is considered the best time for a walking safari.

Not only will vegetation be low and spare at this time of the year, making animals easier to spot and follow, the permanent water sources also provide for a more rewarding game viewing experience. The dry season also means that there will be fewer mosquitos bothering you during your walk.

Early morning walks are generally the best time to spot wildlife, as the temperatures are cool, and the animals are still very active. You can also experience the beauty of the African sunrise.

Similarly, you also be able to view a lot of animals during early evening walks. Predatory animals begin to stir from their heat-of-the-day slumber, while their prey becomes ever more active and alert as darkness falls.

Start your African Adventure

Beach Holidays in Africa at a Glance

Zanzibar in Tanzania

Pros:

  • Spectacular beaches with clear, turquoise water
  • There’s a wide range of places to stay, at varying price points
  • Not far from the beaches is Stone Town, the UNESCO heritage site
  • Originally a key island along the spice route, the area is fascinating mix of Arabic and African cultures
  • Renting a boat to see the surrounding, smaller islands nearby tends to be quite inexpensive

Cons:

Not as remote as it once was
  • Like the rest of Tanzania, Zanzibar beach areas require travelers to be vaccinated
Lamu Island in Kenya

Pros:

  • The area is a UNESCO heritage site dedicated to preserving the Swahili Culture
  • Lamu Old Town is beautifully preserved and makes for a truly special experience
  • The island is home to the gorgeous Shela Beach
  • You can go on a coastal safari using a Dhow, the sailing ship traditionally used in the region
  • Nearby coral reefs make for incredible snorkelling

Cons:

  • It tends to be overrun with tourists during the summer months
  • Like Tanzania, it’s best that travelers be vaccinated.
The Traanskei in South Africa

Pros:

  • Still some fairly remote areas with lots of beautiful, protected beaches
  • There are hikes available that track the entire coast line
  • The area is located in the Eastern Cape, rich with traditional Xhosa cultural heritage
  • Lots of great fishing and surfing opportunities
  • You can visit Hole in the Wall, one of the most impressive landmarks on the South African coast

Cons:

  • Safety can be an issue in some areas so it is better to travel in groups and stay somewhere that has ties to the local community
  • Because so much of the coastline is still so remote, there are limited places to stay so booking in advance is essential

Getting There and Safety

Flights

For the flights to Africa, it is advised to check Skyscanner (for multiple destination flights), to see which airlines can take you there and compare various ticket prices.

If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights.

If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights.

Visas

For more detailed information on visa policy in each country, see our Complete Travel Guides below:

Vaccinations and Malaria

Before booking your tour, check your local travel health authority for more information about malaria and required and recommended:

Travel Insurance

Going on a safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris and beach holidays in Africa. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.

Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of your safari trip cover.

What to Pack

For more details on what to pack see our Safari Packing List.