Bush & Beach - the Ultimate African Adventure
📸 : A Hyena pointedly ignoring a Wildebeest on the Serengeti
In my experience of creating tailored African safaris, I've found that the perfect journey usually combines the excitement of wildlife encounters in the bush with some quality time on the beach. Safari days are long and intense, and a few days relaxing and enjoying a more gentle pace means that you can come back from your trip properly rested!
There are a lot of wonderful options for a Bush ‘n’ Beach combo, read on for my top suggestions.
Kenya offers what many consider the ultimate safari pairing - a Masai Mara Conservancy and the stunning beaches of Diani. The Mara delivers those iconic wildlife moments we all dream of, with game viewing that consistently ranks among Africa's finest. Then, just a short flight away, the powder-white sands of Diani await, where the Indian Ocean stretches to the horizon and the pace of life slows beautifully.
For an off-the-beaten-track Kenya combination I would suggest a Conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau or Samburu and Lamu. The Lamu Archipelago is a wonderful option if you’d like to experience some culture alongside relaxation - here you’ll find lovely barefoot-lux beach lodges and Lamu Town, a UNESCO world heritage site and Kenya's oldest continually inhabited town, believed to have been established in 1370.
A classic Tanzania circuit is another excellent option, combining the Serengeti's vast plains with Zanzibar's pristine beaches. This combination provides the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. The Zanzibar’s rich history, spice plantations and crystal-clear waters offer a blissful contrast to the rugged wilderness of the mainland.
If you’d prefer a more off-the-beaten-track Tanzania combination I’d suggest Ruaha National Park in the South and one of the smaller islands off the coast, such as Mafia. Mafia has a laid-back atmosphere and feels genuinely unspoiled. It’s part of a protected marine park, so home to exceptional variety of marine life, from resident whale sharks (best seen between October and March) to vibrant coral.
A less-travelled but equally rewarding option combines South Africa's wildlife with Mozambique's pristine coastline. Start in the private reserves around the Greater Kruger National Park, where intimate wildlife encounters and luxury lodges set the standard for safari excellence. Then fly to the Bazaruto Archipelago or the Quirimbas Islands in Mozambique, where pristine reefs, desert islands, and barefoot luxury lodges create the perfect contrast. The Mozambique Channel is famous for it’s marine megafauna including Whale Sharks and is great for diving and snorkelling. Alternatively, KwaZulu-Natal's coast offers excellent diving and snorkelling closer to Kruger, ideal for those preferring to stay within South Africa.
For something distinctly different, consider Malawi's bush and lake combination. Malawi’s National Parks have thrived under the management of the African Parks Foundation and you can combine Liwonde National Park, with elephants wading through the palm-fringed Shire River or Majete National Park with Lake Malawi - often called the Lake of Stars. Unlike traditional beach destinations, the lake offers crystal-clear fresh water teeming with colourful cichlid fish found nowhere else on Earth. The shoreline, dotted with fishing villages and elegant lodges, provides a distinct alternative to coastal beaches.
📸 : A boat off one of Zanzibar’s beaches
Timing plays a crucial role in planning these combinations. The migration moves through the Mara at different times, marine life follows seasonal patterns, and weather conditions vary throughout the year. For instance, combining South Africa's winter game viewing with Mozambique's dry season creates optimal conditions for both wildlife and beach activities.
Light aircraft connections have transformed African travel, making these combinations (almost) seamless. However, I always recommend spending at least three nights in each location.
These combinations can provide excellent value, particularly when mixing premier wildlife destinations with more affordable coastal locations. This approach allows for those bucket-list safari experiences while maintaining reasonable overall costs.
For first-time safari goers, the Kenya combination offers an ideal introduction, with outstanding infrastructure and consistently high-quality experiences. However, for those seeking something different, the South Africa-Mozambique pairing delivers an unmatched combination of luxury safari and exclusive beach life.
The key to a successful bush and beach safari lies in creating a journey that flows naturally from one experience to the next. While game viewing usually takes priority during the initial stages of safari planning, it's the thoughtful mix of experiences that transforms a good safari into an extraordinary one. And in Africa, there's nothing better than following the thrill of wildlife encounters with the gentle rhythms of beach life.