A walk on the wild side, followed by sun-soaked beach bliss. Combining safari adventure with beachfront luxury has become the ultimate trend for discerning travellers seeking a truly memorable dual-destination escape. These unique “safari-and-sand” holidays pair the thrill of tracking exotic wildlife with the allure of pristine coastlines, offering an unforgettable fusion of adventure and relaxation. For 2025, the world’s top luxury destinations have upped the ante, providing seamless transitions between the spectacular wilderness of safari parks and the soothing rhythm of the waves.
Whether you’re yearning to witness the grandeur of the Big Five in Africa or set off on a marine safari to spot humpback whales, these paired experiences promise something extraordinary. Here’s your curated guide to the ultimate safari and beach combinations for 2025.
- Tanzania & Zanzibar
For a quintessential safari-to-beach combination, look no further than Tanzania and Zanzibar, a pairing as iconic as gin and tonic.
Where to Safari in Tanzania
Start your adventure in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, famed for its vast open plains and the majestic Great Migration. Between April and June, witness millions of wildebeests and zebras crossing rivers and grasslands in one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Explore this wildlife haven from the comfort of luxurious lodges, such as the Singita Grumeti Reserve (singita.com), known for its opulent all-inclusive accommodations and unparalleled game drives.
Alternatively, head south to Ruaha National Park, a lesser-trodden gem where lions and elephants roam freely. Here, lodges such as Jabali Ridge (asiliaafrica.com/jabali-ridge) offer breathtaking views and private plunge pools to cool off post-safari.
Then, Relax in Zanzibar
After the thrill of the Serengeti, swap your binoculars for sunglasses and hop on a short flight to Zanzibar, just an hour away. This Indian Ocean paradise is home to powder-white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich Swahili culture.
Stay at the Baraza Resort and Spa (baraza-zanzibar.com), an all-villa retreat offering private beachfront access, gourmet dining, and indulgent spa treatments. Equally inviting is the Park Hyatt Zanzibar (hyatt.com), nestled in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a snorkelling adventure in Mnemba Atoll, where vibrant coral reefs and playful dolphins await.
Image: Hendrik Cornelissen
- South Africa & Mauritius
Pair the thrilling Big Five safaris of South Africa with a tropical Mauritian escape for the ultimate luxury combo.
Where to Safari in South Africa
Begin your travels in Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier safari reserve and home to all members of the Big Five. Stay at the exclusive Singita Sabi Sand Lodge (singita.com), where you’ll be treated to twice-daily game drives, fine dining, and unrivalled views of the African bush.
For a more secluded experience, consider Phinda Private Game Reserve (andbeyond.com), offering luxurious lodges and even walking safaris, where you can appreciate the smaller details of the wildlife.
Then, Bask in Mauritius
Trade the savannah for the shimmering lagoons of Mauritius, reachable in a short four-hour flight. This island paradise promises everything from sugar-soft beaches to lush rainforests.
Book a stay at the famed Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa (shangri-la.com), where overwater villas, watersports, and championship golf courses await. Alternatively, the One&Only Le Saint Géran (oneandonlyresorts.com), another Mauritian treasure, boasts Michelin-starred dining and world-class wellness facilities. Take a catamaran cruise to explore the surrounding lagoons or dip below the waves for an unforgettable scuba adventure.
- Kenya & Seychelles
For a safari and beach pairing that feels straight out of a dream, Kenya and Seychelles deliver perfection in tandem.
Where to Safari in Kenya
Kenya is the birthplace of the safari as we know it, and for good reason. Begin your trip in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, famous for its lion prides and other big cats.
Stay at top luxury camps like Angama Mara (angama.com), perched on the stunning Oloololo Escarpment with cinematic vistas of the Mara. For truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, take a hot air balloon ride over the plains or enjoy a private bush dinner under the stars.
For something off the beaten path, head to Samburu National Reserve where arid landscapes host wildlife found nowhere else, such as the Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich.
Then, Escape to the Seychelles
Only a short flight from Nairobi, the Seychelles archipelago awaits. Picture coconut palms swaying over granite-fringed beaches surrounded by aquamarine waters.
Luxury resorts like the Six Senses Zil Pasyon (sixsenses.com) offer unparalleled seclusion on private islands. Another standout is North Island (north-island.com), where royal family members and Hollywood stars retreat.
The Seychelles is also a snorkeller’s paradise, with vibrant coral gardens and abundant sea life to explore. Don’t miss the chance to kayak through its crystal bays or hike to hidden waterfalls.
- Botswana & Mozambique
For the truly adventurous, pair Botswana’s wild waterways with Mozambique’s unspoiled coastlines.
Where to Safari in Botswana
Botswana is a country famed for its unmatched commitment to conservation. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers one of the most unique safari experiences in the world. Glide silently along the delta’s channels by mokoro (a traditional canoe) as elephants graze nearby.
Stay at the extravagant Vumbura Plains Camp (andbeyond.com) or the eco-conscious Jao Camp (wilderness-safaris.com), both offering luxury accommodations and expert-guided exploration.
For land-based game viewing, Chobe National Park is a must-visit, with massive elephant populations and luxury river cruises.
Then, Relax in Mozambique
After the Delta, head east to Mozambique’s pristine beaches. With beautiful white sands and some of the world’s best diving, it’s an incredible spot to unwind.
The Azura Benguerra Island (azura-retreats.com) offers beachfront villas with private infinity pools and curated activities, including snorkelling safaris to view colourful marine life. Another excellent choice is the White Pearl Resorts (whitepearlresorts.com), perched on Mozambique’s southern shores and surrounded by rolling sand dunes.
Mozambique is also a haven for whale watching, with the migration season between July and October offering front-row seats to see these majestic creatures.
Why Dual-Destination Holidays are Worth It
A safari-and-beach combo isn’t just a holiday; it’s a transformation. By immersing yourself in the wild’s raw beauty before unwinding on tranquil shorelines, you get the best of both worlds. These journeys create lasting memories through once-in-a-lifetime experiences, offering both adventure and relaxation.
When planning your trip, consider working with luxury tour operators such as Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.com) or andBeyond (andbeyond.com), who specialise in bespoke multi-destination itineraries tailored to your every need. Airlines such as Kenya Airways (kenya-airways.com) or South African Airways (flysaa.com) provide convenient connections between many key safari and beach destinations.
By Kasia Penny
(feature image: Davide Robetti)
