Which beach to combine with an African safari
Which beach to combine with an African safari : A beach vacation combined with an African safari is a winning combo. “Surf and turf” is an increasingly popular way to experience the best of Africa and its islands. You can add sand and sea to the beginning of your vacation (the ideal way to de-stress and acclimatize after an international flight) or make the beach the indulgent last chapter of your African story. We’ve provided a list of some of our favorite beach locations because they’re close to the top safari areas. Each is unique, but they all have a few (quite enticing) characteristics: palm-lined beaches, beautiful, warm, turquoise waters, and an abundance of coral reef life. It’s time to travel to the shore and spend some time in Africa’s top beach resorts.
Zanzibar.
Zanzibar, the spice island, boasts breathtaking natural beauty along with an intriguing past. You may explore the fascinating passageways and get a sense of everyday Swahili life by spending time in Stone Town, the country’s capital. Zanzibar has traditionally had trading connections with both Africa and the Middle East because of its location off the coast of Tanzania, and this is reflected in the native language and culture. Zanzibar is now much simpler to reach because to fantastic aircraft connections from the Serengeti and other significant national parks, even if traditional dhows still cruise the seas. Zanzibar has accommodation options for every price range. You can even choose to stay in a traditional Swahili home with four-poster beds and stunning rooftop views. However, all of our suggestions are more beach-focused, allowing you to stroll holding hands along the waves as the sun sets or sip cocktails as fishing boats arrive with the most delicious seafood imaginable. Try Matemwe Retreat, Mnemba Island, or Baraza to take advantage of all that Zanzibar has to offer.
Seychelles.
These islands appear just as you would anticipate a tropical island paradise to look, sparkling like jewels in the Indian Ocean. Turtles dig their eggs on desolate beaches while palm trees sway over the immaculate white sand beaches. Since Seychelles’ economy is tied to the Euro, it is one of our more expensive picks (which is why all-inclusive resorts make sense). The perfect opportunity to express your inner Captain Jack Sparrow! However, you may balance the expenditures by discovering some of the mythical pirate treasures that are said to be hidden on various islands. If you’re travelling from East Africa, you’ll need to spend the night in Nairobi to go to the Seychelles; there are also direct flights from Johannesburg, but they take a lot longer. Seychelles, one of the more upscale beach locations in Africa, is home to several gorgeous and secluded resorts, such Maia Luxury Resort on Mahé, the major island. Alternately, take a helicopter ride across the water to one of the magnificent private islands like Frégate or North Island (the pinnacle of remote island hideaways and a preferred royal honeymoon location). In either case, we’d advise booking a minimum of four nights.
Pemba.
Pemba, Zanzibar’s less well-known northern neighbor, is ideal if you really want to disconnect from the world. Pemba gets many less tourists than Zanzibar, thus it might be an even better site to encounter a traditional Swahili welcome. Pemba is accessible via direct flights from Dar es Salaam despite having an otherworldly feel, and once you arrive, you’ll find a true and exclusive paradise. Pemba is renowned as a diving safari destination, even more so than Zanzibar (located just 30 miles to the south), and knowledgeable Indian Ocean SCUBA enthusiasts will tell you that there is no better place to take the plunge. To fully experience Pemba, you must stay for at least three nights. You won’t regret it because you can spend your days underwater, exploring pristine reefs and having breath-taking experiences. Or, for the ultimate marine safari experience, select the renowned underwater room at Manta Resort, where you can actually “sleep with the fishes” and survive to tell the tale.
Mauritius.
With its palm trees, pristine reefs, and – as an added bonus, in addition to its gorgeous beaches – a mountainous interior with flourishing rainforests, the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius (just four hours’ flight from Johannesburg and also easily reachable from Kenya) is a dream safari vacation destination. Mauritius offers a more active island safari experience, but only if you want it. If you still have energy after your safari holiday (or you feel you need to work off all those sundowner drinks and grilled bush breakfasts) you may do so there. It’s also the ideal place to read that large book you purchased at JFK or LAX but haven’t opened yet! Of course, if you don’t mind being rocked to a deeper state of relaxation while lounging in a hammock between two trees or taking a sunset cruise around the island. We’d recommend spending at least three nights in Mauritius, and choosing either the One & Only, Four Seasons, or Le Tousserok Resort & Spa when you absolutely, positively have to be the most relaxed person in the room.
Diani Beach.
Because you may spend the morning observing the Great Wildebeest Migration and the afternoon swimming in the ocean without taking your passport out of your pocket, Kenya is sometimes referred to as Africa’s most comprehensive safari destination. The Masai Mara (and other reserves) are connected to the southern Kenyan coast by small aircraft (through Nairobi, but without the need for overnight travel). You’re only a short hop away from connecting with your international trip home after your add-on beach holiday, but that won’t be on your mind as you take in the final few restful days of sand, sea, and sunsets. One of our suggested coastal resorts, such as Afrochic Diani, Maji, or Water lovers, is the perfect place to take off your safari boots and experience some barefoot luxury. Even though the environment, food, and colour scheme are all different, it is still clear that you are in Kenya. Life moves more slowly here, and rather than being lulled to sleep by the roar of lions, you’ll hear the waves lapping on the shore. What more perfect way to end your trip to Africa – Diani Beach?
Mozambique.
Direct flights from South Africa make it simple to go to Mozambique’s seemingly endless beaches; in fact, Mozambique starts where the Kruger National Park stops. After a turbulent history, Mozambique has made a tremendous recovery and is now establishing itself as a top vacation destination. Learn about colonial-era rooms, abandoned vacation homes with pastel paint, idyllic tropical islands, and some of the world’s best seafood. Just be careful while using the iconic “pili-pili” sauce it’s quite hot. You may also follow it up with a legendary “2M” beer or “R&R” cocktail. This is rum and raspberry, but it might also be rest and recreation because Mozambique offers a seductive combination of the two. To really experience resorts like Azura Benguerra (on the archipelago of desert islands close off Vilankulos, this is an eco-villa resort in the centre of a Marine National Park) or White Pearl in the south of the country, stay for at least three nights. You won’t want to leave in any case, but that is also true for all of these African beach resorts
