Finish on the Beach: Where to Go After Your African Safari
After a week of early wake-up calls and game drives, there's nothing better than a few days with your toes in the sand.
Ending a safari on the beach is one of my favorite ways to finish a trip, and it's a must for honeymooners.
Here's how I help clients choose.
Which Beach Goes With Your Safari?
Zanzibar
The natural pairing for Tanzania, just a short flight from the Serengeti. Swahili culture, Stone Town and beautiful white beaches.
Mozambique
Barefoot-luxury island lodges in the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos, easy to add after a South Africa or Kruger safari.
Mauritius
Lagoons, luxury resorts and lots to do, with good flights from Johannesburg after a southern Africa safari.
The Seychelles
Dreamy beaches and the most exclusive resorts, a beautiful finish after an East African safari.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is easy, exotic and full of character. Spend an afternoon in historic Stone Town, take a spice tour, look for red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, and snorkel or dive around Mnemba Atoll.
The best months are June to October and January to February, when it's dry and warm, and the water is clearest for snorkeling. The long rains come in March to May, with April the wettest month.
Nothing beats a few days with your toes in the sand.
Mozambique
Mozambique's islands feel like a true escape: white sand, turquoise water and small, beautiful lodges. The Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos are the places to go, with direct flights that make them easy add-ons. Depending on the season, you may see whale sharks and turtles.
The best time is April to November. December to February is very wet.
Mauritius
Mauritius has calm lagoons protected by coral reefs, some of the best luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean, and plenty to do beyond the beach, from hiking in Black River Gorges to exploring its mix of cultures and food.
May, June and September to November are wonderful. Cyclone season runs from about January to March.
The Seychelles
The Seychelles is the ultimate island splurge, with soft white beaches, granite boulders and lush green mountains. Many travelers split their stay between Mahé and Praslin, a short flight or ferry away.
The sweet spots are March, April, October and November, which are also the best months for diving and snorkeling. December and January are the wettest.
I've written more about the Seychelles and its resorts.
Best Months for the Beach
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar | ||||||||||||
| Mozambique | ||||||||||||
| Mauritius | ||||||||||||
| Seychelles |
How Long to Stay
Plan on at least 4 nights at the beach. After the travel day, that gives you three full days to truly relax.
My Biggest Advice
Choose your beach based on your safari, not the other way around. A Tanzania safari flows easily into Zanzibar, while a Botswana or South Africa safari pairs beautifully with Mozambique or Mauritius. I'll help you match the beach, the month and the flights so the whole trip feels effortless.
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