Safari and Beach Escapes: How to Combine Africa’s Best Luxury Adventures and Coastal Retreats

Safari and Beach Escapes: How to Combine Africa’s Best Luxury Adventures and Coastal Retreats

Safari and Beach Escapes: How to Combine Africa’s Best Luxury Adventures and Coastal Retreats

Blog post with #NANANtravel
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Africa offers an unparalleled combination of luxury, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. For discerning travellers, nothing beats the thrill of an exclusive safari followed by a private beach retreat. This seamless blend of wildlife and relaxation allows you to experience the continent’s most iconic landscapes—spanning from the untamed wilderness of Africa’s finest game reserves to the serene white sands of its coastal paradises.

At Nanan Travel, we specialise in curating tailored journeys that combine the best of both worlds: exhilarating game drives and tranquil beach escapes. Below, we present five luxury safari and beach combos that will transform your African adventure into an unforgettable experience.

1. Okavango Delta (Botswana) + Bazaruto Archipelago (Mozambique)

Safari: Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, where luxury lodges are set against the backdrop of lush wetlands teeming with elephants, lions, and hippos. For a truly exclusive experience, stay at MomboCamp, Duke’s Camp, or Xigera Safari Lodge. These camps offer unparalleled luxury in the heart of the Delta, with private game drives and mokoro (traditional canoe) safaris. You’ll have the chance to spot elusive predators and rare bird species in an intimate setting.

  • Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from June to October, offers the best game-viewing opportunities as animals congregate around the water sources.
  • Exclusive Experience: Enjoy a heli-safari over the Delta for a bird’s-eye view of this unique ecosystem.

Beach: Bazaruto Archipelago

After the adventure of your safari, fly to the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique for a serene escape. Stay at andBeyond Benguerra Island, a private island retreat offering beachfront villas, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for diving and snorkelling. Alternatively, consider Sussurro, an eco-luxury retreat on the mainland of Mozambique, known for its elegant design and tranquil coastal setting.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: From April to November, when the weather is ideal for beach activities and underwater exploration.
  • Exclusive Experience: Book a private dhow cruise at sunset with champagne, or enjoy a secluded beach dinnerunder the stars.

2. Serengeti (Tanzania) + Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Safari: Serengeti

The Serengeti is synonymous with the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh pastures, pursued by Africa’s most iconic predators. Stay at Mombo Camp, located within the private Grumeti Reserve. This ultra-luxury lodge offers a front-row seat to the migration, with fewer crowds and the perfect blend of comfort and adventure.

  • Best Time to Visit: The migration moves through different parts of the Serengeti, with the river crossings being most dramatic between June and July. Game viewing is excellent from June to October, as the migration makes its way across the plains, offering multiple chances to witness this spectacle.
  • Exclusive Experience: Take a private hot air balloon safari at dawn, floating over the plains as the sun rises and wildlife awakens.

Beach: Zanzibar

After your safari, unwind on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar. Stay at Zuri Zanzibar, an eco-luxury resort that perfectly balances indulgence with sustainability. Enjoy private beachfront villas, gourmet dining, and wellness experiences, including beachfront yoga or a traditional Swahili spa treatment.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: From June to October, the dry season brings ideal beach weather, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
  • Exclusive Experience: Arrange a private snorkelling or diving trip to explore the vibrant coral reefs of Mnemba Atoll.

3. Kruger National Park (South Africa) + Benguerra Island (Mozambique)

Safari: Kruger National Park

For a truly elite safari, explore the private concessions of Kruger National Park. Stay at Tanda Tula Safari Camp or Saseka Tented Camp, where you’ll experience intimate tented luxury combined with thrilling Big Five game drives. These lodges offer exclusive access to some of the most remote areas of Kruger, with the flexibility to embark on private walking safaris or night drives.

  • Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from May to September, offers excellent game-viewing conditions and more comfortable temperatures.
  • Exclusive Experience: Book a private bush dinner under the African stars, complete with gourmet cuisine and fine South African wines.

Beach: Benguerra Island

After the excitement of Kruger, retreat to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Stay at andBeyond Benguerra Island, where you’ll find secluded beachfront villas and exceptional marine experiences. Explore the vibrant coral reefs, go deep-sea fishing, or simply relax on the powder-soft sands while your personal butler attends to every need.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: April to November is perfect for beach activities and calm waters.
  • Exclusive Experience: Charter a private yacht for a day of island-hopping, or enjoy a picnic on a deserted sandbank.

4. Masai Mara (Kenya) + Seychelles

Safari: Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, famous for its vast savannahs and abundant wildlife, including the legendary Big Five. Stay at Mara Plains Camp, which offers exceptional luxury, personalised service, and unrivalled access to the Great Migration. This lodge is perfectly located for spectacular game viewing, including river crossings during migration season.

  • Best Time to Visit: July to October, when the wildebeest migration reaches the Mara and river crossings are at their peak.
  • Exclusive Experience: Arrange a private bush breakfast after a morning game drive or opt for a private photographic safari led by an expert guide.

Beach: Seychelles

For the ultimate beach retreat, fly to the Seychelles, home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches. Stay at North Island, a private island resort that epitomises barefoot luxury. The island offers pristine white beaches, luxurious villas, and endless ocean views. Enjoy the exclusivity of the island, where you can engage in water sports, dive among vibrant coral reefs, or simply relax in your private pool villa.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: From May to September, Seychelles offers perfect beach weather with pleasant temperatures and calm seas.
  • Exclusive Experience: Book a private sunset sail or arrange a spa treatment on the beach.

5. Kruger National Park (South Africa) + Benguerra Island (Mozambique)

Safari: Selous Game Reserve

For a more off-the-beaten-path safari, the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is an undiscovered gem. Stay at Siwandu Camp, a luxury tented camp offering river safaris, walking safaris, and game drives. The diversity of wildlife and the reserve’s vast, untouched landscapes create a truly immersive safari experience.

  • Best Time to Visit: From June to October, the weather is dry, and wildlife congregates around the rivers.
  • Exclusive Experience: Take a private river safari at sunset, with sundowners on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos and crocodiles as the day fades.

Beach: Pemba Island

After your wilderness adventure, head to Pemba Island, one of the lesser-known gems of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Stay at Fundu Lagoon or The Manta Resort, where you can experience Africa’s most unique accommodations, including an underwater room at Manta Resort. Whether you’re snorkelling with tropical fish or enjoying complete seclusion on the beach, Pemba offers the perfect end to your adventure.

 

  • Best Time to Visit: From June to October, Pemba offers warm, dry days and calm seas for diving and snorkelling.
  • Exclusive Experience: For the ultimate indulgence, enjoy a private dinner on the beach, with the waves gently lapping at your feet.

Combining Africa’s top luxury safari destinations with its finest coastal retreats offers an unbeatable travel experience, blending excitement with relaxation. Whether you’re navigating the waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti, or indulging in the pristine beaches of Mozambique or Zanzibar, these safari and beach combos promise exclusivity, adventure, and the ultimate in luxurious comfort.

Let Nanan Travel create your perfect safari and beach escape—a seamless journey that takes you from the heart of Africa’s wilderness to the idyllic shores of the Indian Ocean.

Ready to start planning your African adventure? 

Get in touch now for tailored travel guidance and make your African adventure truly unparalleled. Together, we’ll plan every moment of your journey, ensuring that your coastal experience is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity.

German and Niece in Cape Town

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Top 7 Fly-In Safaris and Coastal Combinations in Africa

Top 7 Fly-In Safaris and Coastal Combinations in Africa

Top 7 Fly-In Safaris and Coastal Combinations in Africa

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts

Africa’s varied landscapes—from vast wetlands teeming with wildlife to arid desert dunes and sun-kissed beaches—present an array of adventures that offer the perfect blend of nature, luxury, and exclusivity. One of the most seamless ways to experience this diversity is through fly-in safaris, where private aircraft whisk you from one breathtaking lodge to another. These safaris combine high-end comfort with unrivalled access to some of Africa’s most remote and spectacular destinations.

At Nanan Travel, we believe in curating journeys that transcend expectations. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of seven fly-in safari and coastal combinations, each offering an extraordinary mix of wildlife encounters and tranquil escapes, ensuring your African adventure is as diverse as it is luxurious.

1. Okavango Delta (Botswana) + Sossusvlei (Namibia)

 

Okavango Delta: Your journey begins in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its labyrinth of waterways, wildlife-rich floodplains, and remote luxury lodges. At the exclusive andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, explore the Delta by mokoro (a traditional canoe) or 4×4 vehicles, spotting hippos, elephants, and leopards along the riverbanks. The intimacy and seclusion of the camp ensure a deeply personal connection with nature.

Sossusvlei (Namibia): After a captivating experience in the Okavango, fly to Sossusvlei, home to the famous red dunes of the Namib Desert. Stay at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, where you can embark on dawn hot-air balloon rides, witness the towering dunes at sunrise, and explore desert-adapted wildlife. The dramatic desert scenery offers an unforgettable contrast to Botswana’s wetlands.

Combo Highlights: The striking combination of the lush, wildlife-rich Okavango Delta and Namibia’s stark, arid desert delivers two dramatically different but equally captivating safari experiences.

2. Ngorongoro Crater + Serengeti (Tanzania) + Zuri Zanzibar (Zanzibar)

Ngorongoro Crater: Begin your Tanzanian adventure in the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera and a wildlife haven. Stay at the luxurious andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, perched on the crater’s rim, offering breathtaking views. Descend into the crater to see black rhinos, lions, and a diversity of birdlife.

Serengeti: From here, fly to the Serengeti and stay at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, a luxurious retreat offering expansive views of the Serengeti plains. This lodge, part of the Grumeti Reserve, offers a front-row seat to the Great Migration, providing a more exclusive setting compared to other parts of the park.

Zuri Zanzibar: After your safari, head to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar and relax at Zuri Zanzibar, a boutique resort known for its eco-conscious luxury and cultural immersion. Lounge on the white sands, explore coral reefs, or unwind in the hotel’s wellness facilities. For an alternative, consider Zawadi or White Sands Villas, which offer equally serene beachfront experiences.

Combo Highlights: This combination showcases Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes—volcanic craters, sweeping Serengeti plains, and the tranquil beaches of Zanzibar—offering both adventure and relaxation.

3. Kruger National Park (South Africa) + Phinda Private Game Reserve (South Africa) + Benguerra Island or Sussurro (Mozambique)

Kruger National Park: Begin your journey in South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park. Instead of the larger, well-known lodges, stay at Tanda Tula or Saseka Tented Camp for an intimate, tented safari experience. Both lodges offer unparalleled access to wildlife while maintaining a sense of exclusivity and privacy.

Phinda Private Game Reserve: Fly to the diverse Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. This reserve is home to seven distinct ecosystems, providing a range of activities from cheetah tracking in the savannah to exploring the lush wetlands. Phinda is also renowned for its strong conservation efforts.

Benguerra Island or Sussurro: After your safaris, fly to Benguerra Island in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, where you can relax on pristine beaches or dive among vibrant coral reefs. For a more boutique experience, consider Sussurro, an eco-conscious luxury retreat offering serene beachfront and mangrove settings.

Combo Highlights: Experience a seamless transition from South Africa’s Big Five safari to the secluded, tranquil beaches of Mozambique, balancing adventure and relaxation.

4. Masai Mara (Kenya) + Laikipia Plateau (Kenya) + Diani Beach (Kenya)

Masai Mara: Fly into the Masai Mara, home to the Great Migration. Stay at Kichwa Tembo Camp, which offers prime viewing of this spectacular wildlife event as well as opportunities to see the Mara’s famous predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Laikipia Plateau: Next, fly to Laikipia Plateau, a rugged region known for its conservation efforts and private wildlife reserves. It is also home to the only known black leopard in Africa. Laikipia offers a more intimate wildlife experience compared to the busy Mara, with a focus on rhino protection and other endangered species.

Diani Beach: End your journey with a stay at Diani Beach, one of Kenya’s most stunning coastal retreats. Relax by the turquoise waters, enjoy coral reef snorkeling, or simply take in the serene beauty of the Indian Ocean.

Combo Highlights: This quintessential Kenyan experience combines the iconic Great Migration with a more intimate wildlife encounter in Laikipia, followed by a tranquil beach escape on the Kenyan coast.

5. Selous Game Reserve (Tanzania) + Ruaha National Park (Tanzania) + Zuri Zanzibar (Zanzibar)

Selous Game Reserve: Begin in Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Known for its river safaris on the Rufiji River, Selous offers a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience. Fly between lodges to immerse yourself in this vast, untouched wilderness.

Ruaha National Park: After Selous, fly to Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem that boasts one of Africa’s largest populations of lions. With fewer visitors, Ruaha offers a more exclusive and peaceful safari experience, set against a backdrop of baobab forests and rugged hills.

Zuri Zanzibar: Complete your journey at Zuri Zanzibar, where you can unwind on pristine beaches or explore the cultural heritage of Stone Town. This eco-conscious resort offers the perfect blend of luxury and cultural immersion.

Combo Highlights: Tanzania’s southern parks provide an exclusive safari experience far from the crowds, paired with the serene beauty of Zanzibar’s beaches.

6. Etosha National Park (Namibia) + Sossusvlei (Namibia) + Skeleton Coast (Namibia)

Etosha National Park: Begin in Etosha, Namibia’s premier wildlife destination. Stay at Ongava Lodge, where you’ll have private access to game drives and exceptional wildlife viewing, including elephants, rhinos, and lions.

Sossusvlei: Next, head to Sossusvlei and experience the iconic red dunes of the Namib Desert. Stay at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, and explore this stunning landscape with activities like hot-air ballooning and hiking. Sossusvlei is the perfect place to witness Namibia’s desert-adapted wildlife.

Skeleton Coast: End your Namibian adventure on the eerie and dramatic Skeleton Coast. Stay at Shipwreck Lodge, where the desolate desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the surreal landscapes, track desert-adapted elephants, and visit seal colonies along the coast.

Combo Highlights: Namibia’s combination of desert, wildlife, and coastal ecosystems creates an adventure that feels like stepping into another world.

7. Chobe National Park (Botswana) + Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) + Lower Zambezi or Mana Pools (Zambia/Zimbabwe)

Chobe National Park: Start in Chobe National Park, famous for its dense elephant population. Stay at Chobe Game Lodge and experience river safaris along the Chobe River, where you can see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles from the water.

Victoria Falls: Fly to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Marvel at the awe-inspiring waterfall, and enjoy adventure activities like white-water rafting and helicopter tours over the falls.

Lower Zambezi or Mana Pools: Conclude your adventure with a stay at either Lower Zambezi National Park or Mana Pools, which lie on opposite sides of the Zambezi River. Stay at camps like Rukomechi Camp, Nyamatusi, or Chikwenya in Mana Pools for incredible game viewing and canoe safaris.

Combo Highlights: This combination offers a thrilling mix of river-based safaris, the dramatic beauty of Victoria Falls, and the peacefulness of a Zambezi River safari.

These fly-in safari combinations offer the ultimate African experience, combining luxury, wildlife, and the continent’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re traversing the wetlands of Botswana, the deserts of Namibia, or the savannahs of East Africa, each of these journeys promises exclusivity, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

For more travel inspiration and tailored itineraries, explore our latest posts on African safaris at Nanan Travel.

Ready to start planning your African adventure? 

Get in touch now for bespoke travel guidance and make your African adventure truly unparalleled. Together, we’ll tailor every moment of your journey, ensuring that your safari experience is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity.

German and Niece in Cape Town

What Our Clients Say