Africa Safari and Beach Holiday

[BodsAuntieFlo]

Has anyone ever been on a safari in Africa and then done a beach holiday? I have a special birthday coming up next year and would love to do a safari then a beach holiday. I'd really appreciate any recommendations for tour operators and where to stay. I don't mean a safari to kill animals btw I'd love to see them in the wild.

We went on a safari/beach holiday last year. We spent 5 nights in Kruger park in South Africa and then 7 nights in Zanzibar.

It really was excellent but we are planning on spending more in the next couple of years to go on safari in Botswana

We did Ngorogoro Crater and Mombassa nearly 20 years ago as part of a bigger trip climing Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar too!

Dunno about an operator but Zanzibar / Tanzania is a lovely match for a beach / safari holiday.

Safari in Kenya/Tanzania 10 days, followed by 10 days in Zanzibar. Most amazing holiday ever. I'd love to go back.

There's a place in Tanzania Sadaaani National Park which is on the beach and inside a game park, pretty much a unique location in that you can safari and beach on the same day. The safari isn't the best in Africa - I've been on a few safaris - but when I went I saw a LOT of lions every time we went out, as well as giraffe, zebra, hyenas etc and it's incredibly uncrowded unlike many of the more popular parks which was a real bonus, you had the animals practically to yourself. I stayed in a lovely hotel called something like Sadaani lodge iirc, with a big infinity pool and rooms right on the beach. Lovely staff. Kenya is safe for safari, some people might be dubious about the beach resorts but imo they are as safe as anywhere in this troubled world, right now.

I hadn't thought of Zanzibar or Tanzania. I'll have a look at those. How long did you all go on safari for? Would a 5 day safari be long enough?

South Africa is an amazing country to visit both for safari and beach or sightseeing. So beautiful. And wonderful hotels.

5 days is quite a lot. I think most people would do three days. We stayed in the Masai Mara, and had three days. We drove out with a guide three times a day, the first drive was something like 6.00 am as that is when most of the animals are active. Then another drive at mid day, and one mid afternoon. It was quite tiring. We were there at the time of the wildebeest migration, which was spectacular. You have to ditch any sentiment about some of the sights you see, such as baby deer being picked off by cheetahs for their cubs to learn how to kill. . We then had a week in Zanzibar.

We got an amazing deal through our local travel agent with Somak Safaris. We did the Cheetah Safari which covered staying at a Mountain lodge (lots of elephants at the watering hole) lakes (flamingos and hippos- and rhino) as well as the Samburu Park (leopards and everything you could hope for animal wise) and the Masai Mara where we even caught the start of the Migration. Had a hippo breakfast, saw crocs awaiting the wildebeest, saw Lions chasing prey- it was utterly magical. Had our own minibus for our family as well.
Them had a few nights on beach at Mombassa, all inclusive resort.

Went 5 years ago, first 2 weeks of July and it cost us £8080 all in for 4 adults, we thought that was great value.

Would highly recommend Somak.

I actually live in Kenya (Nairobi) and can assure you its safe at all the beach resorts, including Mombasa, diani, watamu and kilifi. They have armed guards to assure guests and in my 5 years here and frequent visits to the coast its been perfectly safe. Many travellers will do Mara, followed by Tsavo (this is on the way to the beaches) you have a choice of the whole Kenyan coast but I would recommend Mombasa or diani. both have beautiful beaches, but diani has a more relaxed vibe and less sellers on the beach.

Tanzania and South Africa are both good options for a safari/beach combination. Just check carefully with the operator regarding security and safety where you plan to go. Personally Botswana is my favourite place to go on safari (I grew up there) as the wildlife in the Okavango Delta is amazing, so much to see. Obviously not a good option for a beach holiday though as it is landlocked.

We're thinking about July next year and had looked at the Governors Resort where you stay in lovely tents. If anyone can recommend anywhere different or if you've been to the Governors Resort I'd appreciate your views on them. I've had a look at some resorts in Tanzania and Zanzibar and it looks beautiful. I'll also have a look at Mombasa, thank you Mad and Somak Milli. Also, do I just through a normal travel agent like Thomas Cook/Thomson etc or am I better going with someone like Kuoni?

They all sound great but can anyone tell me the cost of these holidays. Looking for 2 weeks next year (son's 50th) and his animal mad daughter. Seeing animals more important than beach. Are there any particular travel agents you would recommend. Thanks!

We went with a local agent as they can negotiate. Virgin wanted twice the price, and Kuoni did an identical trip but again way more expensive.
We got the price down and then they gave an NHS discount on top, it really is worth asking.
Ours would have been under 2k/person but we then paid more for our own driver/minibus which was so worth it.

Just a heads up, July is our winter. Its not cold like the UK's winter, but you will be needs jeans and jumpers for the evenings. If you can, you would be better coming in Aug/sept as the weather is beautiful :)

Meadway Travel got us our deal. We were recommended them by lots of our friends and they provided an excellent service.

We did Tanzania and Zanzibar for honeymoon. Bloody brilliant!

Selous Game Reserve for 4 days was loads. We did drives every morning and afternoon, we did a walking safari one morning - that was amazing. You can have breakfast out on the safari - they pitch tables and chairs and everything. Sundowners are good too!

Then we went to Zanzibar. Lovely. Nice and quiet - we barely ventured out of the hotel.

We stayed at Governors Camp, the original one used for Big Cat Diaries. It was amazing. The camp is tented, and so you are very exposed to the sights and sounds of wildlife all around you. We had hippos on our lawn, elephants wandering through, crocs in the river beside us, baboons in the trees above. We had to be escorted to meals by guides. Nights were scary with all the noises, but again there were guards on duty 24/7. Would love to go back.

Watching this as am tempted by a safari next year. DS finished GCSEs at the end of June and could take DS2 out of school for a couple of weeks to go early Juky and save crowds a bit if possible.

Also interested in the cost, was the £8k all in, all in or did you spend more in reality?

Ours was not a package and in total including tips etc it was 9k for 2 adults

We hardly spent anything. Took loads as didn't want to worry, but bought most of it back. The 10 day safari was full board, just paid for drinks at resorts and bought a few souvenirs. The beach was All Inclusive and we just lazed around and bought a few buts from the beach sellers (DS was trading in his new socks for souvenirs. They all asked if we had spare socks as the children need them for school and you don't get those second hand).

We did have literally thousands of photos to sort through though, wil 4 of us. DH took a laptop and spare Hard drive, and we downloaded photos at the hotels/tents every night.

Would also recommend Kenya (I'm biased as I lived there as a kid). Why do 2 countries when one place has everything?!