ISLANDS & BEACHES

ISLANDS & BEACHES

ISLANDS & BEACHES

Bush & beach - the perfect safari combo

Sand and savannah... They go together like salt and pepper, gin and tonic, strawberries and cream - you get the drift. Combining the best of a traditional safari filled with the thrills of seeing iconic animals in their natural habitat and some serious beach time is absolute holiday heaven! 


Imagine idyllic stretches of soft white sand, with obligatory palm trees waving in a cooling breeze and a crystal-clear azure ocean lapping gently nearby... Colourful cocktails with those cute little umbrellas in them and skies so blue they blend perfectly with the ocean on distant horizons... 


Africa is blessed with destinations that fit the bill, and exceed every expectation you have for the paradise paradigm. Located in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are islands that shame the Caribbean and leave Thailand looking like an amateur, where you'll get premium bikini time and the chance to sunbathe in style. And along Southern Africa's east coast are some of the most jaw-dropping beaches ever.


Add to the mix amazing, colourful cultures; fantastic food, music and dance; a seemingly endless list of exciting things to do and see; landscapes so beautiful they actually hurt your eyes; and (of course) relaxation in spades, and voila! You have the recipe for the perfect safari! 


So, grab your cozzies, shades and factor 30, because life's a beach and then you tan...

Bush & beach - the perfect safari combo

Sand and savannah... They go together like salt and pepper, gin and tonic, strawberries and cream - you get the drift. Combining the best of a traditional safari filled with the thrills of seeing iconic animals in their natural habitat and some serious beach time is absolute holiday heaven! 


Imagine idyllic stretches of soft white sand, with obligatory palm trees waving in a cooling breeze and a crystal-clear azure ocean lapping gently nearby... Colourful cocktails with those cute little umbrellas in them and skies so blue they blend perfectly with the ocean on distant horizons... 


Africa is blessed with destinations that fit the bill, and exceed every expectation you have for the paradise paradigm. Located in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are islands that shame the Caribbean and leave Thailand looking like an amateur, where you'll get premium bikini time and the chance to sunbathe in style. And along Southern Africa's east coast are some of the most jaw-dropping beaches ever.


Add to the mix amazing, colourful cultures; fantastic food, music and dance; a seemingly endless list of exciting things to do and see; landscapes so beautiful they actually hurt your eyes; and (of course) relaxation in spades, and voila! You have the recipe for the perfect safari! 


So, grab your cozzies, shades and factor 30, because life's a beach and then you tan...

ISLANDS & BEACHES IN A NUTSHELL

The where...

Here are some of the must-visit places we recommend including on an island and beach safari, or a bush and beach combo. All can easily be combined with a traditional safari and a range of other complementary destinations...

ISLANDS & BEACHES IN A NUTSHELL

The where...

Here are some of the must-visit places we recommend including on an island and beach safari, or a bush and beach combo. All can easily be combined with a traditional safari and a range of other complementary destinations...

Mozambique

South Africa's immediate neighbour, Mozambique is seaside central for discerning safari-goers and oh-so easy to combine with a Big Five safari in the Greater Kruger National Park. From Inhambane to Vilanculos and the magical Bazaruto Archipelago with its glittering seas and picture-perfect islands; Mozambique's coastline is ab fab in the extreme. With watersports aplenty, some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, gorgeous beach resorts and lodges and a wonderful year-round climate; "Moz" is the beach bomb. Its people are warm and welcoming, the food is off-the-charts amazing, and the marine life is exceptional, with whale sharks; turtles; dugongs; fish of all shapes and sizes and pristine coral reefs perfect for exploring.


Musts: Snorkelling; scuba diving; waterskiing; sunset dhow cruises; picnics on sandbars at low tide; fishing; paddleboarding; dinner on the beach

Mozambique

South Africa's immediate neighbour, Mozambique is seaside central for discerning safari-goers and oh-so easy to combine with a Big Five safari in the Greater Kruger National Park. From Inhambane to Vilanculos and the magical Bazaruto Archipelago with its glittering seas and picture-perfect islands; Mozambique's coastline is ab fab in the extreme. With watersports aplenty, some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, gorgeous beach resorts and lodges and a wonderful year-round climate; "Moz" is the beach bomb. Its people are warm and welcoming, the food is off-the-charts amazing, and the marine life is exceptional, with whale sharks; turtles; dugongs; fish of all shapes and sizes and pristine coral reefs perfect for exploring.


Musts: Snorkelling; scuba diving; waterskiing; sunset dhow cruises; picnics on sandbars at low tide; fishing; paddleboarding; dinner on the beach

Madagascar

The fabled "Red Island" is the home of lemurs and some of the most remote and drop-dead gorgeous beaches we've ever seen. Can you combine the two? Absolutely! The beaches and islands around the north-east and north-west of Madagascar's coastline are sublime to say the least, with Nosy Be considered the Phuket of Africa. Only better. Way better! From the stunning Masoala Peninsula with beaches and lodges that can only be reached by boat and its pristine lowland rainforests filled with life (and lemurs) to the Nosy Mitsio archipelago of just devine islands and islets, "Mada" is a unique island destination thanks to its endemic species of fauna and flora and its pristine coral reefs that make up the second largest reef system in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef.


Musts: Snorkelling; scuba diving; beach picnics; island hopping; sunset cruises; sea kayaking; paddleboarding; rainforest walks; lemur-spotting

Madagascar

The fabled "Red Island" is the home of lemurs and some of the most remote and drop-dead gorgeous beaches we've ever seen. Can you combine the two? Absolutely! The beaches and islands around the north-east and north-west of Madagascar's coastline are sublime to say the least, with Nosy Be considered the Phuket of Africa. Only better. Way better! From the stunning Masoala Peninsula with beaches and lodges that can only be reached by boat and its pristine lowland rainforests filled with life (and lemurs) to the Nosy Mitsio archipelago of just devine islands and islets, "Mada" is a unique island destination thanks to its endemic species of fauna and flora and its pristine coral reefs that make up the second largest reef system in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef.


Musts: Snorkelling; scuba diving; beach picnics; island hopping; sunset cruises; sea kayaking; paddleboarding; rainforest walks; lemur-spotting

Seychelles

This island nation off the coast of East Africa consists of 115 islands renowned the world over for their pristine beaches and turquoise waters. In fact, they're SO turquoise they have created whole new shades of the colour just for the Seychelles. With a warm tropical climate, friendly locals, and luxurious appeal, the archipelago is divided into Inner and Outer Islands. The granite-based Inner Islands include Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, each with unique charm. Mahé, the largest, hosts the capital Victoria, while Praslin is famous for the Vallée de Mai - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and La Digue offers tranquillity and stunning beaches. The Outer Islands, mostly coral atolls, provide a more remote experience, showcasing diverse marine life. Beyond beaches, the archipelago is home to unique flora, including the iconic coco de mer palm, and offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.


Musts: Snorkelling; scuba diving; fishing; island hopping; beachcombing; tours of Victoria; sampling traditional Creole cuisine

Seychelles

This island nation off the coast of East Africa consists of 115 islands renowned the world over for their pristine beaches and turquoise waters. In fact, they're SO turquoise they have created whole new shades of the colour just for the Seychelles. With a warm tropical climate, friendly locals, and luxurious appeal, the archipelago is divided into Inner and Outer Islands. The granite-based Inner Islands include Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, each with unique charm. Mahé, the largest, hosts the capital Victoria, while Praslin is famous for the Vallée de Mai - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and La Digue offers tranquillity and stunning beaches. The Outer Islands, mostly coral atolls, provide a more remote experience, showcasing diverse marine life. Beyond beaches, the archipelago is home to unique flora, including the iconic coco de mer palm, and offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.


Musts: Snorkelling; scuba diving; fishing; island hopping; beachcombing; tours of Victoria; sampling traditional Creole cuisine

The when...

All at sea over the best time to hit the beach? Try this easy breakdown of the seasons for the island and beach destinations we offer, together with recommendations on great times to visit and why. We hope it does the trick!

Mozambique

  • Winter

    When: May to October. 

    What to expect: Lovely warm days, cooler evenings and the dry season - considered the best time to visit.

    Why visit: "Winter" in Mozambique is something of a misnomer because the tropical to sub-tropical climate makes it warm all year-round. At this time of year there is no humidity as it's the dry season, making it perfect for beach activities and exploring the coastline and islands. June to September is whale season with visiting humpbacks putting in an appearance.


  • Summer

    When: November to April.

    What to expect: Very warm to hot days, warm evenings and spectacular thunderstorms.

    Why visit: The best time for whale sharks and nesting turtles, diving is also great from March onwards as the ocean conditions are excellent. The most rain falls between December and February, but in downpours rather than for days on end. January and February are cyclone season and there is always a chance of torrential downpours and high winds at this time of the year.


ABOUT US

For Sian Bester and Cara Lloyd, Zafaris is the result of years spent working at the coalface of the safari industry, learning their trade and perfecting it.


Zafaris isn't a regular travel company thanks to the fact that Sian and Cara don't just know their safari onions, they can also prepare and dish those onions up in a delectable and irresistible manner! Both have worked in lodges and have experience in the "how" of the art of safari at a practical level. They've also done their time working in large, corporate operators, sweating over the minutiae of countless itineraries.


Zafaris is the culmination of this experience - a boutique safari operator that's all about personal, professional service, expert recommendations and first-hand experience of the very best that Africa has to offer...


Zafaris is represented on SafariBookings.

READ MORE

The when...

All at sea over the best time to hit the beach? Try this easy breakdown of the seasons for the island and beach destinations we offer, together with recommendations on great times to visit and why. We hope it does the trick!

Mozambique

  • Winter

    When: May to October. 

    What to expect: Lovely warm days, cooler evenings and the dry season - considered the best time to visit.

    Why visit: "Winter" in Mozambique is something of a misnomer because the tropical to sub-tropical climate makes it warm all year-round. At this time of year there is no humidity as it's the dry season, making it perfect for beach activities and exploring the coastline and islands. June to September is whale season with visiting humpbacks putting in an appearance.


  • Summer

    When: November to April.

    What to expect: Very warm to hot days, warm evenings and spectacular thunderstorms.

    Why visit: The best time for whale sharks and nesting turtles, diving is also great from March onwards as the ocean conditions are excellent. The most rain falls between December and February, but in downpours rather than for days on end. January and February are cyclone season and there is always a chance of torrential downpours and high winds at this time of the year.


Madagascar

  • Winter

    When: May to October. 

    What to expect: Warm days, cooler evenings and the dry season - considered the best time to visit.

    Why visit: The dry season in Madagascar is considered the best time to visit, and while temperatures can be cool, especially in the early mornings and evenings; because there is little rain and no humidity it's the perfect time to explore and enjoy sun-filled days. June to September is whale season with pods of visiting humpbacks who calve in sheltered bays. and stand a chance of seeing the rare Omura's whale.


  • Summer

    When: November to April.

    What to expect: Very warm to hot days, warm evenings and rain.

    Why visit: It's lemur breeding season during November and December, which is always a major drawcard, with lots of babies born at this time. You can also dive with whale sharks between November and March. It's the wet season though, and January and February are generally exceptionally wet, wet, wet. April is the best time to be in Madagascar, though, with comfortable temperatures and lush greenery making it perfect for lemur-spotting and seeing indigenous reptiles.



Madagascar

  • Winter

    When: May to October. 

    What to expect: Warm days, cooler evenings and the dry season - considered the best time to visit.

    Why visit: The dry season in Madagascar is considered the best time to visit, and while temperatures can be cool, especially in the early mornings and evenings; because there is little rain and no humidity it's the perfect time to explore and enjoy sun-filled days. June to September is whale season with pods of visiting humpbacks who calve in sheltered bays. and stand a chance of seeing the rare Omura's whale.


  • Summer

    When: November to April.

    What to expect: Very warm to hot days, warm evenings and rain.

    Why visit: It's lemur breeding season during November and December, which is always a major drawcard, with lots of babies born at this time. You can also dive with whale sharks between November and March. It's the wet season though, and January and February are generally exceptionally wet, wet, wet. April is the best time to be in Madagascar, though, with comfortable temperatures and lush greenery making it perfect for lemur-spotting and seeing indigenous reptiles.



ABOUT US

For Sian Bester and Cara Lloyd, Zafaris is the result of years spent working at the coalface of the safari industry, learning their trade and perfecting it.


Zafaris isn't a regular travel company thanks to the fact that Sian and Cara don't just know their safari onions, they can also prepare and dish those onions up in a delectable and irresistible manner! Both have worked in lodges and have experience in the "how" of the art of safari at a practical level. They've also done their time working in large, corporate operators, sweating over the minutiae of countless itineraries.


Zafaris is the culmination of this experience - a boutique safari operator that's all about personal, professional service, expert recommendations and first-hand experience of the very best that Africa has to offer...


Zafaris is represented on SafariBookings.

READ MORE

Seychelles

  • Rainy Season

    When: October to March. 

    What to expect: Warm days, balmy evenings

    Why visit: October and November are among the less windy months of the year, thanks to shifting tradewinds. From November the winds change direction to northwest, bringing humid, monsoon winds that usher in the summer, from December to March. January has the most rain and humidity and some spectacular thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoons. Fregate, Denis, Praslin and Mahé Islands are the perfect choices during February, with ideal ocean conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving – but there will be short-lived bouts of rain in the afternoons.


  • Dry Season

    When: April to September.

    What to expect: Very warm to hot days and cooler evenings. 

    Why visit: April and May are great times to visit as the winds are at a minimum, again thanks to the shift in the tradewinds, which blow southeast from May to the end of September, bringing drier, cooler weather. Still hot, but with less humidity, this time of year is great for surfing, kayaking and sailing, and other wind-driven watersports. July to September are the coolest months.


ABOUT US

For Sian Bester and Cara Lloyd, Zafaris is the result of years spent working at the coalface of the safari industry, learning their trade and perfecting it.


Zafaris isn't a regular travel company thanks to the fact that Sian and Cara don't just know their safari onions, they can also prepare and dish those onions up in a delectable and irresistible manner! Both have worked in lodges and have experience in the "how" of the art of safari at a practical level. They've also done their time working in large, corporate operators, sweating over the minutiae of countless itineraries.


Zafaris is the culmination of this experience - a boutique safari operator that's all about personal, professional service, expert recommendations and first-hand experience of the very best that Africa has to offer...


Zafaris is represented on SafariBookings.

READ MORE

Seychelles

  • Rainy Season

    When: October to March. 

    What to expect: Warm days, balmy evenings

    Why visit: October and November are among the less windy months of the year, thanks to shifting tradewinds. From November the winds change direction to northwest, bringing humid, monsoon winds that usher in the summer, from December to March. January has the most rain and humidity and some spectacular thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoons. Fregate, Denis, Praslin and Mahé Islands are the perfect choices during February, with ideal ocean conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving – but there will be short-lived bouts of rain in the afternoons.


  • Dry Season

    When: April to September.

    What to expect: Very warm to hot days and cooler evenings. 

    Why visit: April and May are great times to visit as the winds are at a minimum, again thanks to the shift in the tradewinds, which blow southeast from May to the end of September, bringing drier, cooler weather. Still hot, but with less humidity, this time of year is great for surfing, kayaking and sailing, and other wind-driven watersports. July to September are the coolest months.


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