13 African Safari & Beach Holiday Experiences to Stir Your Wanderlust

What’s your idea of a dream holiday? High adventure? One-of-a-kind experiences? Gorgeous scenery? Relaxing on the beach? All of the above?

African holidays are amazing because you really don’t have to choose—you can have it all. No matter what you’re looking for when you take a holiday, it’s here in abundance in Africa, from the photographic safaris to the untouched beaches (and everything in between).

So before you plan your next trip to your favorite, comfortable, reliable destination, feast your eyes on all that awaits you on an African safari and beach holiday.

1. Observing the “Big Five”

The “Big Five” is a term left over from the game-hunting heydays of the 19th and 20th centuries, but it’s still in common use on wildlife watching & photographic safaris ,although hunting has been banned in Kenya since the 1970s. The Big Five consists of the lion, the elephant, the buffalo, the rhino, and the leopard.

On our safaris, which don’t involve any hunting and killing, you can experience all the excitement and the awe of seeing these beautiful creatures up close and personal while capturing them through the lens of your camera.

2. Witness the great wildebeest migration.

Every year between July and October, about two million animals make the trip from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya—the World Cup of Wildlife is an apt description. Considered one of the seven new wonders of the world, the great wildebeest migration is an unforgettable, overwhelming experience.

Video taken By Meshack Sayialel in October 2018.

3. Catch a glimpse of some of Kenya’s 1,000+ species of birds.

You don’t have to be a dedicated ornithologist to appreciate the beauty of Kenya’s diverse bird population. Of course, if bird watching is your thing, you’ll appreciate knowing that Kenya holds the world record for bird watching, with over 380 species seen in a single day.

It’s not uncommon to see over 300 bird varieties on a single trip—or 120 at a single site.

4. Go mountain gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park.

There are only about 800 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, organized into roughly 10 habituated family units—and seeing them in their native habitat is an excursion of a lifetime.

It’s not for the faint of heart, however (you’ll be tracking the gorillas at an altitude of 8,000 to 10,000 feet), but it’s definitely worth the effort to see them up close.

5. Enjoy a scenic “sundowner” on the savannah in the glow of a flaming sunset.

Early evening cocktails is a civilised custom, but there’s nothing like a chilled white wine or a brisk gin and tonic on the savannah…with the iconic acacia trees silhouetted against a glowing orange sun.

It’s something that happens nearly every day on a safari with Gamewatchers safaris. You’ll never see your early evening tipple the same way again.

6. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.

Mt. Kilimanjaro towers over the plains of Tanzania, its peaks perpetually covered in snow—you can see it from a distance of 150 kilometers away. Sure, you’ll have to forego some of your usual daily luxuries to make this incredible climb, but it’s worth it for the satisfaction of saying you did it. And the views are absolutely breathtaking.

7. Take a nature bush walk with Maasai Guides.

Walk through the bush with Maasai Guides, who will show you the local flora & fauna and educate you on their customs and way of life. Seeing the plains animals, such as gazelles and zebra on foot is a totally different experience and for many, a highlight of a safari staying in a private conservancy area.

8. Go snorkeling in the Seychelles.

There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Seychelles, and they are still relatively untouched by humans. If you’re looking for an unrivalled view of the world from under the water there’s no place better than the crystal clear Indian Ocean.

If you really feel like a romantic and luxurious surrounding, how about a private island resort on the edge of a coral reef?

9. Take a romantic getaway in the Swahili town of Lamu.

Lamu is one of the oldest continually inhabited Swahili towns—and wear your walking shoes when you visit, because cars and taxis are banned for the general public. Donkeys are still used to carry goods along the town’s narrow, winding roads.

The town retains its Arab, Persian, and Indian roots; it’s stunningly beautiful and very romantic. Why not treat yourself to a stay at The Peponi Hotel?

10. Foster a baby elephant at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi.

The orphanage is a lifetime project dedicated to promoting elephant conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

As the name suggests, they also rescue the baby elephants orphaned by the ivory trade. You can visit the babies at certain times during the day—and even take a bit of Nairobi home with you by becoming an elephant foster parent.

11. Pamper yourself in a boutique retreat at Diani Beach.

Diani Beach is a lush, intimate paradise on the Indian Ocean just south of Mombasa. There are miles of pristine white-sand beaches and alluring azure water as far as the eye can see.

Water Lovers is an intimate boutique hotel – with only 8 Suites you’ll be treated like royalty. It’s the perfect happy ending to a week of “roughing it” on safari.

12. Take a self-driving tour of South Africa.

Bypass the crowds and set your own pace on a driving excursion through South Africa’s most desirable destinations.

Explore Cape Town and the wineries of Stellenbosch, cruise through the lush forests of Knysna, and hike, rock climb, fish, or take a horseback ride in the sports paradise of Plettenberg Bay.

13. Take a wildlife drive in the heart of the city.

Craving a close encounter as soon as you arrive? Visit Nairobi National Park in Kenya, where you will be on a wildlife drive within minutes of leaving the international airport.

Stay in Nairobi Tented Camp, which is a classic safari camp located within the National Park. From here you can take wildlife drives to view Rhinos, lions and many more iconic African animals.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

As you can see, an Africa holiday is so much more than camping and cookouts and animals on safari—although let’s be honest, those are reason enough to go.

If any of these experiences has kindled your wanderlust, why not contact us today to start planning your African safari and beach holiday? Or if you’re still at the early stages of deciding where to go and what to do, just sign up to our free 6-part email course here and discover how to book the best safari and make the most of your time and budget.