May 10

Top 4 Reasons Why an Island and Safari Holiday is the Ultimate Winning Combo

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By Luke Lalin on May 10, 2024

Africa is famed for its countless natural wonders filled with an abundance of wildlife. However, not many people are aware that our continent also offers the best island holidays. Some of the most isolated, Robinson Crusoe-esque escapes on earth can be found in the Indian Ocean off the African continent and are conveniently accessible from all the major safari destinations. From the lemur-filled island of Madagascar to the white sandy beaches of the Maldives and Mauritius, volcanic Réunion to the archipelagos of Zanzibar and Seychelles, the island life is a sun-filled paradise and, without a doubt, the perfect pairing to any safari holiday. Need more convincing? Here are four reasons an island and safari holiday is a must.

Best Bush and Beach Destinations in Africa for Ultimate Holiday

An island and safari holiday is the best kind of getaway

1. You're Getting The Best of Both Worlds

One minute, you’re trundling through some of the continent’s most untouched wildlife conservation areas on an open-sided 4X4 vehicle admiring Africa’s Big 5, and the next, you’ve got your sand in the toes on a remote island in the Maldives sipping on a cocktail. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Trust us, it is! 

An island and safari holiday is the most adventurous and relaxing way to explore Africa

End your safari on a relaxing note, Image Credit: Ishan Seefromthesk

2. Island Time is The Best Way to Unwind

An island holiday is especially relaxing after all the excitement of the bush! Going on safari will be one of the most thrilling experiences of your life, but make no mistake – it can be tiring.

You’re up before the sun, and in bed long after it has set, and while it’s true that you’ll spend a lot of your day consuming tasty treats and exploring landscapes on game drives, your sleeping patterns are bound to be a bit out of whack by the time your safari has come to an end. All the more reason to jet off to an island afterwards!

South Luangwa game drive

Day or night, game drives will delight, Image Credit: Time + Tide

3. An Island Holiday is All About Romance

Watching the setting sun on a sandy white beach with your special someone next to you is the epitome of romance. And what better way to do that than in your bathing suit, on a deserted island, under gently swaying palm trees with a piña colada in hand?

An island and safari holiday blends adventure and relaxation

Keep those cocktails coming

4. Logistics Are a Breeze 

With flight routes from private airstrips direct to nearby islands, such as those between the Serengeti and the Zanzibar Archipelago, hopping from bush to beach has never been easier. 

This is why you'll find several of our Rhino Africa tour ideas include just that! Just remember that each and every tour we plan is tailor-made and personalised to you and your fellow travellers. We don't copy and paste, so these are simply samples to get your ideas going.

Now that you know why we love to include an island retreat at the end of a safari holiday, here are some of our most popular bush and beach holidays.

Luxury safari flight between lodges in Kruger

Seamless luxury safaris is what we specialise in at Rhino Africa

Our Favourite Bush and Beach Breaks

Now that you're convinced you need to book your island and safari holiday, here are some popular combinations for some ideas.

Wandering Wildebeest to African Archipelagos

On this East African tour, you'll encounter every spectacular side of Tanzania, from coffee plantations and the Big 5 in the Serengeti to flamingoes and tropical fish surrounding Zanzibar Island.

Herd of zebra and wildebeest seen on a game drive

Millions of wildebeest, followed by gazelle and zebra make their way through the Serengeti, Image Credit: Serengeti Bushtops Camp

Luxurious Safari and Beach Honeymoon Tour

On this romantic tour, explore the vibrant City of Cape Town before a memorable safari adventure in the wildlife-rich Sabi Sand. From here, escape to Mauritius's ivory beaches and azure waters.

swimming pool of the Lux Belle Mare hotel in Mauritius

Honeymoon dreams come true in Mauritius, Image Credit: LUX* Resort and Hotels

Alongside Lemurs and White Sandy Beaches

More a lemur safari than a Big 5 safari, animal viewing still abounds on this Malagasy tour. Explore vibrant Antananarivo and lush, lemur-filled rainforests before ending off this Madagascan extravaganza on the pristine and luxurious beaches of Nosy Be island.

Woman swimming in the ocean

Swim in crystal clear waters in Madagascar

Romantic Bush and Beach Honeymoon Tour

A romantic African escape awaits you on this honeymoon adventure. Travel from the spectacular sunsets in Cape Town to the sensational Sabi Sand before ending the trip on the blissful beaches of Mozambique

Candle-lit beach dinner

Mozambique is such a romantic setting, Image Credit: Azura Benguerra Island

The Ultimate East African Bush and Beach Break 

Paradise awaits in two idyllic and contrasting destinations. Safari in style in Kenya, followed by a tropical island holiday in Zanzibar Archipelago made to soothe the soul.

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp

Under canvas opulence in East Africa, Image Credit: Nomad Tanzania

A Superb Bush and Beach Break

Explore the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and enjoy all the South African wild has to offer before heading to the idyllic beaches of Mauritius on this delightful tour.

Águas cristalinas cercam as margens repletas de corais

Mauritius is equal parts adventure and relaxation

Let's Make Your Island and Safari Holiday Dreams a Reality

Are you on the edge of your seat and waiting to hit that island beat?

Contact one of our Travel Experts to start planning your tailor-made bush and beach break. We'll recommend the best combinations for your unique needs and wants. Let's start planning! 

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About the author 

Luke Lalin

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Luke ventured to a small town in the Eastern Cape, Grahamstown, where he studied at Rhodes University. Clearly not having studied enough, he then completed a finance degree just for fun - who even does this? Luke is passionate about travelling and was lucky enough to work in the USA for almost 2 years. However, his love for Africa was too strong and he returned home and moved to the spectacular city of Cape Town to pursue a career in the travel industry. Having once been a competitive swimmer, Luke can often be found doing laps in the pool. He is, however, a general fitness junkie and can be found doing anything from cycling, running, mountain biking, triathlon, tennis, squash or anything that gets the heart rate up.

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