Are you dreaming up and mapping out your upcoming safari adventure in Africa? Here is SAFARI.COM’s Top 5 Must-See BIG 5 Beach & Safari Adventures.
Move to the rhythm of Africa’s wildlife one day, and quiet your mind to the motion of waves the next. Our SAFARI.COM curated packages include BIG 5 and beach safaris that capture the true essence of an African getaway.
Careful planning and attention to detail go into every SAFARI.COM adventure. Our team of 25 consultants have adventured through the wild and stayed at many of these lodges themselves. This insight means itineraries that ensure safety, comfort, and the most unforgettable moments. Planning the perfect multi-destination trip takes time and care – with us, you will pay no more than booking directly, while enjoying the ease of our team arranging flights, stays, activities, and every detail of your dream African getaway.
So, what are the top 5 must-see BIG Five and Beach Safaris in Africa? To prepare this article, we ran a poll asking our SAFARI.COM consultants to highlight their favourite Bush and Beach packages. Their selections are based on their expertise as well as what resonates the most with our guests.
We are currently offering FREE travel insurance with all bookings made! This is just another level of support we provide to elevate your journey!
Without further ado, here are the best of the best African BIG 5 and Beach Safaris!
Lion Sands Safari Lodge - Game Drive
1. Luxury Kruger, Victoria Falls & Cape Town Safari
Follow the beating heart of Africa through untamed wild, beside the epic Victoria Falls, and into the spectacular city of Cape Town. This tour is a popular one, as it features top destinations and leaves nothing to the imagination.
Spend the first 3 days at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Kruger National Park. Enjoy elegant accommodation at one of South Africa’s most renowned BIG 5 safari destinations, with incredible game viewing opportunities from your own private deck. Expert guides and trackers lead game drives, and guests can unwind at the pool, observing wildlife and connecting with nature.
Following your discoveries within the Kruger, you will fly to Zambia and check into the luxury Sussi & Chuma Lodge for 3 incredible nights. Guided tours of Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World), game drives, walking safaris in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, sunset river cruises, canoeing, and fishing will fill your time with wonder and discovery.
Optional extras while in Zambia include adventures like white-water rafting or helicopter flights over Victoria Falls. Thrill-seekers can bungee jump from the historic Victoria Falls bridge, which is one of the highest commercial bungee jumps on Earth, at 111 meters above the Batoka Gorge.
Your adventure ends in Cape Town, with 4 nights at the stunning Victoria & Alfred Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. Explore the vibrant city, visit blue flag beaches, explore the winelands, and delight in gourmet cuisine. We always recommend taking the cable car up Table Mountain and visiting the Boulders Beach penguin colony when in Cape Town.
Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.
Awesome Experience at Safari Lodge and Boma Dinner Show, Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was beautiful and the location to see wildlife perfect. The food was great. The guides were on time, knowledgeable and friendly. The Boma Show and meal was fun and entertaining.
– Elizabeth F
Lion Sands River Lodge Guest Swimming Pool
Lion Sands River Lodge - Game Drive
2. Cape Town to Kruger Luxury Fly-In Safari
Your African journey begins with 3 days in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Enjoy private accommodation in a trendy 1-bedroom apartment in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred waterfront. Here, you are just a short walk from a variety of attractions that add to the lure of a city stay, like the Two Oceans Aquarium, Watershed, and daily ferry trips from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island.
During your Cape Town stay, admire views of Table Mountain and enjoy a cable car trip for the full experience. Camps Bay and Clifton are a short drive away, with some of the best seaside restaurants. The beaches here are some of the very best in Africa – Cliftons four beaches are naturally divided by boulders and tend to be quieter, while Camps Bay beach is loved by locals and tourists alike.
SAFARI.COM have found authentic experiences to be the most transformative and moving, which inspires us to craft meaningful tour combinations like this one. After your city and sea discoveries, a flight and transfer lead you to the remarkable Simbavati Waterside Lodge. Your luxury suite features indoor/outdoor showers and a dedicated viewing deck overlooking the Klaserie Private Game Reserve.
Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives for sightings of the Big 5, along with unique walking safaris, indulgent spa treatments, and warm African hospitality. Dine under the stars, feast on traditional breakfasts cooked in a “boma,” and reflect on the exceptional beauty that surrounds you during your stay.
Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.
Safari.com Outstanding Couldn't rate Dolan at Safari.com more highly. He was very responsive and flexible in adapting to our changes. They organised a great trip for us and provided excellent reccommendations.
– Lyn P
Simbavati Waterside – Sundowners and safari tales by the firelight
Simbavati Waterside Game Drive
3. Tanzania’s Safari Plains to Zanzibar's Beaches
Discover the vast beauty of East Africa with this incredible SAFARI.COM adventure. Experiencing Africa is a truly personal journey, from the soft glow of the sunrise across the wilderness to the lure of oceans that restore your soul. This 10-day itinerary does not miss a beat, from the moment you arrive in Arusha to your 3-night coastal stay in Melia Zanzibar Hotel.
Enjoy your first night in the Mount Meru Hotel before embarking on a morning game drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Take in breathtaking views of the Acacia and Baobab woodlands, water cliffs, and open savannah plains. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions, abundant wildlife, and the park’s incredible birdlife. These offer an unforgettable introduction to Tanzania’s natural wonders.
Start day 3 with a game drive to the famous Serengeti National Park, where you will be welcomed at the Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp. Your next few days will include amazing game viewing adventures along the Seronera River and through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as well as an awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater Tour. These areas are inhabited by the BIG 5 and plenty of wildlife. During a game drive, you could even catch sight of the rarely seen black rhino.
This 10-day tour ends with a relaxing beachfront stay in Zanzibar. Explore the beautiful beachfront, book optional excursions, and enjoy all that Zanzibar Island has to offer.
Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.
Unforgettable family holiday We had a truly wonderful experience with this company. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Lana was fantastic from the initial planning stages right through to our return home. She provided support throughout our journey and was always available to answer any questions, which made the entire experience seamless and stress-free.
– Jane D
Serengeti Explorer – Infinity pool views stretching across the endless plains
Serengeti Explorer Camp Vehicle
4. Garden Route, Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari
Embark on a tour that brings South Africa to life by highlighting the best safari and beach adventures. Cape Town stands out for its incredible attractions and natural beauty. Your first 4 days will consist of exciting discoveries and memorable connections. Explore the Garden Route and see why it is referred to as South Africa’s scenic playground. End this 12-day safari at the beloved Shamwari Game Reserve and explore the bush through game drives and on foot.
Your adventure starts in Cape Town, with accommodation in the city’s Kensington Place, a modern hotel on the foothills of Table Mountain. Your stay includes two full-day tours. The incredible Cape Peninsula Tour covers the best beaches and coastal attractions, including an unforgettable visit to Boulders Beach, home to adorable African penguins. The Winelands Tour explores Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch, where you can sip award-winning wines and explore beautiful and historic estates at your leisure.
Next, head towards the Garden Route with an overnight stop planned in Oudtshoorn, where you can explore the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Cango Caves. Continue towards Knysna in the Garden Route, and check in at the exclusive and luxurious Kanonkop House. You will have 3 days to discover amazing beaches, embark on lagoon cruises, visit the nearby elephant sanctuary, and enjoy adventure activities in Tsitsikamma Forest.
At this point, you will wish that time could slow down. The last few days of your trip are spent at the Shamwari Game Reserve in Port Elizabeth. Look forward to open-vehicle safaris and close-up encounters with wildlife, including the BIG 5. Rustic elegance awaits you in your lodge, and highlights include bush dining, the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre.
Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.
Family Safari Safari.com and its team members were fantastic. They communicated well and planned the perfect safari and lodge for our trip. I would definitely use them again.
– Jet 48
Bayethe on Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Private Game Reserve - Game Drive
5. Classic Southern Africa Experience – Cape Town, Kruger, Victoria Falls
It is impossible to fit everything we love into one itinerary, so SAFARI.COM have created beach and bush safaris that will fill your soul with the spirit of Africa. During this tour, you can experience Cape Town’s alluring city life and visit some of the best beaches, treat your palate to the best cuisines and finest wines, and of course, enjoy a safari experience that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Arriving in Cape Town, you will check into the contemporary Victoria and Alfred Hotel, in a Table Mountain-facing room. You are ideally positioned to discover the V&A Waterfront, visit Table Mountain, and venture through the historic and colourful Bo-Kaap district. A full-day tour to Cape Point will showcase the striking natural beauty of this region, with stops planned at Boulders Beach and the Cape Winelands.
Spend the next 2 nights in Hout Bay’s Tintswalo Atlantic, where you can explore Table Mountain National Park and Hout Bay Harbour, before heading to your Franschhoek experience at La Cotte Farm. This setting is all about fine dining and exceptional wines, while the charming village of Franschhoek is a great way to connect with the culture and people.
From day 8, you will be transported to the wild outdoors, flying from Cape Town via Airlink to the Skukuza Airport for your first safari stay at the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Settle into your luxury lodge before embarking on an evening game drive. This 4-night stay includes 2 open-vehicle safari drives each day, walking safaris, and access to the Amani Spa, pools, gym, and Safari Deck. This Kruger National Park experience is truly exceptional, from gourmet African dishes to incredible wildlife and views of the reserve.
Your 15-Day classic Southern African Experience ends in Zambia, at Tintswalo Siankaba. Experience the tranquil oasis of the Zambezi River from your own stunning treehouse river tent, surrounded by calm natural beauty under clear skies. During your stay here, you can embark on sunset cruises, mokoro experiences, guided nature trail walks, and walking tours of the inviting local villages.
Of course, you will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Victoria Falls. This is an experience that cannot be contained in words or defined in photographs.
Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing
Tanzania, Victoria Falls and Kruger - 1 off our bucket list We had just spent a week on safari in Tanzania which was mostly very good. However our trip to Sabi Sands was much better as you weren’t sharing the closeup animal views with 10-15 other Land Cruisers.We had Shann arrange our flights and accommodation in both Victoria Falls and Kruger (Nkorho Lodge). Everything was great and we were impressed with AirLink where had doubts prior. We did our own accommodation in Johannesburg and found the Schoon Huis to be worthy of a visit with excellent service and rooms. We did 1 overnight in the airport hotel, City Lodge, ok for the price.Our accommodation at Waterfalls Lodge, brand new, selected by Shann was excellent in rooms and dining, and very reasonable drink prices. Trips to the local market where they sell carved animal figures was a good experience even though the vendors really want you to buy at every store…we now have our own small zoo. Victoria falls in this season meant only 1/5 the water flow but it gave us the opportunity to see it up close, rather than just be covering mist. We didn’t do the helicopter ride but others did and had a wonderful short ride over the Falls. Entry to park is $50, but well worth the visit. As older folks probably won’t get to go back but it’s definitely a bucket list trip.
– David S
Mandleve Villa at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Tintswalo Siankaba - Sunset River Cruise
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
Ready to make timeless family memories? At SAFARI.COM, we’re here to help you find the best safari deal for you and your loved ones. Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We will guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way, before, during, and long after your journey. It’s time to explore!
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