Best African Luxury Safari & Beach Holidays
Many people dream of a Safari & Beach holiday at some point in their life, but few know where to start when planning this holiday of a lifetime. From honeymoons to family holidays, a mix of adventure with relaxation is ideal for many. Although it can seem like a lot of work to plan, by the time you finish reading this blog we’re sure your mind will change and you’ll be even more excited to plan this next adventure.
An African Safari is a bucket list memory that is truly so unique and will leave you with memories you will cherish forever. Whether it is your first safari, or you’ve done a few, the goosebumps you feel when seeing those beautiful animals up close and experiencing nature for itself rather than on a TV screen is a feeling, we encourage everyone to try to enjoy at some point. Pairing this incredible adventure with white sand beaches and a cocktail in hand at some of the most luxury hotels in Mauritius or Zanzibar, if you would prefer to stay within Africa, has become really popular and we can see why!
At Turquoise, we ensure your holiday is seamless from start to finish so you can truly kick back, relax and enjoy your time from the moment you start planning to the end of your trip (the saddest part). With many lodges and hotels to pick from, the choice can seem overwhelming. This is why we have put together some of our best itineraries so we can do the work for you. Usually we recommend 4 nights on a safari and 5-7 nights on the beach (or longer if you want total relaxation) and it is completely up to you whether you would want to start or finish on a beach, the journey is the same.
Lelapa Safari Lodge Madikwe & Lux* Le Morne Resort, Mauritius
Starting off with one of our favourite combinations is the incredible Lelapa Safari Lodge. Situated in the Madikwe Game Reserve and in the Big 5 territory, you are guaranteed to see plenty of wildlife while staying here. This is also malaria free, so no jabs are required. Laid back, tranquil, and luxury are the words to describe the feeling the moment you arrive at this lodge. The staff treat you like family and you instantly feel at home. Why not take a plunge in your own private plunge pool which each room has here, or sit back and watch the elephants at the waterhole while enjoying a delicious lunch (the food here is to die for!). Although all generations are welcome, there are only 12 suites, so the chance of seeing other guests are not very high making it the perfect place for honeymooners or families. We also love the special touches here, from personalised water bottles and personalised notes in your room to surprise stop offs on your safari with milkshakes and amarula…yum!! All the guides here are highly experienced and have a wealth of knowledge so you are guaranteed to learn a lot on these safaris.
We recommend pairing this with LUX* Le Morne, a luxury resort in Mauritius which is particularly great for couples and honeymooners. This classic, contemporary style resort has so many unique features such as traditional telephone boxes for free calls home, a tree of wishes where once a year one is selected and you can win a free LUX* holiday, message in a bottle spread around the resort for you to find unexpected treats, and their own brand of ice cream – Ici. You can also visit Vik’s Shak which is located on the beach where he will cook you personalised dishes and can also take you to do some watersports. This hotel has three amazing restaurants, as well as four swimming pools and a luxury spa with LUX’S very own products, the perfect place to relax after a fun filled safari adventure!
Marataba Mountain or Safari Lodge & The Oberoi, Mauritius
This lodge is in the Marakele Game Reserve, a privately managed conservancy so where you can guarantee a very private and exclusive safari experience. It is also in the Big 5 territory so there is a high chance of seeing them especially in the dry season. Picture elephants with a backdrop of the mountains all around…special right? The sunsets in Africa are epic and you will be sure not to miss them here as you even have an amazing view of them right from your very own bed! Whether you stay at the Marataba Mountain Lodge or Safari Lodge, you will be in for a treat of surprises…we won’t give away too much but expect a safari with a twist (involving some hippos hopefully) and incredible traditional bomas. For those who are looking for adults only, Mountain Lodge is the one for you and if you are a family or would prefer to be around a few more people, then safari lodge is perfect. If you would like a special night under the stars, you can even stay in their very own treehouse!
We recommend twinning this with The Oberoi, Mauritius as they share a similar relaxing atmosphere. Located on the north-west coast, The Oberoi is breath-taking from the moment you arrive, a unique and exclusive retreat surrounded by tropical gardens. This resort is perfect for couples wanting some private time or to relax after a busy wedding and safari. Boasting 600 metres of oceanfront with silver white sand and views of verdant green mountains, it truly is an Indian Ocean paradise. They have many romantic rooms, some with their own luxury pool as well as an Oberoi Spa and incredible food you won’t forget anytime soon. You will leave feeling total relaxation after spending some time here.
Ol Seki, Hemingways Mara Camp, Kenya and Zuri, Zanzibar
One of our all-time favourite camps is Ol Seki, meaning “blessed” which symbolises the peacefulness of the camp. Situated in the private Naboisho Conservancy so also has a very exclusive feel as there are a limited number of game vehicles. As it was the first safari lodge in the conservancy, it boasts the best location! The newly refurbished 6 spacious rooms are elevated with far reaching panoramic views, floor to ceiling glass windows, vast outside decks, and open sides to watch dawn break over the plains! Included are two game drives as well as the chance to do walking safaris, night drives, off-road drives, sundowners and bush breakfasts. An incredible lodge with even better wildlife, guaranteeing you the trip of a lifetime!
If you would rather stay in Africa for some relaxation on the beach, then Zuri in Zanzibar is the ideal pairing. This daring to be different hotel is situated in the north-west so is not affected by the tides. It boasts some of the islands most breath-taking sunsets and if you still want that magical safari touch, they offer sundowners on the beach! Guests are encouraged to stop ‘doing’ and start ‘being’ at this beautiful resort, so embrace wellness and restore the mind, body and soul. Dining is also exceptional here, and they even offer the chance to participate in cooking classes in the private spice garden with hotel chefs. So, if you don’t want to travel from Africa, stay at this luxury resort to get your dose of beach at the end of your amazing trip without that extra little journey.
Safari terms
Before you go on a safari, make sure you know a bit of the local lingo! These are a few of our favourite phrases in Tswana- The Bantu language spoken in many parts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe.
Hello: Dumela
How are you?: Lekae?
Please to meet you: Ke itumelela go goitsi
My name is: Leina la me ke
Thank you: Kaleboga
Bon appetite: Itumelele dijo
Beautiful: Bontle
Goodbye: Salasentle
- Boma: feast on a traditional African bbq in a beautifully set up open-air dining experience under the stars. End your game drive and sit round the camp fire sharing all your bush stories
- Sundowner: enjoy a sundowner at the end of each day, a beautifully set up spot in the bush to watch the African sunsets, enjoy a drink (we recommend the g&t’s)
- Bush breakfast: your guide will set up a beautiful breakfast in a specially selected spot in the bush, you can expect lots of tea, coffee, hot choc, and snacks, relax everything is prepared for you
- Big 5: the most dangerous on land animals in Africa, Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Black rhino
- Amarula: this famous cream liqueur is a must have when on safari, perfectly paired with a hot chocolate/coffee on a bush breakfast or alone at a sundowner.
- Biltong: classic south African snack, air-curated meat in vinegar and spices
- Binos: can be essential on a safari, short term for binoculars.
- Hide: a camouflaged shelter in a lodge that provides a closer look at the incredible wildlife that you wouldn’t be able to get as close to on a normal game drive. Wildlife may be passing by or stopping for a drink in the waterhole.
- Game drive: an excursion to find some of the most amazing wildlife the reserve has to offer
What To Wear, Pack & Bring On An African Safari
Packing for a safari can seem very overwhelming, so to make your life easier we are passing on our Turquoise safari style tips. For the ultimate safari-chic look, we suggest wearing cool light fabrics in neutral tones of khakis, olives and browns. Avoid white, black, vibrant colours and camouflage is a definite no-go. Makanyane has a very understated, bohemian-chic vibe with a relaxed dress code, so kick back, unwind and wear what feels most comfortable to you.
From November to March light summer clothes are best, although do bring a jumper/fleece as it can get chilly in the evenings. From April to October warmer clothes are advised as the mornings and evenings can be cold.
Being home to the “Big 5” the African wilderness is abundant with extraordinary biodiversity. From rocky peaks, across open grasslands, to lush valleys each home to its own distinctive inhabitants, you are in for an unforgettable safari experience. Of course, you will want to capture every awe-inspiring moment, so our advice is to “take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints”. Make sure you pack a high-quality camera, even if you do borrow a friend’s! But refrain from using flash photography for close-up photographs of the animals, you don’t want to disturb or startle our wild friends.
South Africa enjoys a pleasant year-round climate; even out of season it can be warm and mild. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to ours. Winter in the Madikwe Game Reserve stretches from May to August, bringing crisp dry days and cooler nights averaging between 3°C to 23°C. The sparse vegetation in the winter months makes it easier to spot wildlife, therefore a very popular time to travel! The summer season runs from September to April and is characterised by a hotter more humid climate, with temperatures averaging between 25°C to 40°C.
The local currency of South Africa is the Rand. Whilst Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge does accept USD, GBP and Euro, your change will be given in Rand. For any additional purchases at the Lodge, Visa, Diners, MasterCard, Debit Cards and American Express cards are all accepted. Please note that American Express will undergo a 5% surcharge.
With Turquoise you are travelling on a bespoke itinerary, therefore the cost of your package does not include gratuities. Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge emphasis that tipping should only be considered when their staff have gone above and beyond for you. Whilst tipping is entirely at your discretion, they advise £25 per person, per day. A third of gratuities are allocated to the guide, and the remainder of the balance is divided amongst the rest of the staff. Gratuities can be added to your account upon check out, given to the lodge manager for distribution, or given directly to the individual staff members.
What To Do On Safari
- Boma: feast on a traditional African bbq in a beautifully set up open-air dining experience under the stars. End your game drive and sit round the camp fire sharing all your bush stories.
- Hot air balloon: experience safari on a whole other level (quite literally). Kenya offer the experience to fly high in the sky while watching the animals run beneath you…truly magical!
- Sundowner: enjoy a sundowner at the end of each day, a beautifully set up spot in the bush to watch the African sunsets, enjoy a drink (we recommend the g&t’s).
- Bush breakfast: your guide will set up a beautiful breakfast in a specially selected spot in the bush, you can expect lots of tea, coffee, hot choc, and snacks, relax everything is prepared for you.
Best Things To Do In Mauritius For Couples & Families
- One Love Boat Tour: multiple stops to enjoy snorkelling, a bbq on the beach with live singers, in the water boat bar, and plenty of time to swim in the crystal water.
- Traditional Mauritian Lunch at Escale Creole: mother and daughter run restaurant serving delicious homemade Mauritian food in a cute, authentic setting…the best way to really get to taste the local food.
To start planning your next safari beach adventure, please call our specialists on 01494 678 400 or fill out our enquiry form and someone will get back to you soon as possible.
