Safari and Beach Honeymoons

A safari and beach honeymoon twins epic wildlife watching with downtime on the beach in a single trip. If you're after relaxation but also want to mix it with some wild adventure, then a safari and beach honeymoon is the perfect blend of those two classic elements.

It never fails to guarantee honeymoon memories to last a lifetime, with the beach portion of your honeymoon promising time to chill – something that will be very much needed following a hectic build-up to your wedding!

There are lots of different destinations which you can combine with one another for your perfect safari and beach honeymoon. If you're after a honeymoon that's a little more rustic and wild, then head to East Africa. Both Kenya and Tanzania offer a bounty of wildlife-watching memories fit for any honeymoon, including the Great Migration if you have your honeymoon in the summer months (between June and October). Then, you can choose between the quiet Kenya Coast or the exotic archipelago of Zanzibar to relax with your loved one.

If you want something a bit more luxurious for your honeymoon, then we highly recommend South Africa. Then you can hop over to the stunning islands of Mauritius or the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, or, if you'd both prefer even more privacy, the beaches of Mozambique are beautifully untouched.

If you've never been on a safari before, it can be tricky to know exactly what to take with you. Firstly, please be aware that for safety and logistical reasons, there are luggage restrictions on all transfers by light aircraft, which are often operated on the internal flights to airports near the safari camp you might be staying at. The maximum weight allowance is usually 20kg (sometimes 15kg) and bags must be soft-sided, with no wheels or frame. Excess luggage can usually be stored while you're on safari.

We'd strongly advise packing sun cream and taking a pair of sunglasses, as while you're on a game drive, you're out in the open for several hours, with very little shade. Insect repellent is also highly recommended, as Malaria is a risk in East Africa and parts of South Africa. Even if you're staying in a Malaria-free reserve, you should still take some.

There aren't any unusual things to pack for the beach part of your honeymoon. Sun cream and sunglasses are essential, as well as your swimming costume! Many beach resorts also require you to dress smartly in the evenings, so it's worth checking exactly what your resort's dress code is before you travel.

If you're wondering what clothes you should take on safari, that's answered in the next question in this FAQ section.

To maximise your chances of spotting wildlife on safari, look to blend in with your surroundings. Wear neutral colours such as khaki and olive green, which are similar to the bush and less conspicuous to animals. Try to avoid blue or black clothing – those colours are known to be attractive to insects. Game drives can get very warm, especially in the summer, so pack plenty of light cotton-blend clothing, so you don't get too hot! Rain showers can occur, so a lightweight waterproof is also useful. Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are recommended, especially if you want to do a walking safari on a honeymoon.

If you're going on safari during the winter in either South Africa or East Africa, pack a fleece or something warm – you'll need it first thing in the morning! Consider packing a windbreaker, too, to help deflect the wind when you're whizzing along in your safari vehicle.

You'll already have packed a swimming costume in anticipation for the beach part of your honeymoon, but bear in mind that some safari lodges have their own pools, too! Smart attire isn't needed for evening meals, but long trousers and long-sleeve tops will help protect against the insects.

A safari and beach honeymoon can start from around £2,700 per person, which typically includes three nights on safari, followed by four or five nights on the beach. Usually, destinations in East Africa like Kenya and Tanzania are more affordable than South Africa, which is regarded as a more luxury safari option.

Obviously, the price can rise depending on your accommodation options, the board basis on the beach portion of your honeymoon (safari is all-inclusive) and how long you stay for.

The term Big Five was originally coined by wildlife hunters, who were referring to the five most difficult animals to track and hunt on foot – the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhino. Now, the phrase has been adopted to reflect the five most iconic animals to spot on safari!

Undoubtedly, ticking off the Big Five will likely be the highlight of your safari and beach honeymoon, but you'll still find it just as thrilling when you spot any of the other animals you can see, with the likes of hippos and cheetahs no less magnificent, but not 'members' of the Big Five. The Big Five has also spawned other 'groups' of animals you can also see on safari, including the Little Five – elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, leopard tortoise, antlion and rhino beetle.