Great Top Tips for an African Safari combined with a beach holiday.
Six Minute Read.
Why should you take my advice? Well, I am an author that has lived in Africa for well over twenty years. I came in 2000 with my four young children, and I forged a life here. I have taken my kids on so many safaris I have lost count. I brought my four children up in East Africa and know the lay of the land. My experience has taught me what works and what does not.
I have helped a lot of people organize African Safaris over the last twenty years and they generally fall into two categories. There are the full-on animal lovers that want nothing more than to travel from game park to game park for the duration of their trip, and there are the ones who enjoy a great African safari and love to see the big five, but after day three they have seen all they want to see and are tired.
An African Safari is no joke. You are up at the crack of dawn out searching for the elusive cats that are only seen moving around in the early mornings. Then you are standing all the time in the vehicle trying to get the best shot, for more information about vehicles check out my African Safari Vehicles Blog here. The car brings you back for your breakfast and then you are off again on another game drive or to another park. It seems relaxed, but it can be trying. Don’t get me wrong if you love this continuous movement and excitement then all the power to you.
However, there is another way. Let me introduce Mombasa Rahaha (Take it easy!). In East Africa, we have some of the nicest uncrowded beaches in the world. I am biased as I have lived in Mombasa for well over ten years now, and I love it. The North Coast and South Coast of Mombasa have some of the loveliest beaches I have ever visited; Yes, that does include the Seychelles. Diani beach on the south coast regularly received awards for one of the best beaches in the world.
A large proportion of the African Safaris I have arranged spend the first week in the parks, usually starting in Maasai Mara then heading slowly Southeast through the country to Tsavo East and West and then to the coast.
The coast of Kenya and Tanzania is totally different from the interior. The people, the food, and the lifestyle are completely different. It is like a different world.
If you have kids, a final couple of days on the beach are a great idea, so they can stretch their legs and have some fun splashing in the warm crystal, clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Kenyans love kids, they are always welcome in any activity and the average Kenyan will go out of their way to help a child. Most of the hotels have activities for the kids to do during the day.
And you don’t have to forget the animals. Every beach is only a short boat ride away from a National Marine Park where you can snorkel and dive to your heart’s content. I would advise, Watamu on the North Coast. There are loads of great hotels from luxury to budget and the Watamu Marine Park is awesome. In Tanzania, I am a big fan of Zanzibar, if you want to party and have plenty for the kids to do head to Nungwi Beach and you will thank me.
I have found over the years, that a few days of getting the dust out of your eyes and sitting on a white sandy beach with a glass of something nice in your hand, and warm crystal-clear water washing against your toes, is an excellent tonic before you head back to the big cities and fast life.
While you are in Africa don’t forget your reading material. While you are on your African Safari there is a lot of traveling. Looking out of the window can get boring, so a good book is always a great friend. Or when you are sitting in the airport lounge waiting to come or go reading helps pass the time. Then, of course, the beach, in my opinion, is fantastic with an excellent thriller to read while you catch those rays.
So why not pick up my African Thriller series of books? They are set in the game parks and along the coast of East Africa. Jump into the adventures, and maybe visit some of the sites while enjoying your African Safari.
If you want any advice on your African Safari, drop me a line at [email protected]. I love helping people get the best out of their trip to Africa.
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Other articles you might like to read:
Top Tips for the Perfect African Safari Vehicle.
