Safari & Beach Combinations In South Africa

When it comes to picking a holiday in South Africa you are truly spoilt for choice. Fantastic safari experiences, incredible beaches, and some of the best accommodation options in the world. We have combined all these elements in this go-to-guide, sharing our favourites which tick all three boxes.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge & Thonga Beach Lodge
Located in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu Natal, Rhino Ridge enjoys spectacular views across the landscape from its prime position (as the name suggests) on a ridge. The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park has the largest population of white rhino in the world, so is the ideal place for those seeking to view these endangered creatures. Each of the 22 modern rooms have views out, and their own private decks.

For a sandy escape combine it with Thonga Beach Lodge. Situated in northern KwaZulu Natal, on the Maputuland coast, it’s a 24 bed luxury lodge, on some of the most pristine and stunning beaches you’ll find in South Africa. Set within a coastal dune forest, overlooking a secluded bay it showcases sweeping views of the coastline. With snorkelling, scuba diving and if you’re lucky enough to be there during the right season, witness some turtle tracking.

Eastern Cape & Plettenberg Bay
The Eastern Cape has some of the finest non-malarial game reserves in South Africa - with the likes of Addo National Park, Amakhala Private Game Reserve, Shamwari Game Reserve, Kwandwe Game Reserve and Samara Game Reserve – to name but a few. Luxury lodges adorn the reserves and apart from Samara, these reserves all have the Big 5. One thing you will not see during your safari experience is herds of people, as with the expanse of the land crowds are to a minimum.

Take a trip along the Garden Route and you will soon enough stumble across the beach towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. They are the playgrounds for the locals, so if they’re good enough for them they’re good enough for us. The Garden Route has so much to do and see that there is something for everyone from watching the whale’s migration in the winter months, sailing stunning yachts, enjoying a round of golf and sampling some of the finest food and wine in the region. Laird's Lodge is conveniently located between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and the Cape Dutch manor house will feel like your home away from home while you explore the areas.

Royal Malewane & Birkenhead House
In the hands of Liz Biden, Royal Malewane is luxury at its very best. Eight beautiful and individual free-standing suites scatter the property and are interconnected with elevated walkways. Situated in the Timbavati in a 13,000-hectare private game reserve it gives everyone in the Kruger a run for their money. When it’s time for your daily game drive you are in the best hands as Royal Malewane boasts expert rangers and one of only two Master Trackers in South Africa. When you’ve returned from spotting the Big Five retreat to the Bush Spa and unwind in all it has to offer.

From one Liz Biden property to the next (part of the Royal Portfolio collection), Birkenhead House impressively sits on top of a cliff in Hermanus, and rewards you with sprawling views across the Indian Ocean. Eleven suites with either ocean or mountain views have again been individually decorated, making it a sumptuous haven to rest your head in. Spa, pool and a gym are all there ready for you to take advantage of, and when it comes to cuisine there is nothing better in Hermanus than Birkenhead House.

If this has inspired you to combine both beach and safari then speak to one of our travel experts on 020 7843 3500 today.

Safari & Beach Combinations In South Africa