Currency

  • USD $
  • GBP £
  • EUR €
Trustpilot Rating : Five Stars

Reviews 133 • Excellent

What To Do

Beach Holiday

Paradise islands and beautiful stretches of white sand beaches
Beach Holiday

The Indian Ocean borders Africa’s coastline and its azure waters and soft white sand make it the perfect beach destination. Sitting close to the Equator, the coastline and islands of East Africa offer good conditions and comfortable year-round temperatures. That said, the rainy season during April and May are months to avoid as rain can be frequent and heavy throughout the day.

One of the most desired beach destinations in Africa is the paradise island of Zanzibar. Its international airport allows great access to visitors from across the world, and with many domestic flights offered, it is the perfect destination to combine with an African safari. The island homes a wealth of accommodation for every budget, ranging from comfortable resorts to luxurious boutique hotels, suited to all types of travellers, be it large families or romantic honeymooners. With its location, barrier reef and outstanding beaches Zanzibar can offer all of the attractions that most crave such as scuba diving, glorious beaches, fresh seafood and much more.

There are also stretches of coastline along the mainland of Kenya and Tanzania that are beautiful and worth spending a couple of nights on. For example the south coast of Kenya offers a wide range of different options for the discerning beach-goer. From the wide, white sand beaches of Watamu and Diani, to the hidden coves of Funzi Keys and the secluded luxury of Msambweni and Kinondo Kwetu, there is something for everyone’s palate.

Whilst falling asleep under the African sun, or reading a book in a swinging hammock are the ultimate relaxation activities, the beach properties across East Africa offer a variety of watersports and water-based activities for those looking to be more active. These include snorkeling, diving, dolphin trips, kite surfing, sunset cruises, fishing and many more. If you are particularly interested, please see the snorkeling and diving page.

Where to go in africa
For Beach Holiday

Beach Holiday

The Africa Specialists™ Safari Map 2026

More travel guides for Africa Beach Holiday trips in 2026/27

Take a look at a few of our more detailed country selections for 2026/27 Beach Holidays across Africa.

Beach Holiday

africa

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Beach Holiday

Zanzibar Honeymoon

zanzibar

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Zanzibar beach snorkelling africa specialists hdr pic q76 1a

Tanzania Beach Holiday

tanzania

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Zanzibar beach sand bank africa specialists hdr pic q76 1a

Kenya Beach Holiday

kenya

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Elewana afrochic diani beach 1 southern beaches kenya

Diving and Snorkeling in Tanzania

tanzania

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Zanzibar beach scuba diving africa specialists hdr pic q76 1a

Please visit our What to Do in Africa page to see the full range of safari and holiday options available.

What are the best parks & regions for a Beach Holiday in 2026/27?

The following are The Africa Specialists’ recommended best parks and regions for Beach Holiday for 2026/27 but don’t forget that we’re here to help if you need a hand with anything.

Zanzibar Beaches

zanzibar

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Mafia Island

Stone Town

zanzibar

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Stone Town

Southern Beaches

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Elwena Afrochic, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Pemba Island

zanzibar

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Pemba Island

Mafia Island

zanzibar

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Mafia Island

Lamu Island

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lamu Island

Don’t miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the best hotels & lodges for a Beach Holiday for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Beach Holiday for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$125$3,010

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

The Z Hotel

zanzibar

From $125 per person per night
See the hotel now
The Z Hotel, Zanzibar

Kinondo Kwetu

kenya

From $540 per person per night
See the hotel now
Kinondo Kwetu, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Kasha Boutique Hotel

zanzibar

From $175 per person per night
See the hotel now
Kasha Boutique Hotel

Xanadu Villas and Retreat

zanzibar

From $400 per person per night
See the retreat now
Xanadu Villas, Beachfront, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Afrochic

kenya

From $300 per person per night
See the hotel now
Afrochic

Baraza Resort & Spa

zanzibar

From $901 per person per night
See the resort now
Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar Beaches, Tanzania

Zawadi

zanzibar

From $951 per person per night
See the resort now
Zawadi Hotel, The beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Kilindi Beach Resort

zanzibar

From $825 per person per night
See the resort now
Kilindi Beach Resort

Msambweni House

kenya

From $440 per person per night
See the camp now
The pool at Msambweni House

Fundu Lagoon

zanzibar

From $450 per person per night
See the hotel now
Fundu Lagoon

Essque Zalu

zanzibar

From $245 per person per night
See the hotel now
Essque Zalu

Fanjove Private Island

tanzania

From $1,606 per person per night
See the island now
LABA Fanjove, Aerial view of the beach, Fanjove island, Tanzania

Konokono Beach Resort

zanzibar

From $300 per person per night
See the resort now
Kono Kono - overwater villas

Mnemba Lodge

zanzibar

From $3,010 per person per night
See the lodge now
Mnemba Lodge

Qambani

zanzibar

From $412 per person per night
See the retreat now
Qambani

Breezes Beach Club & Spa

zanzibar

From $352 per person per night
See the club now
Breezes Beach Club & Spa

Milele Villas

zanzibar

From $195 per person per night
See the hotel now
Milele Villas

The Residence

zanzibar

From $514 per person per night
See the hotel now
The Residence

White Sands Villas

zanzibar

From $1,505 per person per night
See the resort now
White Sand Villas, One bed villa aerial, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Swahili Beach Resort

kenya

From $250 per person per night
See the hotel now
Swahili Beach Resort

Waterlovers Beach Resort

kenya

From $245 per person per night
See the lodge now
Waterlovers Beach Resort, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Alfajiri Villas

kenya

From $290 per person per night
See the hotel now
Cliff Villa pool, Alfajiri Villas, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Hemingways Watamu

kenya

From $245 per person per night
See the hotel now
Hemingways Watamu

The Palms

zanzibar

From $732 per person per night
See the hotel now
The Palms

Pongwe Beach Hotel

zanzibar

From $227 per person per night
See the hotel now
Pongwe Beach Hotel

Shooting Star Lodge

zanzibar

From $182 per person per night
See the lodge now
Shooting Star Lodge

Boutique Hotel Matlai

zanzibar

From $310 per person per night
See the hotel now
Boutique Hotel Matlai

Do visit our Top Five Africa Hotels & Lodges pages for full reviews.

What kind of wildlife should you expect to find on a Beach Holiday in 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you may be able to see some of the following wildlife on a Beach Holiday. Please bear in mind, of course, that wild animals are not predictable and their movements are hugely affected by a broad range of elements and so sightings can’t be guaranteed. 

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

A few of our favourite itineraries for a Beach Holiday in 2026/27

Below we have outlined a few of our more popular Beach Holiday for 2026/27. As we only tailormake our trips to your exact requirements these are just to give you a feel for what is possible.

Days10Days15

Duration

$3,500$7,500

Price Brackets (USD)

13 Nights

A Family Treat

Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Samburu National Reserve

12 Nights

Great Safari, Great Beach

Nyerere National Park, Southern Tanzania, Stone Town, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $3,500 per person
See the Trip
Great Safari

15 Nights

Selous Ruaha & Zanzibar

Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Southern Tanzania, Zanzibar beaches

From $4,500 per person
See the Trip
Lake Manze Camp lake views, Selous/Nyerere

13 Nights

Northern Honeymoon June to November

Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Stone Town, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $5,000 per person
See the Trip
TA0892~1

12 Nights

Honeymooners Delight

Amboseli National Park, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Honeymoons at Naibor Camp

12 Nights

Lions and Elephants

Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara

From $4,500 per person
See the Trip
Lions at Governors Camp, Masai Mara

13 Nights

Go On, It Will Be Worth It!

Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau

From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
Samburu National Reserve

13 Nights

The Discerning Safari

The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
The Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Ol Malo Lodge

12 Nights

North and The Beach

Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar beaches

From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
TAA2A4~1

10 Nights

Only Have A Week?

Nyerere National Park, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Nyerere National Park, tanzania

13 Nights

Best of the North and Beach

Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Zanzibar beaches

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Chem chem safari lodge wildlife tarangire tanzania

14 Nights

Selous & Northern Mozambique

Mainland Coast, Nyerere National Park, South of Dar

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Stone Town Beach pier

12 Nights

Short & Sharp

Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Stone Town, Zanzibar beaches

From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
TADFBA~1

10 Nights

Short and Sweet

Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara

From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
The Masai Mara

14 Nights

Zambia and Zanzibar

Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Tanzania, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Don't miss our Tailormade Safari Holidays & Trips to select from our bespoke safari trips.

When is the best time to go on a Beach Holiday trip to africa in 2026/27?

Whereas it’s feasible to go on a africa Beach Holiday trip in 2026/27 almost any time of the year — depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide to the whole of africa or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the perfect africa Beach Holiday  trip…

Januarymixed

Visiting Africa in January 2026/27

January is a bit of a mixed bag in Africa with the southern countries of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe in their “green” seasons, expect heavy rains and limited access. East Africa, by contrast, is in a short dry period so offers the wildebeest migration herds in the southern Serengeti, gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda and a low cost safari to Kenya.

Which Countries to Visit

Head to the Serengeti in Tanzania for the wildebeest herds, Rwanda and Uganda for gorillas and birding and Kenya for some value safari and beach. 

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry in East Africa
  • + A low season to travel so offers great deals
  • + The Great Migration in the southern Serengeti and calving
  •   Humidity starts to pick up

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Keep an eye out for low season offers

Februarymixed

Visiting Africa in February 2026/27

As with January, most of the southern African countries are experiencing hot, humid and rainy conditions in their “green” seasons. East Africa continues to be a great option with relatively dry conditions and the great migration herds still in the southern Serengeti.

Which Countries to Visit

Tanzania and the Serengeti is still the prime destination for the big game while Rwanda and Uganda are still excellent for gorillas and birders alike.

Cheat Sheet

  • + East Africa is dry with temperatures around 30 degrees
  • + Superb birding including European migratories
  •   Wildebeest herds are easy to access in the Southern Serengeti
  •   Limited options for safari

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + Kenya can be great value

March mixed

Visiting Africa  in March 2026/27

The southern African countries of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe are starting to come out of their rainy period with temperatures dropping back down to around the 30 degree mark but still strong rains. East Africa is starting to become more humid as the main rains arrive at the end of the month.

Which Countries to Visit 

Tanzania and the Serengeti is still a great option for the big game experience. Herds are starting to scent the new rains and so begin to move north at the end of the month.

Cheat Sheet

  • + East Africa still still dry and warm
  • + Very few tourists travelling
  • + The Great Migration looks to move from the southern Serengeti
  •   Humidity starts to build towards the end of the month

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + Aim for the Western corridor in the Serengeti for the front of the herds

April mixed

Visiting Africa in April 2026/27

As Southern Africa opens once more for business with the early waters arriving into the Okavango in Botswana and Zambia and Zimbabwe starting to greet clients again, East Africa moves into the main rains.

Which Countries to Visit

The early part of the month is very changeable throughout but later in the month is starting to get better in Botswana and Zambia.

Cheat Sheet

  • + A shoulder season for Botswana
  • + Great value options in southern Africa
  •   Temperatures start to cool
  •   East Africa is in its main rains

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Great value okavango delta options

May mixed

Visiting Africa in May 2026/27

Another “mixed” month with Botswana coming into its main season as the floods make their way through the top of the Okavango but East Africa still sits in its main rains. Zambia is also a great option for early season.

Which Countries to Visit

Botswana is now in full swing in the northern part of the Okavango Delta and Zambia is now starting to dry out.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Head to the Okavango for the early flood waters
  • + Great prices for Zambia properties
  • + Still a quieter time for tourism
  •   East Africa is still in its main rains

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Zambia is excellent value at the end of the month

June great

Visiting Africa in June 2026/27

Coming out of the main rains, East Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, open up for tourists once more. Botswana is now in full flow and Zambia and Zimbabwe are hitting their prime months. Plenty of options!

Which Countries to Visit

Head to the north of the Serengeti for the wildebeest herds, to Botswana for the flood waters through the northern parts of the delta and Zambia for some walking!

Cheat Sheet

  • + All of “safari” Africa is open for business
  • + Fantastic wildlife viewing/numbers
  • + Great prices in southern Tanzania
  •   Wildebeest herds can be tricky to predict

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + Choose a mobile tented camp in the Serengeti

July best

Visiting Africa in July 2026/27

All the main safari destinations in the continent are in their full season with some of the best game viewing to be had throughout. The wildebeest herds hit the northern grasslands of the Serengeti and spill over into the Masai Mara. The Okavango Delta is as full and as beautiful as can be! 

Which Countries to Visit

Put a pin in a map…Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Outstanding game viewing across the continent
  • + Migration herds in both the Serengeti and the Masai Mara
  • + Dry and clear days with cool evenings
  •   It’s as busy as it gets out there!

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + Book early for July and August!

August amazing

Visiting Africa in August 2026/27

As with July, August is the peak season across the continent with all of the “big name” destinations such as the Serengeti, the Masai Mara, Volcanoes National Park, The Okavango Delta and South Luangwa in full swing.

Which Countries to Visit

All of them are great!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Heart of the dry season across the continent
  • + Reliable and excellent game viewing
  •   Evenings in the Okavango can be cooler
  •   In locations like the Masai Mara there is an abundance of tourists!

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Choose locations wisely for the best experience

September great

Visiting Africa in September 2026/27

Probably our pick of the times to travel througout the year, you still have the options of all the main destinations for safari with the slightly lower prices after the July/August peak season. Weather is still dry and warm.

Which Countries to Visit

The Masai Mara or the Serengeti for the great Migration herds, the Okavango Delta for waters and isolation, Zambia for walking and Uganda/Rwanda for gorillas and chimps.

Cheat Sheet

  • + A stunning month for game throughout
  • + A drop in the peak season rates and visitor numbers
  • + The Great Migration mills around the Mara and the Serengeti
  •   Still quite busy for tourists

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Travel after the 10th to avoid the school crowds

October still good

Visiting Africa in October 2026/27

October heralds a change in the weather in southern Africa as temperatures start to rise and the arrival of the short rains in East Africa. Early in the month Botswana still has the flood waters in the southern delta and the migration herds are still on the grasslands of the north.

Which Countries to Visit

Head to the southern areas of the Okavango, the walking in South Luangwa early in the month and for the herds in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Game viewing is still good
  •   Tempertures start to increase at the end of the month in Zambia and Botswana
  •   Rainfall arrives at after the middle of the month

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Try to travel early in the month

November fair

Visiting Africa in November 2026/27

With the arrival of the short rains in East Africa, the wildebeest herds start their migration back to the southern Serengeti. In Botswana and Zambia the temperatures really start to ramp up with 40 degrees not being unheard of in the South Luangwa.

Which Countries to Visit

As indicated above, it is a bit of a changeable time with the Serengeti still being good, Zambia is only for those who are ready for the heat!

Cheat Sheet

  • + The migration herds are on the move in the Serengeti
  • + Low season rates offer value for money
  • + A drop in visitor numbers
  •   Gorilla trekking can get muddy

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Look to travel in the first couple of weeks for good game and low prices

December fair

Visiting Africa in December 2026/27

Many discount December in Botswana as the floods have now moved through the delta and the temperatures are up in the high 30s but it is still a great time for game and low visitor numbers. The Serengeti sees the migration herds start to arrive around the southern lakes.

Which Countries to Visit

The southern plains of the Serengeti are starting to see the migration herds arriving at the end of the month. Head to the Kenyan coast for some winter sunshine!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Fantastic wildlife viewing/numbers
  •   Can be colder this time of year
  •   It’s peak season so some parks can get busy

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + Book early with us to get the best camps & lodges

Please visit our Best Time to Visit africa page for full information about africa

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
The Africa Specialists trust logos

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

Craft Your Bespoke Safari (icon)
Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

Your adventure tailormade (icon)
Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.