Your Guide to the Ultimate Botswana and Beach Holiday

After thrilling game drives, wildlife sightings that dreams are made of, and the dawn-breaking excitement of time spent on safari, there is no greater gift than the rhythmic lap of the ocean.

You’ve already decided on Botswana as the stage for your safari… Why not extend your holiday with a beach stay to help you slow down and restore yourself after?

A Botswana and beach holiday offers the ultimate sensory reset. You begin in the heart of the wild, perhaps on a mokoro ride through the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta or tracking a pack of endangered African wild dogs in Linyanti. Your African escape is concluded on a secluded shore, where the only schedule is the tide.

This transition from the bush to the beach allows you to fully exhale and reset before your departure.

Why a Beach Extension is the Perfect Safari Finale

A safari is a beautiful whirlwind of discovery – early mornings, guided walks, and constant wonder – leaving your heart full and your spirit ready for a quiet moment of reflection.

To truly process the magic of the wild and absorb all you have experienced, we recommend time spent relaxing on picturesque beaches.

It’s about a change in pace, a transition from adventure to restoration. You’ll trade in your safari boots for bare feet on soft white sand, moving from the golden hues of the savannah to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean or the deep blue of the Atlantic.

This also gives you the opportunity to see two completely different sides of Africa – the vast golden savannahs of the interior, fast-paced and thrilling, and the tropical paradise of the shore, where tranquillity rules.

From the Delta to the Deep Blue

Luxury is synonymous with peace of mind, so you shouldn’t have to worry about airstrip transfers or international terminals. Our safari experts can curate these journeys to ensure that your transfer from the Botswana wilderness to a coastal paradise is as effortless as a summer breeze.

Top Destinations for a Beach Extension to your Botswana Safari

Mozambique

Mozambique is a natural partner for a Botswana safari and beach holiday. The vibe is authentic, quiet, and deeply relaxing. Mozambique offers a “castaway” feeling without sacrificing world-class service. It’s the perfect escape to reconnect with yourself. The vibrant, yet tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean offer a stunning contrast to Botswana’s wilderness.

For a perfect Botswana-Mozambique combo, pair Botswana’s wildlife with Mozambique’s stunning tropical islands. Explore the scenic coasts of Benguerra or Bazaruto Island, famous for their turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and thriving coral reefs.

While Botswana offers some of the highest concentrations of large land mammals on Earth, Mozambique serves as a sanctuary for rare marine life and vibrant coral ecosystems. This includes whale sharks, manta rays, and perhaps even migrating humpback whales, if you time it right.

The waters around the Bazaruto Archipelago also support the last viable population of endangered dugongs, providing you with a fantastic contrast between the rugged big game in Botswana and Mozambique’s gentle marine life.

You can enjoy your last breakfast in the bush before a flight to Johannesburg. From there, it’s just a short flight to a world of swaying palm trees and warm, turquoise lagoons. This logistical ease makes the shift from the Delta to the deep blue a seamless part of a single, luxurious itinerary.

Best Time to Combine Botswana and Mozambique

To get the most out of both worlds, the absolute “Golden Window” for a Botswana-Mozambique combo is between August and September. It’s the peak of Botswana’s dry season – allowing for exceptional game viewing – as well as the height of the humpback whale migration. The weather is dry and sunny, with low humidity, offering the best visibility and relaxing beach days.

Mauritius

For those who want everything handled to perfection, Mauritius offers some of the finest hospitality in the world. Mauritius also offers some of the best value for money when it comes to luxury resorts, especially if you’re celebrating your honeymoon or anniversary, making it a perfect post-safari retreat for couples.

In its capital, Port Louis, civilisation chugs along in the background of leafy hills and azure waters, bringing with it a slow pace.

Mauritius offers high-end resorts, manicured beaches, and mountain adventures. Its calm, reef-protected lagoons are perfect for easy snorkelling right off the beach. You can swim alongside colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins.

Beyond the wildlife and scenic coastlines, Mauritius is known for its vibrant cultural fusions, blending Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences in its language, food, and festivals. This has resulted in a blend of cuisines, all tailored to maximise the islands’ abundant tropical resources. Dining here is a delicious mix of Indian spices, Chinese stir-frying, French techniques, and Creole traditions, relying heavily on fresh seafood.

In terms of transfer, Botswana is connected to Mauritius via Johannesburg. You could take the opportunity to explore Johannesburg’s vibrant city life before embarking on your coastal escape.

Fun Fact: Mauritius is the only place on Earth where the dodo once lived.

Best Time To Combine Botswana and Mauritius

The most balanced season for a Botswana-Mauritius combo is between September and October. This is during the peak of Botswana’s dry season, allowing for excellent game viewing and an enjoyable safari. On the other hand, Mauritius is dry and sunny and temperatures are warming up to a perfect 25°C/77°F to 28°C/82,4°F.

Cape Town

For the traveller that finds restoration in world-class aesthetics, fine dining, and culture, Cape Town is the ultimate post-safari retreat. It’s more than just a city; it’s a peninsula of dramatic mountain peaks that seemingly blend with the city’s layout. For those seeking the coast, Cape Town is also home to some of the finest beaches in the world and a vibrant surf culture.

Unlike remote island destinations, Cape Town’s beaches are integrated into the city’s pulse. The beach scene here offers two distinct vibes: the glamorous Atlantic Seaboard and the activity-rich False Bay side.

The Atlantic Seaboard boasts all the glamour, with dramatic mountain backdrops. Watching the sun dip below the Atlantic in hues of pink and orange is the ultimate romantic setting. You can spend your day walking Camps Bay’s palm-fringed promenade, lined with world-class cocktail bars and restaurants, or soak up the sun on Clifton 4th. Note that the water here is cold – around 10 – 15°C – and better for a quick dip than a long swim.

On the other hand, on the False Bay side, the water is slightly warmer – often 5 – 6°C higher than the Atlantic – and slightly shallower. This is the “active” side and the go-to for swimming, beach days, and surfing. Grab a board – or rent one – and take a quick surfing lesson at Muizenberg’s famous Surfer’s Corner, with its iconic Victoria beach huts.

Cape Town is for the escapist who wants the best of both worlds. You can transition from the raw wilderness of Botswana to a designer suite in Bantry Bay. If you have some extra time, you could even explore the Cape Winelands, allowing you to indulge in some of the top-rated restaurants and wine farms on the planet. A short drive takes you to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, where you can pair award-winning Chenin Blancs with fine dining.

Best Time to Combine Botswana and Cape Town

Finding the best time for this combo is a bit of a balancing act because the two destinations have opposite weather patterns. When Botswana is at its dry, game-rich peak, Cape Town is in its chilly, rainy winter. Conversely, when Cape Town is a sunny beach paradise, Botswana is hot, humid, and lush.

The Golden Window for most travellers is the shoulder season, specifically September and October or April and May.

The Luxury of Two Worlds

Combining a Botswana safari and beach holiday allows you to experience two completely different aspects of the African continent in one seamless itinerary.

In Botswana, you’re a guest in nature’s theatre, witnessing the raw power of the animal kingdom. On the beach, you’re at the centre of a world designed entirely for your comfort. This duality creates a holistic travel experience: one that feeds your curiosity in the bush and nourishes your soul by the sea.

Ready to Plan Your Escape?

You deserve a holiday where the only requirement is that you show up and fully exhale. Our safari experts specialise in crafting bespoke Botswana itineraries that blend the thrills of the wilderness with the serenity of the coast.

From handling the logistics of light aircraft travel to securing the most exclusive villas, your Botswana and beach holiday will be a seamless journey from beginning to end. Start a conversation with our safari experts today, and let us design a Botswana safari and beach experience tailored specifically to you.