It’s hard to top a safari, but we recommend spending a few days relaxing in a serene locale after the staggering drama of days filled with game drives and meals in the bush. Africa has some of the most stunning beaches in the world, making the transition from wide-open plains to white-sand beaches quite easy. From the celebrity-adored hideaways in the Seychelles to the smaller but equally luxurious private island resorts that dot the Indian Ocean, the options for end-of-trip pampering are plentiful. But, selecting the best place to unwind is dependent both on where you are going on safari and the level of service you prefer. Here, we break down the key differences between six of our favorite beach resorts in the region.
Contact us for assistance planning a customized safari and beach retreat. Our dedicated trip designers will match you with the destinations and properties that are best for you.
Benguerra Island, Mozambique
With just 13 beachside bungalows on Mozambique’s Benguerra Island, this lodge feels like an undiscovered gem.
- Where You’ve Been: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia
- Who Should Go: While Benguerra Island is open to kids of all ages, the beachside-castaway vibe is undeniably romantic. Couples will be most happy here, especially those who scuba dive.
- Top Activities: Snorkeling, catamaran cruises, scuba diving, spa treatments, picnic on a deserted beach, visiting local fishing villages
- Keep in Mind: Benguerra is in a Malaria zone, and even though the highest risk of contracting the disease is during rainy seasons (December – February), it’s best to take anti-Malaria medication before your trip and to bring strong bug repellent. Indagare Tip: Off carries bug spray-drenched wipes which are easier to transport than bottles of spray.
- How to Get There: There are direct flights to Vilankulos from Johannesburg (1 hour 40 minutes) and Nelspruit, near Kruger National Park (1 hour 15 minutes). It is then an 8-minute helicopter ride to the island (included in the room rate).
Related: Indagare’s Safari Matchmaker
Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
One of the most stunning private islands in the world, Mnemba has long been the destination of choice for sophisticated travelers looking to relax in unpretentious luxury. Here, rooms are stocked with a beach bag, straw hats and kikois and African sarongs (which make up the island’s unofficial uniform).
- Where You’ve Been: Tanzania, Kenya
- Who Should Go: Anyone who loves beaches and wants to spend most of their time relaxing. Mnemba is a place for people to truly unplug.
- Top Activities: Scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, whale watching (July-September) and torchlight dinners
- Keep in Mind: Not quite three miles in circumference, Mnemba is all about relaxation and appreciating the beauty in nature’s simplicity, so those who easily get stir crazy might be happier at a larger resort.
- How to Get There: Zanzibar International Airport is a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam and an almost two-hour-flight from Arusha. It is then a 1.5-hour drive and 10-minute boat ride to the island.
Related: Lesser-Known Beach Retreats
Thanda Island, Tanzania
The private Thanda Island, a five-bedroom villa on its own 20-acre isle in the Indian Ocean, offers the most luxurious way for a large family or group of friends to begin or end an East African trip.
- Where You’ve Been: Tanzania, Kenya
- Who Should Go: Thanda offers the most over-the-top luxurious tropical experience in East Africa, providing the ultimate Robinson Crusoe vacation on a private island but with world-class luxury. It is a fabulous multi-generational trip venue as Thanda Island sleeps up to 26 people and welcomes children of all ages.
- Top Activities: Jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, yoga, spa treatments and visits to local communities
- Keep in Mind: Thanda is available only for full take-overs, at a rate of $25,000 per night (which includes helicopter transfers from Dar Es Salar as well as spa treatments), and there is a minimum stay requirement based on the season.
- How to Get There: Fly on a scheduled plane from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island, then take a 30-minute boat ride to Thanda. Alternatively, Indagare can arrange a private helicopter charter from Dar directly to Thanda’s helipad.
Related: Just Back From… Thanda Island
North Island, Seychelles
- Where You’ve Been: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya
- Who Should Go: North Island is one of the world’s great honeymoon resorts. If you love the idea of barefoot luxury, where showers are outside and guests remain shoeless throughout their stay. North Island is all about a glorious return to nature (with a lot of pampering along the way).
- Top Activities: Biking, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving (including excursions to shipwrecks), nature walks, paddle boarding and visits to Mahé to see the Creole influences in the Seychelles
- Keep in Mind: Many flights to and from Mahé leave late at night and North Island can only be accessed during the day, so visitors may need to spend a night in Mahé at the Four Seasons.
- How to Get There: Fly into Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, then take a 15-minute helicopter ride to North Island.
Four Seasons Seychelles
Combining a reliable resort experience with a far-flung castaway location, Four Seasons Seychelles offers the utmost luxury with gorgeous treehouse–style villas set between jungle and beach.
- Where You’ve Been: Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya
- Who Should Stay: Families or couples who appreciate the facilities and amenities of the Four Seasons (the resort has a 24-hour fitness center, children’s program and water sports pavilion)
- Top Activities: Snorkeling, catamaran sailing, kayaking, surf lessons, beach sports, fishing, golfing, hiking and spa treatments
- Keep in Mind: This is a family-friendly resort, so couples in search of a private island getaway may feel more comfortable elsewhere. Contact Indagare for personalized recommendations, including which villas offer the most seclusion.
- How to Get There: Fly into Seychelles International Airport, which has direct flights from most major cities in Africa, making this an easy post-safari option.
Frégate Island, Seychelles
On an island of outstanding natural beauty where frangipanis, banyans and wild figs trees grow, Frégate was the original eco trailblazer in the Seychelles when it opened in 1998.
- Where You’ve Been: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya
- Who Should Go: The 500-acre island is owned by the chic Oetker Collection, so it is up to standard for luxury travelers, and the resort also has a spectacular Kids’ Clubs, making it equally suitable for families.
- Top Activities: Treatments at the cliff-top Rock Spa, yoga, bird watching (the resort is a sanctuary for more than 100 species of tropical birds), star gazing, nature walks, mountain biking, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and surfing
- Keep in Mind: Many flights to and from Mahé leave late at night and Frégate Island can only be accessed during the day, so visitors may need to spend a night in Mahé at the Four Seasons.
- How to Get There: Fly into Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, then take either a 1.5-hour boat ride or 15-minute helicopter or plane ride to Frégate Island.
Related: Seychelles Destination Report
Time + Tide Miavana, Madagascar
The island of Madagascar is one of the rarest, most diverse and critically endangered habitats in the world and home to the beautiful, 14-villa Miavana private island resort. Here, species that are nearly extinct coexist, forming a unique ecosystem that is truly exotic.
- Where You’ve Been: South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya
- Who Should Go: Adventurous couples and families looking to experience one of the most precious, untouched island gems of the Indian Ocean.
- Top Activities: Scuba diving, fishing, paddle boarding and trekking to see lemurs and turtles
- Keep in Mind: Flights from Antananarivo to Diego Suarez are infrequent and travelers may be required to spend a night there at a mid-range hotel before continuing on to Miavana.
- How to Get There: Fly from Johannesburg to Nosy Be and then take a 1-hour helicopter to Miavana. Alternatively, fly to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, then fly to Diego Suarez and the take a 30-minute helicopter to Miavana.
Contact us for assistance planning a customized safari and beach retreat. Our dedicated trip designers will match you with the destinations and properties that are best for you.
