Honeymoon Beaches & Relaxation

Beaches & Relaxation

Name: African Pride
Telephone: 01904 619428
Price range: $

Like African safaris, weddings require a lot of planning. What better way to relax together afterwards than with toes in the sand, watching the sun dip below the horizon? But how to combine ‘bush and beach’ is a skill in itself – one the African Pride team excel at.

This guide covers beach locations and how best to partner with Africa’s other exciting destinations. Want to relax on the beach first? No problem – our holidays are all tailormade around what works best for you.

Mauritius

A dream for honeymooners. Hotels here are often falling over themselves to see your wedding certificate and offer discounts and deals. And with a wide choice of property style to choose from, there truly is something for everyone. Mauritius is never too lively, but those wanting to experience the local shops and restaurants of Grand Baie or the markets of Port Louis are better based in the northern part of the island, whilst the southern resorts offer seclusion and privacy. Large enough to explore, but small enough to do so easily, Mauritius offers the perfect blend of activities, water sports and beach luxury. Easy connections from South Africa mean the Rainbow Nation, Botswana and the Victoria Falls area all make great combinations. A regular flight from Nairobi also means Kenya and Mauritius can be done with careful planning.

Typically a few degrees cooler than Seychelles due to location, Mauritius’ weather patterns are similar. Driest months are over the UK summer, and although trade winds can make it feel cooler on the east coast now, these areas are perfect for activities such as windsurfing. The north and west of the island are well protected from the breezes at any time. The risk of cyclones bringing extreme weather in January and February mean we’d recommend avoiding this time of year in general.

Seychelles

True unspoilt luxury. White sands and turquoise waters. Those still feeling the urge to explore can island hop between magical locations, each with their own unique characteristics and charm. Regular flight and boat connections make it easy for our team to incorporate multiple castaway retreats, or we could even arrange a relaxing voyage around multiple islands on a fully crewed yacht. Seychelles combine best with Kenya or South Africa, but flight times mean you will still usually need at least one night on the main island of Mahe before moving onto any outlying islands. Another overnight stop in Nairobi or Johannesburg is also not uncommon post-safari. The reward for those willing to put in the travel is an exclusive escape like few others. With high-class resorts and service to match, Seychelles is a by-word for paradise.

The driest months are April to November and, although cooler, temperatures still average mid 20’s plus. Winds can pick up in July and August, though the sheltered nature of many coves means we know where is best to stay. These are really popular months to travel so we recommend to book well ahead. Temperatures (and rainfall) increase over the summer months of December to February, though rainfall tends to be short and heavy, not sticking around for long, so Seychelles can be visited at any time.

Denis Island Seychelles Diving Couple holding hands

Seychelles granitic boulder beach SS PORTRAIT

Zanzibar

Beautiful and exotic, the Spice Island mixes romance and culture just a short flight from Tanzania’s mainland coast. The heritage of Stone Town can be explored either on a day trip, or as part of a few days break before heading out to one of the main beaches. Zanzibar can be visited at most times of the year, although we would caution against the typical East African rainy months of April to early June. Beaches in Zanzibar are beautiful and picture-perfect, though do beware this is a very tidal island and so waters are typically shallow and can retreat a long way out at low tide, and at high tide you may find the beach space significantly reduced. We recommend you talk to us about whether you are a sea swimmer or a pool baby; looking for snorkelling or just great views, as an expert touch is required to pick the right area for your expectations.

Easy to combine with safari in either Kenya or Tanzania thanks to plentiful connections, Zanzibar is a beautiful honeymoon destination. Connections can also be made with South Africa, opening up even more safari locations plus exquisite wining and dining combinations. Perhaps not quite as polished as the Seychelles or Mauritius, this is more rustic, laidback luxury with an African heart. Add in other island destinations such as Pemba or Fanjove and you have a huge choice of boutique properties or accommodations with watersports galore and, with warm hospitality assured, it is an African beach escape at its best.

Kenyan Coast

Often overlooked in favour of its more illustrious neighbours, there are some world-class gems on the Kenyan coast that can make a safari and beach combination easier and more affordable than you might think. Diani Beach (south of Mombasa) is world-famous for its soft, white sands, and there are plenty of high-end properties for the discerning couple to choose from. Further north, the sleepy town of Watamu allows those wishing to eat out the chance to experience cute local restaurants. The Watamu National Marine Park offers some of the best snorkelling and diving to be found, plus a chance to see whales at certain times of the year. And right along this whole coastline is the opportunity to sail, kitesurf, SUP or just enjoy a dhow cruise. The perfect blend for those who like a bit of activity to go with their beach time.

Easy connections from anywhere in Kenya, often with flight options straight from the Masai Mara itself, mean you can be on a game drive in the morning then sipping a cocktail on the sand at sunset. Ideal for those who want to maximise their time. With weather patterns consistent across Kenya, you are unlikely to be on the beach much during the wetter months of April/May or November, but the temperatures are dependably good year-round. The waters are warm and calm from December to February for snorkelling, whilst June to September brings the breezes for watersports enthusiasts.

Mozambique

Barefoot escapism. Coastlines dotted with coral, and an abundance of charm, yet devoid of crowds. Mozambique is often off the radar for many couples but we consider it a bit of a hidden gem. Think white-washed stone walls and a relaxed pace of life that feels so far removed from the everyday. Exactly what a honeymoon should be – a detox for the soul. The cooler, dry months from April to November bring an average daily max temperature still in the mid ’20s, and you may catch sight of migrating humpback whales from July onwards. From December to March the temperature increases but so does the rainfall, even on the coast, although you may be rewarded with the joys of witnessing turtles nesting on the sands.

The majority of Mozambique’s beaches and islands are accessed internationally via Johannesburg, meaning combination honeymoons with South Africa and Botswana work very well. And with some flight options direct from the Kruger to the coast, or the chance to cross the border by road from KwaZulu-Natal to the southern beaches, our creative planners can often whisk you from safari to shoreline in the same day. The friendly African Pride team will suggest how to make the most of your time in this very special destination.

Malawi

A landlocked country in the heart of Africa may not be on your radar when it comes to thinking about a relaxing beach break, but this is where we like to suggest something a little different. Extending over 360 miles, Lake Malawi is Africa’s third largest lake and home to beautiful sandy beaches, lakeside lodges and an idyllic island resort. With great watersports, sunset dhow cruises and superb snorkelling, the “Lake of Stars” is better described as an inland sea.

Malawi is home to some beautiful safari experiences and is culturally interesting, making it a wonderful standalone destination. We can also plan exciting off the beaten track itineraries which combine the wilderness regions of neighbouring Zambia with a beach break on Lake Malawi. The dry season from May to October – with lovely temperatures for the lake and prime game viewing opportunities – ties in perfectly with a UK summer wedding. Talk to our team about the possibilities for a stunning honeymoon few people are even aware exists.

Maldives

A classic honeymoon favourite, although many couples are often surprised to find these tiny islands do not combine with Africa as well as they thought they might. Closer to India than Africa, there are no direct connections making this a more unusual add on to safari. However, where there’s a will - or in this case a connection via the Emirates - there’s a way! With flights from Nairobi to Dubai or Doha and onto the Maldives, a safari in Kenya can be paired with a beautiful resort in the Maldives. You will lose a night travelling, but where better to recover than the pure white shores of an island paradise once you arrive?

The dry season runs from December to April, so perfect for those winter weddings. Yet the stable year-round temperatures make it an attractive destination at any time. The rainfall that occurs from May to November tends to be in short, heavy bursts, though during these months we often have exceptionally enticing offers.

Honeymoon help?

Inspired? We hope so. Overwhelmed? Quite possibly. It’s a lot to take in, and a lot to get right. That’s why it makes sense to entrust responsibility for one of the biggest purchases you will make to the experts. Speak to the African Pride team on 01904 619428 or call your preferred travel agent. To read more about the exciting opportunities for safari and activities, and where can combine well with a beach break, see our guide.

And Beyond Kirkmans romantic couple and ranger on rock SQUARE

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