Luxury Safari & Beach Holidays: Namibia and Zanzibar

A combined Namibia and Zanzibar safari holiday offers the best of both worlds, uniting the thrill and excitement of an epic wildlife adventure with the relaxation of a luxury beach getaway.

In Namibia, you’ll spend your days creating memories that will last a lifetime as you explore some of the planet’s most majestic wonders and immerse yourself in the unspoilt African wilderness. When your time in the ‘Soul of Africa’ comes to an end you’ll be whisked to the dream archipelago of Zanzibar, a picture-perfect island gilded with crystal clear seas and pristine sand.

Here at SecretNamibia we get asked lots of questions about this dream safari vacation so read on below to find out everything you need to know.

Should I visit Namibia or Zanzibar first on my beach safari?

With any combined beach and luxury safari vacation we typically recommend enjoying the safari part of your trip first before ending your tour and enjoying some much-needed rest and relaxation on the beach.

Depending on the type of activities you wish to experience in Namibia, safaris can be a little tiring, particularly if you’re waking up bright and early to make the most of an epic sunrise game drive!

The choice, however, is absolutely yours and here at SecretNamibia we can craft a bespoke travel itinerary that’s tailored to your individual needs and requirements.

How many nights should I spend in each destination?

Namibia and Zanzibar are two fascinating destinations in their own right and both places boast an abundance of extraordinary landmarks, sights and attractions to explore. The choice for how long you wish to spend in each destination really does depends on your own individual tastes.

However, we recommend spending a little more time in Namibia because there are so many diverse areas to explore, and you may want to account for the time taken to travel between different regions domestically. To help give you some inspiration, this luxury Namibia and Zanzibar itinerary includes two weeks in Namibia and one week in Zanzibar.

Luxury Activities: Namibia and Zanzibar Safari

Over the last two decades Namibia has grown to become one of the most revered safari destinations on the planet, enticing travellers with its incredible mixture of breath-taking landmarks, landscapes, and rich culture.

Topping the list of popular pastimes enjoyed on safari here are game drives, particularly through areas such as the spectacular Etosha National Park, one of the largest conservation areas in Africa. Although Etosha is Namibia’s flagship wildlife viewing hotspot that doesn’t mean that wildlife encounters are any less prevalent in other regions of the country. In rugged Damaraland visitors can spot incredible desert-adapted mammals whilst in Swakopmund desert-dwelling insects and reptiles are rife. For the brave amongst your travelling part, cheetah feeding excursions can even be arranged.

Aside from magical wildlife encounters, Namibia is famed for its iconic natural landmarks such as the scorched sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the nearby clay pan Deadvlei which is simply majestic to witness at sunrise or sunset. In Namibia’s more remote northern parts you’ll also encounter the mesmerising sight of Epupa Falls, a series of majestic waterfalls created by the Kunene river (the river can also be explore via an exhilarating boat trip).

If history and culture is more your penchant, then you’ll have more than enough to keep you occupied in Namibia. Head to Kolmanskop to check out an eerie and abandoned former mining town or take a trip to the Damara living museum and learn all about Namibia’s fascinating nomadic Himba tribe.

After sampling the best that Namibia has to offer it’s time for a change of pace: the magical island archipelago of Zanzibar awaits.

Situated on the Indian Ocean coastline, just off the African mainland, this tropical paradise is characterized by pristine white beaches, animated coral reefs and charming Swahili villages that are encircled by plush forests, coconut groves and spice plantations.

If you can prize yourself away from your sun lounger, you’ll be able to enjoy a plethora of water sports and activities here including kayaking, kite surfing and snorkelling where you can marvel at the island’s diverse marine life.

Complementing the idyllic, crystal-clear sea, the island also has a rich cultural and historical offering and a visit to the fascinating old Stone Town is highly recommended.

Luxury Accommodation: Namibia and Zanzibar Safari

A beach safari vacation to Namibia and Zanzibar is the epitome of luxury and during this trip of a lifetime you can expect to stay at some world-class lodges and resorts.

Amongst the list of leading luxury accommodation options in Namibia is Otjiwa Mountain, a stunning lodge located in one of the country’s oldest private game farms. Ideal for couples or small groups, Otjiwa offers five separate, super king bed chalets, each boasting its own private view of the Waterberg Plateau and Omataku mountain range.

Onguma The Fort is another outstanding lodge that regularly ranks as one of Namibia’s most prestigious accommodation offerings. The camp comprises eleven bush suites and one majestic honeymoon suite known as ‘The Sultan’.

Each elegantly designed suite is equipped with air conditioning and all the luxury amenities you could wish for. There’s even an adjoining private viewing deck that permits guests to wonder outside and dine under the stars.

Complementing the exceptional rooms is the incredible hospitality. The Onguma staff will cater to your every need and the food served up wouldn’t look out of place in a MICHELIN restaurant.

Finally, once you touch down in Zanzibar you can rest assured that the luxury theme continues. Zanzibar is blessed with an envious collection of supreme accommodation choices, including the famous 5-star White Sands Luxury Villa resort.

White Sands comprises eleven luxury villas and many guests describe it as paradise on earth. Each private and exclusive villa comes complete with its own garden space whilst the idyllic beachfront location lends itself to stunning sea views.

The award-winning resort also boasts two exceptional restaurants and a rooftop champagne bar for that extra dose of luxury. If you’re not enjoying a cocktail on the beach guests are invited to try out the magnificent spa where rejuvenating facials and relaxing messages are on offer.

Book Your Dream Beach Safari Now

Very few holidays can come close to matching the thrill and excitement of a combined Namibia and Zanzibar beach safari.

Get in touch with SecretNamibia today to find out more about this luxury vacation and to discuss your bespoke requirements.