EXPERIENCES
Island Safaris
Beach & Island Extensions After Your Safari
A classic East African safari ends in dust, golden light, and the quiet rumble of wildlife across the plains. An island safari flips the pace completely.
Instead of early morning game drives, the days slow down. The air smells of salt. Dhows move quietly across turquoise water and the tide reshapes the coastline every few hours.
For many travelers, this is the perfect second half of a safari journey. A few days on the coast gives the body time to rest while still keeping a strong sense of place. East Africa offers several outstanding island and coastal destinations, but two stand out for safari extensions: Diani Beach in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania.
Both combine beautifully with wildlife safaris in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or even gorilla trekking journeys further inland.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar lies just off the Tanzanian coast and is the most popular island extension after a Serengeti safari. Flights from the northern safari circuit reach the island in about an hour.
The island combines stunning beaches with centuries of history shaped by Swahili, Arab, and Indian traders. Many travelers begin in Stone Town, wandering narrow streets lined with carved wooden doors, spice markets, and historic trading houses.
From there, the journey continues to the island’s beaches where warm water, coral reefs, and traditional sailing dhows create one of the most relaxing settings in East Africa.
Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani Beach sits along Kenya’s southern coast, about an hour’s flight from the Masai Mara. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in East Africa, with soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and long stretches of palm forest behind the shore.
The offshore coral reef protects the coastline, making the ocean calm and clear for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Traditional dhow boats still launch from the beach each evening, and the sunsets over the Indian Ocean are spectacular.
Diani works especially well after a Kenya safari, offering a relaxed coastal retreat after days spent tracking wildlife across the savannah.