It’s an open secret that the Seychelles is home to some of the world’s best beaches. After the excitement of a safari, not to mention the early starts at sunrise, there’s nothing better than seeking out an idyllic retreat for a few days or a week of easy beach relaxation.
The options are varied, and if you’re looking for beach and bush beauty combined, there is certainly a way to make your dreams come true. Cedarberg Africa is a specialist tour operator for Southern and East Africa, as well as add-on Indian Ocean island beach stays. We focus on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and inquiring people. Several of us have visited the safari regions we mentioned above, so we would be happy to chat to you about potential trips. We share from personal experience and weigh up the different options, all in the pursuit of planning an ideal African bush and Seychelles beach experience.
You have to admit it: the combination of an African safari and the Seychelles is pretty hard to beat. So far so good. But I know your next question: aren’t the Seychelles really expensive? Isn’t this the kind of place that royal couples visit?
South Africa Safari: Our once in a lifetime trip
Why Choose the Seychelles?
First, let’s start with the Seychelles … what are they? The Seychelles is an archipelago, a cluster of islands. They lie in the Indian Ocean but align themselves with Africa; they are only a 3-hour flight from Nairobi and a 5-hour one from Johannesburg.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
The granite, inner islands of the Seychelles are - incidentally - the world’s oldest ocean islands while the smaller outer islands are made of coral. The Seychelles is usually thought of as a beach holiday destination - which it is par excellence - but this is also a destination which has - for example - banned all motorised water sports to further protect their marine environment.
The scuba diving and snorkelling here is world-class - you can even swim with whale sharks and turtles - and there are also hiking trails, golf courses and tennis courts.
As it happens, the Seychelles are the only islands in the Indian Ocean to lie outside of the tropical cyclone belt so you can, in theory, go at any time of year. Lying a few degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles will always be warm and sunny but there are seasonal nuances. The mildest and driest weather is between May and September, with warmer and more humid conditions from October to April.
It’s also worth thinking about how many days you’ll want to spend there. It’s so easy: no-one needs a visa to visit the Seychelles (you get one on arrival) and the archipelago is one of the few tropical places in the world that is malaria-free so you don’t need to worry about that. What’s not to like?
Planning Your Safari
That’s the Seychelles; now what about the safari part? That’s easy; you have the whole of Africa at your fingertips. You may want to focus on East Africa: the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, or explore Southern Africa where you’ll find Victoria Falls, the Kruger Park, Okavango Delta and of course Cape Town, rated recently by London’s Time Out magazine as the world’s second most desirable city to visit.
Our advice? Enjoy the safari first; it’ll be a regime of early morning wake-up calls, bumpy roads and off-road driving, and you’ll look forward to the Seychelles with added gusto.
If you wish to see the Big Five up close and personal, prefer the thrill of a night drive, and perhaps don’t want to travel around too much then we suggest Southern Africa. Depending on how long you have, you could opt for one of the private game reserves of the Greater Kruger such as the Sabi Sands or Timbavati. You could combine the Okavango Delta of Botswana with Victoria Falls if you have more time. All of these combine wonderfully well with the Seychelles.
The best time for a safari-Syxehlles combo would be in the dry months from May to October. However if you have always dreamed of the great wildebeest migration and are happy and keen to move between lodges to see different parts of the country, then an East African safari would be perfect to combine with an island getaway in the Seychelles. Typically, the best time to travel would be from mid-June to October.
The wildebeest migration route is a year-round phenomenon, but if it’s vast herds of wildlife you are looking for, then the best time is typically from mid-June to late July in the Serengeti (Tanzania) and then the start of the famous river crossings between July and August into the Masai Mara of Kenya. So the migration window allows you a nice long period to add on a stretch of beach downtime. But if you are on honeymoon, there’s a lot to be said for having some R&R right at the start of the trip to recover from the busyness and excitement of arranging your wedding. Then once you have relaxed and wiggled your toes in the sand you can head for the bush for a few days, where the idea of some early morning starts (the best time for game-viewing) won’t fill you with horror.
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
The Great Migration
Sample Itineraries
Embark on an exhilarating African odyssey with our carefully curated 11-night itinerary, seamlessly blending the thrill of the savannah with the serenity of tropical paradise.
11-Night Safari and Seychelles Itinerary
- Nairobi, Kenya (2 Nights): Ololo Safari Lodge
- Masai Mara, Kenya (4 Nights): Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
- Seychelles (5 Nights): Ephelia Resort
Your bush and beach journey kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. Begin your adventure with a 2-night stay at Ololo Safari Lodge, a hidden gem just outside Nairobi. Here, you’ll ease into the rhythms of the African wilderness, surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the Nairobi River. It is perfectly positioned on the beautiful banks of the Mbagathi River, which forms the southern border of the Nairobi National Park. The lodge’s elegantly designed accommodations provide a perfect blend of comfort and rustic charm, featuring spacious rooms with stunning views of the park and its abundant wildlife.
The adventure truly comes alive with 4 unforgettable nights at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, situated on the edge of the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve. Experience the magic of the Mara with daily game drives led by expert guides, unveiling the secrets of Africa’s Big Five and the awe-inspiring Great Migration. As you step into the camp, you’ll be greeted by the warm and welcoming Maasai staff, setting the tone for an authentic cultural experience. Each day at Kichwa Tembo is a new chapter in your safari story.
After the savannah’s exhilaration, find tranquility on the pristine beaches of the Seychelles during a 5-night stay at the Ephelia Resort. Here, turquoise waters and lush landscapes offer a serene contrast to the wild wonders of Kenya. A stay at Ephelia Resort goes beyond just stunning surroundings; it also offers an array of world-class amenities and activities. You can take part in exciting water sports such as snorkelling, diving, and kayaking, or explore the surrounding nature reserves and trails on guided hikes and nature walks. The island is really beautiful. Also many things to do.
Ephelia Resort in Seychelles
Flights and Transfers
There are direct flights in the late evening from both Nairobi and Addis Ababa (in Ethiopia). The Nairobi connections means that you can be on safari in the Masai Mara on one day and arrive in the Seychelles early the following morning. However when I say “early,” I really do mean that. The flights only lasts a 3 hour 15 minute flight and so you won’t get a huge amount of sleep.
You can also combine a Tanzania safari with Seychelles flying from Arusha to Addis and onto the Seychelles. The flight is also in the evening with the same small window for sleep. Currently, at first glance, it doesn’t seem to combine so well with Southern Africa, as there are no direct flights from Johannesburg (in South Africa) to the Seychelles at this time.
It's time for the barefoot luxury part of the journey, and you will be whisked off to the Seychelles for your five nights at the Ephelia Resort. You will be flown from Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight to Seychelles International Airport. It is found on one of Mahe's most beautiful stretches of beach.
Booking Your Trip
Guess what? You don’t need to pay some old-fashioned travel agent to plan your safari and Seychelles honeymoon. I’ll go into detail about everything we booked ourselves for the ultimate safari and Seychelles honeymoon, including domestic air transfers, day trips, and transfers. Ready?
If you’re planning to visit the Seychelles during your honeymoon safari trip, the best place to go on safari is in East Africa. Essentially you have two options; Kenya or Tanzania. We opted for Kenya because getting to Tanzania seemed a little more difficult, involving a flight with a layover. In Kenya, the Masai Mara is considered one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing, which makes it a no-brainer. Yes, you’ll see plenty of hippos, zebra, giraffe, hyenas, elephants, and antelope, but you’ll also get up close and personal with big cats such as lions and cheetahs, and maybe even a leopard if you’re lucky!
