Escaping to the beach is the ultimate way to recharge after the drama of a safari, and you'll find Africa has a string of fine coastlines to choose from.
For those finishing up with a safari in East Africa, Zanzibar offers a wonderful finale. The island's beaches, especially the ones on the east coast, are stunning, combining powder-fine sands and turquoise waters. It's just a short flight away from Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve, so you could be lounging on the Spice Island's pristine shores in no time.
Mauritius and Mozambique have dazzling Indian Ocean waters perfect for washing away the dust of a safari, and pair well with Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Lake Malawi is an easy hop from Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, where you can enjoy exceptional diving and snorkelling or simply soak up the expansive lake views.
Comprising 115 islands and some of the world's finest island lodges, the isolated Seychelles is the ideal post-safari retreat after a 'Big Five' adventure in Kenya. But you don't have to leave the mainland to find a beautiful beach spot. Kenya's 480km coast is largely made up of brilliant white sand beaches and coral reefs, and can be reached in just a couple of hours from the Maasai Mara.