The Best ‘Combo’ Destinations in the World

Published 11 years agoon January 28, 2015

We all know that two is better than one – Abbot & Costello, fish & chips, Thelma & Louise, rum & coke… some things just work together nicely; so the next time you’re planning an adventurous holiday to see wildlife above or below the waves, why not consider hitting two spots rather than just one? There are a few places around the world that lend themselves to this approach quite nicely, and in my opinion the top three simply have to be…

Sri Lanka & the Maldives

Long considered a popular honeymoon destination and often thought of as somewhat exclusive, and with competition among resorts on the increase, the Maldives is gathering momentum as a destination that the rest of us might just be able to afford. The thousands of idyllic islands make up the many ‘Atolls’, and it is from here that world class diving is just a splash away. Whale sharks and manta rays, reef sharks and turtles; the marine life is fantastic, and can be enjoyed as a resort based holiday in a splendid water villa – or better yet, on one of the many well equipped liveaboard vessels that operate in the region. The best time of year to visit is typically Dec-April, but this can vary depending on which island you find yourself on.

Either before or after a jaunt in the Maldives it makes perfect sense to stop off at Sri Lanka too. Widely regarded as one of the best places to spot Blue Whales, it is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts who fancy somewhere a bit different. You may think of Sri Lanka as being yet another beach destination, and you’re right, as there are some stunning beaches and there’s certainly some decent diving to be had. That being said, I would recommend spending time in Yala National Park as you’ll likely see elephants and perhaps a Sri Lankan sloth bear; perhaps the biggest draw is that Yala is thought to have the densest population of leopards in the world.

Selous & Mafia Island

Established as a world heritage site since 1982 and home to the majority of Tanzania’s elephant population, Selous game reserve is a beautiful wildlife destination. During the months of September and October it is possible to see large packs of painted dogs (also commonly know as hunting dogs or wild dogs), sometimes up to fifty or more animals at a time. The stunning sandbanks, oxbow lakes, islands and channels are home to over four hundred species of birds, including two rare species, the Pel’s Fishing Owl and the White-Backed Heron, both of which can be spotted along the wooded sections of the riverbank. Selous is dominated by the Rufiji River which sprawls into lakes and deltas which fill and empty with the changing seasons; a wondrous place for any safari enthusiast.

A short domestic flight away and still within Tanzania is an idyllic beach getaway, and having enjoyed the beauty of the Selous landscape and marvelled at the game viewing it offers, it is here on Mafia Island that you can relax on the pristine sandy beaches and take to the water for some excellent scuba diving. The clear and inviting waters of Chole Bay offers superb snorkelling, sailing and swimming, and outside the bay are some of the richest reefs in the world. Not only will you find an enormous variety of tropical fish beneath the waves, but back on land you might well see the giant Madagascan fruit bat; an unusual and intriguing resident to the island.

South Africa & Mozambique

Sharks, sharks and more sharks. If that doesn’t float your boat then stop reading now, but if, like me, the thought of sharing the water with some of the worlds most impressive apex predators really gets your juices flowing, then look no further. The rugged coastline of Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks near Durban in South Africa is the year-round playground for a plethora of toothy beasts. It’s not uncommon to see ragged tooth (sand tiger) sharks, bull sharks, black-tips, and if you’re really lucky, the formidable Tiger shark.

With your appetite for big fish truly whetted it would be wise to hop the border to Ponta Do Oura in Mozambique for even more action from a further variety of finned friends: hammerheads, leopard sharks, silver-tips and spinner sharks, not to mention the worlds largest and friendliest of mega fauna – the whale shark – can all be spotted here. The best time of year for this is between September and May.

So the next time you’re planning a diving and wildlife holiday, why not make the most of your journey with two destinations that are as good together as Angelina & Brad, tea & crumpets, Batman & Robin (OK, I’ll stop now – but you get the idea).

What would your favourite ‘combo trip’ be?

Mat is a travel consultant for Dive Worldwide.

Mat Howell-Reeve

Mat Reeve is a photographer, travel writer and all round adventurer. Currently a consultant at UK-based tour operator Dive Worldwide, Mat is a qualified Divemaster, Martial Arts instructor and fitness trainer. Mat has a huge passion for exploring and experiencing all that life has to offer. He has travelled more than 3000 miles throughout Europe by boat, train and road without spending a single penny while raising money for a number of charities. Mat has camped for weeks in the wilds of Africa. He has paddled the treacherous waters of the Zambezi amid crocodiles and hippos, and has led divers on incredible underwater excursions, introducing them to apex predators including bull sharks without the protection of a cage. The Sardine Run in South Africa remains his most exhilarating experience to date and included incredibly close encounters with enormous humpback whales, super-pods of dolphins, and a feisty group of dusky sharks at feeding time. Over the years Matt has been charged by a hippo, chased by a lion, stalked by a shark, and stung by a tiny but painful Portuguese Man of War. A hugely passionate animal and nature enthusiast, Mat likes to get as close to the action as possible.