My husband and I have been to both Mauritius and the Seychelles, and next year we want to really push the boat out and combine a week on an island with a week's safari in Africa. Our total budget is up to £8,000 and we prefer direct flights if possible, with the safari at the beginning. Any suggestions? Cathy Bannister, Tewksbury

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: A safari and surf holiday is an unbeatable holiday combination, and with non-stop flights to Mauritius and Seychelles from both Nairobi and Johannesburg taking 3-5 hours, doing both is a doddle. You'll be nudging your spending limit mind you, but it'll be well worth it.

The toughest part is choosing the style of safari that best suits you, and for this you are best off talking to an Africa Travel Specialist, like the three listed below. They can guide you through the best game viewing times (August-October) and easiest transfers. And you are right to be thinking about this now though, as Kenya's Masai Mara sees the annual migration in August/September, and lodges and flights book up far in advance.

If you are new to safaris, three or four nights is probably enough time at a camp. You could split a week up; say three nights at the Samburu Intrepid Lodge staying in luxury walk-in tents by the edge of the Uaso Nyiro River, then three more in the Masai Mara at the Olona Safari Camp, in a spacious bush bungalow. You'll need a night in Nairobi to connect with the Mauritius flight, then how about a week at colonial styled La Residence? Total costs from about £7,900 with flights from London and all transfers. Book through A&K (0845 0700600).

Or for a shorter safari mixed with the Seychelles, have four nights at intimate Kicheche Bush Camp, off the beaten track in the Greater Mara Conservation area, then after a night in Nairobi, enjoy a week at the idyllic L'Archipel on north Praslin, where the large cottage-style rooms have knock-out veranda's and a private beach. Total cost from about £7,200 with flights and transfers, with Audley Travel (01993 838 000).

In South Africa's Kruger Park, you'll not only bag the big five with ease, but also more luxury for your buck too. Stay four nights at elegantly appointed Notten's Bush Camp, then a night in Jo'berg before flying to Seychelles for a week at L'Archipel, as above. Total cost from about £7,570, with flights from London and all transfers, with Scott Dunn (020 86825000).

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