African Safari From Australia
Expert planned safaris from the Australia with smooth travel arrangements and experienced safari guides.
Top African Safari Destinations
for Travelers from Australia
From Kenya’s famous Masai Mara National Reserve to Botswana’s remarkable Okavango Delta, explore some of Africa’s top safari destinations easily reached from Australia.
First Time Safari Goers
Masai Mara, Kenya
Witness the Great Migration, one of nature’s most spectacular events. Home to the Big Five and over 470 bird species.
- Big Five Guaranteed
- Great Migration (Jul-Oct)
- Masai Culture
Elephant lovers & photographers
Amboseli, Kenya
Famous for large elephant herds set against Mount Kilimanjaro, offering iconic African safari views.
- Kilimanjaro Backdrop
- Large Elephant Herds
- Close Wildlife Encounters
Serengeti, Kenya
Endless plains teeming with wildlife. The Serengeti offers year-round game viewing and unmatched wilderness.
- Year-round Wildlife
- Luxury Tented Camps
- Ngorongoro Crater
Kruger, South Africa
One of Africa’s largest game reserves with excellent infrastructure and self-drive options.
- Self-drive safaris
- Luxury lodges
- Malaria-free options
Etosha, Namibia
A vast salt pan landscape where wildlife gathers around dramatic waterholes, perfect for photography and unique safari scenes.
- Desert-adapted wildlife
- Floodlit waterholes
- Self-drive friendly
Volcanoes, Rwanda
A once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in the misty Volcanoes National Park.
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking
- Akagera safari
Flights from Australia to Africa for Safari
Several airlines connect major cities in Australia with African safari destinations through one stop routes. Most flights travel through hubs in the Middle East or Asia before continuing to East or Southern Africa. Total travel time usually ranges from about 12 to 18 hours depending on the route and connection.
Airlines Flying from the Australia to Africa
Emirates
Hub: Dubai
From: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Singapore Airlines
Hub: Singapore
From: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Qatar Airways
Hub: Doha
From: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide
Ethiopian Airlines
Hub: Addis Ababa
Connections through Singapore, Bangkok, or Middle East hubs
Etihad Airways
Hub: Abu Dhabi
From: Sydney, Melbourne
Tips for Booking Flights
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Planning flights early can help secure better fares and smoother connections.
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Book flights about three to six months before travel
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Consider routes through Dubai, Doha, or Singapore for the most convenient connections
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Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price changes
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Long haul flights often offer good value upgrades to premium economy or business class
Best Departure Cities in Australia
Travelers can begin their safari journey from several major airports across Australia.
| Departure City | Direct Flights | Average Price Round Trip | Flight Time | Best Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Connecting | AUD 1,200 to 2,000 | 16 to 18 hours | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines |
| Melbourne | Connecting | AUD 1,200 to 2,100 | 16 to 18 hours | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines |
| Brisbane | Connecting | AUD 1,250 to 2,100 | 17 to 19 hours | Emirates, Qatar Airways |
| Perth | Connecting | AUD 1,100 to 1,900 | 12 to 14 hours | Emirates, Qatar Airways |
| Adelaide | Connecting | AUD 1,250 to 2,100 | 17 to 19 hours | Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines |
Arrival in Africa and Transfers to Safari Parks
Most travelers from Australia arrive in East Africa through two main international airports.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as the main gateway to Kenya. Many safari journeys begin here before heading to Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, or Lake Nakuru National Park.
Kilimanjaro International Airport connects travelers to the northern Tanzania safari circuit including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.
From these airports, travelers continue to safari parks using short domestic flights or comfortable road transfers to lodges and camps.
Everything You Need to Know
Before You Go
From visas to currencies, here’s your complete travel information guide for an African safari from the Australia.
Kenya
$30
eVisa required
Processing Time: 2-3 business days
Validity: 90 days
Tanzania
$50
Visa on arrival or eVisa
Processing Time: Instant (on arrival) or 3-5 days (eVisa)
Validity: 90 days
South Africa
Visa Free
No visa required (Australian citizens)
Processing Time: N/A
Validity: 90 days on Arrival
Zambia
Visa Free
No visa required (Australian citizens)
Processing Time: N/A
Validity: 30 days on Arrival
Rwanda
$50
Processing Time: Instant on arrival or apply online
Validity: 30 days on Arrival
Namibia
$88
Processing Time: Apply online in advance or obtain a visa on arrival
Validity: 90 days
Time Zones and Travel Duration from Australia
Traveling from Australia to Africa involves crossing several time zones. The time difference is moderate, so most travelers adjust within a day or two after arrival.
| East Africa Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda |
Time Zone EAT (UTC+3) |
Time Difference from Australia Sydney / Melbourne: −7 hours Perth: −5 hours |
| Sounthern Africa South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe |
Time Zone CAT / SAST (UTC+2) |
Time Difference from Australia Sydney / Melbourne: −8 hours Perth: −6 hours |
Travel Duration from the Australia
| Australian Departure City | Destination | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | → Nairobi | 16 to 18 hours |
| Melbourne | → Nairobi | 16 to 18 hours |
| Perth | → Nairobi | 12 to 14 hours |
| Sydney | → Johannesburg | 14 to 16 hours |
| Melbourne | → Johannesburg | 14 to 16 hours |
| Perth | → Johannesburg | 10 to 12 hours |
Jet Lag Tips for Safari Travelers from Australia
Traveling from Australia to Africa involves crossing several time zones, so it may take a day or two to adjust. A few simple steps can help you settle in quickly.
- Try adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before departure
- Drink plenty of water during the flight and limit alcohol or caffeine
- Spend some time outdoors after arrival to help your body adjust to local daylight
- Plan a relaxed first day before starting safari activities
- Most safari lodges offer a break between morning and evening game drives, which is a good time to rest and recover
Currency Guide for Travelers from Australia
Most safari lodges and hotels in Africa accept major international cards. Local currency is still useful for small purchases, markets, and tips during your safari.
Kenya
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
1 AUD ≈ 85 KES
Cards Accepted ✓
Tanzania
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
1 AUD ≈ 1,650 TZS
Cards Accepted ✓
Rwanda
Rwandan Franc (RWF)
1 AUD ≈ 850 RWF
Cards Accepted ✓
South Africa
South African Rand (ZAR)
1 AUD ≈ 12 ZAR
Cards Accepted ✓
Namibia
Namibian Dollar (NAD)
1 AUD ≈ 12 NAD
Cards Accepted ✓
Zambia
Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
1 AUD ≈ 16 ZMW
Cards Accepted ✓
Currency Tips
Exchange rates change regularly, so checking the latest rates before travel is recommended.
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Carry some local cash for small purchases and tips
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Inform your bank before traveling so your card works overseas
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ATMs are available in major cities but limited near safari parks
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Typical tipping guide: about AUD 15 to 25 per day for safari guides and AUD 8 to 15 per day for lodge staff
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Typical Safari Duration for Travelers from Australia
Most visitors from Australia choose safari trips that last 8 to 12 days. The long journey to Africa makes it worthwhile to spend enough time exploring more than one wildlife area.
This length of trip allows travelers to enjoy several game drives and experience different landscapes across Kenya and Tanzania.
A typical safari plan may look like this:
- Arrival in Nairobi
- Flight to Masai Mara National Reserve for game drives
- Continue to Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater
- Return through Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport
This route connects some of East Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and offers excellent chances of seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals in their natural habitat.
Handcrafted Safari Itineraries
Explore our most popular safari itineraries, each designed to showcase the best of Africa. All itineraries are fully customizable to your preferences.
9 Nights / 10 Days
Big Five of Kenya Safari
Track lions, elephants and more across Kenya’s finest reserves with classic game drives and rich savannah landscapes.
- Masai Mara
- Amboseli
- Lake Nakuru
6 Nights / 7 Days
Masai Mara & Serengeti Safari
Explore East Africa’s legendary plains as wildlife moves freely between Masai Mara and Serengeti in a classic safari journey.
- Masai Mara
- Lake Nakuru
- Serengeti
4 Nights / 5 Days
Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru Safari
From Mara’s rich plains to Naivasha’s quiet shores and Nakuru’s birdlife, this safari blends wildlife viewing with scenic lakes.
- Masai Mara
- Lake Nakuru
- Lake Naivasha
Best Time to Book an African Safari from the Australia
Choosing the right season can improve wildlife sightings, travel comfort, and overall safari experience. Travelers from the Australia often plan their trips around wildlife seasons in East Africa.
Peak Season
June – October
Dry season across most of Africa. Best wildlife viewing as animals gather at water sources. Great Migration river crossings in Kenya/Tanzania.
Shoulder Season
November & March – May
Fewer crowds with good wildlife viewing. Green season brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and migrant birds. Excellent photography conditions.
Green Season
December – February
Safari Vehicles Used on African Safaris
Most game drives in Africa use specially designed four wheel drive vehicles built for wildlife viewing. The most common vehicle is the Toyota Land Cruiser with raised seating and a pop up roof that allows guests to stand and enjoy better views of animals and the surrounding landscape.
Some safari camps also use open sided vehicles that provide clear visibility and good photography opportunities during game drives.
You can learn more in our guide on Types of Safari Vehicles in Africa and How to Choose.
