Australia is about as far from the African bush as it is possible to be — and yet Australians are among the most enthusiastic safari travellers in the world. They understand long-haul travel, they travel for longer to make it count, and they know that some journeys are worth every hour in the air. An African safari is exactly that journey.
The good news is that the routes from Australia have never been better, and with the right planning the long haul melts away the moment you reach your first waterhole. Here is the complete, practical guide to organising a safari from Australia — flights, costs in Australian dollars, paperwork, timing and the itineraries that make it all worthwhile.
From Australia to the Okavango Delta — the long journey is worth every mile for the world's finest wildlife spectacle.
Getting There: Flights From Australia
The key to an easy trip is choosing the right gateway:
- Perth: The shortest hop — nonstop to Johannesburg in around 11 hours. For Western Australians it is a single, civilised flight; for eastern-state travellers it is a popular staging point.
- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane: Route via Perth, via a Gulf hub (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi), or via Johannesburg. Total travel is roughly 16–22 hours depending on connection.
- Onward to East Africa: From Johannesburg, Nairobi and Kilimanjaro are around four hours further.
Fly the long sector overnight, build in a relaxed first day, and the journey becomes thoroughly manageable — especially when you are travelling for two or three weeks, as most Australians sensibly do.
What It Really Costs (in Australian Dollars)
| Safari Level | Per Person / Day | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range | A$750–$1,200 | Comfortable lodges & tented camps, quality guiding, all-inclusive. |
| Premium | A$1,200–$2,200 | Excellent camps in prime locations, private guiding, superb service. |
| Luxury | A$2,200+ | The finest camps, exclusive concessions, private vehicles, light-aircraft transfers. |
Rates are typically all-inclusive of accommodation, game drives, guiding, park fees and most meals. Return economy flights from the eastern states add roughly A$1,800–$3,200 per person depending on season. A week-long safari for two commonly lands between A$14,000 and A$32,000 all-in before flights, with plenty of room either side. For a fuller cost breakdown, see our Great Migration planning guide.
🇦🇺 Get a Free Custom Quote in Aussie Dollars
Tell us your city, dates and budget and we'll build a fully costed, tailor-made itinerary priced in Australian dollars — with the smartest flight routing for where you live and every park fee included.
Request My Custom Quote →Visas, Vaccinations & Paperwork
Australian passport holders generally need an electronic tourist visa for Tanzania and Kenya, obtained online before travel, while South Africa grants a visa-free tourist stay on arrival. On health, most travellers are advised to be up to date on routine vaccinations and to consider hepatitis A and typhoid, with antimalarials recommended for most safari areas; a yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your routing. Check the Australian Government's Smartraveller site and consult a travel doctor six to eight weeks out. We guide every client through the exact steps for their itinerary.
When to Go
- June–October (Aussie winter): The classic dry season and peak of the Great Migration — a perfect time to escape the southern winter for the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara crossings.
- January–February (Aussie summer): Dry, green and home to the Serengeti calving season — see our calving season guide.
To match your exact dates to the wildlife, our month-by-month migration guide shows precisely where the herds are all year.
The Best Itineraries for Australian Travellers
Because Australians travel far to get here, we design trips that reward the distance:
- Tanzania Northern Circuit: Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire — the definitive safari. See our Serengeti migration safari.
- Kenya Classic: Masai Mara plus Amboseli beneath Kilimanjaro — try our Amboseli & Tsavo safari.
- Safari & Beach: Finish in the bush and unwind on Zanzibar or the Indian Ocean coast — the ideal way to justify the long flight.
🌏 Make the Long Haul Count
We build longer, richer itineraries that reward the distance — and handle every flight, transfer and camp so you simply enjoy the journey. Speak to a specialist who plans Australian safaris every week.
Start Planning From Australia →Your Safari, Made Simple
The distance from Australia is real, but with the right gateway, a well-planned connection and a longer, richer itinerary, an African safari is comfortably within reach — and unforgettable. Explore our Tanzania and Kenya safari hubs, browse our signature packages, see the full best African safari tours and packages ranking, use the trip planner, or contact our specialists to design a fully private, tailor-made safari built around your city, dates and dreams.
