The Top Questions Australians Ask Before Going on an African Safari

Flights, Distance & Getting to Africa From Australia

How Long Does it Take to Fly From Australia to Destinations in Africa?

South Africa: The fastest and most direct routes involve flights from Perth or Sydney to Cape Town – a non-stop flight from Perth averages at 13 and a half hours. Flights with a single stop are also available.

Kenya: Unfortunately, there are no direct routes on this journey. Many opt to fly into South Africa first before venturing up, but one-stop flights are available, the entire journey averages to around 20 hours or more depending on the stopover.

Tanzania: Another no-direct route from Australia, getting to Tanzania usually entails stops in the Middle East, but there are also options to go via South Africa. The average travel time is anywhere from 21 hours.

Uganda: Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth offer one-stop flights to Uganda, with Perth as the most efficient route and a travel time of around 21 hours.

What is the Best Stopover City?

South Africa: Flights from Australia to South Africa are typically direct. One-stop flights route through Singapore or Doha – this depends on the carrier.

Kenya: When travelling to Kenya, popular stops along the route are Doha, Dubai, or Singapore depending on the airline.

Tanzania: Middle-eastern hubs like Doha and Dubai are often routed through, but other carriers may opt to stop in Dar es Salaam.

Uganda: Dubai, Doha, or even Istanbul are popular stops along the route from Australia to Uganda. Other airlines may also route through Asian hubs such as Singapore.

What is the Best Route to Africa from Different Australian Cities?

Sydney: The optimal option for flights to Johannesburg from Sydney is to go direct – fortunately, there is also a non-stop option to Cape Town International Airport.

Melbourne: Melbourne does not have a direct flight. In terms of one-stops, some offer a flight to Sydney and then on to Johannesburg. Other popular routes involve Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

Perth: Known as the fastest route, direct flights are available to South Africa's capital of Johannesburg.

From South Africa, most other African countries are easily accessible via flights.

How Early Should I Book My Flights?

Fortunately, Go2Africa's flight team keep their fingers on the pulse of fluctuating flight prices and can advise on the best time to book based on experience. For a guideline, the best options are often found around 9 months earlier than your travel date. Booking during peak travel times, such as December, often push up flight prices.

Allow plenty of time for planning. Most travellers start planning their safari 12 – 18 months in advance to make sure they get what they want and availability of camps and lodges is good. Especially for peak travel months between June and September. – Kate McIntosh, Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa

When is the Best Time for Australians to Go on Safari?

Can I Travel During the Australian School Holidays?

Yes, you can absolutely travel during Australian school holidays. When trying to book safari holidays from Australia, it's important to consider where you want to go, the best time to visit that place, and try to align it with a school holiday. South African safaris are considered best from May to October, while the likes of Victoria Falls is at its peak from February to July.

Africa offers a variety of climates and experiences, making it a year-round destination for those wishing to experience their first, or second, safari.

Is the Wet Season Still a Good Time to Go?

Many overlook the ‘wet' season, otherwise known as Africa's Green Season. When considering when to go to Africa, be sure to consider every avenue – while the dry season is the most popular, it also means more travellers. The shoulder seasons and wetter months offer lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, and typically a plethora of birdlife – a photographer's playground. This time of the year can also mean more preferable rates due to it being ‘low season'.

When Is the Best Time For Specific Wildlife Experiences?

The Great Migration: As a cyclic natural phenomenon, technically the migration can be viewed year-round. From July to September dramatic river crossings occur in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. Calving season takes places between January and March, perfect for those eager to capture newborns on camera.

Big Five Safaris: Spotting Africa's iconic quintet is a year-round affair. If you visit a reserve or national park that offer each member of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant), there is a chance of seeing them. Looking more in depth, the dry season in your chosen destination is considered optimal due to wildlife congregating around water sources during this time.

Gorilla Trekking: The best time to venture into the forest of Rwanda or Uganda are from June to September and December to February – this is when the forest trails have dried out, making the journey more accessible. Please note: age restrictions apply.

How to Plan a Safari From Australia – Seasons in Africa vs Australia:

When considering tailor-made safaris for Australians, seasonality is important. African seasons are interesting in that northern countries experience opposite seasons to southern countries.

This is paramount when looking at when to travel to the likes of South African safari heavyweight, Kruger National Park as their dry season falls from May to September – considered prime game viewing time.

Safari Costs, Currencies, and Value for Australians:

Can I Pay in Australian Dollars (AUD) or US Dollars (USD)?

Most luxury African safaris for Australians would entail an all-inclusive package, meaning very few costs while actually travelling. It's always recommended to carry some cash – either US Dollars or local currency – for additional costs such as tips and souvenirs. When booking with Go2Africa, your Safari Expert will advise in greater detail any additional costs you may be expected to pay while travelling and what cash to carry.

Are There Ways to Get Better Value For Money?

The easiest way to get value for money is to work with a reputable travel agency and clearly communicate your budget. There are endless combinations of destinations and accommodations in Africa suited to a wide array of budgets and preferences. Contacting Go2Africa in Australia is easy and having a dedicated Africa Safari Expert curating your experience, you are guaranteed to get value for money.

What Does The Average Safari Cost From Australia For 10 days?

Safari costs from Australia are dependent on several factors, primarily: location, accommodation types, and transportation. Destinations vary in cost based on remoteness, popularity, and flights to get there. Following that, there are ample options in terms of accommodation from comfortable camps to luxury lodges.

Consult our 2026 guidelines on what a safari costs. As a rough guide, in Southern Africa, a 4-star comfortable experience can be anything from $350 – $1,035 per person, per night where 5-star luxury ranges from $1,200 – $3,400 per person, per night.

You don't need to know exactly where you want to go when you first enquire about a safari. To design the right trip, what helps most is understanding what excites you – which animals you dream of seeing, the kind of atmosphere or imagery that comes to mind when you picture Africa, and the level of comfort you prefer. With that, we can narrow down the best destinations and create something that feels truly personal and seamless. – Emma Hill, Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa

Safari Style, Comfort, and Preferences

Is an African Safari Similar to The Australian Outback?

In short, no. While both offer varying landscapes and wildlife, Africa offers a variety of lush forests, marshy wetlands, sprawling lakes, and vast savannahs, where the Outback is characterised by more arid, rugged terrains. This also means a greater variety of wildlife and birdlife in Africa thanks to its unique topography.

Can I Do a Self-drive Safari or Should I Have a Guide?

Not all African destinations are suited to self-drive safaris. In some South African reserves, it's certainly possible, but not always recommended, especially for first-timers. One of the main benefits of having a guide and a safari vehicle is knowledge – their expertise is second to none and can navigate parks and reserves like the back of their hand, making it easier to track wildlife. It also means that when you come across an exciting sighting, there's someone who can impart fascinating facts about what you're seeing.

Are Safari Holidays From Australia Suitable for Families or Older Travellers?

Yes! Family safaris from Australia are a fantastic option when looking to travel. Young adventurers are often catered for at kids clubs and private safari vehicles are sometimes available at certain accommodations, making game drives more accessible for the whole family. Mobility challenges are also well recognised and catered for in safari destinations. The most important thing is to communicate any specific requirements to your Africa Safari Expert when planning.

What Is The Accommodation Like on Safari?

There are a vast array of accommodation options from rustic tented camps and comfortable lodges to the crème de la crème of tented suites and ultra-lux private villas. Expect well-appointed options and warm hospitality no matter your selection.

What Can You Expect on a Typical Day on Safari?

Typically, days on safari start early – around 5:30am – with a friendly wake-up call, tea or coffee, and a light biscuit or crunchie before the morning game drive. Breakfast follows mid-morning, after which guests can enjoy some downtime before lunch. Relax or visit any on-site facilities before around 3:30/4:00pm where beverages and a light baked good await before setting off for the afternoon drive. Pause in the bush for sundowners before returning for dinner and a good night of rest. Consult our guide to a typical day on safari in Africa for more details.

How to Plan A Safari From Australia: Practical Aspects

What Is The Luggage Limit on Small Safari Planes?

This varies based on the airline, but it's best to work off the average maximum, which is 15 kilograms per person. Please note: alongside a weight restriction, almost all charter flights and small aircraft require soft-sided bags and will not allow hard cases on board. We advise checking with your Africa Safari expert before leaving Australia for any requirements.

Can I Use Australian Electronics in Africa?

Yes, Australian electronics still work in Africa. We advise bringing a conversion plug to ensure you can use local electrical sockets for charging.

Will My Mobile Phone Work on Safari?

Typically, yes. Most camps or lodges offer complimentary Wi-Fi either in main areas or throughout. One of our top Australian safari travel tips is not to expect constant connection. Many of Africa’s most beautiful, wild spaces are found far removed from cell towers, offering the ideal opportunity to disconnect with every day life, and embrace experiences. Keep in mind, your camp or lodge is always able to make contact if needed. Purchasing an e-sim is fairly simple, but even with that, certain safari locations are outside of mobile reception. We recommend living in the moment and waiting to be back at the lodge.

Do I Need Travel Insurance For African Safaris?

Travel insurance is highly recommended. When curating Africa tours from Australia, as with any other country, Go2Africa mandates the purchase of travel insurance. While not sold directly, Go2Africa has a trusted partner – Redpoint Travel Protection – who offers comprehensive insurance plans. This not only protects you against any unforeseen events and cancellations, but also medical emergencies and lost luggage, alongside various other eventualities.

Do I Need Any Vaccines or Malaria Tablets?

Vaccine requirements are varied and not only depend on the country you're visiting, but the one you came from. We compiled a comprehensive guide to vaccination requirements in Africa. As far as malaria goes, we recommend consulting your local healthcare practitioner for individual advice. Fortunately, it's highly preventable with antimalarial prophylactics and there are several malaria-free safaris for Australians.

Sustainability, Ethics, and Responsible Travel

How Do I Know if My Safari is Eco-Friendly?

There are several factors to consider when determining eco-friendly safaris for Australians. The easiest way to determine sustainability on safaris is whether accommodation is solar-powered, makes use of water conservation, or operate with electric game vehicles. Should eco-consideration be a preference of yours, ensure it's communicated to your safari expert.

Are There Community Visits or Conservation Experiences?

Many safaris entail a visit to local communities; a wonderful chance to gain insight into traditions and cultures. Your visit, and potential purchase of hand-made goods, helps to support families and the community at large. African safari packages from Australia can also feature conservation experiences, such as tagging big cats and shearing rhino horns.

How Does Go2Africa Support Responsible Tourism?

At Go2Africa, we are best known for curating and delivering exceptional, personalised African safaris, crafted with first-hand expertise and deep local connections. Our ambitions go beyond delivering incredible adventures. We believe travel should be a force for good and that our clients' trips contribute positively to the areas they visit. Our vision is to use responsible travel to create a sustainable and prosperous future for natural ecosystems in Africa, and the local people living in and around these unique, globally important areas. ​

We are actively involved in positive impact initiatives across the continent with local partners who share our commitment and vision of helping people and ecosystems thrive together. Every trip with Go2Africa contributes to our impact vision. Your choice to travel with us directly creates meaningful benefits for Africa’s people and vital ecosystems areas.

Combining Safaris with Other Destinations

Can I Combine a Safari With a Beach Holiday?

Safari and beach holidays for Australians are popular combinations. Pairing the excitement of safaris with the tranquillity of beachside bliss has been a firm favourite amongst travellers for a long time.

What are The Best Safari-and-city Combinations?

There are several fantastic safari and city as well as safari and beach combinations. One of our favourite is undoubtedly South Africa's Cape Town and Kruger National Park – the blue flag beaches of Cape Town pair perfectly with one of the world's most renowned safari destinations. This is a particularly popular option for African honeymoon safaris from Australia.

Can I See Gorillas or Other Unique Wildlife on The Same Trip?

Yes, absolutely! Both Uganda and Rwanda offer their own ‘big game' national parks and reserves alongside top gorilla trekking destinations. Should you wish to experience a wider array of species, consider pairing the trip with another East African country like Tanzania or Kenya.

How Long Should I Spend in Africa to Make The Trip Worthwhile?

Given the travel time from Australia to Africa, we would advise at least a week to make the trip worthwhile.

Pace it out – you don't need to tick every box in one trip. Spend longer in fewer places to deepen the experience and enjoy the little moments in camp.

Level up your safari – think about adding a walking safari, boat-based game viewing, or cultural experiences – you’ll gain a whole new perspective on Africa. – Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa

Australian Travel Habits & Social Comforts

What's The Tipping Culture Like Compared to Australia?

From our understanding, tipping is not typically expected in Australia. In Africa, it is customary to leave a tip, especially at restaurants, of at least 10% but more usually 12%. When on safari, tipping is customary, but at your discretion – it is done in cash and preferably in local currency, but USD is also widely accepted. Consult our guide to tipping on African safaris.

Can I Get Vegan, Gluten-free, And Allergy-friendly Meals?

Dietary requirements are widely understood and adhered to in Africa and having a vegan or vegetarian safari is possible. When on an African safari from Australia, it is usually accepted that your allergies and intolerances will be adhered to. This is the same for travellers who require kosher or halal options. Please ensure your Africa Safari Expert knows early on so they can communicate with your accommodation within a reasonable time.

How Do Australians Typically Book Safaris – DIY or With a Tour Operator?

When looking to book African safaris from Australia, both DIY and agency options are available. Historically, travellers – whether on their first or fifth adventure – prefer booking with an on-the-ground, local company who can not only provide ample information and seamless bookings, but be on-hand if, on the rare occasion, something were to go wrong

So, why travel with us? Our Africa Safari Experts are not only well-travelled, but well-versed in all things Africa, perfectly placed to help you curate your next great adventure. One of the main benefits of working with an expert is that every detail is not only taken care of, but tailored to your specific preferences. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re in good hands with 24/7 support and financial protection.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It…

Wonderful experience with Go2Africa at every stage. They planned an awesome itinerary with every detailed covered which ensured a smooth time while we were away. They even helped when we lost a wallet between Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe. We ended up getting the wallet returned the next day with everything still in it! Highly recommend booking for an unforgettable experience. – Rebecca Hollowood, Australian Traveller, Google Reviews, September 2025

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience with Go2Africa. I found Lucy Beveridge & Stuart Coffey to be extremely knowledgeable, prompt emailers & very upfront, easy to talk to people. The trip that was planned for us (using our wish list) from Cape Town to Victoria Falls including Transfers, Flights, Tours, Safaris & Accommodation well and truly exceeded our expectations. There was not a moment of stress throughout the whole trip, everything ran smoothly and to plan. I cannot recommend Go 2 Africa highly enough. – Deborah Dalrymple, Australian Traveller, Google Reviews, May 2025

Tempted to Start Planning?

Africa is far closer – and more accessible – than most Australians think. Start planning your safari with expert advice from Go2Africa's experienced team, who specialise in creating seamless, tailor-made itineraries for Australian travellers. Get in contact with one of our Africa Safari Experts to discuss your ideal safari experience from Australia.