Summer holidays, December and January
Warm and mostly dry after the short rains, with the herds usually moving into the southern Serengeti for calving in the new year. Christmas is busy at lodges and on the coast, so book early.
Plan from Australia
Planning a Kenya and Tanzania safari from Australia
East Africa is a long way from Australia, so most guests make it a once-in-a-while trip of two weeks or more. Here is how the journey usually works and how to plan around Australian holidays.
At a glance
- Flights
- No nonstop flights; connect via Johannesburg, a Middle Eastern hub or Asia
- Time difference
- Nairobi is 7 hours behind Sydney (8 during Australian daylight saving) and 5 hours behind Perth
- Entry
- Kenya eTA plus Kenyan inbound health insurance; Tanzania visa plus inbound insurance
- Power
- Kenya uses UK-style three-pin plugs at 240 volts; bring a type G adapter (voltage is similar to home)
- Money
- Quotes in US dollars; pay by bank transfer or by credit or debit card through a secure link
- Trip length
- 12 to 16 nights is typical, often combining Kenya, Tanzania and a beach stay
Getting there
Flights and arrival
There are no nonstop flights from Australia to East Africa. Qantas flies to Johannesburg from Sydney and Perth, with onward flights to Nairobi; South African Airways also sells Perth to Nairobi through Johannesburg on one ticket.
Routings through Middle Eastern hubs or through Asia are the other common choices, and are often convenient from the east coast.
Because the journey is long, we usually suggest a first night in Nairobi or Arusha before the safari begins, and building a beach stay on Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast in at the end.
International flights are not included in our safari prices. Book them yourself or through your travel agent, or ask us to quote them with your safari. Schedules change, so check the airline before you fix your dates.
Before you fly
Entry and documents
Kenya: Australians apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) once flights are booked. Allow at least a week.
Since early October 2026 Kenya also requires a Kenyan inbound travel health insurance policy, bought during the eTA application or on the eCitizen portal.
Tanzania: Australians need a tourist visa through the official e-visa portal, plus Tanzania's government inbound travel insurance.
Read your government's latest advice before booking: Smartraveller: Kenya (opens in a new tab) and Smartraveller: Tanzania (opens in a new tab). Ask a travel health clinic about vaccinations and malaria tablets about six to eight weeks before you travel.
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is your responsibility and is not included in our prices. The government inbound policies for Kenya and Tanzania do not replace it.
When to travel
Fitting a safari around your holidays
Wildlife movements and rains vary from year to year, so treat these as typical patterns rather than promises. We advise on your exact dates when we plan.
July school holidays
Dry season in East Africa and often the start of the migration season in the Maasai Mara and northern Serengeti. Popular dates fill early.
Easter
Often during the long rains: green and quiet, with lower rates and some camps closed. A good fit for a slower safari and beach trip.
When to see the Great Migration · Why consider the shoulder season
Itineraries to start from
Trips that suit the journey from Australia
Each can be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget, and reserved for your party alone.
14-Day East Africa Perennial Safari
From $11,500 per person, estimated
13-Day Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari
From $9,214 per person, estimated
10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari
From $3,200 per person, estimated
Payments
Paying for your safari
Your quote is in US dollars. Pay by bank transfer to our company account or by credit or debit card through a secure payment link; your bank converts from Australian dollars. We do not accept cash deposits, and every payment receives a receipt.
Travel professionals
Booking through an agent
Australian travel agents and tour operators can book us as their ground operator in Kenya and Tanzania. Share any itinerary on this site with your agent using its copy link or print button.
Get in touch
Let’s plan your safari
Tell us your dates and wishes. Our Nairobi office replies Monday to Saturday, 08:30 to 17:30 East Africa Time (UTC+3).
Official links for Australian travellers
- Kenya eTA (official portal) (opens in a new tab)
- Kenya inbound travel health insurance (eCitizen) (opens in a new tab)
- Tanzania e-visa (official portal) (opens in a new tab)
- Tanzania mainland inbound insurance (NIC) (opens in a new tab)
- Zanzibar inbound insurance (ZIC) (opens in a new tab)
- Smartraveller: Kenya (opens in a new tab)
- Smartraveller: Tanzania (opens in a new tab)
Information reviewed on 7 November 2026. Entry rules, fees and flight schedules change; always confirm with the official source before you travel.
