How to Plan a Kenya Safari from Australia? Stepwise Guide
Who doesn’t love adventure right? And if it’s one of a kind, then it’s worth experiencing. Those adventure, wildlife and nature lovers embark on a Kenya Safari from Australia. With the availability of Kenya visa for Australian citizens or Kenya eta, visiting the country for tourism activities has become hassle-free.
Whether you are a nature lover, adventure freak or culture enthusiasts, you will love visiting Kenya for its ultimate rare experiences.
Kenya is known for its diverse landscape and is a dream destination for travelers seeking a thrilling wildlife safari experience. Home to the world-famous Great Migration, Kenya lets you have a close encounter with millions of wild creatures, all at one place.
Apart from wildlife tours, Kenya offers life changing experiences, letting you know about the tribal culture like Maasai, their ancient heritage, tradition, dance and music, stories and strong community values. Later, have relaxing beach time at some of the stunning beaches (Diani, Watamu and Lamu) along the Australian Ocean.
If you are an Australian citizen with a valid Australian passport, having the intention to visit this incredible land of wildlife, vast open savannahs, dense forests and mountains, then you should book your Kenya Safari from Australia and apply for the Kenya visa for Australian citizens.
This article has all the details about Kenya visa application, Kenya visa for safari requirements from Australia, tips on visiting the safari park and other necessities.
Why choose Kenya safari?
Choose Kenya safari because unlike anywhere else, it is the only place where you can witness millions of animals all at once. Kenya is the land of vast grasslands, forests, lakes, rivers and mountains, making wildlife thrive. Whether it is the vast plains of Maasai Mara, where the Great Migration takes place or the postcard view of the Amboseli National Park with Mount Kalimanjaro in the background, there are many reasons why Australians choose a Kenya safari.
Key points
Availability of Kenya visa for Australians: Traveling to Kenya is easy for Australian citizens; they simply need to fill the online Kenya visa application (Kenya eta) and submit.
Direct flights: From major cities of Australia direct flights are available to Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
World-Famous Wildlife: Australians can experience the Big Five and iconic safaris in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Wildlife parks: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and West National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, etc.
Home to Big Five and other wild animals: Lion, buffaloes, leopard, black rhinoceros, African elephants, African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, etc.
The Great Migration: Millions of wildebeest’s, zebras and gazelles migrate from Serengeti to the plains of Maasai Mara in Kenya, the only place on Earth to let you witness such a rare moment.
Value for Money: Unlike other safari destinations, it’s worth spending money for Kenya safari, as it lets you experience rare wildlife encounters.
Food option for Australians: You will be surprised to know that many lodges in Kenya offer vegetarian, Jain, and Australian meal options.
Family & Group Friendly: Kenya safari welcomes all types of travelers, whether you are traveling with family, group or on your honeymoon.
Warm hospitality: The locals are welcoming, making Australians feel at home.
Safari + Beach Combo: Combine your Kenya safari packages from Australia with beach escapes.
Kenya safari from Australia, sounds exciting right? Let’s find out about the Kenya visa for safari requirements from Australia:
What are the Kenya Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens?
Kenya e visa or Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Australian citizens wishing for Kenya Safari from Australia or anywhere in the world, they can do so by simply applying for the Kenya visa for Australian citizens. The mandatory Kenya visa for safari requirements from Australia or anywhere for Australian citizens is a valid Australian passport.
Mandatory Kenya visa for safari requirements from Australia:
- Valid Australian passport
- Email address
- Mobile Number
- Booked Kenya safari packages from Australia (Safari + Transportation + Accommodations)
- Sufficient Funds
- Requested vaccinations
Steps for Kenya visa application process:
Since you are visiting Kenya for a wildlife safari, you are required to apply for an online Kenya tourist visa. Here is a stepwise guide to know about the Kenya eta application:
- Visit the online Kenya visa application site
- Click on the Kenya eta application form
- Fill the Form
- Upload Documents
- Pay the Kenya visa fees for Australians
- Wait for the Kenya tourist visa application to be processed
- Receive the Approved Kenya e visa via mail
Searching for Flights from Australia to Kenya: What are the Options?
If you have confirmed your Kenya safari packages from Australia, here are the popular routes to fly from Australia.
Popular Routes: From Major Cities of Australia to Kenya
- Perth (PER) to Nairobi: Strategically the shortest route from Australia.
- Melbourne (MEL) to Nairobi: Currently identified as the most popular route.
- Sydney (SYD) to Nairobi: Offers the widest range of international airline options.
What is the Flight Fare to Kenya from Australia?
The flight fare to Kenya from Australia is between $ 1500 AUD - $ 3000 AUD for a round trip. The fare varies or you can fluctuate, depending on the month you are traveling.
How to Book Flights to Kenya at the Cheapest Rate?
- Try to book at least 2-3 months in advance
- If you can adjust, try to travel in weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday), as flights are cheaper than on the weekends (Friday-Sunday)
- Compare the prices of the different airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Etihad)
- Travel to Kenya in the cheapest month or off season
- Be flexible with your dates.
What is the Best Time for Kenya Safari from Australia?
Before booking your Kenya safari packages from Australia, you must know the best time to visit for Kenya safari from Australia.
Kenya Safari Best Time to Visit:
July to October are considered as the best African safari season. However read below to know more about the other months to visit for Kenya safari, so that you are able to go forward with your booking for Kenya safari packages from Australia.
Peak Safari Season Kenya (July-October):
- Great Migration: Witness millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles crossing river
- Weather: Dry season, best for wildlife viewing
- Crowds: Highest number of tourists and Kenya safari cost is high.
Shoulder Season in Kenya (January-March, November-December):
- Calving Season: Will be able to witness many newly born calves
- Wildlife: Best for enjoying game drives
- Advantages: Fewer crowds, low cost and pleasant cool weather
Wet Season in Kenya (April-June):
- Lush Green Landscapes: This is the monsoon or low season in Kenya, you will see lush green scenes.
- Bird Watching: Engage in watching rare bird species
- Budget-Friendly: This off peak tourist season in Kenya, so rates are low.
Kenya Safari Packages from Australia: What’s Included?
There are many tour operators in Australia that provide customized Kenya safari packages from Australia. Based on your budget (offering budget-friendly adventures to luxury escapes) and preference of season and activities you design your tour package.
Popular Kenya Safari Packages from Australia:
Classic Kenya Wildlife Safari Packages from Australia:
The traditional Kenya wildlife safari packages from Australia is for first timers and includes safari of the best wildlife parks Kenya like Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru.
Masai Mara Wildlife Packages from Australia:
The Masai Mara wildlife packages from Australia are designed exclusively to give tourists a wildlife safari experience of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Booking this package during the Great Migration month that occurs from July to October is highly recommended.
Top Wildlife Reserves and National Parks in Kenya
Here is a a brief introduction about the top wildlife reserves and national parks in Kenya:
Masai Mara National Reserve:
- Popular for The Great Migration: Witness millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles crossing river
- Wildlife: Home to Big Five (Lion, Rhinos, Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes) and other predators
- Cultural tour: Know about the ancient tribal communities like Masai
- Activities: Jeep safari + Canter safari + Hot air balloon ride above the plains of Masai Mara.
- Peak season: July to October for the Great Migration
Amboseli National Park:
- Popular for: Mount Kilimanjaro at the backdrop
- Wildlife: Home to large elephant herds
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to Diverse ecosystems, comprising of five different landscape
- Best for: Postcard Photography opportunities
Tsavo National Parks (East & West):
- Popular for: Largest national park in Kenya
- Wildlife: Home to Red elephants of Tsavo
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to Diverse landscapes
- What to expect: Less crowded, offering quiet game drives than other parks
Lake Nakuru National Park:
- Popular for: Largest number of flamingo populations
- Wildlife: It is a Rhino sanctuary
- What to expect: Close encounter with leopard and lion
- Landscape: Scenic views with a lake
Kenya Safari Packages from Australia: Sample Itineraries
To have a rough idea how the Kenya safari packages from Australia are planned day wise, we have provided two sample itineraries. Depending on the number of days and activities included your Kenya safari cost per person will be provided.
5 Days Kenya Budget Safari Package:
- Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
- Day 2-3: Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Day 4: Visit Lake Nakuru National Park
- Day 5: Departure from Nairobi, back to Australia
7 Days Kenya Safari Package:
- Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
- Day 2-3: Safari in Amboseli National Park
- Day 4-5: Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Day 6: Visit Lake Naivasha
- Day 7: Departure from Nairobi, back to Australia
Important Tips: Travelling to Kenya from Australia
- Make sure to keep cash with you, exchange Australian currency INR to Kenyan Shillings (KES) at the airport or via ATMs.
- In Nairobi and some lodges Australian food is available.
- Tipping for guides is around $10 per day
- Must have travel insurance, especially if you are traveling to an international destination.
- Must have Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, which is required to be furnished during application form fill up of Kenya visa for Australian.
- Pack warm clothes if you are planning for game drives in the morning, as it is cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Kenya Safari Cost from Australia?
As most Kenya safari packages from Australia includes transportation, accommodation, meals, park fees, safari and guided tours, on an average you can expect:
- Short 3-5 days Kenya safari cost: Estimated to be around $1,115 to $3,349 USD per person (rough estimation), excluding flights.
- 7-10 days Kenya safari package: Estimated to be around $2,230 to $3,345 USD per person (rough estimation), excluding flights.
How to Book for Masai Mara Safari Package from Australia?
The Masai Mara wildlife packages from Australia can be booked from many reputed travel operators like Flight Centre. The packages include transportation, accommodation, meals, park fees, safari and guided tours and are designed exclusively to give tourists a wildlife safari experience of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Fly from Australia to Nairobi: Direct flight from major cities like Delhi or Mumbai to Nairobi
How to reach Masai Mara from Nairobi?
There are two main options to reach Masai Mara from Nairobi, that is either by:
- By Road: Takes approx. 5-6 hours from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve.
- By Air: Domestic flights are available from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Masai Mara airstrip, taking 45 minutes to reach.
While booking your Masai Mara wildlife packages you can choose any of these options based on your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Kenya from Australia?
The cost of a trip to Kenya from Australia is estimated to be around $780 to $3,350 USD. It depends whether you are choosing a budget friendly trip, mid-range or luxury trip. Since, in mid-range and luxury Kenya trip packages it includes flight fare so the cost is more.
Do Australians need a visa to visit Kenya for Safari?
Australian citizens are required to get hold of the Kenya visa for Australian citizens or Kenya eta visa or Kenya online visa in advance before their date of journey.
How to apply for the Kenya visa for Australian citizens?
Travelers from Australia can apply for the Kenya visa for Australian citizens online without the need to visit the embassy at any stage.
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