Experience African Safaris and Cultural Traditions

Wild animals roam free across the Greater Kruger National Park area, South Africa. Image source: Adobe Stock

Treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday in the Southern and Eastern Africa regions, with world-famous wildlife, authentic cultural encounters and up-close safari experiences. In Kenya and Tanzania, witness some of the largest animal migrations on the planet and learn about local traditions in Kenya’s Maasai community. In South Africa, explore the contrasts of Johannesburg and Cape Town. In all three countries, you’ll find a selection of African safaris and game reserves where you can look out for the Big Five—leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.

Animal migration patterns change with the seasons, so timing is everything. Plan your trip around peak viewing during the dry season from June to October.

South Africa: Safari treks and city highlights

Wine, wildlife and wellness holidays in South Africa have long been Western Australian favourites. Include the world-renowned national parks and diverse cosmopolitan centres in your itinerary for the African adventure you’ve always dreamed of.

The best time for wildlife watching

Track big game with local guides during the winter months for a memorable safari in South Africa. June to October is also the dry season, with ideal conditions for observing wildlife. Animals gather around shrinking water sources where less vegetation makes them easier to spot, and fewer mosquitoes make viewing more comfortable.

South Africa’s top safari experiences

Track down the elusive pangolin, one of the world’s most unusual mammals, and explore ancient archaeological sites at Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves. Private safari tours exclusively for on-site guests are available at some reserves. Watch leopards at Sabi Sands and increase your chances of spotting the endangered African wild dog at Madikwe Game Reserve.

Urban adventures and cultural highlights

Take a break from wildlife and African safaris to discover the cultural, historical and natural attractions of South Africa’s cities, from Johannesburg's dynamic arts scene to Cape Town's dramatic coastal setting.

Aerial view of Johannesburg’s modern and bustling CBD, South Africa. Image source: Adobe Stock

Johannesburg, the City of Gold

Spend time in South Africa’s largest city, founded during the 1880s gold rush. Tour the Apartheid Museum, then stroll Soweto’s Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace Prize winners. Stop by Mandela House and shop for handicrafts from street vendors.

For more wildlife, visit the safari parks near Johannesburg, a short drive from the city centre. Watch lion cubs and zebras, and help feed giraffes on a tour at Lion and Safari Park, or head to nearby Dinokeng Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park on a day trip or overnight stay.

Cape Town’s charm

Spend the afternoon in Bo-kaap, a lively neighbourhood known for its brightly painted houses and Malay culture. Try traditional cuisine, including spicy curries and the sweet-and-savoury bobotie, made with minced meat.

Sample regional wines and gourmet foods at Sip & Savour @ The River, held annually in October in the Robertson Wine Valley near Cape Town.

Maasai warrior wearing traditional dress, Diani Beach, Africa. Image source: Adobe Stock

Kenya: wildlife and culture

Kenya's dramatic landscapes, extraordinary array of wildlife and intriguing cultural traditions make it an endlessly fascinating destination.

A world-class safari experience in Kenya

Kenya’s varied landscapes, from mineral-rich lakes to volcanic terrain, are just as appealing as its animals. Visit Samburu Game Reserve to see the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra, native to this semi-arid region, or go birdwatching at Lake Nakuru, where flocks of up to one million flamingos gather. Take a trip to Tsavo East and Tsavo West, which make up one of Africa’s largest protected areas featuring mountains, savannahs and freshwater springs. Watch the elephants turn red as they coat themselves in iron-rich soil!

Witness a mind-blowing terrestrial migration

Over a million wildebeest, zebras and other large herbivores travel from Tanzania into Kenya through the East African grasslands each year. If you’re wondering where to view the Great Migration, travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve from July to October. Get up close at Sala’s Camp along the Sand River and take a sunrise hot air balloon ride to watch the movement of thousands of animals from above.

Semi-nomadic life with the Maasai

Draped in colourful textiles and intricate beaded jewellery, the Maasai people offer visitors warm hospitality combined with song and dance. Although they are nomadic pastoralists, they call Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok County and neighbouring Kajiado County home during the great wildebeest migration.

Experience the great wildebeest migration on a safari in Tanzania, Africa. Image source: Adobe Stock

Follow the migration to Tanzania

For another opportunity to see nature at its most spectacular, cross the border from Kenya to Tanzania to watch more migration action.

Serengeti National Park

With its lush vegetation, meandering rivers and rocky outcrops, Serengeti National Park is home to cheetahs and other large predators. The wildebeest migration peaks in June and July at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay in traditional bungalows at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or sleep in luxurious tents at Dunia Camp.

Grumeti River

View the migration along this secluded river in the Serengeti’s western corridor from May to July. This crocodile-infested waterway makes crossings a hair-raising adventure. Enjoy upscale accommodation and waterside views at Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge.

Mara River

Watch zebras race down embankments and brave treacherous rapids, while they dodge Nile crocodiles and other predators. Known as the ‘River of Death’, the Mara offers dramatic views along the migration route from July to October. Settle into a deluxe riverside tent at Sayari Camp or lodge at Nomad Lamai Serengeti, surrounded by dramatic rock formations.

Fly direct from Perth to Johannesburg with South African Airways. Image credit: Perth Airport. 

Fly from Perth to Africa and start your adventure!

Head to Southern and Eastern Africa for unforgettable wild animal adventures on safari or in wildlife reserves and camps, then relax in the cities for a varied and interesting holiday. Fly direct from Perth Airport to Johannesburg with South African Airways or Qantas and book connecting flights to Kenya and Tanzania. Start your trip by unwinding, grabbing a bite and connecting with free Wi-Fi in Perth Airport’s T1 Aspire Lounge. Ensure you have enough funds for excursions and other expenses by stopping at the foreign exchange in Terminal 1. Start planning your holiday with these practical airport tips for international travellers today!

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