Should I Visit Africa or Australia?
There are countless reasons to visit Australia and Africa alike – from the wide-open Outback and African plains to some of the world’s best winemaking regions.
Although they’re on opposite sides of the globe, Africa and Australia have a surprising number of things in common. A trip to either one promises stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, fascinating cities and fantastic food – so which should you visit? We’ve compiled all the information you need in order to choose.
What you need to know
- Africa boasts sweeping savannahs and the Okavango Delta, while Australia offers the Outback and the Daintree Rainforest.
- Both destinations are replete with beautiful beaches, from the Skeleton Coast to the Gold Coast.
- You can see the Big Five and other safari species in Africa, whereas Australia is home to unique marsupials and marine life.
- Africa is known for both game drives and walking safaris, and Australia offers guided bush walks and hikes.
- Africa’s most enticing cities include Cape Town and Windhoek; in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne are must-visits.
- Both Africa and Australia have delicious cuisine and some of the world’s most renowned wine regions.
- Consider what time of year you’re travelling, as different seasons are ideal for specific parts of Africa and Australia.
What landscapes can I expect?
Africa is home to pretty much every kind of landscape imaginable. Here you can explore the sweeping savannahs of the African bush and visit various private game reserves and conservancies.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta and the rainforests of Rwanda provide some of the most iconic settings for Africa vacations, while the sandy shores of South Africa and Namibia’s Skeleton Coast offer unique seaside escapes.
The land down under is also legendary for its vast and untouched wilderness. While most of its cities line the coasts, the interior region features the majestic Australian Outback. This is where you’ll find the towering red rock of Uluru, a sacred spot imbued with spiritual significance.
The Daintree Rainforest and Kakadu National Park are also bursting with natural splendours – as are the idyllic beaches of the Gold Coast and Lizard Island.
Which animal species can I see?
If you want to see some of the world’s most incredible animals, an African safari should be at the top of your list. Here you can witness the Great Migration, seek out mountain gorillas in Rwanda or meet penguins at Boulders Beach. Stay at one of our favourite safari lodges in Africa for a fully immersive experience.
An Australian safari offers an entirely different set of unforgettable wildlife. Here you’ll find kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, wallabies and even the famed Tasmanian devil.
Explore the protected habitats of Kangaroo Island, snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef and see saltwater crocodiles in the Whitsundays. When it comes to Australian wildlife, the options are endless.
The Big Five vs the Marine Big Five
Africa is known for its famous Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. In South Africa there’s also the Marine Big Five: southern right whales, dolphins, sharks, Cape fur seals and African penguins.
Australia counters these impressive quintets with its own Marine Big Five, which you can find in the Ningaloo Reef: humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and dugongs.
The Great Barrier Reef also boasts the Great Eight: whales, sharks, turtles, manta rays, clownfish, giant clams, potato cod and Maori wrasse.
What kinds of safaris can I go on?
Africa is the birthplace of the classic safari: an image that brings to mind jeeps speeding across open plains in search of big game. This kind of experience is a core component of many safaris, and game drives remain the best way to see certain species and explore specific areas.
That said, walking safaris are also a worthwhile experience to add to your itinerary. First introduced in South Luangwa National Park, these on-foot adventures allow you to get up close to the landscape, notice subtle details and encounter the environment in a more intimate way.
In Australia, meanwhile, you can discover the vast expanse of the Outback in a 4×4 vehicle or traverse Kakadu National Park on a quad bike.
And if you’d rather explore on foot, you can walk with Aboriginal elders through Kuku Yalanji country, embark on a guided bush walk in Western Australia or hike through the Daintree Rainforest, the Blue Mountains or Kangaroo Island.
Which cities can I include on my trip?
Considering all the endless reasons to visit Africa, an urban adventure might not be the first thing you think of. But this continent’s vibrant cities shouldn’t be overlooked.
Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, surrounded by beautiful beaches and the magnificent Table Mountain. Namibia’s capital of Windhoek offers German architecture and gorgeous botanical gardens, while Kigali is an up-and-coming destination in the heart of Rwanda.
It’s hard to plan an Australian vacation without at least considering a trip to Sydney. This harbour city is an eclectic mix of modern culture, Aboriginal history, Victorian architecture and idyllic beaches.
Melbourne is an equally tempting option – especially if you’re into art, coffee and cuisine. It’s brimming with museums and galleries, as well as fantastic cafés and restaurants.
Where should I go for world-class food and wine?
Africa definitely delivers when it comes to cuisine. The continent has an overwhelmingly diverse array of culinary traditions, featuring everything from unique local crops and game meats to internationally beloved delicacies.
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss South Africa’s Winelands, a region renowned for its rolling hills, excellent wineries and outstanding eateries.
In addition to Melbourne’s buzzing café culture, other parts of Australia have their own culinary claims to fame.
In South Australia, the verdant Barossa Valley provides ideal conditions for making wine – which pairs perfectly with local produce and artisanal cheeses. You’ll also find an abundance of fresh seafood along the country’s coastlines.
What seasons are best to visit Africa and Australia?
The best season to visit Africa or Australia depends entirely on where you’re headed and what experiences you want to have. This is why it’s essential to speak with an expert who knows the intricacies of seasonal patterns – and their implications – for your specific destinations.
When should I visit Africa?
In Africa, your experience can change completely depending on the season and weather conditions. For example, we usually recommend visiting safari regions during the dry season, which falls from May to October in much (but not all) of southern Africa.
However, if you’re headed to Victoria Falls, you might want to time your trip for March–May to see peak water levels. And if Cape Town is on your itinerary, summer (December–February) may be the best time to visit South Africa.
When should I visit Australia?
Australia’s sheer size means that weather conditions vary greatly from region to region. The best time to visit Australia depends on your destination; Sydney is a sure bet for warm temperatures year-round, but areas like the Outback require a bit more planning.
If you can’t decide where to go, check out our list of the dreamiest lodges in Australia for inspiration – then get in touch to find out which season makes the most sense for you.
Ask the expert
If you want an immersive safari experience, South Africa is hard to beat. If you’re interested in cities and beaches, Australia might make more sense.
That said, both countries boast awe-inspiring landscapes, coastal beauty, unique animals, remote adventures and authentic cultural experiences.
The choice between them will ultimately come down to which specific activities, landmarks, cities and species you prefer.
If you’re travelling in August, either Africa or Australia is a great choice. It depends on what activities and experiences you’re most interested in.
August is peak safari season in southern Africa, with the Okavango Delta in full flood and the Great Migration river crossings underway.
In Australia, August brings optimal weather to the Northern Territory and the Top End, as well as North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.
Africa and Australia are both phenomenal honeymoon destinations.
In Africa, you can combine safaris with romantic sleep-outs under the stars, spectacular views of Victoria Falls, wine tasting in South Africa or gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
In Australia, honeymoon itineraries can include scenic sunsets in the Outback, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, island escapes in the Whitsundays or trekking through Tasmania.
Our team can design an entirely bespoke honeymoon in either destination for the ultimate romantic adventure.
Ready to start planning?
Whatever you want from your next adventure, our travel designers are ready to help.
Trip inspiration
We’d love to share a selection of our Africa and Australia trips to help you start planning your own journey. Discover private experiences and stay in luxury lodges set at the foot of main landmarks and lesser-known highlights.
Contact us to speak with one of our travel experts and learn more about these two spectacular regions.
