19-Day Eastern Africa & Oceania Classic Highlights: Kenya, Mauritius & Australia in January
Embark on an extraordinary 19-day cross-continental odyssey designed specifically for families who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort. Starting in the vibrant 'Green City in the Sun,' Nairobi, you will journey through the tropical paradise of Mauritius before concluding in the stunning harbors of Australia. This route captures the 'Classic Highlights' of each region, focusing on capital cities and iconic landmarks that are as educational as they are awe-inspiring.
January is the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, offering long sunny days perfect for exploring the savannahs of Kenya or the turquoise lagoons of the Indian Ocean. While the pace is epic, we have balanced the itinerary with multi-day stays in each hub to ensure children can acclimatize and parents can relax. From wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives, this is the definitive family guide to Eastern Africa and Oceania.
Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya - Arrival & City Welcome
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International
Touch down in Kenya's capital and transfer to your family hotel in the leafy Lang'ata district.
Lunch at the Talisman
Enjoy a relaxed family lunch in a beautiful garden setting known for its fusion of African and European flavors.
Nairobi National Museum
Introduce the kids to Kenya's rich history, including the famous hominid fossils and local art collections.
Welcome Dinner
Settle into the city with a quiet dinner at your hotel to recover from the flight.
Day 2: Nairobi, Kenya - Wildlife & Conservation
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Visit the world-famous elephant orphanage to watch the calves being fed and learn about their rescue stories.
Giraffe Centre
A favorite for children; feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised observation platform.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
Relax under the trees for lunch in the historic Karen neighborhood.
Bomas of Kenya
Experience traditional music and dance performances representing Kenya's various ethnic groups.
Day 3: Nairobi, Kenya - Savannah in the City
Nairobi National Park Safari
The only national park in the world within a city; spot lions, rhinos, and zebras with the skyline in the background.
Picnic at the Ivory Burning Site
A historic spot inside the park to discuss conservation efforts with the family.
Kazuri Beads Factory
Take a tour of this socially responsible workshop where local women create beautiful ceramic beads.
Carnivore Restaurant
Enjoy the 'Beast of a Feast' for a legendary Kenyan dining experience the whole family will remember.
Day 4: Nairobi, Kenya - Local Markets & Culture
Maasai Market
Shop for colorful textiles, handmade jewelry, and wooden carvings in this bustling open-air market.
Lunch at J's Fresh Bar
A casual spot with great burgers and local dishes that kids will love.
Uhuru Park
Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the views of the central business district.
Final Kenyan Dinner
Try traditional Nyama Choma (roasted meat) at a family-friendly local eatery.
Day 5: Nairobi to Port Louis (Kenya/Mauritius) - Flight Day
Transfer to JKI Airport
Check out and head to the airport for your flight across the Indian Ocean.
Flight to Mauritius
A direct 4-hour flight brings you to the tropical island paradise of Mauritius.
Arrival in Port Louis
Transfer to your beachfront resort and settle in for the evening.
Stargazing by the Beach
Enjoy the clear Southern Hemisphere night sky with the kids after dinner.
Day 6: Port Louis, Mauritius - History & Harbors
Aapravasi Ghat
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site to learn about the history of indentured labor in Mauritius.
Caudan Waterfront
Stroll through the modern harbor, enjoy the craft market, and visit the Blue Penny Museum.
Fort Adelaide (The Citadel)
Climb to this hilltop fort for a panoramic view of the capital city and the mountains.
Le Pouce Mountain Foothills
Take a light nature walk suitable for kids at the base of the island's iconic peak.
Day 7: Port Louis, Mauritius - Botanical Bliss
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
See the giant water lilies and the spice garden in one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Lunch at L'Aventure du Sucre
Dine at an old sugar factory and enjoy the museum explaining the island's sweet history.
Trou aux Biches Beach
Spend the afternoon at one of the safest beaches for children with shallow, calm waters.
Sunset Dinner
Enjoy fresh seafood on the sand as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 8: Port Louis, Mauritius - Seven Colored Earths
Chamarel Waterfall
Take photos of the highest waterfall in Mauritius as it plunges into the lush forest.
Seven Colored Earth Geopark
Witness the unique volcanic sand dunes that settle in seven distinct colors.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
While the adults taste rum, the kids can enjoy the beautiful grounds and fresh fruit juices.
Black River Gorges Lookouts
Drive through the national park and stop at scenic viewpoints to spot endemic birds.
Day 9: Port Louis to Sydney (Mauritius/Australia) - The Long Jump
Morning Relaxation
Enjoy one last swim in the turquoise lagoon before heading to the airport.
Transfer to Airport
Head back to the airport for the long-haul flight across the Indian Ocean to Australia.
Flight to Sydney
Board your flight (often via Perth or Singapore) to the Australian East Coast.
In-Flight Rest
Rest up as you cross several time zones to maximize your first day in Australia.
Day 10: Sydney, Australia - Harbour Highlights
Arrival in Sydney
Arrive in Australia's most famous city, drop your bags at a Circular Quay hotel, and freshen up.
The Rocks District
Walk through the historic cobblestone streets where European settlement began in Sydney.
Sydney Opera House Tour
Take the dedicated 'Junior Adventure' tour designed specifically for kids to learn about this icon.
Circular Quay Walk
Enjoy the evening lights of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Day 11: Sydney, Australia - Sun & Surf
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Walk a portion of this stunning coastal trail, stopping at playgrounds and rock pools along the way.
Bondi Beach Lunch
Grab fish and chips and eat on the grass at North Bondi while watching the surfers.
Bondi Pavilion
Check out the local art exhibitions and the community vibe at the newly renovated pavilion.
Darling Harbour Dinner
A family-friendly hub with dozens of restaurant options and a massive playground for kids.
Day 12: Sydney, Australia - Wildlife with a View
Ferry to Taronga Zoo
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the harbor to one of the world's most beautiful zoos.
Seal Show & Keeper Talks
Attend the educational presentations to learn about Australian wildlife conservation.
Wild Ropes Course
Older kids can take on the high-ropes course with spectacular views of the Opera House.
Ferry back to City
Relax as the ferry returns to Circular Quay during the golden hour.
Day 13: Sydney, Australia - Blue Mountains Adventure
Train to Katoomba
Take the scenic 2-hour train ride into the heart of the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains.
Echo Point & Three Sisters
Witness the most famous rock formation in Australia and hear the Aboriginal legends behind them.
Scenic World
Ride the world's steepest railway and the cableway over the ancient rainforest canopy.
Leura Village
Browse the candy stores and boutique shops in this charming mountain village before the return journey.
Day 14: Sydney to Canberra (Australia) - The Capital Route
Murrays Coaches Transfer
Board a comfortable coach for the 3.5-hour journey to Australia's planned capital city, Canberra.
Arrival in Canberra
Check into your apartment hotel in the NewActon precinct.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
See the perfect geometric design of the city from this high vantage point.
Lake Burley Griffin Walk
Hire bikes or walk along the lake shore, passing the National Carillon.
Day 15: Canberra, Australia - Science & History
Questacon (National Science Centre)
Hands-down the best activity for kids in Canberra, with eight galleries of interactive exhibits.
Lunch at Old Bus Depot Markets
Enjoy local street food and crafts (open Sundays) or the nearby Kingston Foreshore.
Australian War Memorial
Visit the Discovery Zone for kids, which provides a sensitive and educational look at history.
Parliament House
Take a tour of Australia's legislative heart and see the famous architecture and art.
Day 16: Canberra to Wellington (Australia/New Zealand) - The Tasman Crossing
National Museum of Australia
Explore the 'Kspace' interactive adventure for kids before leaving for the airport.
Flight to Wellington
Head to the airport for your flight across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand's 'Coolest Little Capital'.
Arrival in Wellington
Transfer to your central hotel and grab dinner on the bustling Cuba Street.
Cuba Street Night Walk
Watch the famous Bucket Fountain and enjoy the street performers.
Day 17: Wellington, New Zealand - Te Papa & Waterfront
Te Papa Tongarewa
Spend the morning in New Zealand's national museum; the 'Nature' and 'Gallipoli' exhibits are world-class.
Wellington Waterfront Lunch
Eat at one of the family-friendly sheds along the harbor while the kids play on the Frank Kitts Park playground.
Wellington Cable Car
Ride the historic red cable car from Lambton Quay up to the Kelburn lookout.
Space Place at Carter Observatory
Located at the top of the cable car, this is perfect for young space enthusiasts.
Day 18: Wellington, New Zealand - Wildlife & Movies
Zealandia Te Mara a Tane
Visit this eco-sanctuary to see rare native birds like the Takahe and Kaka in the wild.
Lunch in Miramar
Head to the 'Wellywood' suburb for a casual lunch in this creative district.
Weta Workshop Tour
Discover the movie magic behind The Lord of the Rings and Avatar on this behind-the-scenes tour.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your final night with a feast at a local Kiwi bistro on Courtenay Place.
Day 19: Wellington, New Zealand - Departure
Oriental Bay Walk
Enjoy a final morning walk along Wellington's gold-sand inner-city beach.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up local Manuka honey and Maori greenstone (Pounamu) in the central city.
Final Lunch
A quick bite at a local cafe before the airport transfer.
Transfer to Wellington Airport
Head to the airport for your journey home, filled with memories of an epic three-country adventure.
Best Time to Visit Africa & Oceania
January is an ideal time for this specific route. In Kenya, it is the dry season, making wildlife spotting in Nairobi National Park much easier as animals congregate around water sources. In Mauritius and Australia/New Zealand, it is peak summer. Expect warm, sunny weather perfect for beaches and outdoor exploration. While Mauritius can experience tropical rain in January, it usually passes quickly. For Australia and New Zealand, this is the most popular time to visit, so expect vibrant city atmosphere and long daylight hours reaching until 9:00 PM.
Visas & Border Crossings
This trip involves crossing three distinct border regions. Kenya offers an eVisa or the East Africa Tourist Visa (if you plan to visit neighboring countries). Mauritius is visa-free for many nationalities including the US, UK, and EU. Australia requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or a visitor visa for most travelers. New Zealand requires an NZeTA. Always check the latest requirements at least 4 weeks before travel. Border crossings are all via international flights on this route, so ensure you have proof of onward travel as it is often requested at check-in.
Getting Around Africa & Oceania
Travel between the major hubs (Nairobi, Port Louis, Sydney, Wellington) is strictly by international flight. For the Sydney to Canberra leg, we recommend the Murrays Coach service which is comfortable and provides excellent views of the Australian bush. Within the cities: Nairobi relies on taxis/Uber; Mauritius is best explored by hiring a private driver for the day; Sydney and Canberra have world-class public transport (Opal card and light rail); and Wellington is highly walkable, supplemented by the iconic Cable Car and an efficient bus network.
