22-Day West Africa & Australia Classic Highlights: Senegal, Ghana & Australia in January
This 22-day epic journey bridges the gap between the soulful heritage of West Africa and the sophisticated coastal lifestyle of Australia. Designed for the discerning traveler, this route balances the high-energy pulse of emerging capitals like Dakar and Accra with the laid-back opulence of Perth and the iconic landmarks of Sydney.
Traveling in January offers the perfect climate for this route: the dry, comfortable Harmattan season in Africa and the peak, sun-drenched summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Expect seamless transitions between five-star properties, private aviation experiences, and world-class dining that reflects the unique terroir of both continents.
Day 1: Dakar, Senegal - Arrival & Coastal Opulence
VIP Airport Arrival
Fast-track through Blaise Diagne International Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer in a luxury SUV.
Lunch at Le Lagon 1
Enjoy fresh lobster on a pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at one of Dakar's most prestigious seafood institutions.
African Renaissance Monument
A private guided tour of the tallest statue in Africa, followed by a sunset cocktail on the terrace of the Pullman Dakar Teranga.
Dinner at La Fourchette
Experience fusion cuisine where Senegalese flavors meet French culinary techniques in a chic, upscale setting.
Day 2: Dakar, Senegal - Gorée Island & Private Art
Private Yacht to Gorée Island
Avoid the public ferries and take a private boat to this UNESCO World Heritage site for a poignant, guided history tour.
Garden Lunch
Dine at a secluded villa on the island, featuring local Thieboudienne (fish and rice) prepared by a private chef.
Village des Arts Tour
Meet Senegal's leading contemporary artists in their private studios for a curated art-buying experience.
Jazz Night in Plateau
Enjoy live West African jazz at a high-end lounge in the heart of the capital's historic district.
Day 3: Dakar, Senegal - The Pink Lake Adventure
Lake Retba (Lac Rose) Expedition
Witness the high salt content turning the water pink. Take a luxury 4x4 tour of the surrounding dunes where the Paris-Dakar rally once finished.
Lakeside Brunch
Gourmet picnic set up by your hotel staff at the edge of the dunes.
Soumbédioune Market Visit
A private shopping experience for premium leather goods and silver jewelry with a local fashion expert.
Tasting Menu at Chez Loutcha
A refined exploration of West African staples in an elegant, air-conditioned environment.
Day 4: Dakar to Accra (Senegal/Ghana) - The Golden Coast Transit
Final Breakfast at the Corniche
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of the Almadies district before your departure.
Cross-Border Flight
Direct flight from Dakar to Accra.
Accra Arrival & Check-in
Arrive at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, the pinnacle of luxury accommodation in Ghana.
Skybar 25 Dinner
Dine at the highest rooftop bar and restaurant in West Africa, offering 360-degree views of the capital.
Day 5: Accra, Ghana - History & High Fashion
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
A private tour of the mausoleum dedicated to Ghana's first president, newly renovated with modern luxury amenities.
Lunch at Bistro 22
A favorite for diplomats and executives, serving international cuisine in a lush garden setting.
High-End Fashion Tour
Visit the studios of world-renowned designers like Christie Brown for a bespoke fitting.
Dinner at Santoku
Accra’s premier Japanese fusion restaurant, designed by the architects behind Nobu London.
Day 6: Accra, Ghana - Artistic Soul
Artists Alliance Gallery
Explore three floors of premium African art, from traditional masks to contemporary sculptures.
Lunch at Buka
Sophisticated Ghanaian and Nigerian cuisine in an upscale, open-air terrace.
James Town Heritage Walk
A private, security-conscious walking tour of the British and Dutch historical districts and the iconic lighthouse.
Nightlife at Carbon
Experience Accra’s elite nightlife at this exclusive club featuring international DJs.
Day 7: Accra, Ghana - Castles & Canopies
Day Trip to Cape Coast
A private chauffeured 3-hour drive to Cape Coast Castle, followed by the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park.
Coastal Lunch
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a boutique resort overlooking the Gulf of Guinea.
Return to Accra
Relax in your luxury vehicle during the return trip.
Late Supper at Urban Grill
Premium steaks and fine wines in a modern, Manhattan-style grill room.
Day 8: Accra to Perth (Ghana/Australia) - The Global Leap
Leisurely Morning
Enjoy the Kempinski’s world-class spa facilities before your long-haul flight.
Airport Transfer
Private transfer to Kotoka International Airport.
Depart for Perth
Board your business class flight connecting through the Middle East toward Australia.
In-Flight Comfort
Enjoy flat-bed dining and premium entertainment during the long-haul journey.
Day 9: En Route - Transit Day
Middle East Connection
Experience the luxury lounges in Dubai or Doha during your connection.
Final Leg to Perth
Depart on the final 11-hour leg across the Indian Ocean.
Rest & Recovery
Continue resting to adjust your internal clock for the Australian time zone.
On-Board Dining
A light pre-arrival meal prepared by the airline’s executive chef.
Day 10: Perth, Australia - Arrival & Sunset Over the Indian Ocean
Touchdown in Perth
Clear customs and meet your luxury chauffeur for the drive to COMO The Treasury in the historic State Buildings.
Check-in & Refresh
Unwind in one of the world's best-rated boutique hotels.
Dinner at Wildflower
Dine at the hotel's rooftop restaurant, featuring a menu dictated by the six Noongar seasons.
Late Night Walk
A short stroll through the quiet, safe streets of the Perth CBD.
Day 11: Perth, Australia - Kings Park & Urban Heights
Kings Park Private Tour
A private botanical tour of one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, offering views over the Swan River.
Lunch at Fraser’s
Iconic Perth dining with panoramic views of the city skyline and river.
Elizabeth Quay Stroll
Visit the ultra-modern waterfront district and see the Bell Tower.
Dinner at Post
Contemporary Italian cuisine located within the beautiful architecture of the State Buildings.
Day 12: Perth, Australia - Rottnest Island by Sea & Air
Seaplane to Rottnest
Skip the ferry and fly directly to the island in a private seaplane for spectacular views.
Quokka Encounter
Meet the world's friendliest marsupials and explore the island's pristine white-sand beaches with a private guide.
Long Lunch at Isola
Enjoy beachside Italian dining at Thompson Bay with views of the turquoise water.
Sunset Return Flight
Fly back to the mainland as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Day 13: Perth, Australia - Margaret River Day Flight
Private Flight to Margaret River
A 45-minute private flight takes you to Western Australia's premier wine region.
Vasse Felix Estate
A private tour and tasting at the region's founding winery.
Degustation Lunch at Voyagers Estate
Experience a multi-course lunch paired with world-class Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons.
Return to Perth
Arrive back at your hotel in time for an evening spa treatment.
Day 14: Perth, Australia - Fremantle Charm
Fremantle Markets Private Tour
Explore the historic port city and its vibrant 19th-century architecture with a local historian.
Seafood at Fremantle Harbour
Dine on the famous Fremantle Octopus at a premium waterfront restaurant.
WA Maritime Museum
View the Australia II yacht and learn about the region's deep connection to the sea.
Dinner at Rockpool Bar & Grill
World-class steakhouse dining at Crown Perth, featuring the finest Australian produce.
Day 15: Perth to Sydney (Australia) - Transcontinental Journey
Breakfast in the CBD
Enjoy a final Australian brunch in Perth before your cross-country flight.
Business Class to Sydney
Board your transcontinental flight (approx. 4.5 hours).
Sydney Arrival
Check into the Park Hyatt Sydney, located directly on the harbour with views of the Opera House.
Dinner at Aria
Iconic fine dining with the most famous view in Australia.
Day 16: Sydney, Australia - The Icons
Sydney Opera House Private Tour
Go behind the scenes of this architectural marvel with an expert architectural guide.
Lunch at Bennelong
Dine inside one of the white 'sails' of the Opera House.
BridgeClimb Pylon Lookout
For a luxury touch, book the private VIP BridgeClimb for sunset.
Dinner at Quay
Experience Peter Gilmore's world-renowned menu overlooking Circular Quay.
Day 17: Sydney, Australia - Coastal Sophistication
Private Transfer to Bondi
Head to the world-famous Bondi Beach in a luxury sedan.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
A private guided walk along the cliffs, stopping at secret swimming spots.
Lunch at Icebergs Dining Room
The ultimate Sydney lunch spot, perched over the Bondi Icebergs pool.
Afternoon Surf Lesson
A private, one-on-one session with a pro surfer on the North Bondi sands.
Day 18: Sydney, Australia - Blue Mountains by Helicopter
Helicopter Departure
Fly from Rose Bay over the harbor and out to the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains.
Echo Point & Three Sisters
Avoid the crowds with private access to viewpoints of the ancient eucalyptus forests.
Lunch at Hydro Majestic
A grand, historic hotel offering high tea and spectacular valley views.
Flight Back to the Harbour
Return via a scenic route over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Day 19: Sydney, Australia - Private Harbour Yacht
Private Yacht Charter
Board a luxury 50ft yacht for a 4-hour cruise of the hidden coves of Sydney Harbour.
Catered Lunch on Board
Fresh Sydney Rock Oysters and chilled Australian Verdelho served on deck.
Swim at Milk Beach
Accessible primarily by boat, this secluded beach offers the best city views.
Dinner at Hubert
An opulent, underground French restaurant with live jazz and world-class service.
Day 20: Sydney, Australia - Art & Heritage
Art Gallery of New South Wales
A private tour of the newly opened 'Sydney Modern' wing.
Lunch at Chiswick
Matt Moran's garden-to-table dining in the elegant Woollahra district.
The Rocks Historical Tour
A private walk through the oldest part of the city, focusing on colonial history and upscale shopping.
Farewell Dinner at Oncore
Clare Smyth’s 3-Michelin star level experience at Crown Sydney.
Day 21: Sydney, Australia - Leisure & Retail Therapy
Queen Victoria Building Shopping
A private personal shopper experience in this stunning 19th-century Romanesque building.
Lunch at Catalina
Watch the seaplanes take off in Rose Bay as you enjoy fine seafood.
Spa Ritual
A final afternoon of relaxation with a signature treatment at the Park Hyatt Spa.
Cocktails at Maybe Sammy
Voted one of the best bars in the world, perfect for a final celebratory drink.
Day 22: Sydney, Australia - Departure
Final Breakfast
A quiet breakfast overlooking the harbor as the city wakes up.
Private SUV Transfer
Luxury transfer to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
Check-in & Departure
Board your first-class flight home, concluding your epic two-continent journey.
Takeoff
Final views of the Sydney coast as you head home.
Best Time to Visit Africa & Oceania
For this specific route, January is the optimal month. In West Africa (Senegal and Ghana), this period falls within the dry season, characterized by pleasant temperatures and low humidity, though the Harmattan winds can occasionally bring dust. In Australia (Perth and Sydney), January is the height of summer. Expect hot, sunny days perfect for beaches and outdoor dining, with temperatures averaging 30°C (86°F). This combination allows for a seamless summer-themed wardrobe throughout the entire 22-day trip.
Visas & Border Crossings
Traveling between West Africa and Oceania requires careful visa planning. Most Western travelers will need a visa for Ghana (often required in advance) and an e-visa or ETA for Australia. Senegal offers visa-free entry or visas-on-arrival for many nationalities, but always verify current requirements. When transiting through major hubs like Dubai or Doha, no visa is typically required for short layovers. Ensure your passport has at least six months' validity and several empty pages for the multiple international stamps you will receive.
Getting Around Africa & Oceania
This itinerary relies on high-end transit to bridge the vast distances between Western Africa and Australia. Within Africa, private chauffeurs and domestic flights are the standard for luxury. The intercontinental leg from Accra to Perth is best served by Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates or Qatar Airways in Business or First Class. Within Australia, domestic business class on Qantas provides a high level of comfort for the 4.5-hour flight between Perth and Sydney. Private yacht charters and helicopter transfers are recommended to avoid traffic and maximize scenic views.
