29-Day Eastern Africa & Oceania Northern/Scenic Route: Ethiopia, Kenya & New Zealand
This 29-day epic journey spans the high-altitude wonders of Eastern Africa and the glacial majesty of Oceania. Designed with families in mind, the route focuses on the 'Northern/Scenic' aesthetics of each region—traversing the 'Roof of Africa' in Ethiopia before flying across the Indian Ocean to witness the spring bloom and fjord-lined coasts of New Zealand.
Traveling in October offers a unique seasonal duality: the tail end of the dry season in East Africa provides excellent wildlife viewing and clear mountain vistas, while the southern spring in Oceania brings rushing waterfalls and vibrant flora. Our Family Travel Guide ensures a pace that accommodates younger travelers with comfortable lodges and reliable transit options.
Day 1: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - High Altitude Welcome
Arrival at Bole International Airport
Complete your visa-on-arrival process and meet your pre-arranged shuttle to the city center.
National Museum of Ethiopia
Introduce the kids to 'Lucy,' our 3.2 million-year-old ancestor, in an accessible and educational environment.
Entoto Hill Views
Drive up to Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the capital among eucalyptus forests.
Traditional Coffee Ceremony
Enjoy a gentle introduction to Ethiopian culture with a kid-friendly snack of popcorn and aromatic coffee (or tea).
Day 2: Addis Ababa to Gondar, Ethiopia - The Camelot of Africa
Flight to Gondar
Take a short domestic flight to the historic city of Gondar.
Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure)
Explore the 17th-century castle ruins that look like they belong in a fairytale.
Fasilides Bath
A peaceful, walled garden and pool area perfect for a family stroll.
Debre Berhan Selassie Church
View the famous ceiling painted with hundreds of angelic faces.
Day 3: Gondar to Simien Mountains, Ethiopia - The Roof of Africa
Scenic Drive to Debark
Head north into the heart of the Simien Mountains National Park.
Gelada Baboon Trek
A low-impact walk to see these 'bleeding heart' monkeys; they are grass-eaters and very docile around humans.
Chennek Viewpoint
Marvel at the dramatic escarpments and deep valleys.
Mountain Lodge Relax
Settle into a cozy mountain lodge with heating for the chilly October nights.
Day 4: Simien Mountains, Ethiopia - Escarpment Exploration
Jinbar Waterfall Hike
A family-friendly trail leading to one of the tallest waterfalls in Africa.
Picnic with a View
Enjoy a packed lunch while spotting the rare Walia Ibex on the craggy peaks.
Village Cultural Exchange
Visit a local mountain community to learn about high-altitude agriculture.
Stargazing
The thin mountain air provides exceptional views of the Milky Way.
Day 5: Simien Mountains to Gondar to Nairobi (Ethiopia/Kenya) - Crossing the Rift
Return Drive to Gondar
Travel back down the mountain passes for your departure.
Flight to Nairobi via Addis
International transit to the capital of Kenya.
Check-in Nairobi Hotel
Relax in a modern hotel in the Karen or Westlands district.
Late Supper
Room service or a quick bite to recover from the travel day.
Day 6: Nairobi, Kenya - Urban Wildlife
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Watch orphaned baby elephants during their mid-morning mud bath and milk feeding.
Giraffe Centre
Feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform—a huge hit with kids.
Karen Blixen Museum
Walk through the historic farmhouse and beautiful gardens at the foot of the Ngong Hills.
Dinner at Carnivore
A fun, high-energy dining experience featuring a variety of grilled meats.
Day 7: Nairobi to Mount Kenya - The Second Peak
Drive North to Nanyuki
A scenic 3-hour drive through pineapple and coffee plantations.
Equator Crossing Point
A mandatory photo-op and water demonstration showing the Coriolis effect.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Home to the world's last two northern white rhinos and a chimpanzee sanctuary.
Evening Game Drive
Spot the 'Big Five' against the backdrop of Mount Kenya's jagged peaks.
Day 8: Mount Kenya National Park - Alpine Forests
Nature Walk
Explore the lower alpine zones with a guide to learn about medicinal plants.
Trout Tree Restaurant
Dine in a giant fig tree where fresh trout is served straight from the ponds below.
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
See the rare Mountain Bongo and help with conservation efforts.
Lakeside Bonfire
Enjoy stories by the fire at your lodge.
Day 9: Mount Kenya to Lake Naivasha - Great Rift Valley
Drive to Lake Naivasha
Descend into the dramatic scenery of the Great Rift Valley.
Boat Safari
See hippos and thousands of birds from the safety of a motorized boat.
Crescent Island Walk
A unique 'walking safari' where you can walk among giraffes and zebras (no predators here).
Sunset Dinner
Watch the sun dip behind the Mau Escarpment.
Day 10: Naivasha to Nairobi (Kenya) - Preparation for Oceania
Hell's Gate National Park
Rent bicycles and ride through the gorge that inspired 'The Lion King'.
Return Drive to Nairobi
Final shopping for African crafts at the Maasai Market.
Airport Lounge Rest
Freshen up before the long-haul flight to the Oceania region.
Departure Flight
Board your flight (typically via Dubai or Doha) toward Sydney/Auckland.
Day 11: International Transit - Crossing the Oceans
Connecting Flight
Spend time in transit; many airports offer family play zones.
Rest and Hydrate
Focus on keeping the kids hydrated and rested for the timezone shift.
In-flight Entertainment
Most long-haul carriers like Qatar Airways offer excellent kids' packs.
Arrival into Sydney
Late night landing in Australia; clear customs and head to your hotel.
Day 12: Sydney, Australia - Harbour Wonders
Late Breakfast at Circular Quay
Recover from the flight with views of the Sydney Opera House.
Sydney Opera House Tour
Take the 'Junior Adventure' tour specifically designed for families.
Manly Ferry Ride
The best and cheapest way to see the Sydney skyline from the water.
Dinner at Darling Harbour
A pedestrian-friendly zone with numerous family-friendly restaurants and a massive playground.
Day 13: Sydney, Australia - Coastal Scenic Walk
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
A stunning cliffside walk; parts are stroller-friendly, and the views are world-class.
Lunch at Coogee Pavilion
A very kid-friendly venue with an in-house games area.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Walk through the glass tunnels as sharks and rays swim overhead.
Relax at Hyde Park
Let the kids run around near the Archibald Fountain.
Day 14: Sydney to Blue Mountains, Australia - Mist and Eucalyptus
Train to Katoomba
A relaxing 2-hour train ride into the UNESCO-listed mountain range.
Echo Point & Three Sisters
Witness the most iconic rock formation in the Blue Mountains.
Scenic World
Ride the world's steepest passenger railway and the glass-bottomed cableway.
Check-in Mountain Cottage
Enjoy the crisp October mountain air and perhaps a wood fire.
Day 15: Blue Mountains to Sydney to Queenstown (Australia/New Zealand)
Leura Village Stroll
Explore the charming boutiques and candy stores in this scenic village.
Return to Sydney Airport
Direct flight across the 'Ditch' to the South Island of New Zealand.
Arrival in Queenstown
Widely considered one of the most beautiful airport approaches in the world.
Fergburger Dinner
Try the world-famous burgers (order ahead by phone to avoid the 45-minute wait!).
Day 16: Queenstown, New Zealand - Alpine Adventure
Skyline Gondola
Ride to Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
The Luge
Gravity-fueled go-carting that is safe and exhilarating for all ages.
Kiwi Park Queenstown
See the elusive national bird and learn about conservation efforts.
Lakefront Walk
A gentle stroll as the mountains reflect in the twilight waters.
Day 17: Queenstown to Te Anau, New Zealand - Gateway to Fiordland
Drive to Te Anau
Follow the edge of Lake Wakatipu on one of the most scenic drives in Oceania.
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
See the rare flightless Takahē for free.
Glowworm Caves Tour
A magical boat trip into underground caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms.
Lakeside Dining
Fresh Fiordland venison or seafood at a local bistro.
Day 18: Milford Sound Day Trip, New Zealand - The Eighth Wonder
Milford Road Scenic Drive
Stop at Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes for photos.
Milford Sound Cruise
Sail past Mitre Peak and feel the spray of Stirling Falls.
The Chasm Walk
A short 15-minute walk to see powerful waterfalls sculpting the rock.
Return to Te Anau
Relax after a long day of incredible scenery.
Day 19: Te Anau to Wanaka, New Zealand - Lakes and Peaks
Drive via Crown Range
The highest main road in New Zealand with breathtaking viewpoints.
Cardrona Hotel Lunch
Dine at one of NZ's oldest and most iconic pubs.
Puzzling World
A maze and illusion rooms that will keep children (and adults) entertained for hours.
#ThatWanakaTree
Walk to the most photographed tree in the world at sunset.
Day 20: Wanaka, New Zealand - Spring Outdoors
Mount Iron Hike
A loop track offering 360-degree views of the Southern Alps.
Lakefront Picnic
Pick up fresh produce from a local bakery.
Lavender Farm
In October, the flowers are starting to bloom; enjoy lavender ice cream.
Cinema Paradiso
A quirky cinema with sofas and freshly baked cookies at intermission.
Day 21: Wanaka to Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand - The Great Peak
Lindis Pass Drive
Drive through the golden tussock-covered hills.
High Country Salmon
Feed the fish and eat fresh Sashimi at this floating salmon farm.
Lake Pukaki Views
Behold the turquoise blue water caused by glacial flour.
Stargazing in the Gold Tier Reserve
Aoraki is part of an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 22: Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand - Glacial Valleys
Hooker Valley Track
The best day walk in NZ; flat, well-maintained, and crosses three suspension bridges.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Educational 3D movies about the mountain and the famous explorer.
Tasman Glacier View
A short uphill walk to see New Zealand's longest glacier and icebergs in the lake.
Alpine Dinner
Hearty meal with mountain views.
Day 23: Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo, New Zealand - Blue Horizons
Drive to Tekapo
A short but incredibly scenic 1-hour drive.
Church of the Good Shepherd
Visit the most famous small church in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tekapo Springs
Hot pools with views of the lake; includes a kid-friendly 'Aqua Play' area.
Dark Sky Project
A guided stargazing experience using high-powered telescopes.
Day 24: Lake Tekapo to Akaroa, New Zealand - French Flair
Drive to Banks Peninsula
Travel toward the coast to the charming French-settled town of Akaroa.
French Pastries in Akaroa
Enjoy a lunch of crepes and local cheeses.
Shamarra Alpacas
A hit for the family—feed and pet soft alpacas with a backdrop of the harbour.
Seafood Dinner
Sample the local Akaroa salmon.
Day 25: Akaroa to Christchurch, New Zealand - Garden City
Hector’s Dolphin Cruise
See the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins in Akaroa Harbour.
Drive to Christchurch
The largest city on the South Island.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Explore the massive playground and the conservatory.
Riverside Market
An indoor market with dozens of international food stalls—perfect for picky eaters.
Day 26: Christchurch, New Zealand - Antarctic Exploration
International Antarctic Centre
Experience a polar storm, see Little Blue Penguins, and ride a Hägglund.
Lunch in New Brighton
Dine near the pier with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Meet more NZ natives and feed farm animals.
Margaret Mahy Playground
Visit the largest playground in the Southern Hemisphere—a must for kids.
Day 27: Christchurch to Kaikoura, New Zealand - Marine Magic
Drive North to Kaikoura
A scenic route where the mountains literally meet the sea.
Kaikoura Seafood BBQ
Eat fresh crayfish at a famous roadside shack.
Whale Watching Cruise
Spot giant Sperm Whales that live in the deep canyon just offshore.
Point Kean Seal Colony
See New Zealand Fur Seals lounging on the rocks just meters away.
Day 28: Kaikoura to Christchurch, New Zealand - Final Reflections
Coastal Walkway
One last morning breathe of the salt air and mountain views.
Return Drive to Christchurch
Stop in the Waipara Valley for a vineyard lunch (with juice for the kids).
Quake City Museum
An engaging look at the city's resilience following the 2011 earthquake.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate the end of your 29-day adventure at a high-end restaurant on The Terrace.
Day 29: Christchurch, New Zealand - Departure
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up Merino wool and Manuka honey for gifts.
Airport Transfer
Final drop-off of your rental vehicle at Christchurch Airport.
Homeward Bound Flight
Departure from the South Island, concluding your epic mountain and fjord journey.
Final Reflection
Scroll through your 29 days of photos from the Roof of Africa to the Southern Alps.
Best Time to Visit Africa & Oceania
October is a 'sweet spot' for this multi-continent route. In Eastern Africa (Ethiopia and Kenya), it marks the end of the long dry season; skies are clear for mountain viewing, and wildlife congregates around water sources. In Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), October is mid-spring. You'll avoid the summer crowds, the waterfalls in Fiordland are at their most powerful from snowmelt, and the garden cities are in full bloom.
Visas & Border Crossings
For Ethiopia, most nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online in advance. Kenya has transitioned to an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. When moving to Oceania, Australia requires an ETA (Subclass 601) for many passports, while New Zealand requires an NZeTA. Always ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and several empty pages for the various entry stamps you will collect on this epic journey.
Getting Around Africa & Oceania
Internal travel in Africa is best handled by regional leaders like Ethiopian Airlines or Kenya Airways. Between the continents, you will likely transit through a hub like Dubai (Emirates) or Doha (Qatar Airways). Within Australia and New Zealand, domestic flights are frequent and affordable via Jetstar or Air New Zealand. For the scenic portions in Oceania, renting a large SUV or a campervan is the most flexible and family-friendly way to witness the fjords and mountains at your own pace.
