If you’ve been thinking about an African safari—it’s time to take action. And by action, we don’t mean catching the next possible flight. We mean planning well ahead of time. In fact, on a journey that has SO much to offer, nothing’s going to work without the right plan. You’d end up skipping stuff from your bucket list 😬 and probably paying way more than necessary.
The trick is booking early. And with this tech—called mobile phones—in our hands, advance booking is so easy. A few clicks, and you’re good to go!
Availability. Safari accommodations can book up quickly, especially during peak season. Booking early will get you the right spot in the perfect location + on your preferred dates.
More choices and better pricing. You have plenty of options (in all budgets: save, spend, splurge) open to you. The more the choices, the greater the chance to land early booking safari discounts. You get to save some—and have a bigger budget for the safari itself and add ons 😉
Easy planning. Having everything planned on time will make the trip really enjoyable; you will get to focus on all the fun parts instead of stressing over last-minute itinerary changes.
Best guides. A safari tour operator makes a big difference in the overall experience. You’d want to ping an experienced company and guides on time, so you can have a great African safari.
Peace of mind. Definitely one of the top advantages of booking safari in advance. If you have everything sorted—and one of our experienced tour guides booked—your only job is to enjoy the trip to the fullest 😁
Let’s just say… the sooner, the better.
One year is the average; 9 - 18 months is preferred. (We’ve even seen clients book a full two years in advance!). This is one of the best ways to avoid disappointment. If you are a late starter, don’t automatically despair—it’s still worth trying. Sometimes, our favorite camps and lodges get booking cancellations, and it’s possible to find 1 or 2 rooms on short notice. Likewise, new properties come up from time to time, and you could land a sweet introductory offer!
The exact time to book an African safari depends on factors like…
The most famous region with great access and flights and cruises to and from. Book at least 9 to 12 months in advance. Otherwise, it might be impossible to find suitable accommodations and private reserves.
A premium destination with unique land and water safari options. Accommodations are super limited here, so bookings are made far out in advance. We’d recommend planning 12 to 24 months in advance for Botswana.
The perfect spot to witness the Great Migration. You’d want to book at least a year in advance to get a front-seat experience for nature’s greatest journey. If you’re not focused on the Migration in peak season, 2 - 6 months would be OK, too.
Similar to Kenya, it’s a hot spot when it comes to East African travels and home tot eh great migration for most months of the year! Planning 12 months ahead would be perfect if aiming to see the Great Migration, otherwise 1 to 8 months work for those who are flexible and willing to try out new or lesser known accommodations. Given that our operational office is in Arusha, Tanzania we have an upper edge to put together a great safari experience in short order!
For those planning to visit from July to August (peak safari season), it’s wise to book a year in advance. If you only plan to visit Victoria Falls, you could safely book things between 3 to 9 months before.
Namibia
To make the most of your Namibian adventure, early booking is highly recommended. The country's increasing popularity among tourists means that reputable accommodations and activities can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. By booking 9 to 18 months early, you can secure your preferred dates and accommodations.
Booking your African safari early is more than just a savvy travel tip—it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of your adventure. From securing the best accommodations and experienced guides to ensuring you don’t miss out on iconic wildlife events like the Great Migration, early planning gives you the edge. It allows you to customize your experience, stick to your budget, and ultimately, enjoy peace of mind knowing every detail is sorted. So, whether you’re dreaming of exploring Tanzania’s vast plains or cruising Botswana’s waterways, let 2025 be the year you make your African safari dreams a reality. Start planning today—your adventure of a lifetime awaits!
