Why Planning Your African Safari Early Makes All the Difference!

Why an African Safari Is Not a Last-Minute Trip

Africa is unlike anywhere else in the world. A safari isn’t just another vacation — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey that requires thoughtful planning, precise timing, and the right insider access.

The biggest mistake travelers make? Assuming they can plan it a few months before they want to go.

The reality is: Africa’s most extraordinary experiences book 18–24 months in advance.

Here’s why.

Africa’s Most Iconic Lodges Have Very Few Rooms

Many of the most sought-after safari camps and lodges have fewer than 20 rooms. When peak season arrives, like the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania (July–September) or prime dry season in Southern Africa (June–October), availability disappears quickly.

This includes:

• Front-row access to the Great Migration in the Serengeti or Masai Mara

• Luxury tented camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

• Iconic properties like Singita, Londolozi, Giraffe Manor and Angama Mara

Waiting too long doesn’t mean paying more… it means missing out entirely.

Gorilla Trekking Permits Are Extremely Limited

In Rwanda and Uganda, the number of daily permits to see mountain gorillas is strictly capped to protect the species. Once permits for your dates are gone, there is no waitlist and no workaround.

Planning early allows us to:

• Secure trekking permits on your preferred dates

• Pair the experience with the right luxury lodge near the park

• Seamlessly combine gorilla trekking with an East African safari

This is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on the planet… and it requires advance planning.

Combining The Bush and The Beach Takes Coordination

Many travelers want to end their safari with time on the beach — Mozambique, Zanzibar, or Mauritius.

These trips involve coordinating regional flights, transfers, seasonal timing, and availability across multiple countries. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to create a smooth, seamless journey.

Africa Trips Often Involve Families or Groups

Whether it’s a multi-generational trip, a honeymoon, a trip with friends, or a milestone celebration, these journeys often require:

• Connecting tents or suites, or full camp takeovers

• Private vehicles and guides

• Customized activities

These configurations book up well in advance at the best camps.

Early planning means choice. Late planning means compromise.

Africa Rewards the Early Planner

When we begin planning early, you have:

✔️ Access to the most exclusive lodges and camps
✔️ Flexibility to match your travel style (romantic, adventurous, family-focused)
✔️ Time to layer in extraordinary experiences like hot-air balloon rides, conservation visits, and cultural encounters

The Bottom Line

Africa is not a destination to plan last minute. If seeing the Great Migration, trekking with gorillas, or combining safari with a beach escape is on your bucket list, the time to start planning is now.

The earlier we begin, the more options you have and the more extraordinary your journey will be.