When to book a Tanzania safari? It’s one of the first questions you ask yourself when you start planning a trip to Africa.
Generally speaking, it is advisable to plan your trip several months in advance, especially if you want a bespoke itinerary, carefully selected accommodation and the option to choose the dates that best suit your needs.
Leaving it until the last minute may be an option, but it risks limiting the choices available. Planning ahead, on the other hand, allows you to weigh up the various options at your leisure and create an experience that better meets your expectations.
Why book a safari in Tanzania in advance?
A safari is not a trip that can be easily organised at short notice. The itineraries involve national parks, lodges, tented camps, guides and transfers, all of which need to be co-ordinated.
Booking in advance gives you a wider choice and allows you to plan each stage of your trip more carefully. In particular, it offers more options:
• the dates of the trip
• accommodation options
• the duration of the safari
• the itinerary and the parks to visit
• any extensions to the trip, such as a stay in Zanzibar
The main advantage is not necessarily getting a lower price, but having more choice and greater flexibility in organising things.
If you’re considering the various options available, you may also wish to take a look at our safari packages and itineraries for Tanzania and Zanzibar.
How far in advance should you book a safari in Tanzania?
There is no standard deposit applicable to all trips, as the timing depends on the chosen period, the duration of the itinerary and the accommodation required.
As a general rule, it is a good idea to start organising a safari at least 4–6 months before departure. If you are travelling in high season, during the festive period, or if you wish to stay at lodges and tented camps that are in particularly high demand, it may be advisable to start planning 6–12 months in advance.
These times are for guidance only: actual availability varies depending on the dates and details of the journey.
Planning well in advance is particularly important if you wish to visit a specific area of the Serengeti during the Great Migration. In this case, you need to time your trip to coincide with the animals’ seasonal movements and the availability of accommodation in your chosen area.
To choose the best time to visit, do have a look at our guide on when to go to Tanzania for a safari, which includes information on the different months of the year.
Why aren’t last-minute deals always the best choice?
Booking a safari in Tanzania at the last minute may well be possible, especially if you have flexible dates and aren’t too fussy about accommodation.
However, when availability is limited, it may be necessary to change the itinerary, choose alternative accommodation or skip certain stops.
The risk is greater during periods of high demand and when you wish to stay in lodges or tented camps located in specific areas of the parks.
Furthermore, a last-minute safari does not automatically guarantee a cheaper price. Prices depend on the time of year, the type of accommodation and the availability of facilities.
If budget is a key consideration, it may be worth comparing the various options and assessing the safari offers in Tanzania and the associated packages, without basing your planning solely on the possibility of finding last-minute discounts.
Does booking early mean you save money?
Not necessarily. The main advantage of booking in advance is that it gives you greater freedom of choice, not a guarantee of getting the lowest price.
The cost of a safari varies depending on a number of factors:
• the period and duration of the journey
• the number and type of facilities
• the parks included in the itinerary
• transfers and any domestic flights
• the level of personalisation of the experience
To keep costs down, it may be worth considering alternative travel dates, different types of accommodation and itineraries that suit your priorities. The best choice always depends on striking a balance between availability, expectations and budget.
What determines the best time to book a safari?
As well as the departure date, there are certain aspects of the trip that may require planning further in advance.
The type of accommodation. If you wish to stay in specific establishments, particularly within or near the most popular parks, booking in advance can increase your chances of finding availability on your preferred dates.
The itinerary. A safari that takes in several parks and involves transfers requires careful coordination of the stops, to avoid unnecessary travel and make the most of the time available.
The Great Migration. If you wish to observe the wildebeest migration in a particular part of the Serengeti, your choice of dates and accommodation must take into account the season and the herds’ possible movements.
The Zanzibar extension. If you’d like to combine your safari with a few days by the sea, it’s a good idea to coordinate your nights in the savannah with your transfers and stay on the island.
To find out more about the practical aspects of planning your trip, please also see our guide on how to organise a safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The best option? Plan ahead
If you’ve already decided to go to Tanzania, my advice is to start planning your trip without leaving it until the last minute.
Having several months to plan gives you the chance to assess the best time of year, finalise your itinerary, compare accommodation options and arrange the necessary services. This is particularly useful if you have specific dates in mind, are looking for a personalised experience, or wish to combine your safari with a stay in Zanzibar.
The best time to book a safari in Tanzania is when you still have the chance to take your time choosing the options that best suit your trip.
