MyDogKyle

Hello everyone,

I've been reading the messages here for a while and starting to get ideas for a 10th anniversary trip to Kenya and Tanzania in late September/early October 2007. (Part of our motivation for planning so early is figuring out a budget and how much money we need to save up!). I've been in touch with Eastern and Southern Safaris(for Kenya) and Green Footprint Adventures (for Tanzania) and am starting to get a good general idea about what our dream trip would cost.

My question right now is, how far in advance do you think we would need to book the trip in order to get the lodges and camps we want? Both operators have indicated that booking about a year in advance is reasonable, which means wiring money as soon as this coming September. We have traveled quite a bit but have never had to book a trip so far in advance before. Does this seem like a reasonable plan? I'd appreciate any thoughts from the Africa veterans -- thanks!

stakerk

We booked in February for our August trip. Places were starting to get booked up. We selected Southern Cross for about the same money because they seemed to have better connections in getting confirmed reservations. I suspect you could probably wait until December to book your trip and still be safe. Will be interesting to see what more experienced Fodorites have to say.

Kevin from California

kimburu

Depends on what accommodations you want. If you have a definite idea where you want to stay and these places are very popular and it is peak season for that area then 7-8 months out seems to be the minimum safety margin and a year is not at all outrageous for the migration. If you are flexible about accommodation or going in off season there is no need. Note that you are only making a booking a year out and usually can change or cancel without penalty up until 3 or so months out (check with the operator as to its cancellation policy too).

If your bank charges aren't too bad you could book selected accommodation now (e.g. where the migration is most likely to be) and pay a deposit for that, and then leave the rest for a few months. African itineraries need to be gently marinated for a litle while and then radically adjusted, in any case. They burn your brain if you don't change them at least quarterly

Patty

A year in advance isn't unreasonable particularly if you have very specific properties in mind. I'd rather lock in my accomodations as soon as I know my trip dates (knowing that I can still change my mind later) than be in a waitlist situation.

That's not to say that you can't book later as long as you're somewhat flexible with dates and accomodations.

I started the booking process for our December safari in late April and had to switch the order around a bit due to availability at one of the camps where we'll be staying.

bat

I booked in April for a February trip and had to juggle some dates to get the places that I wanted. Agreed--the more that you have your heart set on particular properties, the more in advance you should plan.

Also, ask the companies that you are considering what their "change" policy is--so that you can book an itinerary, make a deposit, but have some flexibilty to make changes (if available) after the itinerary has "marinated" as kimburu so cleverly said.

santharamhari

Hi! If you are sure about your trip and know exactly where you want to go (in terms of camps) i would recommend booking right away. Most agents wont expect you to pay the full amount right away........ask them for their terms and conditions. They may ask you for a deposit of 20-30%

I like bat's suggestion of asking them for their change policy. Because, with the changing weather patterns thesedays the migration is totally unpredictable.

For my August safari to Southen Africa, i provisionally booked my camps in January and paid my deposit in Feb. But then, i was sure about my choices at that point.

Good luck

Hari

lovetodiscover

I booked in May for December "Holiday" Safari and did have to adjust for availability. Sept may not be as much an issue for Tanzania but could be for Kenya (Fodorites correct me if this is wrong - just learning from the board). I am very happy with the accommodations and would not have wanted to pay my deposit any further in advance. The later the possible with getting good/best choices was my ideal. You never know if something will happen with jobs, family, travel companions - etc, that's why the insurance companies make their money. Would strongly recommend you guarantee your cancellation options with insurance within days of placing your deposit to protect your investment. There are some safari companies that are on a bit of a "black" list and not protected by insurance cancellation or bankrupty so read the fine print in the travel insurance.

I recommend laying out your iterary ideas through this summer and enjoy reading the trip reports as many Fodorites return with stories to tell. Adjust it by Sept and check for availability (not confirmation, less formal). Based on # of available accommodations / tents / rooms decide if you feel it's time or play it by ear to save your money a little. It is a lot of cash to give so far in advance. Consider it a free loan to whichever business you choose.

You might find, though, that you are itching to get the trip firmed up so you don't have to worry.

Enjoy the planning and learning - it's really quite an experience.

santharamhari

You are right.......Sept is very busy in the Mara, indeed!!! Maybe too late for the Mara for this year......however, doesnt hurt to chk!

However, lots of ppl usually take their vacation time june/july/august

Hari

Hari

webri

You can pay deposit closer to your dates of travel. Yeah, accomodations may be packed but you will be surprised how you can fit in so easy joining a group. Be sure before you make any commitments and I agree with "lovetodiscover".

MyDogKyle

Thanks, everyone!