The Advantages of Booking a Last-Minute Safari
With Tett Safaris’ 30+ years of experience selling safaris, we can book your travel in the space of just a few days with quick, expert planning. Booking a safari a week or even a month out might seem counterintuitive, but there are several compelling reasons to do so:
Last-minute deals: Safari operators and lodges sometimes offer discounted rates to fill vacancies, especially during the off-season. This can lead to significant cost savings.
Spontaneity and flexibility: It can be thrilling to be spontaneous and plan a last-minute adventure. If you have a flexible schedule, you can take advantage of unexpected opportunities.
Real-time information: Wildlife behavior and migration patterns can be unpredictable. Booking closer to your travel dates allows you to get the most up-to-date information on animal sightings and weather conditions.
Opportunity arising: Sometimes work schedules open up, or other events happen that create a window of opportunity to take a trip that was not previously planned.
Taking advantage of cancellations: Occasionally, cancellations occur at popular lodges or during sought-after tours. This can provide a chance to secure a spot that was previously unavailable.
The desire for a quick escape: Sometimes, you just need to get away, and a last-minute safari can provide an exciting and immersive escape from everyday life.
Short-term planning isn't without its challenges, so we've gathered some crucial tips to help you get started.
5 Tips For Booking At Short Notice
Tip #1: Use A Vetted Safari Professional
At Tett Safaris, we use our first-hand experience, industry knowledge and on-the-ground vendor relationships to help you secure the best possible camp and lodge availability. Online availability may not always be accurate, and a safari professional with long term relationships may be able to offer you a safari that you can’t find online.
Tip #2: Check international flight availability
Before booking your international flights it’s a good idea to consult with your safari operator to ensure that there is available space that works with your dates.
It’s a common question we’re asked: Do you book your international flights first or your safari first? If you have air miles or if you find a good airfare, just let us know and within 24 hours we can let you know if there’s camp and lodge availability to work around your dates.
Alternatively, we can check space availability in Africa and ask our preferred international airfare expert to provide international airfares to compliment your safari proposal.
Tip #3: Ensure Your Travel Documents & Vaccinations Are Up To Date
Check that your passport is still valid 6 months from the return date of your travel. You will also need consecutive blank pages depending on the countries you are visiting.
We’ll help you understand if visas are required before you go or if you can get them on arrival. It’s also important that you understand vaccination requirements for entry.
Tip #4: Be Flexible
Trust your tour operator for their expert advice. Instead of focusing on a specific accommodation, think about what you want from your safari.
Do you want to canoe down the Zambezi River?
See the Great Wildebeest Migration?
Include a Cultural Experience?
Extend your time in a city or coastal destination?
If your favorite accommodations are full over your preferred travel dates, we will recommend alternative camps and lodges that offer a similar experience. Staying flexible and open-minded opens other opportunities.
Tip #5: Provide Us With As Much Information As Possible
When you are travelling at short notice, it’s important you are as specific as possible with any requirements you have, so that we can present you with suitable options.
Here’s a short list of questions we’ll discuss before looking into availability:
Do you already have international flights in mind?
What is your preferred budget?
How many guests are in your party?
What are the guests’ ages and are there any children?
How many rooms will you need?
How many days do you have available (including international travel time)?
What is the full date range you are available in case we need to shift dates?
What are your areas of interest? e.g. cultural, conservation, wildlife viewing, historical and museum tours? Beach escape?
Tip #6: Ask About Available Special Rates
By remaining flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you can unlock exclusive pricing on luxurious lodges with world-class game viewing. Check out our current Tett Safaris Specials for more information.
To learn take advantage of last minute safari spacial, schedule a consultation with Tett Safaris' owner, Carolyn Tett.