Great question — and the short answer is: the earlier, the better, especially if you want the best choice of lodges, guides, and dates. Here’s a breakdown of how far in advance to book a safari, depending on the time of year, destination, and type of experience you’re after:

General Rule of Thumb:

• 6 to 12 months in advance is ideal for most safari trips.
• For peak seasons or luxury lodges, 12 to 18 months ahead is often recommended.
• Some shoulder season months are even more popular than high season due to the reduced cost. 6 to 12 months in advance is ideal
• Green season or Low season 4-6 months ahead is usually a good time
• Gorilla trekking in Rwanda/Uganda: Limited permits — book 12+ months ahead
• Great Migration River crossings: Very high demand — book 12–18 months in advance for the best lodge options
• Honeymoons or anniversary trips: Book 9–12 months ahead for the best lodge options
• Private family safaris or group trips: Book as early as possible to secure space

Why Book Early?

• Better choice of lodges and rooms (especially family units or honeymoon suites)
• Lock in rates before price increases
• More time to plan add-ons like beach extensions or gorilla permits

Last-Minute Safari?

• Yes, it’s still possible — especially in low season or for flexible travellers. Some lodges offer great last-minute deals, but you’ll need to be adaptable on dates, destinations, and accommodations.

Absolutely! Many safari lodges are very welcoming to families with children, though some do have age restrictions—usually only allowing kids over 6, 8, or sometimes even 12 years old. It’s also worth remembering that little ones can get a bit restless on long game drives or may feel a bit nervous when an elephant or lion strolls past the open vehicle (understandably!).

For younger kids, we usually recommend family-friendly lodges in malaria-free areas of South Africa. Some lodges often offer special children’s game drives and fun, nature-based activities designed just for them—so they can have their own mini safari adventures while staying safe and entertained.

At many lodges children and teens can join in on the full safari experience, just like the adults. In our experience, larger lodges with other families tend to work best, as kids love having others their age around to share the fun.  Some lodges require families to book a private vehicle – which is really a great idea for family with young kids anyway.

No matter how old your children are, it’s often a great idea to mix in a bit of variety—like some beach time or other exciting activities—alongside the safari. Check out our family safari holiday suggestions for inspiration and ideas to help plan the perfect trip for everyone.

Tipping at luxury safari lodges in Africa is customary and appreciated, but the exact amount can vary depending on the country, the level of service, and whether gratuities are already included. Here’s a general guideline for tipping at luxury safari lodges:

General Tipping Guidelines (Per Person, Per Day):

Safari Guide (Private or Shared)

• $10 – $20 USD per guest, per day
• For exceptional service or private guiding, tip on the higher end

Lodge Staff (Housekeeping, Chefs, Waitstaff)

• $5 per guest, per day
• Often placed in a communal staff tip box at the end of your stay

Transfers (Road Transfers & Charter flights)

• $2 per guest, per day

For over 21 years, Safari Online has been dedicated to creating unforgettable safari journeys that connect travellers with the magic of Africa. Since day one, our passion has been crafting extraordinary, tailor-made experiences that reflect each client’s individual interests and dreams.

With many years of hands-on experience, we’ve developed deep expertise in designing personalised itineraries, built strong partnerships with top-tier lodges, boutique camps, and expert guides, and gained a reputation for excellence in customer service.

Our team of passionate African Safari Consultants brings first-hand knowledge, up-to-date industry insight, and a commitment to making your safari seamless from start to finish. From planning to 24/7 support while you’re on safari, we’re here to ensure every moment exceeds expectations—right up until you return home.

At Safari Online, we specialise in crafting tailor-made safari experiences across Africa. As a tour operator /travel agency, we earn our revenue through commissions or service fees paid by our trusted network of suppliers—such as safari lodges, camps, airlines, and ground operators. These fees are already built into the rates, so our services come at no extra cost to you.

Our experienced team is here to design your ideal safari, manage all logistics, and offer expert, personalised advice every step of the way. With deep knowledge of the destinations we feature, we ensure you receive thoughtful recommendations and outstanding service. By working closely with our suppliers, we’re able to continually improve our offerings and deliver unforgettable safari adventures for every client.