Booking a Last-Minute Safari: Is It Worth It?

Booking a Last-Minute Safari: Is It Worth It?

Booking a last-minute safari can be both a blessing and a curse. It generally depends on the season and your flexibility.

Pros of Last-Minute Booking:

  • Potential for Discounts: During the low season (April-May, November-early December), lodges and operators might offer significant discounts to fill empty spots. This is the primary reason it can be worth it.
  • Quick Decisions: If you have immediate availability and a sudden urge to travel, it allows for spontaneous adventure.
  • Take Advantage of Weather/Migration Shifts: If you’re highly flexible, you might be able to jump on an opportunity when a specific weather pattern or migration movement is peaking.

Cons of Last-Minute Booking:

  • Limited Availability (Especially High Season): During peak season (June-October, Christmas/New Year), lodges and camps, especially the popular ones and those in prime migration areas, book out 6-12 months in advance. You’ll likely be left with less desirable options or no availability.
  • Higher Prices (High Season): If there’s limited availability, prices for what’s left can actually increase, not decrease.
  • Less Choice: You might not get your preferred lodge, specific room type, or even the exact itinerary you want.
  • Flight Costs: International flights booked last minute are almost always more expensive.
  • Visa/Vaccination Rush: You’ll have less time to secure necessary visas (like the Tanzanian e-Visa) and get required vaccinations (like Yellow Fever) and antimalarial prescriptions. This can be stressful and lead to missing out.
  • Less Time for Research: You might not have enough time to thoroughly vet tour operators or plan your packing.

Verdict:

  • For High Season (June-October, Dec-Feb): NOT recommended. Book well in advance.
  • For Low/Green Season (April-May, Nov-early Dec): Potentially worth it, especially if you’re flexible with dates, accommodation choices, and can jump on a good deal. Be ready to move quickly.

Logistics from Uganda: Your flight from EBB to JRO/DAR will likely be more expensive if booked last minute, which could negate any safari package savings.