There’s nothing quite like planning a safari—it’s exciting, but it also takes careful thought. One of the top questions we hear from travelers dreaming of Tanzania is:
How far in advance should I book my safari?
The answer depends on a few key factors: your travel season, desired itinerary, group size, and overall flexibility. Here’s what you need to know to plan your perfect safari.
Why Booking Early Helps
At Thomson, we focus on immersive, small-group safaris that explore Tanzania’s iconic national parks and protected areas. We pair Thomson’s exclusive Nyumba camps with carefully selected lodges, like Gibb’s Farm, to create a seamless, authentic, and enriching safari experience. These properties are intimate by design, with limited space—meaning the best options can fill up quickly.
Booking early gives you the best opportunity to:
- Secure your preferred travel dates and accommodations
- Choose from the widest range of available camps and routes
- Take advantage of early booking savings or special offers
- Prepare for flights, vaccinations, and travel documents with ease
Gibb’s Farm
Serengeti Nyumba Camp
Ideal Booking Timeframes
6 to 18 Months Before Travel
This is a great time to begin planning. Many guests enjoy having extra time to personalize their trip, coordinate schedules with friends or family, and feel fully prepared for the experience.
Thomson offers a range of itineraries to match your travel style—from immersive, extended journeys like the Grand Safari or Founder’s Safari, to shorter, high-impact options like the Classic Safari or Highlights Safari.
3 to 6 Months Before Travel
Still plenty of opportunity to put together an exceptional safari. If your dates are somewhat flexible, we can help you find great availability and craft an itinerary that suits your style and interests.
Less Than 3 Months Before Travel
It’s absolutely possible to plan a safari on short notice. While availability may be more limited, our team is skilled at creating incredible last-minute journeys. If you’re open to a bit of flexibility, we’ll guide you through the options and make it happen.
How Thomson Makes Booking Easy
No matter when you book, our expert safari consultants make the process smooth and stress-free. We’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right itinerary to helping with flights, visas, vaccinations, packing lists, and more.
No matter when you start planning, we’ll work with your timing and preferences to create an experience that fits together seamlessly. You just sit back, relax, and get excited for your adventure!
Final Thoughts
In short: the earlier you book, the more options you’ll have—but it’s never too late to start planning. Whether you’re thinking ahead or looking for a last-minute escape, we’ll help you create a safari that fits your timeline and fulfills your dreams.
Ready to start planning? Let’s bring your safari to life.