In Africa, location is everything. The difference between a good safari and a life-changing one? Being in the right place at the right time. From securing the best-located lodges to guaranteeing access to exclusive wildlife experiences, early planning is the key to an extraordinary safari.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda – permits sell out fast
One of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in the world, gorilla trekking is strictly regulated. Each day, only a limited number of permits are issued, ensuring conservation efforts while offering visitors an intimate encounter with the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Miss out on a permit, and you miss the chance to sit just metres away from a silverback in the misty mountains of Rwanda or Uganda. Peak season permits often sell out a year in advance, so if gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, securing your spot early is non-negotiable.
Want to learn more about gorilla trekking, take a look at our blog.
Gorilla TrekkingPrivate reserves verses crowded national parks – why early bookings matter
Africa’s most exclusive safari experiences take place in private reserves, where only a select few guests share the wilderness. Private game reserves are privately owned areas dedicated to wildlife conservation and high-end safari experiences. Because they are not government-run, these reserves have more flexibility in management, conservation efforts, and guest services. Many are located adjacent to national parks and feature landscapes and wildlife that mirror those found in public reserves, but with additional exclusivity.
Unlike public national parks, these reserves allow:
- Off-road game drives, getting you closer to the action
- Night safaris, revealing a whole new world after dark
- Fewer vehicles, meaning private sightings without the crowds
These prime locations – in places like Sabi Sands, Etosha, the Okavango Delta, and the Serengeti’s private concessions – are in high demand. By the time last-minute travellers start looking, the very best spots are already gone.
Lock in 2025 and 2026 rates – beat annual price increases
Most safari lodges increase their rates every year. While rates were frozen between 2019 and 2022, we’ve certainly seen increases the past few years of 8-15%.
But when you book ahead of time, we can often lock in current rates, securing the best pricing before it goes up. This can save thousands over the course of a luxury safari trip – without compromising on quality.
Safari is all about prime positioning – whether it’s the location of your lodge, your game drive route, or the moment you capture on camera. The best experiences are reserved for those who plan ahead. It guarantees you the best position.