1. Book Early—Especially for Peak Seasons

Safari lodges are small. Many top camps have only 6–15 rooms/tents, so they fill up quickly.
Peak times (great migration, school holidays, Christmas/New Year, dry seasons) can sell out 9–12 months ahead.
Best practice: Start planning and booking as soon as you have your dates—ideally a year ahead for “bucket-list” destinations.

2. Set Your Priorities: Location, Activities, and Wildlife

What’s your must-have? (Big Five, migration, birding, walking safaris, water activities, cultural visits?)
Where do you want to be?
- Inside a national park: Closest to wildlife, but often pricier and with park rules (no night drives).
- Private conservancy/reserve: More exclusive, flexible activities (off-road, walking, night drives), usually fewer vehicles.
- Buffer zone/town: Often better for budget, but may mean longer drives to wildlife each day.
Choose the right region for your dream experience. For example:
- Maasai Mara for migration,
- Okavango Delta for water-based wildlife,
- Sabi Sands for leopards.

All-Inclusive? Most safari lodges include meals, drinks, and activities (game drives, walks, boat trips). Some luxury camps include laundry, park fees, and transfers.
Extra costs: Park/conservancy fees, premium drinks, spa treatments, special activities, and tips are sometimes extra.
Check the details:
- Are park fees included or payable at the gate?
- Does the camp offer free airport/airstrip transfers?

Non-refundable deposits are standard (often 20–50%).
Final payment is typically due 30–60 days before arrival.
Check for flexibility: COVID, weather, or personal reasons can disrupt travel—understand your refund or date-change options.
Travel insurance is essential! Make sure it covers cancellation, medical evacuation, and trip interruption.

A “cheaper” lodge may add up with park fees, drinks, and transfers.
Guiding quality matters—a great guide makes all the difference. Read reviews!
Small details: Private vehicles, family units, or special photography hides can add value.
Ask about deals:
- Green season (off-peak) rates
- Stay/pay specials (e.g., stay 4, pay 3)
- Combo packages with sister camps

Direct bookings can sometimes save money or offer direct communication with the camp.
Trusted agents/operators can get better rates, perks, and handle all logistics (flights, transfers, special requests, multi-camp itineraries).
Choose reputable agents—look for memberships in travel associations (e.g., ATTA, SATSA, ASTA) and good reviews.

What’s the camp’s child policy? Some camps have age minimums or don’t allow kids under 12.
Is Wi-Fi available? Not all bush camps have internet—if you need to stay connected, confirm first.
Do they cater for dietary needs? Most camps are happy to provide for vegetarians, vegans, halal, gluten-free—if notified in advance.
What’s the malaria/health risk? Some areas are malaria-free, others require precautions.
Is there a single supplement? Solo travelers may pay extra—some camps waive this in low season.

How do you get there? Bush flights, road transfers, or self-drive? Some camps require light aircraft and have luggage weight limits (usually soft bags, 15–20 kg max).
Proximity to wildlife: Some lodges are “fenced” (good for families), others are wild and unfenced.
Seasonality: Some camps close in rainy season or migrate with wildlife (mobile camps).

Sleep-outs/star beds for romantic nights under the stars
Walking safaris, boat trips, hot air balloons—not all camps offer the same
Photography hides, spa treatments, village visits, night drives—check if available and if there’s a cost

Check recent guest feedback on TripAdvisor, SafariBookings, Google, and specialist safari forums.
Ask for recommendations: Fellow travelers, tour operators, or even the camp’s reservation team can help you choose.
Social media: Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube often show real, recent photos and videos.

Your stay can support local communities, conservation, and anti-poaching.
Look for eco-lodges, community-owned camps, or those with sustainability awards.
Ask what projects your visit supports.

Check visa and vaccination requirements for your destination.
Share arrival and departure details with the lodge for transfer arrangements.
Notify camps of late arrivals, flight changes, or dietary needs well in advance.

Sometimes the “perfect” lodge is full: Alternatives can surprise you with incredible experiences or unique wildlife.
Mix and match: Stay at more than one lodge or camp for a wider range of activities, habitats, and wildlife.
Ask about last-minute deals or upgrades if traveling off-peak.

Step	What to Check/Ask
Book Early	High demand periods, best camps 9–12 months ahead
Set Priorities	Wildlife, activities, comfort, exclusivity
What’s Included	Meals, drinks, activities, park fees, transfers
Cancellation Policy	Deposit required, refund flexibility, insurance
Value, Not Just Price	Guide quality, inclusions, extras, special deals
Booking Channel	Direct vs. agent/operator
Special Needs	Child policy, diets, health, single supplement
Location/Access	Transfers, flights, self-drive, seasonality
Experiences	Unique features (sleep-outs, walking, etc.)
Read Reviews	Recent feedback, travel forums, social media
Conservation Impact	Eco-credentials, local/community benefits
Practicalities	Visa, vaccinations, transfers, late arrivals
Be Flexible	Consider alternatives, mix camps, look for deals

Booking the right safari lodge is a key part of your adventure—take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Think beyond the brochure: Prioritize what matters most to you—wildlife, comfort, ethics, exclusivity, or value.
Don’t just go for the cheapest deal: A great guide, a thoughtful lodge, or a stunning location is always worth it.
Book early, be clear about your needs, and look forward to the safari of a lifetime!