Why You Should Book Your Safari Early in 2025/26

The Perks of Planning Ahead for Your East African Adventure

If you’re dreaming of a safari in East Africa in 2025/26 the best thing you can do is book your safari early. Whether you’re heading to see gorillas in Uganda, wildebeest in Tanzania, or lions in Kenya, early planning can make a big difference to your experience and your wallet.

Here’s why booking your safari in advance is a smart move:

1. Permits Sell Out Fast

Some of East Africa’s most iconic experiences like gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, or chimpanzee tracking require permits. These are strictly limited to protect the animals and their habitats.

Gorilla permits ($700–$1,500) can sell out 6+ months in advance, especially for peak travel months (June–September, December).

Chimp permits and golden monkey permits also have limited daily availability.

Booking early = guaranteed access.

 2. Flights Are Cheaper and Easier to Plan

International flights to East Africa are in high demand, and as tourism rebounds in 2025, prices will continue to rise. Early bookings often come with:

Lower fares

More flight options

Better connections into major hubs (Entebbe, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro)

This is especially helpful if you’re flying into smaller airports or planning a multi-country trip (like Uganda + Kenya or Rwanda + Tanzania).

 3. The Best Lodges Fill Up Quickly

Boutique lodges, popular tented camps, and properties inside national parks have limited rooms and they book up months in advance, especially:

During peak season (June–October)

Around holidays (Easter, Christmas, New Year)

For gorilla or migration safaris

Booking early gives you more choices in location, price, and style so you’re not left with last-minute or less desirable options.

 4. Lock In 2025 Rates Now

Many safari operators (including Traford Safaris) let you secure your safari at current rates, even if prices rise later in the year. With inflation and higher fuel costs affecting tourism in 2025 locking in now can save you money later.

5. Peace of Mind = Better Safari

When you book early:

You have time to get your visas and vaccines

You can plan around key events (like the Wildebeest Migration or birding season)

You avoid last-minute stress

Plus, you can pay in instalments, which helps spread out the cost.

 Ready to Plan Ahead?

At Traford Safaris, we help you secure permits, flights, and lodge reservations early, so everything is taken care of well before you travel. Whether you’re going luxury or budget, the earlier you book, the better the experience.

📩 Contact us today to reserve your 2025/26 safari!