The main issue with booking close to your travel date is availability at the camps and lodges, especially in South Africa, where a lot of properties get booked up months in advance. July, August and the Christmas period are always busy across the whole of Africa. To avoid disappointment, we would recommend booking your trip 9 to 12 months in advance. However, outside these peak times, there is almost always space in the top camps, as there are cancellations and usually, guests stay at a safari property for only a few nights before moving on to another. It’s just a question of finding the right available dates at different properties and making sure they fit together. There are also last-minute specials available for clients travelling within four months, ranging from free nights to discounted room rates.