Fauna Journal / July 16, 2024
Last Minute Safari Offers for 2024
Safari high season is upon us, with the Great Migration in full swing and dry winter weather in Southern Africa. However, October and November are my favorite months to travel to Africa. The crowds have all left, but the game viewing is still good, and while there is the possibility of rain in mid-November, they bring relief from the heat and provide dramatic lighting for photos. There is still availability for 2024, and we can often secure a special offer to sweeten the deal. Here are some of our favorite picks for your last-minute 2024 safari – it’s not too late to book!
Wildlife viewing in Botswana is unparalleled, but high season prices can be as impressive as the animals. However, between November 1st and December 19th, you can stay for four nights and only pay for three nights at Great Plains camps, like Okavango Explorers and Duba Plains. These are hands-down the best camps in Africa. Flights are also included in their rates, making these incredible destinations accessible to many safari travelers. This offer is also available at their Zimbabwe camps, like the fabulous Tembo Plains.
When you book within 75 days at some of our favorite bush camps in Zambia, you get an incredible 30% off your stay. This applies year-round and not just to shoulder-season travel. South Luangwa National Park is Africa’s premier walking safari destination, with an incredible density of leopards. It gets hot in October, but the wildlife is unbeatable. We love to combine Mfuwe Lodge for a bit of comfort before heading to one of the more remote and immersive bush camps deeper in the park.
Lower Zambezi National Park makes an excellent finale to a Zambian itinerary that starts in South Luangwa. There are a plethora of activities, including game drives, walking, canoeing, and fishing – so you can choose your own adventure. Chiawa Camp is my favorite place to stay in the park because it combines luxury service and accommodation with a truly authentic Zambian style. Between October 16th and November 14th they have a stay three nights, pay for two offer. The weather can get hot, but wildlife viewing at this time of year rivals neighboring Botswana.
My last trip to Kenya was in November, and it convinced me that you don’t need the Great Migration to have a fantastic safari on the Mara. We still saw plenty of wildebeest, and watching the storms moving over the vast plains, devoid of tourists, was spectacular. House in the Wild is an authentic safari experience on a private reserve north of the Maasai Mara Reserve. They have lots of availability in November, as well as a five-night stay with a pay-for-four offer. The rains don’t arrive in earnest until mid-month, so it’s a perfect time to settle in and enjoy the quieter side of the Mara.
Chem Chem Reserve, near Tanzania’s Lake Manyara, is a conservation success story and one of the leaders in the “slow safari” movement. Guests are encouraged to set their own pace and take time to reconnect with nature. When the Great Migration high season rush passes, between September 1st and December 19th, they have a great stay four nights pay three offer. There are still clear skies and plenty of animals until the rain arrives in November, so this is a great opportunity to see Tanzania without the crowds.
I love South Africa because the climate and variety of lodges provide great options for all budgets in all seasons. One of my favorite places in the Eastern Cape region is Kwandwe, and they have a stay three nights and save 20% in November and December. These are the warmer summer months, and while there can be rain, it doesn’t fall daily. The reserve has good game viewing year-round and a healthy population of rhinos. As of the publish date, there is still good availability at all of their lodges.
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