How far out do you book your safaris?

As the title implies, I'm interested in how far in advance I should actually book my safari. So far, I'm pretty set on South Africa, with a primary focus on a cape buffalo. The number and type of other animals harvested will be dependant on projected available funds. I'm looking to do 10-14 days hunting. Would a year out be sufficient? Or too much?

Thanks in advance!

Brandon

Hi Brandon,

Yes, a year is more than enougth. I would say booking a year in advance is the ideal and two months the limit.

Happy hunting!

Brandon one year in advanced would give your outfitter more than enough time to set the hunt up for you.

Don’t wait too long the Buff might die of old age LOL.

Originally Posted by Spiral Horn Safaris

Brandon one year in advanced would give your outfitter more than enough time to set the hunt up for you.

Don’t wait too long the Buff might die of old age LOL.

I always book between 1 - 2 years out. Its both a budget thing (someties I need extra rimew ti say the money for what I have committed myself too) and the other thing is, I like to make sure I get the prime dates, taking into account seasons, moon phases, extrenalities (for example, the Wolrd Cup is in South Africa this year from June 10 - July 31 and airlaine ticket prices are 2x-3x higher than normal) and things like that.

Africa can be a little different because of the longer seasons, but start earleir than you might think, and then be ready to jump on a deal if it pops up. I just booked a hunt in RSA in late May because the hunters wanted to stay 14 days and got caught up in the Wolrd Cup ticketing issues, so I got a very good deal because the outfitter suddenly had 2 weeks open and I could fill a week with a Rhino et al. hunt for 7 days.

So, I di not think you can ever start your plans too far in advance but plan to book about a 1yr to 18 months out, and watch for deals in off seasons, there is always a great deal somewhere for something.

I can usually accomodate you for a hunt during the season, but if you need a specific date to hunt, or if you want a prime time hunt, then a year isn't too early, the earlier the better to get the best dates...

Thanks for the input, guys. I will be gathering info on different safari outfits and countries (now looking at Zimbabwe and Tanzania along with South Africa) over the next few months. As a few of you have said, half the fun is in the planning and anticipation!

I'll probaby get in contact with my top 3 or so after the new year, and look into booking with my final decission around May or June.

Originally Posted by Ray Atkinson

I can usually accomodate you for a hunt during the season, but if you need a specific date to hunt, or if you want a prime time hunt, then a year isn't too early, the earlier the better to get the best dates...

+1 - Keep in mind that the 2010 soccer World cup is in South Africa, starting the Staring 11th June and ending 11th July 2010.

...I usually booked about 1 year in advance. I had to make sure I could get off of work when I wanted as well as secure the date with the outfitter!

FF,

If this is your first safari, start at least a year ahead of time. The information that you can get from this forum will shorten the learning curve, but there is a tremendous amount to learn.

- browningbbr

FFemt, I sent you a PM, check it out and email me if I can answer any additional questions.

Hi Brandon
For Buff in SA I like to book my clients 6 months in advance.You also don`t need so many days in SA therefore saving you a bit of money to hunt other animals.Be carefull not to hunt a one Buffalo deal.When you do research ask if you can hunt the Buff of your choice and out of how many hardbossedbulls.You will then know what you are dealing with.
Koos

Brandon,
if there is anything i can do to help with your buffalo hunting requirements, please send me a PM and will be happy to discuss possibilities. Cheers,

Thank you, all. I've actually booked with Martin Pieters for July of 2011.

Just keep the FIFA World Soccer World Cup in mind which is hosted by South Africa in June/July 2010 and book your flights as early as possible. I have heard that some flights are not listed anymore because they are already fully booked.