As Summer peaks and Fall approaches most international travelers are already looking towards booking trips for 2016. With regards to Africa, almost all safari travel is planned and booked 6 months to a year in advance due to limited availability at the better camps in the premier parks. However, if you work with a qualified and experienced safari consultant, there is no reason you can’t be sipping sundowners in the African bush before the sun sets on 2015. Below are our top ten reasons you should go on safari before the end of the year! Pack a bag, hop a flight and get ready for the most amazing travel experience of a lifetime!
1. Opposite seasons:
As temperatures cool down here in the Northern Hemisphere, spring is blooming in sub-Saharan Africa and summer is just around the corner. Avoid raking leaves and shoveling snow by traveling before end of year.
2. Ridiculously low air fares:
Recently, some last minute honeymooners found flights from the U.S. to Johannesburg, South Africa forless than $765 round trip, and we are seeing equally low fares for travel in October, November and early December.
3. Tourism begets conservation:
Recently, Americans have received some bad press when it comes to visiting Africa on hunting trips resulting in the death of a black rhino in Namibia and a famous lion (Cecil) in Zimbabwe. However, the fact is that the majority of Americans who visit Africa travel with a camera and binoculars, not guns. Photographic safaris are a large driver of conservation efforts which keep Africa wild. Traveling to Africa is the number one way you can help stem the tide of poaching and the illegal killing of wild animals in Africa.
4. Enjoy smaller crowds and wide open spaces:
With students back in school and others staying home for the holidays and other reasons, September to December are the perfect time to get away and get away from the crowds.
5. There is availability at some premier camps and lodges:
Unusually, there is some availability at the top camps and lodges for travel in 2015, so last-minute travelers don’t have to compromise.
6. The holidays are better on safari:
From Thanksgiving to New Years, traveling during the holidays can be a gift unto itself. Instead of turkey on Thanksgiving, try ostrich; rather than roasting chestnuts on an open fire, enjoy a traditional African braai.
7. Select safari camps are offering value-adds, special experiences and discounts:
Last-minute specials and discounts are available now—some as much as 25% off.
8. Once 2016 hits, rates will go up!
2016 price increases are averaging 4% – 20% depending on the region.
9. President Obama is back now, so motorcade traffic congestion has reduced:
Nuff said.
10. It’s Easy!