How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Kenya Safari?

This is for you if you're wondering whether you need to book a year from now or if you can plan something for next month.

The answer is both. But it's not the answer you probably expect.

The Quick Version

Yes, we can handle the logistics of a safari booking faster than you might think. Seriously, if you need to be in Kenya in 90 days, we can make that happen.

But here's what we've learned from years of conversations with first-time travelers, seasoned explorers, and everyone in between: how far in advance you start matters less than how you start.

What "Starting" Really Means

Starting doesn't mean signing a contract. It means asking your first question.

When you read this you'll recognize yourself in one of these scenarios:

The "What's the food like?" question might actually be: "I'm a picky eater and I'm worried I'll starve." Or maybe: "I have severe nut allergies and I need to know someone actually takes that seriously." Or perhaps: "I'm vegetarian and I've heard Kenya is meat-centric, so I'm already anxious.

Those three people need completely different answers.

The "When's the best time to visit Kenya?" question might really be: "When will I actually have time off work?" Or: "When can I afford to go without taking a hit on my business?" Or: "I want the optimal wildlife viewing but I also want to avoid crowds."

Again, different answers for different real questions. Prefer to ask your own questions? We compiled some questions to help you determine if a Kenya safari is right for you.

Why This Matters

Here's what happens when we jump straight to a generic answer without understanding the question behind the question: we waste your time and ours. You get information that doesn't apply to your life. And we lose the chance to actually help you. Also, check out our blog about how to spot fake safari customization.

The anticipation and excitement of planning a safari? That's not just nice. That's part of the experience. The conversations with someone who actually knows Kenya, who's walked those landscapes, who can answer your specific concerns with lived experience rather than a travel blog database, that's where trust builds.

How It Actually Works

There are four stages. Think of it as Conversation, Collaboration, Proposal, Perfection (that last one is the experience in-country). This information is also on our itinerary page. We're consistent with how we work, but maybe more defined here on the blog!

Conversation is the foundation.  You ask questions. We ask questions back. We're not trying to get you to a contract as fast as possible. We're trying to make sure we understand what matters to you. This stage can last two weeks or two years. We've had travelers reach out two or three years before their trip just to start asking questions. That's perfect. That's exactly what we want.

For someone starting roughly 12 to 18 months out, there's time for this conversation to unfold naturally. You're not rushed. We're not rushed. Questions evolve as you think about the trip more deeply.

Collaboration is where we draft an itinerary based on everything we've learned about you. Your pace, your interests, your concerns, your budget reality, your travel dates, the season you can actually get away.

Proposal is the refinement stage. We send you what we've drafted. You react. We adjust. This might happen once or five times. Whatever it takes for you to feel confident you're about to book something that's actually right for you.

Perfection is when you arrive in Kenya and Anthony is there with a vehicle and a genuine understanding of who you are and what this trip means to you.

The Money Part (And Why It's Not Scary)

When you sign a contract, a 40% deposit is due. The balance is due 90 days before you depart.

That's not a rule we're enforcing on you. That's just how the logistics work. The 40% secures your dates with our partners and Anthony's calendar. The 90-day mark gives us time to confirm final details, communicate with Kenya-side partners, and handle the real operational work.

We've structured it this way because it's fair to everyone. You're not carrying financial risk for months and months. We're not carrying operational risk where someone books three weeks before departure and then changes their mind.

The Real Answer

So how far in advance should you plan?

One year to 18 months is ideal for a conversation that feels natural and unhurried. But if you want to start asking questions two or three years out? Do that. There's no penalty for thinking about something for years before you commit.

If you're six months out and you're ready? We'll make it work.

If you have a specific window and need to book in 90 days? We can do that too.

What matters is not how many months you have. What matters is whether we actually understand what you need, whether you trust that we're giving you honest guidance, and whether you feel genuinely known before you ever step on a plane.

That takes conversation. That takes questions and answers. That takes someone who's actually been there to confirm what you're imagining is real.

That doesn't happen in a brochure. It happens over time, even if that time is compressed.

Next Step

Reach out with your first question. Doesn't matter if it's "Is Kenya safe?" or "What should I pack?" or "I have no idea where to start but I'm thinking about a safari sometime." Or, if you still don't want to talk to us, check out our FAQ's.

That's how this works. That's how relationships start.

We'll answer. And then we'll ask you a question back.