Book too early and you are locking in plans before you know your dates. Book too late and the camp you wanted is full. The honest answer to “when should I book a Kenya safari?” depends almost entirely on when you want to travel, so this guide works backwards from your travel month.
The short answer
For the busiest stretches, July to October (Great Migration season in the Maasai Mara) and the Christmas and New Year weeks, start planning six months ahead or more. For the dry months either side, three to four months usually leaves you a good choice. For the quiet, green months, a couple of months can be enough. These are our planning guidelines, not fixed rules, and a small camp or a special request can need more notice.
| When you travel | Why it fills up | Start planning |
|---|---|---|
| July to October | Great Migration season in the Mara, the busiest months of the year | 6 months or more ahead |
| Late December to early January | Festive holidays and dry weather | 6 months or more ahead |
| January to March | Dry weather and good game viewing | 3 to 4 months ahead |
| June | The dry season begins and the herds are on the move | 4 to 5 months ahead |
| April, May and November | Rain months, with quieter parks | 2 to 3 months ahead |
Why July to October fills first
This is when the wildebeest herds reach the Mara, and everyone wants the river crossings. Our Great Migration guide and Kenya in August explain why. Camps and good vehicles go first, so the earlier you ask, the more choice you get. Extras such as a hot-air balloon flight have limited seats, so ask for them at the start rather than at the end.
What happens when you book with us
Here is how booking works at Cherish Africa Safaris. You enquire by WhatsApp, email or form. We send a tailor-made, day-by-day itinerary and quote that shows what is included and excluded. A 30% deposit secures the trip, paid by card or mobile money through Pesapal. The balance is due 60 days before departure.
The deposit is non-refundable. If plans change, cancellation charges depend on how close you are to departure:
| Cancel this far before departure | Charge |
|---|---|
| 61 days or more | 30% |
| 60 to 31 days | 50% |
| 30 to 15 days | 75% |
| 14 days or fewer | 100% |
Park permits and domestic flights are non-refundable once paid. These are our own guest terms. Every operator sets its own, so read the terms before you pay anyone, and take out travel insurance that covers cancellation.
What else needs lead time
- A passport that is valid for your dates, and Kenya’s entry authorisation. See Kenya visa and entry requirements.
- Vaccinations and health preparation. Start with the health checklist.
- Insurance, booked soon after your deposit.
- International flights into Nairobi.
- Special requests, such as accessibility needs or dietary needs.
A simple planning timeline
- 9 to 12 months out: choose your travel month and the kind of trip. Our best time to visit Kenya guide helps.
- 6 months out: request your itinerary and quote, and secure the trip if you are travelling in peak season.
- 3 to 4 months out: book international flights, arrange insurance and start your health preparations.
- 60 days out: pay the balance and confirm final details.
- 2 weeks out: check your documents, pack using our travel checklist and keep copies of your bookings.
Can you book at the last minute?
Sometimes, especially in the green months and when your dates are flexible. The trade-off is choice: the camps you wanted may be full and you may need to adjust the route. If you are short of time, tell us your dates and we will say honestly what is available.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book a safari for the Great Migration?
Six months or more is a good guideline for July to October, because that is when the Maasai Mara is busiest.
How far ahead should I book for Christmas and New Year?
The same: six months or more. It is a popular, dry-weather period.
When do I pay the balance?
With us, a 30% deposit secures the trip and the balance is due 60 days before departure.
Is the deposit refundable?
With us, the 30% deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation charges rise as departure gets closer, as shown in the table above.
Can I book a Kenya safari at short notice?
Often yes, but your choice of camps and dates will be narrower. Ask what is available before you decide.
Want help planning? Talk to our team and tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see.
Booking terms checked against the Cherish Africa Safaris Terms & Conditions on 4 November 2026 (read the terms). Planning windows are our own guidelines.
