The Buffer Night: Why Rushing Your Safari is a Rookie Mistake

A lot of times with holidays in general, I see clients opting or wanting to push to be out on safari the same day they arrive in the country. Most of the safari destinations are a 6–7 hour drive from the capital city, so I have to ask: Why rush it?

From lost luggage to unpredictable breakdowns—especially in terms of airport systems—you could lose a day's booking just like that. I’m not here to necessarily control your trip, but I would say smart money is on a night in your destination of arrival!

Think about it. Even the best airports like JKIA in Nairobi aren't particularly known for efficiency. If your bags are delayed or lost, you want to be in the city to sort it out, not 6 hours away in the bush.

Not to mention, we haven’t even taken into consideration your tired self after an international flight. Do you really want to spend yet another 6 hours in a car? Will you need supplies? Will you need to eat? Do you actually want to enjoy the drive to the safari destination? Maybe that extra $100 for a night at your port of entry is not the worst thing in the world!

In my experience, I’ve heard a lot more things go wrong when that night in the city is foregone. Travelers try to "beat the system" by rushing, rather than taking a moment to slow down, relax, and breathe. You made it—you're on holiday!

When can you skip the city night?

There are times when, yes, you can take that quick transfer. Here is my "Rule" for when it's okay:

1. It’s not a drive, it’s a flight If you are catching an internal flight to your safari destination, there is a lot less pressure. The trip is maybe one hour. However, I would still advise you to book an afternoon flight if you arrive in the country in the morning. Give yourself that adequate buffer time!

2. Your destination is literally 2 hours away My fast and hard rule is this: anything at 2.5 hours and under is doable. But once you cross into the 3-hour-plus mark? Maybe play it safe and stay the night in town.