In short
- Send us your dates, your group size and your budget. We check camp availability and aim to reply the same day.
- Apply for your Kenya electronic travel authorization as soon as you decide. Processing can take a few days.
- Quieter months and larger camps tend to have more space. We name the best options once we check.
- A short stay of 5 to 8 days is the easiest to arrange at short notice.
Most safaris are planned a year ahead. Some are not.
A free week, a cancelled plan or a sudden wish to go. We help guests in a hurry, and we know how to do it well.
We are a Kenyan owned luxury safari company in Karen, Nairobi.
Can you really book a luxury safari in 30 days?
Often, yes. It depends on the dates, the camps and the size of your group.
Availability is never guaranteed. What we can promise is a fast, honest answer.
How does a last minute booking work?
Here are the steps.
- Send your dates. Tell us when you want to travel, how many guests and your budget.
- We check availability. We contact the camps and aim to reply the same day with real options.
- Choose your trip. Pick the camp and the length. When we can, we hold the rooms while you decide.
- Apply for your travel authorization. Do this at once.
- Book your flights. We advise on the best routes for your city.
- Fly. We meet you at the airport in Nairobi.
What should you do about the Kenya travel authorization?
Kenya requires an electronic travel authorization for most visitors. Processing can take a few days, so it is the first thing to do once you decide.
You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and your travel details. Fees and timing change, so check the official government portal before you apply.
If you also visit Tanzania, check that country's entry rules as well.
Which camps usually have space?
We cannot name camps before we check, because availability changes daily. These patterns help.
- Quieter months. Late November, early December before the holidays, and March to May often have more space.
- Larger camps. Camps with more suites tend to have a room open when small camps are full.
- Flexible dates. Moving by a day or two can open up your first choice.
- Shorter stays. A 5 night stay is easier to fit than 10 nights.
Peak weeks such as July to October and the Christmas holidays are the hardest at short notice. Ask anyway. Cancellations happen.
Journeys that suit short notice
| Journey | Days | Why it suits |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Day Mahali Mzuri Ultra Luxury Safari | 5 | One camp, one stay, easy to arrange |
| 5 Day Tsavo Luxury Safari at Finch Hattons | 5 | A classic Kenya camp, reachable from Nairobi |
| 5 Day Singita Sasakwa Ultra Luxury Safari | 5 | An ultra luxury stay in the Serengeti |
| 8 Day Ultra Luxury Maasai Mara Safari | 8 | Two exceptional camps, when you have a full week |
How do you get to Nairobi in a hurry?
New York has a nonstop on Kenya Airways, and other US cities connect once. Fares for short notice flights can be higher, so check early.
Read our guide to safari from the USA for routes and time differences by city.
Your first day in Nairobi
We meet you at the airport and take you to a quiet suite in Karen. You rest first. The safari begins the next morning.
Why book a last minute safari with Ongeri Expeditions?
We are based in Nairobi, so we speak to the camps and guides directly. That saves days when time is short.
Every journey is private, and we plan around your dates.
Written by Abner Ongeri of Ongeri Expeditions, a Kenyan owned luxury safari company in Karen, Nairobi. We visit every camp we sell, and we plan these journeys every week. Last checked 26 October 2026.