Still Riding the World Cup High? Here's Why Now's the Time to Lock In Your Client’s Next Adventure
There's nothing quite like a British summer in full swing – World Cup chants still echoing, barbecue smoke drifting over garden fences, sandy toes after a day at the beach with the people who matter most. It's the season of spontaneity, and we wouldn't want it any other way.
But summer has a habit of disappearing just as the last sausage comes off the grill. One minute you're debating penalty shootouts, the next the school run is back and routine has reasserted itself. And that's precisely the moment phones start ringing with a familiar question: "So, where are we going next?"
Because the best adventures are rarely last-minute. With that in mind, a gentle reminder:
The moment matters both ways though. With World Cup now over, we're seeing a flurry of last-minute summer enquiries too – so if that adventurous itch has struck, we still have pockets of availability across our portfolio. But it's the months ahead where the real opportunity lies: October half term is filling fast, Thanksgiving week is a perennial favourite, and a Christmas safari remains one of the most extraordinary ways to spend the festive season – sundowners under an African sky instead of another turkey sandwich, stars that put any string of fairy lights to shame.
We're delighted to showcase what's currently available across the Ethos portfolio, from Machaba’s intimate Okavango camps in Botswana to camps overlooking Hwange's watering holes in Zimbabwe. And for those wanting South Africa woven into the mix, Garonga in the Makalali Game Reserve and Kambaku River Sands offer that perfect blend of untamed bush and effortless luxury, Whether your clients want a spontaneous late-summer escape or their Christmas getaway sorted now, read on and keep these links handy – because the only thing better than a summer to remember is already knowing where you're headed next.
The Secret Season
While everyone's talking about high season, there's a quieter story unfolding across our camps — and it's one your clients will love. This is the secret season: fewer vehicles at the sightings, a more intimate feel on game drives, and some of the best value we offer all year.
The savings speak for themselves. Build a Machaba circuit combining two of our Delta camps and you're looking at a stay 6 pay 4 — a real chance to give clients more time in the bush for less. And as the season gets underway again in Zimbabwe, a stay 3 pay 2 deal makes it easier than ever to add a Hwange or Mana safari onto a Victoria Falls itinerary.
This is where the magic happens for dynamic itinerary building — combine camps, combine countries, and let the savings do the work.
Take a browse through our full range of specials and packages for 2026 and 2027:
Machaba Specials and Packages
Quieter camps, better rates, unforgettable safaris — this is the season your clients don't want to miss.
Our live availability tool is the fastest way to see real-time space across the portfolio: https://machabasafaris.com/en/live-availability
May to September is peak viewing season in the Timbavati Game Reserve and we do still have some availability, so why not see if these dates fit with your clients last minute requests.
From the best time of year to visit and what to expect on a game drive, to the two very different lodges we offer and the overnight hide experience , Kambaku is a great option in the Greater Kruger.
They also have a couple of rooms available over Christmas and New Year.
Kambaku River Sands availability
Tucked away in Limpopo Province, west of the Kruger National Park, the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve is one of South Africa’s quieter safari destinations - known for Big Five sightings, fewer crowds, and a more personal pace of safari.
Somewhere your clients may want to spend time over the festive period.
Garonga still has some space over Christmas and New Year - that may not last long.
Remember, Garonga is one of the few tented options in South Africa, for those looking for an authentic safari experience.
There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing that guests have taken the time to share their stories.
Garonga is honoured to have been recognised with a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award, placing Garonga Safari Co. among the top 10% of hotels worldwide.
This recognition is a reflection of every guest who has chosen to experience the magic of The Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve, and of the wonderful team who create unforgettable moments each and every day.
To everyone who has stayed at Garonga, and shared a review or supported us along the way, thank you.
VIDEO OF THE MONTH
The Garonga team recently came across a Wild Dog den and managed to film them briefly.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE
