Big 5 Safaris

12/01/2024

Experience the wonders of South Africa with us!!!

From seeing the Big 5, getting up close and personal with nature, experiencing real African bush life and so much more, we will show you "our Africa!"

You'll come away with memories to last a life-time and some incredible photos too!

01/01/2024

A safari in South Africa for wildlife and nature lovers with a focus on the big 5, as well as other African mammals, and plenty of vibrant and colourful birds!

Join us for an exclusive 10 day wildlife and photography tour incorporating time spent at Unzwa Safaris, Ukutula Lodge and Lion conservation centre, Mapungubwe National Park and Kruger National Park.

May 11th - 20th 2024

Contact us on 0203 340 2997 for more information and to make your booking!

www.big5safaris.co.uk

01/01/2024

on Behalf of Gareth and I, we hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2024!

Thank you for all the love and support you have given us here on our new page!

Lots of exciting things to come over the coming weeks so watch this space!

22/11/2023

******************************************************************
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARIS! 🐘🦒🦓
******************************************************************
🥳Do you have a special occasion coming up?
Big birthday? or Wedding Anniversary?

Looking for a safari experience like no other? Consider a hot air balloon safari!
****************************************************************
🔥 Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Kenya and Tanzania Adventure

Many of our East African lodges offer this extraordinary adventure, providing a unique perspective and a bird's-eye view of the stunning African landscape. Add a sunset hot air balloon safari to your itinerary and make your safari truly unforgettable!

🦓 What is a Hot Air Balloon Safari?
Imagine soaring above the African bush at sunrise, spotting iconic animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Hot air balloon safaris offer a peaceful and tranquil experience, allowing you to witness nature awakening in a way that traditional game drives cannot provide.

📅Best Time for Balloon Safaris
Plan your balloon safari during the dry season (June to October) for optimal conditions. Clear skies, minimal winds, and ideal flying conditions make this the perfect time. However, balloon safaris operate year-round, offering a spectacular view of lush green savannahs even after the wet season.

Best Places for Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Africa:
Kenya:
🇰🇪 Masai Mara National Reserve: Experience the thrill of spotting lions and elephants from above.

🇰🇪 Amboseli National Park: Marvel at vast landscapes and beautiful elephant herds.

Tanzania:
🇹🇿 Serengeti National Park (Tanzania):
Witness the Great Migration and explore various launch sites.

🇹🇿 Tarangire National Park:
Encounter elephants and unique Baobab trees.

🇹🇿 Ruaha National Park:
Explore the largest national park in Southern Tanzania with hot springs and the Great Ruaha River.

🗺️ Booking Your Hot Air Balloon Safari

📞 Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Contact us now on 0203 340 2997 to explore hot air balloon safari options in Tanzania and Kenya. Whether you're planning a pre-booked trip or seeking advice for future adventures, we're here to make your African safari dreams come true!

Fiona Ruth Etkin
owner of 🌐 www.big5safaris.co.uk
(Trading under Dream Escapes With Fiona)
An affiliate of Inteletravel Uk ABTA P7384

Inteletravel are fully ABTA and ATOL Bonded

21/11/2023

Did you know you can visit this famous piggy artist in the Western Cape, South Africa?

How awesome would that be? 😍

contact me at [email protected] for more info on the range of itineraries we can offer,as well creating bespoke tours to meet your individual wants and needs!

20/11/2023

how beautiful is this?
I've walked part of this trail!

20/11/2023

https://www.mytraveloffer.co.uk/Fiona%20Ruth%20Etkin1/Luxury_Cape_Town_Rovos_Rail_and_Safari1

11 Nights Luxury Cape Town, Rovos Rail and Safari tour.
Oct 2024

One of the people I had the delight of meeting in person at the recent World Travel Market - WTM London was Rohan Vos, owner and Founder of Rovos Rail. We had a lovely conversation and i was so excited to learn all about the many different itineraries you can do on these beautiful scenic luxurious rail journeys.

Here is one such itinerary!

If you click on the picture/ link you'll be able to find out lots more!

Please contact me with any questions you may have or to find out more and booking inquiries.

[email protected]
0203 340 2997

£4969: 11 Nights - Cape Town, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Hoedspruit

20/11/2023

Good afternoon everyone!
I hope you are all keeping well!

I've been a little quite here on my page, but behind the scenes I have been busy attending a 4 day travel training event in Malaga, and also working on my new website www.big5safaris.co.uk

It's very exciting times and i'll be bringing you lots more in due course! Thanks for your patience!

Fiona x

Big 5 Safaris - Explore Southern Africa's Wildlife and birds and experience the magic of the wild. Visit Big 5 Safaris photo gallery.

07/11/2023

Here are some more memories from my own personal FB feed from 4 years ago today.

On the Same day as visiting the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, we also spent some time visiting the Giraffe at the Giraffe Centre.

It was another incredible experience!
....... and yes...... I am indeed wearing Giraffe shoes!!!! :-)

07/11/2023

Hands up if you've ever dreamt of visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust? 🐘

I just had some wonderful memories appear on my personal FB timeline from 4 years ago today so thought i'd share some of those prescious memories with you all!! 💖

I have been following the work of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for many years, so when I took my mum out to Kenya in Nov 2019 for her 70th Birthday, I just knew that this would be one place we just had to go!

You can find out more about the amazing work they do by visiting their website! www.Sheldrickwildlifetrust.org I'll also be doing a blog on our website www.big5safaris.co.uk about my visit there too in due course!

Needless to say, it was an incredibly magical day but one i found very overwhelming!! Listening to the incredible work the trust do and some of the heartbreaking stories told about the tragedies some of these orphaned Elephants have faced was a real-jerker moment, but when you see the elephants being fed their milk and frollicking in the mud, it was simply wonderful!!!

Please do stop by and share your memories with me if you have visited here yourself! I'd love to know about your own experiences!

07/11/2023

What an incredible day that Gareth Parkes and I had at WTM yesterday! Such a positive and productive time spent networking and forging new business partnerships!

Watch this space as we may well be exhbitors ourselves this time next year! :-)

In the meantime, i'm off to Malaga tomorrow for a few days for a travel convention with Dream Escapes With Fiona, parent company to this one.

On my return, there is going to be some very exciting developments happening here with our Big 5 Safaris website!

Take care beautiful people and i'll check in with you in a few days! x

05/11/2023

https://www.big5safaris.co.uk/tours/river-tours/

Have you ever thought about an African Safari with a Wildlife River Cruise?

There are so many advantages to a river cruise! Imagine being able to get right up close and personal with some of Africa's most magnificent animals?

Our itineraries include a land based element such as African safaris and some can also be combined with a visit to Victoria Falls and Cape Town or the Kruger National Park.

If you've ever seen videos of the Rovos Railway, it's a World Famous Luxury train service offering a range of scenic journeys accross Southern Africa.

Imagine being able to combine a traditional Land-based African Safari with one of these river cruises AND a spectacular rail journey too!!! and/or or a visit to the Victoria Falls?

itineraries range from 10 - 18 days!!

Check out our website for more info: ⬇️

Explore Scenic River Tours - Unforgettable Experiences, Expert Guides & Stunning Landscapes. Book Now! Call 02033402997

05/11/2023

Hello everyone!

I hope you're all keeping well and have managed to avoid all the heavy rain and flooding we've had over here in the UK!............. (Reminded me a little of when i was out in Kenya in 2019 during severe floods out there at the time! ............but that's for another time!)

It's a very busy and exciting week here for us!

Tomorrow we are off to London for the first day of the World Travel Market - WTM London!!! We are so excited to continue expanding our business and have quite a few business meetings lined up!!!

We are also busy working behind the scenes on the new website too! It's really starting to take shape now!

On Wednesday I'm Off to Spain for a few days for another Travel convention representing "Dream Escapes With Fiona", parent company to Big 5.

Hopefully the website will be near completion shortly after my return as i'm really excited to share it with you all once it's fully completed.

In the meantime, we are up and running with it but it's still a work in progress! www.big5safaris.co.uk

We also now have a new number!!!!
0203 340 2997 woo hoo!!!

29/10/2023

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-07-04-filmmaker-captures-breathtaking-images-of-knysna-forests-elusive-elephant-cow/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3eAnWUECtoe-qYxZJZMUP_4zgoffc9ZY3m6wi0fkGwBCkHEyPTcJR-Jd4 =1698159585

Wow!
What determination and perseverance in Davy's search for the Lone Knysna Elephant. This story just goes to showcase how vast the landscapes out in Africa can be that it took 12 weeks of tracking up to 20km a day to find her!

Gareth and I will be out in South Africa for a month Next May, during which time we will be taking oone of our tour groups out. As well as this, we plan on spending more time along the Garden Route, Knysna being one of our stops along the way. I'd love to see the Knysna Elephant but i am realistic enough to realize it's highly unlikely, but i live in hope! :-)

I do hope she gets some company having seen how social these beautiful intelligent animals are and also feel the effect on the ecosystem would be beneficial.

What do you think?

After weeks of tracking, living on peanut butter and jam sandwiches, a filmmaker has captured breathtaking pictures of Knysna forest’s lone and elusive surviving elephant cow.

28/10/2023

https://www.facebook.com/reel/709643887650310

Are you a big lover of Primates?
How would you like to go trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest in search of Gorilla's?

The stuff of bucketlists?!!!!
This incredible once in a lifetime experience can be yours!!!

Itenaries range from 3 days up to 10 days and include options to see the big 5, as well as seeing Gorillas and also Chimps in the wild! The landscapes are spectacular too with nice waterfalls!

Contact us today to discuss your requirements!

.co.uk

27/10/2023

https://fb.watch/nX9ZM9-bVm/

How would you like to drive along this world famous scenic drive?

🚗 Chapman's Peak Drive: The Ultimate South African Roadtrip! 🇿🇦

Buckle up for an unforgettable adventure along one of the most mesmerizing coastal routes in South Africa! Chapman's Peak Drive, stretching over 5 miles from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, is a breathtaking journey through the heart of nature's grandeur.

As you navigate its winding path, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches below. Every twist and turn reveals another postcard-perfect scene. Often part of the Scenic Cape Point route, you can see penguins at Boulders Beach and also explore other attractions like Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.

But it's not just the scenery that captivates; this road is an engineering marvel, a feat of human ingenuity carving its way through the mountainside. Safety is paramount, and the drive boasts frequent lookouts, barriers, and rockfall prevention measures.

Take your time to stop at the viewing points and enjoy a picnic, or even a short hike to explore the natural beauty of the region. You might even spot rock climbers tackling the dramatic Chapman's Peak itself. The views at sunset are also incredible and it's a popular spot among tourists for this reason!

Chapman's Peak Drive is your gateway to an adventure of a lifetime. It's a road trip like no other, an exploration of South Africa's wild beauty that will leave you utterly spellbound.

.co.uk

19/10/2023

Good afternoon everyone! 🙂
An exciting day here!

We're busy working on our new website! I can't wait to reveal it when it's all done! Lots of great things to bring you so watch this space!!! Happy days!!!!

Whilst our focus is on the big 5, there's so much more we offer too!!!

🦍If you love Gorillas and Chimps, you're in for a real treat!!!! I can't begin to describe how buzzing i am just now!!!! 🐒

In the mean time, i'd be really grateful for folks to help me get the word out by sharing this post!!!

And just for fun, which of the big 5 is most on your bucketlist?
select the right emoji: or type the following letters:

A) Lion 🦁
B) Rhino 🦏
C) Leopard 🐆
D) Elephant🐘
E) Cape Buffalo 🐃

hey, why stop there?
let's keep going........

F) Giraffe 🦒
G) Zebra 🦓
H) Hippo 🦛
I) Gorilla 🦍
J) Chimp🐵
K) Birds 🦅

add your own!!!!!
(Meerkat, Porcupine, Aardvark, Jackals, Honey Badger, Genet, Civet, snakes, and sooooooo much more!!!!)

The list is endless!!!!

Thanks for helping to support me on this incredibly exciting adventure! I appreciate it!!!

Have an amazing day!!!

Fiona
Big 5 Safaris
www.Big5safaris.co.uk
[email protected]
Fiona: 07484 363286

18/10/2023

Mapungubwe National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

This is another of the places we will be visiting and spending a night at during our 10 day wildlife and photographic tour next May 2024.

For me, my love of Africa extends not only to the animals and wildlife, but to so much more! I just love the whole African vibe, from the music to the culture, the sights and sounds, smells and so much more!!!

Are you as excited to discover this amazing place as I am to share it with you?



Big 5 Safaris
www.Big5safaris.co.uk
[email protected]
Fiona: 07484 363286

18/10/2023

At Dream Escapes With Fiona We are the passport to the Wild Wonders of extraordinary Africa, filled with wildlife.

Big 5 Safaris is our focused agency who is as passionate about wildlife, birds and photography as you are. We are dedicated to creating experiences that are mesmerizing and adventurous into the depths of the African Wilderness.

This video highlights some of the places we will be visiting on our 10 day wildlife & photography safari in May 2024.

Place are limited so if you want to go on adventure of a lifetime, contact me now!

Big 5 Safaris
www.Big5safaris.co.uk
[email protected]
Fiona: 07484 363286

18/10/2023

Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve 🐾 Love Lions? 🦁

This is one of the places we will be visiting in May 2024 , including an overnight stay here!

📆 Join Our May 2024 Wildlife Tour & discover the remarkable Ukutula Conservation Centre (aka Ukutula Lodge & Game reserve) 🌿

🦁 Conservation Heroes:
The African lion population has faced a staggering decline over the years. Ukutula stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to ethical and responsible wildlife conservation. They've made significant strides in big cat preservation, especially lions, through breeding and research programs.

🧬 Pioneers of Progress:
Ukutula proudly achieved a world-first in 2018 - raising two lion cubs through groundbreaking artificial insemination without surgical intervention.

🐾Get Closer to the Wild:
Step into the heart of African wildlife with unique, hands-on experiences. Ukutula offers guided tours and captivating encounters with big cats. Learn about the challenges these magnificent creatures face in their natural habitat.

🦓 Explore the Safari Magic:
Beyond big cats, Ukutula doubles as a game reserve, offering thrilling safaris. Witness the wonders of Africa, from zebras to graceful giraffes and elusive antelope.

🛏️ Stay and Immerse:
Relax and soak in the African wilderness with comfortable lodging options, including lodges and guesthouses, at Ukutula Conservation Centre.

📚 Educate, Conserve, Empower:
Ukutula is on a mission to educate, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding endangered species and the role of captive breeding in ethical and responsible wildlife tourism.

🔬 Unlocking Nature's Secrets:
Embark on a journey of discovery with Ukutula's research projects, delving deep into the biology, behavior, and genetics of big cat species.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this incredible conservation story. Join our unforgettable 10-day photographic wildlife tour in May 2024, and experience the magic of Ukutula!



For more information please contact me:

Big 5 Safaris
www.Big5safaris.co.uk
[email protected]
Fiona: 07484 363286

18/10/2023

Big 5 Safaris have got an incredible opportunity for you to join us on a 10 day Wildlife Photographic Safari in South Africa.

May 11th - 20th 2024

Spend time in both the Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in search of the Big 5!!!

Learn about the amazing work that goes on at the Ukutula Conservation Centre, famous for its world class lion breeding research.

Learn how to spot the amazing diversity of birds and other animals out in the African bush!

Experience South African Braais around a cosy campfire!

All this and so much more awaits you on this adventure of a lifetime!

Prices start from £2,500pp

Contact us to go on this exclusive limited placement tour:
Fiona
Big 5 Safaris 07484 363286
[email protected]

18/10/2023

📸 Welcome to Big 5 Safaris! 🦁🦏🐘🐆🐃

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the heart of Africa? Look no further because we're your gateway to the wild!

📷 **Who We Are** 📷
Big 5 Safaris, an African-focused Tour Operator, is your partner in exploring the captivating world of African wildlife and photography. With years of photographic expertise, a lifelong love for Wildlife and Nature, and an extensive knowledge of Africa, especially Southern Africa, we're here to make your dreams a reality.

🦓 **What Sets Us Apart** 🦒
Our passion and dedication are your ticket to extraordinary experiences. We're deeply connected with reputable service providers across Africa, collaborating to offer you the very best in the realm of Big 5 Safaris. It's not just a tour; it's a life-changing adventure!

🦜 Expert Bird-Watching 🦉
Our dedication extends to the avian world too. We're passionate about bird-watching, and our experienced guides are ready to unveil the secrets of African birdlife. Whether you're an avid birder or a beginner, we'll help you spot and photograph the region's diverse bird species.

🌟 Explore Beyond the Big 5 🌟
While our heart beats for the Big 5, we also offer a variety of "bolt-on" activities to make your adventure even more unforgettable! How about visiting the majestic Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, touring the scenic winelands, diving with sharks, immersing in rich cultures, or soaring through the skies on thrilling zip-line adventures?

🐾 **Why Choose Us** 🐾

💎 Expertise:
Our team brings a wealth of knowledge to every expedition.

📸 Photography Focus:
Capture the essence of Africa's wildlife with our specialized photography tours.

🦁 Big 5 Adventures:
Seek out the majestic rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and lion in their natural habitat.

🐦 Bird-Watching Bliss:
Discover Africa's feathered wonders with our experienced guides.

🌍 Sustainable Travel:
We're committed to responsible and eco-friendly tourism.

🤿 Bolt-on options:
Option to add on additional tours & activities

🌞 Unforgettable Memories:
Prepare to make memories that last a lifetime.

📞 **Get in Touch** 📞 07484 363286
We're more than just tour operators; we're your safari guides and wildlife enthusiasts. If you have questions, need assistance, or simply want to chat about your next adventure, don't hesitate to reach out. Fiona and Gareth are here to help.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's turn your wildest dreams into remarkable realities. Join us on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa!

🌟 Get ready to meet the Big 5! 🌟