Born Free Safaris & Tours

10/03/2024

One of Africa's Oldest National Parks

Kruger National Park isn't just a safari hotspot, it's a place where the past and present beautifully collide. Africa's oldest national park, established in 1895, Kruger boasts an ancient ancestry, where stone tools hint at human presence millions of years ago. This legacy of conservation transfers to the breathtaking collection of life.

Kruger's is a puzzle piece in the larger Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a vast international conservation area spanning more than 13,513 square miles allowing animals to roam freely across borders. Witness Kruger's role in this grand vision firsthand.

Plan your dream safari wishlist with Born Free Safaris: https://bit.ly/42Z0QSW

07/03/2024

The Untold Saga of Safari Guides in Africa

Traversing the rugged terrains of Africa, safari guides embark on a perilous odyssey, their unwavering dedication to safeguarding wildlife and tourists alike. Practically animal whisperers, with years over 24 months of training, they must read animal behavior to maximize your wildlife encounter while keeping both you and the animals safe.

Amidst the breathtaking vistas, they encounter hidden dangers that test their mettle – from unpredictable animal encounters to treacherous terrain, and the ever-looming threat of poachers. Their expertise extends beyond the animal kingdom too. They can handle minor vehicle mishaps, ensuring your smooth journey through Africa's rugged terrain. It is a delicate dance, where their expertise and quick reflexes guard your unforgettable wilderness experience.

Plan your dream safari wishlist with Born Free Safaris: https://bit.ly/42Z0QSW

03/03/2024

Embark on an unforgettable journey after dark in Addo Elephant National Park, where 90% of the mammals come alive at night.

Be enchanted by the park's 600-strong elephant population, or witness the success story of reintroduced lions stalking their prey in the moonlight.

Addo is also a haven for elusive black rhinoceros and a diverse cast of nocturnal creatures, from the springbok's gravity-defying leaps to the haunting calls of spotted hyenas.

Design your safari wishlist with Born Free Safaris: https://bit.ly/42Z0QSW

29/02/2024

Look beyond the Big Five

Safaris are often associated solely with iconic lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes. However, the African wilderness holds a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Over 2,500 different mammal species call the continent home, with a staggering 800 found nowhere else on Earth. From graceful giraffes browsing in the savanna to playful meerkats standing sentinel on their mounds, a safari promises encounters beyond your wildest imagination.

Plan your dream safari wishlist with Born Free Safaris: https://bit.ly/42Z0QSW

06/02/2024

Been to Bwindi? I was completely unaware at the time that this experience would have such a profound emotional effect, even after all these years.

Meet the world’s newest baby mountain gorilla 🦍 born in the Bikingi Mountain Gorilla Family.

We are glad to share with you this first mobile image from our field team in Rushaga - Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda

The baby was born to Adult Female Mucecuru who is a member of the Bikingi gorilla group, famously known for the Gorilla Habituation Experience. The baby was first seen yesterday but is expected to have been born on the night of Friday, 2nd February 2024.

This new birth brings the total number of mountain gorillas in the family to 09 (nine) individuals. We congratulate Silverback Kaharata (the dad) and Mucecuru (the mom) as well as the whole Bikingi family on this great news. We wish the baby a long and happy life.



📷 Nvuyekure Brian (Ecological Research & Monitoring Ranger)

31/01/2024

Did you know? Today is "National Plan A Vacation Day" and you shouldn't be suprised that here, at Born Free , we think a safari is one of the best vacations. More than a vacation, a safari is an investment in the future of our world through support for conservation efforts, community projects and growth in overall awareness.

One of the notable conservation success stories has taken place in Kenya. In the mid-1980s the rhino population fell to 240 because of poaching, raising fears that the animals might go extinct in a country famous for its wildlife. Kenya now has nearly 950 black rhinos. That is the third biggest black rhino population in the world behind South Africa and Namibia.

Over the coming weeks, 21 rhinos will be carefully moved from Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Downs and Nairobi National Park, where they have become overpopulated, to the 58,000-acre Loisaba Conservancy. Black rhinos are solitary animals and without enough room to disperse, they will not effectively breed.

A partnership between Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, The Elewana Collection and Space for Giants will ensure conservation of the precious species for years to come.

Let Born Free Safaris put together your perfect Kenya safari and include a few nights at one of the accommodation options on the Loisaba Conservancy (https://loisaba.com/) that best suits your style and level of comfort.

16/11/2023

Planning a safari to South Africa? After you've decided between Greater Kruger, Madikwe or some of the private reserves in the KwaZulu Natal for your wildlife adventures, it’s time to shift your attention and focus on dining opportunities in and around the Cape.

If you’re staying in the V&A Waterfront, check out PIER for fine dining; a great venue for a special occasion celebration. Check out their tasting menu. For something a bit informal, GIBSON’s offers the ultimate burger – 49 different choices – which pairs ideally with one of their 207 milkshakes.

If you’re staying more city center, FYN regularly makes the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list with its’ African inspired offerings with a unique Japanese twist. For a festive and friendly Greek insured experience, check out OUZERIE while GRUB & VINE offers refined bistro style fare, including vegetarian and vegan selections.

While in the Cape, considering replacing your winelands daytrip with at least one night in Franschhoek, a region prolific with award-winning wineries and restaurants… (and it’s a shorter drive from Franschhoek to the airport than it is from Cape Town).

If your travels are in their summer months, then consider JAN, for al fresco dining in the middle of the lavender fields on the La Motte Wine Estate. Also on the estate is LA MOTTE ARTISAN BAKERY & CAFÉ, providing breakfast and light lunch choices; it is a celebration of bread and a variety of freshly baked options from their wood-fired oven.

Staying in town, RUEBENS is a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike. Whatever entrée you select, be sure to save room for the Amarula panna cotta. PROTÉGÉ (another in the La Colombe family) is casual fine dining at its best offering local seasonal fare in a relaxed, comfortable setting. While just a door or two away is EPICE, French for “spice” (also in the La Colombe family), an intimate eatery. As the name implies, the dining selections revolve around spices from spicy-hot chili and ginger to saffron, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon presented in an artful manner, many with strong Asian and Middle Eastern flavors.

The list, while not endless, seems so when faced with making a decision. There are award winning dining opportunities across the province: Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Constantia, Camps Bay. Your choice may then be further influenced by your taste in wines, but that’s another massive list of choices depending on your palette.

https://pier.restaurant/food
https://www.gibsonsburgers.co.za
http://fynrestaurant.com
https://www.ouzeri.co.za
https://grubandvine.co.za/home/
https://janonline.com/jan-franschhoek-veepos-la-motte/
https://la-motte.com/pages/bakery
https://www.reubens.co.za
https://protege.restaurant/home
https://epice.restaurant/food

01/11/2023

AFRICA is waiting - are you ready?
You should know what wildlife is best seen where……

We all have expectations about the safari experience, whether a first timer or veteran safari-goer, from the standard of the accommodation arrangements to the checklist of what animals we want to see. The former we can control while the latter is still subject to chance though your odds are greatly improved if you are in the right location. There’s no better bragging rights than sharing your safari photos with friends.

If that photo should include elephants, they are prevalent across the parks and reserves in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia (Etosha), South Africa’s Kruger and private reserves, Tanzania, South Luangwa in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

One of the only places you’ll see black rhino on every gamedrive is in the Ngorongoro Crater and for white rhino, it’s the Greater Kruger private reserves.

The best chances if seeing cheetah are in the Serengeti while leopard are most often seen on night gamedrives in the Greater Kruger private reserve and in the South Luangwa.

Daily sighting of lion are pretty much guaranteed in Savuti (Botswana), the Masai Mara and in Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire in Tanzania. Now, if you want to see white lions, then it’s the Timbavati Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger

Get your list together and give your professional travel advisor or Born Free Safaris a call (800 472-3274) or email([email protected]). We’ve been making safari dreams come true for nearly 50 years.

12/09/2023

WHAT'S IN A NAME? Kevin Hart chose “Gakondo”(Tradition) ; Joakin Noah picked the name “Turumwe” (Oneness)and Idris Elba selected the name “Narame” (Long Life).

On Friday, September 1st, 23 new mountain gorillas were given names in an annual observance known as Kwita Izina. The ceremony was held in Kiningi, Rwanda at the base of Volcanoes National Park. Since its inception in 2005, 397 mountain gorillas have been named and this has become a global celebration of Rwand’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.

The Kwita Izina ceremony is also an opportunity to thank the communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationaist, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas.

Most mountain gorillas live in stable family groups of around 10 members with one dominant male and several females and everyone in the group helps care for their infants.

Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species with less than 1,000 remaining in the world. These magnificent creatures are only found in Rwanda, Unganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Humans share around 98% of our DNA with gorillas;
this means that they are susceptible to human illness. And as they haven’t developed the necessary immunities, even a simple cold can have a detrimental impact on the gorilla population. Organized visits can available by permit only and limited to 60 minutes.

Born Free arranges visits to view the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. Contact your travel professional or reach out to us.

17/07/2023

We love Africa. We wouldn’t be doing what we do for as long as we have if we didn’t. Zambia – specifically South Luangwa National Park – is regarded as the birthplace of the African walking safari. Since that time, it’s been said that Zambia is the new Botswana and nearly half a century later, it has never been more true. There are still many regions where you may not see another safari vehicle for days and yet not be lacking in any of the creature comforts.

Lion Camp in South Luangwa is a prime example of what makes Zambia special. (Click for video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntkW_Ia7000

Set in a remote region in the far north of the park, game viewing is impressive (May – Sep) with sightings of lion, leopard, wild dog, large herds of elephant and buffalo, the unique Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s zebra and incredible birds.

Move downriver into Lower Zambezi National Park for a few nights at Chiawa Safari Lodge and finish up I Livingstone. (Check out HGTV’s Renovation Wild.)

This land locked nation has seventeen other waterfalls - in addition to the spectacular Victoria Falls – four vast lakes and rich rivers offering the avid adventurer a variety of unique experiences to combine with the spectacular wildlife.

Zambia is home to a vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and peoples, and it is also widely considered to be one of the friendliest and most welcoming nations in the world. Just a few reasons why we love Zambia. Contact your Travel Professional or Born Free Safaris for your own Zambia safari adventure.

01/05/2023

Packing for Pachyderms
Did you watch the Nat Geo special “Secrets of the Elephants”? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc-PYHTN1UU)

Was one of your earliest favorite books “Horton Hears a Who!”?

A member of the Big Five, elephants are a part of the traditional safari experience and readily espied across sub-Saharan Africa. (They are also an intrinsic part of an adventure through India or Southeast Asia however, that’s another continent and another trip.)

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are pioneers in the rescue and hand-raising of orphaned baby elephants. Headquartered in Nairobi with a field office if Tsavo, they are one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organization. The Nairobi Orphanage is open to the public one hour daily and can be included as part of your safari experience.

If your Kenya safari takes you north to Samburu, then consider a visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. It is the first community owned and operated sanctuary and rescues five to ten orphaned and abandoned elephant calves. The aim is to rehabilitate and return the calves to the wild and in doing so creates employment and income for the community. Depending upon where you are staying in Samburu, this easily fills up at least half a day.

If your Kruger safari takes to Jabulani, then spend some time with the Jabulani herd. See their unique personalities as they swim, drink, play and relax in the water as they cool off during the heat of the day. You can join field researchers in dung sampling, which is a way of monitoring an elephant’s stress levels. It is an extraordinary opportunity to understand elephants on a deeper level, both physically and emotionally, and to appreciate the importance of the conservation and protection of the elephant species.

If in the KwaZulu Natal, staying at one of lodges at Phinda Private Game Reserve affords the opportunity to be part of an elephant conservation experience. Seven elephant herds on the reserve have been collared to assist with monitoring and tracking their movements. From time to time, one of the elephant collars utilized in this research will be in need of replacing and we invite groups of up to eight guests each (sharing one vehicle) to participate in this extraordinary experience. Guests will play an active role in the day’s adventure.

Did you know….
You can tell the difference between the three species by their ears.
Their trunks contain around 150,000 muscles and can hold 2 gallons of water.
They spend up to three quarters of their day eating
An elephant never forgets – their temporal lobe is larger and denser than mans.
Around 90% of African elephants have been wiped out in the past century.

Contact your local travel professional or BORN FREE SAFARIS for your own personal elephant encounter.

02/04/2023

Dreaming of a safari? Witnessing a fabled river crossing of the Great Wildebeest Migration…spotting the Big Five…gorilla trekking in Rwanda…watching the wildlife as you canoe along the Zambezi River… a mobile walking safari in the South Luangwa…bungee jumping at Victoria Falls. Whether this is your first trip or your seventh, the time for dreaming is over.

The 2023/24 booking season is in full swing and many of the choice smaller camps and lodges in the best areas are already sold out or soon will be.

It’s time to start planning and packing!

Contact your Travel Professional or
Born Free Safaris & Tours at 800-4-SAFARI

10/06/2019

Orphaned elephants get new life in Kenya

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of our favorite experiences in Kenya! What's not to love about spending time up close and personal with baby elephants (and rhinos and giraffes) while doing something good for their survival?!

Call 800-3-SAFARI and let our safari specialists know you want to include a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage on your trip to Kenya so you can adopt a baby elephant!

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues orphaned elephants, raising them by hand in Kenya's Nairobi National Park and rehabilitating them into the wild. Here's why they do it.

14/09/2017

Two White Giraffes—A Mom and a Calf—Are Thrilling Wildlife Fans in Kenya

You never know what magical surprises await on safari!

They have a genetic condition called leucism, which makes their coats pale and ghostly.

07/09/2017

The New York Times

The New York Times explores how wild dogs 🐕 communicate and vote ✅ through... sneezes?? 🤧 Botswana 🇧🇼 is one of the best places to see these amazing pack animals. Let us know if you or someone you know would like to start their trip to view this behavior first hand! We are here to help make your dreams come true. Call 1-800-4-SAFARI

African wild dogs, highly social pack hunters, need a consensus to start a hunt. The votes, of sorts, may be cast by sneezing.

22/08/2017

Miles Teller Got Engaged On An African Safari

Magic happens on safari.

Born Free Safaris can help plan your magical experiences. Call us today: 800-3-SAFARI
Or visit safaris2africa.com

That elephant: Who?

02/08/2017

The New York Times

Like what you see? Call us.

How to spend 36 hours in Cape Town.

01/06/2017

What's it like to travel to Kenya to report on elephant poaching?

NBC heads to Kenya to report on efforts to protect those beautiful elephants. One of our favorite spots to visit, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, just outside of Nairobi, is a great place to visit when going to Kenya. You can see baby elephants (and even Rhino and some other animals) get cared for, and you can even "Adopt" an elephant. You'll get a certificate and updates on how they are doing. Several of our team have done this and it is an unforgettable up-close experience for the whole family.

NBC News Producer Mario Garcia describes the sights and experiences of the team's trip to Kenya.

02/09/2016

Touched by a Wild Mountain Gorilla (short)

Visiting wild mountain gorillas is a rare and beautiful experience sure to be a life-defining moment.

Ask our safari consultants about planning a journey for you.

NEW - (short version) - An incredible chance encounter with a troop of wild Mountain Gorillas in Uganda. Check blog.commonflat.com for more photos and backgr...

06/06/2016

A lioness named Elsa inspired an epic fight against poachers

In the early 1970’s, Joy Adamson, naturalist, artist and author of the best-selling book and subsequent film “Born Free”, which describes her experiences raising a lion cub named Elsa, approached travel agent, Alana Hayden, about creating ‘Born Free’ safari groups as a fund raising arm of her organization, Elsa Wild Animal Appeal. This is the origin story of our company, Born Free Safaris and Tours.

Reading this story on the BBC today, there is only one word that can appropriately describe how we at Born Free Safaris feel about our long connection to Elsa, George and Joy Adamson, the Born Free story and all of the animal conservation, protection and anti-poaching efforts which were inspired by Born Free: PRIDE.

Meru National Park has endured a decades-long running battle against poachers, who are determined to take its precious wildlife for themselves

09/04/2016

National Geographic

EEEK! James is starting! But, our clients rave about Devil's Pool and it is such a huge thrill. From about mid-August to January the Victoria Falls are low enough, that on the Zambian side of the Falls, you can take a dip, just like these folks. Any adult can participate! This is a 360 degree video, so you can move the camera around. Just use your mouse, click and hold the image, and move it around. Thanks National Geographic! If you get so inspired, give us a call and book your trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia today!

Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this legendary waterfall is among the biggest and most awe-inspiring on the planet. Take a 360° ride over the jaw-dropping cliffs at Victoria Falls.

09/04/2016

National Geographic

Wow! This is amazing. I want to go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi myself now! Watch this video and if you get so inspired, give us a call and book your trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia today! -- Remember with this video, you can move the camera around. Just use your mouse, click and hold the image, and move it around. Thanks National Geographic!

Take a 360° flight alongside whitewater rafters through the labyrinth of gorges beneath Victoria Falls—one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

26/01/2016

Rare white giraffe spotted in Tanzania could be 'target' for poachers

A beautiful and rare giraffe in Tarangire National Park. Tourism is one of the best ways to help protect these beauties from poachers. We hope that the locals are able to protect her. Gaze upon her and enjoy one of natures happy accidents in her unique glory.

A white giraffe with a genetic skin condition has been photographed at a national park in Tanzania, with experts fearing she could become a target for poachers

17/11/2015

This beautiful photo makes me long to go back on safari. Let's go! Who's with me?!?

Let's go on safari this !
Pic by Mali N Reddy

12/11/2015

Our African Safari

Just in case you missed this when we posted it before - here is a great video that our client Phila Broich sent us from her fabulous trip to east Africa. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!

East African Safari with Born Free Safaris Copyright Phila Broich 2015

29/09/2015

Many thanks to honeymooners Alix and Seila for sending us these fun photos from their South African safari. They visited Cape Town, Grootbos Nature Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the beaches of a tiny island resort in Mozambique. "The safari experiences were amazing and completely surpassed our expectations—everything from the animal sightings to the food, service, and rooms." They got to go shark cage diving, whale watching, go in search of the Big 5, and relax in the remote beaches on the Indian Ocean. Congratulations to them, and thank you for sharing this experience with us!

21/08/2015

Safari on Breakfast vs Breakfast on Safari?

Having tried both, we'd choose breakfast on safari every time. We suspect you'd choose the same.

30/07/2015

Our first safari in 1976 was in partnership with Joy Adamson of the Elsa Wildlife Foundation and "Born Free" fame. We continued to enjoy a close relationship with the Elsa Foundation for many years. From our earliest days, our deep respect and love for the majestic wildlife and warm people of Africa have been our guiding principal. We have been in the business of offering photographic safaris for nearly 40 years and we do not and will not ever offer, condone or support hunting safaris.

25/06/2015

Back to normal! Call us and book your safari now! 800-4-SAFARI (472-3274) or 747-888-3308 or visit www.bornfreesafaris.com

24/06/2015

Book your trip in just outside of