Born Free Safaris
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 1976)
- Member Of:
- IATA, KATS & APTA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Marc Shade | Experience level: first safari
Pandemic profiteers
I booked a tour prior to the pandemic and even though I cancelled almost a year in advance (November 2021), I was refused ANY refund of an almost $3,000 deposit even though every though it cost absolutely $0 to cancel any hotel reservation made on my behalf. Immoral and unethical!
Reply from Born Free Safaris
Posted on Oct 12, 2026This is many years later but we again want to explain and apologize for what was a situation none of us had every been in. Covid set new grounds and business decisions had to be made - always taking in consideration the traveler. Mr Shade did not mention that Born Free was able to arrange for a full credit for a future booking when travel was safe. His deposit was sent to Africa to hold the hotel space. Companies were not giving back deposits that were already sent to Africa to hold space. Born Free did not 'profiteer' at all - we lost the booking and the funds. This was a very difficult situation for every one but it was not immoral or unethical far from it. The funds helped many people in the hospitality field in Africa keep their jobs through the pandemic. Locals would have starved and worse. But if Mr. Shade wanted to rebook and use that credit we would have given him full credit plus a discount on the new trip. This is many years later, we did let him know this immediately but this poor review is still up. We hold our reputation high and have been creating trips for 50 years. Things do happen and we do our best to do the honorable thing in all cases for the traveler.
Email Pam | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Use another company
Africa is fabulous even though Born Free Safaris is not. They charge more than anyone but our vehicle was tattered and had no air conditioning!!! They charge premium prices but use poor vehicles and airlines. They routed me with Kenyan Airlines and every single flight was either cancelled or was very late leaving or arriving. I found out from other travelers that they could have used Emirates Airlines which is a 5 star airline and went to the same places. Born Free uses the cheapest of everything but charges the most. Use another company. I hear Odyssys Unlimited is great!!!