Freddie Sutton
Freddie has a background in Zoology and Conservation, in addition to training as a safari guide in Kruger National Park. He also has over a decade of experience working in the luxury travel industry, including at two of the UK’s leading safari specialists.
Freddie’s Recent Travel Experience
Freddie’s most recent trip was a return to northern Tanzania with a focus on remote areas and luxury camps, a strong contrast to his gap-year trip to the same area over a decade prior. While the Serengeti has an increasing reputation for overcrowding, Freddie was lucky to visit the more remote areas of Grumeti and Lamai in the shoulder season of November. This meant he was able to experience late river crossings with minimal vehicles and herds of 10,000-plus zebra with no one else around at all!
Freddie’s Most Memorable Experience
“With over ten years of experience working, travelling, and guiding in Africa, it’s hard to pin down my most memorable experience. Wildlife has always been a passion of mine, though, so close encounters with animals do stand out, from sitting within arm’s reach of silverbacks in Rwanda to crawling within metres of wild dog pups in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park – the sort of experiences that leave you truly breathless. And while the beach is rarely the most memorable part of a trip for me, proposing to my wife in a treehouse on Mafia Island as the sun set over the Indian Ocean is certainly one of my highlights from my time in Africa.”
Freddie’s Bio
Freddie grew up reading cheesy adventure novels about jungle exploration and tracking lions on foot, so as soon as time and money allowed, as a teenager he headed straight out to Africa. He experienced the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Tanzania, and discovered how much weight you can lose climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with a stomach bug.
He pursued his interest in wildlife by studying Zoology at university, before putting this theoretical knowledge to more practical use by training to become a safari guide in Kruger National Park. He also published a scientific paper on conservation management in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains.
On returning to the UK, Freddie worked briefly in ecology, but he discovered the wildlife didn’t live up to Africa’s, so he joined a London-based luxury safari specialist. While working here, he helped to update guidebooks to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, while also travelling multiple times per year to Africa on research and enjoying personal trips across the southern and eastern areas of the continent. He often took willing partners and family members with him, to introduce them to his favourite camps and national parks.
After an involuntary break from working in travel during the pandemic, Freddie leapt at the opportunity to join Yellow Zebra, and to use his deep knowledge of Africa to plan detailed, experiential itineraries, and once again share his favourite locations.
Expert Destinations
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Kenya
The original birthplace of safari, where world-class wildlife experiences and beautiful beaches meet.
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Tanzania
A classic safari destination home to big game, epic wildlife events, and iconic national parks.
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Rwanda
Gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, and poignant history. Rwanda is a truly inspiring safari destination.
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Zimbabwe
Home to the legendary Victoria Falls and authentic safaris in remote, untouched wildlife reserves.
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Botswana
From dusty salt pans to delta floods, Botswana is a celebration of pristine African wilderness.
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Namibia
Towering dunes, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking night skies. Namibia’s scenery is unlike anywhere else in Africa.
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Zambia
From walking in South Luangwa to Zambezi exploration, Zambia is as authentic as safari gets.
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South Africa
Big Five safaris, lively cities, and dramatic coastlines. South Africa delivers exciting contrasts and variety.
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The Republic of the Congo
Raw, remote and immersive. A wild adventure suited to specific styles of safari adventurers.
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Malawi
Experience scenic lake shores, ‘blue’ safaris, and a welcoming atmosphere in the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’.
Freddie’s Top Lodges
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Wilderness Bisate Reserve
From AU$4,951 – AU$6,875 ppWilderness Bisate Reserve is the sister camp to the already iconic Wilderness Bisate. Tucked into the forest just outside Volcanoes National Park, this exceptional property offers an entirely private, exclusive base for your gorilla-trekking expedition. The…
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Hwange Bush Camp
From AU$879 – AU$1,144 ppHwange Bush Camp is privately owned and run. It’s a semi-permanent camp, taken down every November and put up again in readiness for the beginning of May. Occupying a remote location, it’s able to offer superb safari experiences! The accommodation is booked…
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Wilderness Little Makalolo
From AU$1,074 – AU$1,939 ppWilderness Little Makalolo (affectionately known as ‘Little Mak’) is an absolute gem from the Wilderness portfolio. Few places do authentic safari in a luxurious setting like Little Mak. Its location, in a private concession within Hwange, gives you great…
