About Us
First Light Safaris
I established First Light Safaris in 2015. My inspiration came from the amazing experiences I had while working as a camp manager at Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park in Zambia in 2013. For 8 months, I was privileged to work alongside this amazing team at Bilimungwe Bushcamp (pictured below). Because of them and many others, we are able to preserve the natural world through responsible non-hunting tourism.
Managing Bilimungwe was life changing. Being immersed in the safari industry proved invaluable. Night and day were spent in nature’s classroom. Working side-by-side with some of the best guides in the safari business expanded my knowledge of the bush, tenfold.
Life is on display 24 hours a day in Africa. While working at Bilimungwe, everyday felt as if I was immersed in the filming of the next great wildlife documentary with the voice of Sir David Attenborough giving an enthusiastic play-by-play of nature’s amazing moments. Crossing paths with elephants, lions, wild dogs, and leopards within the camp was a constant reminder of my place in the pecking order of the bushveld. Waking up to find fresh lion tracks at my doorstep was one heck of a way to start my day.
There are no words to describe the splendor that is Africa. One needs to experience it. There was a day in the bush that will forever be etched in my memory. I was watching the bustling of life around a waterhole for most of the day. At one point, there were giraffe, elephant, impala, puku, bushbuck, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, baboons, warthogs, vervet monkeys, banded mongoose, and scores of different birds sharing this little oasis. Surprisingly there was little tension or disagreement between the species present. I marveled at, for lack of a better term, the “humanity” displayed at the waterhole that day late in the dry season. That scene is a microcosm of life in Africa; not just of wildlife but of people as well. This is the Africa I fell in love with.
I hope you consider First Light Safaris when planning your first or next wildlife viewing journey. Going on safari is an investment towards protecting the incredible animals, landscapes, and cultures across the continent. Tom Mazzarisi – Owner of First Light Safaris
Mission
Ethical, responsible, and sustainable wildlife viewing and photographic tourism to Africa.
Authentic, classic, and intimate safari experiences.
Exceptional guides to share their knowledge and passion.
To inspire you to preserve the natural world.
“Memories Not Trophies” Let’s end trophy hunting!
“It is not enough to understand the natural world; the point is to defend it and preserve it.”
— Edward Abbey
Our Promise
There is a feeling of familiarity when you first step into the Africa wilderness. Somewhere buried deep within our genetic makeup, our subconscious knows this is where we evolved as a species. A species molded by a wild landscape with the greatest display of life anywhere on the planet.
From my experiences as a bushcamp manager and a frequent safari traveler, I know what makes for a quality safari experience. My goal is to use camps and lodges with the best reputations in ethics, guiding, conservation, social responsibility, and game viewing.
Having also worked in some of America’s busiest national parks, I know how crowds can have a negative influence on wildlife and one’s overall park experience. This is why my preference is to book smaller camps and lodges to enhance that feeling of intimacy with nature.
Dealing with the bigger safari travel companies can be overwhelming. You deserve better. Oftentimes the larger safari travel companies have generic itineraries that you can book without ever talking to someone. Even if you do get a chance to talk to an agent, chances are they have little to no Africa experience.
This is your journey and I will work with you directly to develop an itinerary that meets your expectations; not those of the corporate-sized travel companies.
Code of Ethics
A quality experience rests on the integrity of the safari company and its guides. Eco-tourism has become an important industry that contributes greatly to conservation and empowers local people. The last strongholds for wildlife are in protected areas. If not managed properly, the negative effects on wildlife and local communities could very well deprive future generations the chance at witnessing the majesty of the natural world.
Social Responsibility
The success of Eco-tourism is not possible without the help and support of communities located in and around Africa’s protected areas. Our partners hire locally, are involved with a variety of initiatives that enhance the lives of local people, and inspire new generations to enjoy and protect wildlife.
Conservation
We partner with camps and lodges that are actively involved in conservation by supporting wildlife research and education, endangered species and habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and non-hunting programs that work to minimize human/wildlife conflict.
Sustainability
Eco-tourism is a major reason we are able to protect wildlife and wilderness. We have a responsibility to minimize and reduce the human footprint to ensure a bright and sustainable future for the natural world.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
First Light Safaris believes in a set of ethics that strives to put the animal first; ensuring a safe and memorable experience for us while minimizing disturbance to wild animals.
Memories Not Trophies!
First Light Safaris does not support trophy hunting.