About Us
Free your spirit. Go on an adventure!
Why choose us
Since our inception in 1990, Free Spirit Adventures has been on a mission to unveil Africa’s hidden treasures to travellers from around the globe. With over three decades of experience, we’ve honed our craft as premier experts in African adventures and mountains. Whether you seek the serenity of nature’s embrace, the thrill of conquering towering summits, or the vibrant tapestry of urban life, we possess the expertise to curate a transformative journey tailored just for you.
More about Sue
Sue, an avid adventurer with a lifelong passion for Africa, brings a wealth of experience to our travel company. From multiple ascents of Kilimanjaro to leading charity climbs, including The Freedom Challenge, she has traversed the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Sue’s adventures also include summiting Mt Kenya, Mt Elbrus, and Island Peak, trekking to Everest Base Camp, and exploring Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trail, as well as accompanying many guests on safari.
With a zest for outdoor exploration, Sue has encountered Silverback Gorillas, swum with dolphins and embarked on thrilling activities such as whitewater rafting and skydiving. Her extensive repertoire also includes participation in marathons and triathlons. Drawing from her deep knowledge and personal encounters, Sue crafts bespoke itineraries that showcase Africa’s untamed beauty, catering to travellers seeking extraordinary experiences beyond the conventional.
The team
The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.
Each member of the Free Spirit Adventures team brings a distinctive skill set and knowledge base, guaranteeing our collective expertise and capability to address any query or situation with finesse and precision.
Jan-Willem Gulcher
Keen sailor and engineer by trade, Dutch ex-pat Jan lent his expertise to yacht-building before joining wife Sue at Free Spirit Adventures. An avid hiker and experienced outdoorsman, Jan has accompanied Sue on many an adventure. He keeps the office running smoothly when Sue is travelling with guests.
Sue Gulcher
Sue’s African adventures span from hitchhiking Botswana to conquering Kilimanjaro at 50. Climbing it thrice more, she leads The Freedom Challenge, combating human trafficking. From gorilla encounters to marathons, she crafts bespoke itineraries, inviting travelers to explore Africa’s untamed beauty.
Ashley Gulcher
Destined for adventure, Ashley’s journey mirrors his outdoor-loving parents’. From pocketed frogs in preschool to a highly qualified Game Ranger, his expertise spans Field Guide NQF4, Marine Guide, and Anti-Poaching certifications. He champions ethical guiding practices in the iconic Greater Kruger Park area.
Let us show you Africa as it is meant to be observed
Exclusivity
Your journey through Africa should be as unique as you are. At Free Spirit Adventures, we understand this implicitly. Whether you crave an immersive exploration of a single locale or an exhilarating odyssey across multiple countries, we specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your desire. Let us guide you through the possibilities, offering our expertise to shape an adventure that's exclusively yours.
Expertise
Our journey doesn't end with our years of experience. Through extensive travels and continuous engagement with the destinations we serve, we've forged enduring partnerships with top-tier lodges and service providers. Our firsthand knowledge ensures that every recommendation is rooted in professional insight, elevating your experience to extraordinary heights.
Experience
With a legacy spanning 35 years, Free Spirit Adventures is not just a tour operator; we're your gateway to unparalleled adventures in Africa. Accredited by industry standards and backed by SATSA, your peace of mind is paramount when you entrust your vacation to us.
Added value
Elevate your adventure with our exclusive extras. From seasoned specialist guides to enhance your experience, offering everything from personalized photography lessons amidst the savannah to expert insights into the nuances of nature, our bespoke services redefine luxury in travel.
"We are coming up on our 1 year anniversary of marriage AND since our amazing honeymoon to Mozambique and South Africa. It was the trip of a lifetime and Free Spirit Adventures (especially, Sue), made it all possible. From offering suggestions, digesting our itinerary goals, to answering questions about vaccinations, insurance, airport transfers, etc, Spirit Adventures helped take any stress out of planning, greeting every question we asked with patience and kindness. All details were thoroughly thought out ahead of our arrival -- we truly did not think once while on our trip.
Our highlights: The White Pearl in Mozambique - a perfect, remote and romantic honeymoon destination. Simbavati River Lodge & Hill Top - a luxurious and incredible experience. Immerse yourself in nature and observe the beautiful animals that roam the land. The food and drink at these locations are exquisite. Some of our favourite meals of our life to date. We highly recommend Free Spirit Adventures for travel plans and hope to partner with them again!"
Terra and Nico
USA
Journey with us
Embark on a journey with us and lets curate a luxury escape to an African haven of conservation and untouched beauty.