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My Africa Reiki Story that started the Philanthropic Safari passion

  • Writer: By Bena Roberts | Ethical Safari Specialist for Women
    By Bena Roberts | Ethical Safari Specialist for Women
  • Dec 27, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 5

Reiki is a form of healing that can unblock the chi and also open your chakras. I have probably lost 80% of my audience talking about Chi, Chakras and I haven’t even started on Meridians or intuition. 

philanthropic safari and reiki benaroberts.com

The fact is, some people will think that Reiki is hocus pocus or “in the mind!”  I have heard that a lot. But, since I have been practicing Reiki I have been present and happier with life and myself. That is why I created a philanthropic safari with reiki for you.


I am not going to try and transform anyone or change their mind to make them believe in Reiki. But I will tell you about how Reiki helped me on a Safari in the midst of Amboseli.


My Reiki Elephant Story that led to the creation of this philanthropic safari


In 2023, my mother died and I was heartbroken. My father and grandmother had already passed when I was in my teens and losing my mum, days before my 50th birthday was painful.


To heal, I started planning a trip to Kenya that I had spoken about with my mum and we were always saying that we would do it when she got better. I put my time and energy into finding the right safaris at the best prices and organising everything on my own.


I had my values of eco-tourism, no overcrowding, giving animals space… however, the safari company I went with did not share these values. After another 8 different Safaris across Africa. I decided to write down my dream Safari and African Adventure. 


It was at this time, I found myself in Amboseli. A national park in the south of Kenya on the border of Tanzania, where you can see Mount Kilimanjaro. I had been thinking about my mother and wanted to see Kilimanjaro to honor my aunty too, who had climbed the mountain twice. She died in the same year as my mum, and I thought I was on a pilgrimage for them. 


During the game drive, we saw a massive elephant at a water hole. We stopped and the elephant watched us. It was sick. The guide said he guessed it had kidney failure because as it drank, it came out at the same time, and the elephant did not look well-fed or healthy. 

philanthropic safari and reiki benaroberts.com

I was in awe of the elephant and I started speaking to it very softly. It came up to the 4x4 and just stood next to me. My immediate reaction was to raise my hand and perform Reiki. I don’t know why or how, but I started and the elephant just stopped. It stopped moving and just accepted the healing that I was offering it.


This went on for about 5 minutes and then I put my hand down, my whole body was tingling with emotions and I could see the elephant enjoying the experience. The driver started to move forward and the elephant followed us and continued to follow for the next 10 minutes. At this time, I felt so connected to the elephant, the universe and to nature what happened to my body was just unexplainable. 


When the driver drove off. I started to cry. I cried for the next few hours, and any blockages I may have had from the deaths in my life left me. Since then, I have felt the innermost positive energy when I am on Safari or in the presence of an elephant or other animal.


Call me crazy, but I have to say I want to share that connection and feeling with all of you.


If you feel the connection or are interested in ethical travel, guided by myself. Please get in contact for the sustainable safari and an ethical travel itinerary.

benaroberts.com philanthropic and reiki safaris in kenya
Elephant Logo for Benaroberts.com

I'm 52.

I love fashion.


I am telling you the truth. You need great shoes in Kenya and the best months to visit Kenya are April, May, and November.


My boots might have been muddy, and my hair wasn't perfect, but the experience of having Samburu and parts of Kenya all to myself was priceless. If you want high-value, high luxury experiences that feel real... join me.


Keep reading and learn more about an African Adventure! I look forward to hosting you.


Kenya or South Africa?

Why solo travel is not lonely! 



Let’s embark on this unforgettable journey together! 🌍✨


Worried about mud and mosquitoes, read my Tsetse flies post.

My women's safari hygiene posts... Or want to know about what shoes I wore to survive the mud? Real-life Safari Shoe Guide for Women


Thinking about a safari? Check out my Women's Ethical Tours.

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