MEET the Team
Management
Neil MacLeod
Founder and Guide
Neil, an expert in eco-safaris, provides personalized attention to ensure an unforgettable experience. He co-authored the comprehensive guidebooks “An expert’s guide to finding the animals in Etosha” and “Wildlife of Namibia,” offering valuable insights into Etosha National Park and the diverse wildlife of Namibia. These books cover a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and plants, including detailed descriptions, distribution maps, and best viewing locations. Neil continuously enhances his expertise to ensure every tour is enriching and worthwhile.
Berdene MacLeod
Co-founder, Financial and Brand Manager
Berdene, the financial and brand manager of SafariWise, stands out as an exceptional coordinator, planner and advisor for unforgettable safaris and tours. With a keen eye for detail, she ensures smooth operations and impeccable guest care alongside Neil during camping tours. Berdene’s involvement in SafariWise Charity and environmentally friendly projects showcases her commitment to sustainability. Her precise planning guarantees that clients’ time is invested wisely in their tailored safaris, never wasted. With Berdene, clients can expect personalized experiences that align with their preferences.
Behind the scenes
Donald Nareseb
IT-Technician
Donald Nareseb, a friendly and highly reliable professional, was born, raised, and educated in the coastal town of Swakopmund. While initially honing his boiler making skills at Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine after school, Donald discovered his true passion in IT, which he had always enjoyed during his spare time. For three years, Donald excelled as an IT technician for a well-known company on the coast, showcasing his expertise in the field. Seeking to broaden his horizons, he made the decision to join the SafariWise team, where he assists with various IT-related tasks. With exceptional leadership abilities and an unwavering work ethic, Donald effortlessly navigates his responsibilities. His remarkable skills, particularly in client interaction, make him a valuable asset in this career. As a true jack of all trades, Donald’s versatility and dedication ensure smooth operations and exceptional service for clients from around the world.
Neil Leslie MacLeod
Operations
Meet Neil Leslie MacLeod, our new team member at SafariWise! Hailing from Swakopmund, Neil’s passion for travel and tourism perfectly aligns with our mission. With a BA in Psychology and Tourism Management from North-West University, his dedication to exceptional service and genuine care for guests shines through in his work. Welcome Neil, as he embarks on this exciting journey with SafariWise, elevating your safari experience with expertise and dedication
Guides
Thys Potgieter
The Righthand Man
With a T3 technical draughtsman diploma in civil engineering, Thys Potgieter began his guiding career in Namibia in 1996. Since then, he has been freelancing for various renowned companies, leading expeditions across northwest and northeast Namibia, as well as into Zambia and Zimbabwe. Throughout his career, Thys has collaborated with esteemed organisations such as Footprints, Karibu, Explore, Namibia Tracks and Trails, Wilderness Safaris and Outdoor Adventures. His extensive experience and profound love for nature makes him an exceptional guide for those seeking unforgettable safari adventures. A passionate naturalist with a particular affinity for insects and reptiles, Thys is dedicated to sharing the wonders of nature with others. Thys will co-lead most of Naturetrek’s safaris with Neil Macleod in Namibia.
Errol de Beer
South African Birder
Our go-to-guy and colleague in South Africa, Errol has birding in his blood. Errol has been birding for over 30 years and guiding tours through various parts of Africa and Madagascar for the last decade. Brought up on a farm in the North West Province of South Africa, his fascination with birds and nature started at a young age. There was no stopping him once he received his first decent pair of binoculars at age 14. Always up for a challenge and ever eager to find rare and elusive wildlife for his clients. His ability to adapt his pace and birding style to best suit that of his group makes him a unique asset on any tour. So, if you’re joining one of our set departures or looking for the perfect guide in South Africa to find those African rarities that have been eluding you all these years, Errol is the perfect fit.
Pierre Roos
Seasoned Storyteller
As a seasoned guide with over 12 years of Safari Guiding experience in the tourism and film industry, I strongly believe that excellent customer experiences are built on personalized connections and authentic storytelling. My background in wildlife, has allowed me to create unique tours experience and provide relevant insights tailored to different types of guest’s. I just want to let people experience the love I have for Africa.
Andrew du Preez
Wealth of Experience
Andrew has a wealth of experience in guiding across Southern Africa. Having grown up in Etosha game reserve where his father worked as a biologist, he developed a keen interest in the natural world and conservation. He has worked in safari industry from its early years in Namibia and has experienced all formats of the guiding industry from camping to flying safaris as a pilot and guide for the last 23 years. He has collaborated with Neil on Birding safaris and has a wide range of interest in the natural World. He likes to ensure that the guests that accompany him on trip will receive a wealth of information all aspects of their personalized safari and gain valuable insights to the wonderful natural world. He has an easy sense of humour and likes to ensure that everyone has a great holiday and wildlife experience.
Yohay Wasserlauf
Desert Bird Specialist
Yohay lives in Israel and he is a birdwatcher for more than 20 years, with extensive experience in guiding birding and nature tours. He fell in love with the Namibian landscapes and wildlife and he is always happy to return to Namibia. Currently, Yohay is a Phd student, studying desert birds ecology in southern Israel. As a representative in Israel, Yohay will be happy to help you to plan your trip of a lifetime in Namibia and Southern Africa.
Hano Smit
Passionate about Conservation
Hano is a passionate outdoors person with a keen interest in Birding and Photography. He loves to share his passion with people and raise awareness in Conservation. As a hardworking and motivated individual, he is always open to learn something new. A real people’s person, always smiling and sharing his enthusiasm with others.
John Razafindrakoto
Passionate Wildlife Expert
Anko Lucks
Aspiring Birding Specialist
John Razafindrakoto is a licensed national tour guide, certified by Madagascar’s National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (INTH) in the early 2000s. With over 20 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to revealing the wild heart of Madagascar to travellers from around the world. A passionate expert in wildlife and birding tours, John showcases Madagascar’s incredible biodiversity — from rare lemurs and vibrant endemic birds to lush rainforests and stunning landscapes. Every tour is educational, immersive, and unforgettable, blending nature, culture, and adventure. Fluent in English, French, and Malagasy, John connects effortlessly with travellers, bringing each journey to life and ensuring Madagascar is experienced as a living, breathing wonder.Committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, he works with SafariWise to offer journeys that respect nature, empower local communities, and inspire a lifelong love for Madagascar’s unique heritage.
Born and raised in Namibia, Anko has always had a deep appreciation for the country’s spectacular landscapes, wildlife and diverse cultures. His passion for the outdoors led him to qualify as an FGASA Nature Guide Level 1 and he is currently furthering his expertise by completing his birding qualification. Birds are Anko’s greatest passion, and he enjoys sharing their fascinating behaviour, ecology and identification with guests of all experience levels. Whether it’s finding a sought-after endemic, interpreting animal behaviour, or simply enjoying a spectacular African sunrise, he believes that the smallest moments often become the most memorable. Having guided multi-day overland tours throughout Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, Anko is committed to creating relaxed, informative and enjoyable journeys. His enthusiasm, approachable personality, and genuine love for Southern Africa allow guests to experience the region through the eyes of someone who is constantly learning and excited to share its natural wonders.
Behind the scenes
Elmari Botha
Finance & Administration
Elmari Botha oversees the financial and administrative side of SafariWise, keeping the company’s finances organised, accurate and running smoothly. From financial reporting and budgeting to staff administration and day-to-day financial matters, she brings structure, consistency and attention to detail to everything she does. Reliable, professional and thorough, Elmari plays an important role behind the scenes, helping to keep SafariWise financially sound and supporting the continued growth and smooth running of the business.
Hanri Barnard
Safari Operations & Administration
Hanri Barnard has been part of the SafariWise family since 2018. Her role covers many different aspects of the business, from vehicle logistics and safari administration to keeping the day-to-day operations running smoothly. She is practical, organized and hands-on, with a strong eye for detail and a genuine pride in the work she does. Hanri enjoys being involved, solving problems and making sure things get done properly. Her reliability, determination and willingness to take on whatever is needed make her an important part of the SafariWise team. Above all, Hanri brings a personal touch to her work and is passionate about contributing to the continued growth and success of SafariWise.
BOOK A TOUR
Embark on a Namibia Photo Safari: explore Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, and Damaraland. Discover vibrant markets, Sossusvlei’s dunes, Skeleton Coast’s shipwrecks, and Damaraland’s rugged beauty.
Each of the camps or lodges in this package is located in a private concession. Private concessions have numerous advantages over national or public parks such as limited tourist numbers per km2 and the ability to enjoy walking safaris, night drives…
This package includes the opportunity to take a walking safari, which is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of plants, seeds, insects, reptiles and animals and gain insight into a larger complex ecosystem.