About Us

Unveiling the world’s most captivating destinations. 

Join us and embark on an unforgettable adventure. 

Explore our incredible tours now!

Welcome to SafariWise, your gateway to extraordinary adventures in the heart of nature. With a team of highly experienced and passionate guides, we specialize in providing captivating tours and safaris that will leave you in awe. Our dedicated guides ensure that every aspect of your journey is meticulously planned and tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photography enthusiast like Charl, or a culture explorer, our guides have an extensive knowledge of the landscapes, animals, plants, and cultural heritage of the destinations we explore, such as Namibia and Madagascar.

We take pride in offering an exceptional experience that goes beyond ordinary tours. Our guides are not just knowledgeable, but also friendly, reliable, and passionate about what they do. They possess the expertise to spot elusive wildlife, uncover hidden gems, and share fascinating stories that bring the destinations to life. With their guidance, you’ll embark on immersive safaris, discovering the wonders of nature, capturing breathtaking photographs, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

At SafariWise, we understand that each traveler is unique, and we strive to deliver personalized adventures that exceed your expectations. Whether you’re an avid birder, a nature lover, or seeking cultural encounters, our team is dedicated to curating the perfect itinerary that matches your interests and desires. With Charl’s expertise in photography and Vicky’s exceptional organizational skills, we ensure that every moment is well-spent, capturing the essence of your journey in stunning itineraries and creating unforgettable experiences.

As an exceptional company, we not only focus on providing remarkable tours but also strive to contribute positively to the destinations we visit. Our team members, such as Fabrice, actively engage in initiatives that support local communities, enhance the visibility of destinations, and promote sustainable tourism practices. We believe in leaving a positive impact and preserving the natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Choose SafariWise for a journey that goes beyond ordinary travel. With our passionate guides, exceptional tours, and personalized experiences, we guarantee an adventure that will ignite your sense of wonder, enrich your knowledge, and create cherished memories. Join us and embark on a safari that will leave you awe-inspired, fulfilled, and longing for more.

Meet the Team

Neil MacLeod

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

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.

Arnold

Arnold, a valued member of the SafariWise team for several years, exudes a friendly and dependable nature with unwavering confidence and professionalism. His repertoire of remarkable skills proves invaluable in every situation. Renowned for his extensive connections and abundant resources, Arnold possesses the ability to accomplish any task at hand. As a dedicated and hardworking team member, he consistently goes above and beyond to assist others. Arnold thrives on responsibilities and tasks that offer both challenges and rewards, making him an exceptional asset to the SafariWise team.

Jakes de Jager

Jakes, a highly experienced and passionate guide, has been an invaluable member of the SafariWise team for over 20 years. With a deep love for nature, he has worked with various tour operators across Namibia, showcasing his expertise in guiding throughout the country’s diverse regions, including the North, South, Caprivi, and North-Western Namibia. Jakes takes the lead in guiding the majority of our SafariWise tours and co-leads captivating birding tours alongside Neil and Charl. Known for his infectious sense of humor, Jakes creates a delightful and memorable experience for clients, who often return to book Africa safaris with him time and time again. With Jakes as your guide, you can trust in his friendly reliability, unwavering confidence, and utmost professionalism.

Charl Schoombee

Charl, an esteemed member of the Safariwise team, has been providing reliable and professional guidance for many years, specializing in captivating photographic safaris. With a keen interest in birding, Charl frequently collaborates with Neil and Jakes as a co-guide. As a photographic guru, he possesses a wealth of knowledge and readily assists clients with camera-related queries, ensuring they capture the perfect picture. Charl’s calm demeanor and expertise in locating animals and birds make each excursion a memorable experience. His genuine love for his work extends to working with children, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. With Charl as your guide, you can trust in his friendly and confident approach, knowing that your photography and safari adventure are in expert hands.

Tas von Solms

Tas, a freelance guide for SafariWise, brings unparalleled reliability, confidence, and professionalism to our team, specializing in guiding our captivating photographic safaris throughout Namibia. With his extensive knowledge of Namibia’s history, Tas serves as our walking, talking encyclopedia, effortlessly sharing fascinating facts and captivating stories about the diverse landscapes, majestic wildlife, and vibrant cultures. His passion for storytelling leaves you eager to book your next safari adventure. Affectionately known as “Uncle Tas” throughout Namibia, he is not only a true gentleman but also deeply cherished by all who have the pleasure of traveling with him.

Donald Nareseb

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.

Fabrice Rakotonirina

Fabrice, an experienced and passionate guide, has been leading exceptional Madagascar tours for SafariWise, specializing in birding, lemurs, nature, and culture. His deep-rooted fascination and love for wildlife and nature have been passed on to his children, who eagerly absorb his extensive knowledge of the landscape, animals, plants, and tourism in Madagascar. With certificates in advanced English and Business Communication, as well as a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Project Management, Fabrice combines his expertise with his passion. He shares his wisdom through talks and training sessions, empowering trainee guides and university students in subjects such as guiding techniques, ecotourism, natural environments, and cultural aspects. With a strong commitment to the wildlife, environment, and tourism development of Madagascar, Fabrice aspires to continue leading tours, organizing educational initiatives, and undertaking philanthropic actions. His ultimate goal is to provide clients with an unforgettable and immersive experience, while promoting Madagascar’s visibility as a remarkable destination.

 

Neil Leslie MacLeod

We’re thrilled to introduce Neil Leslie MacLeod, our newest addition to the SafariWise team. Hailing from Swakopmund, Neil’s deep passion for travel and tourism aligns perfectly with our mission.

Neil’s impressive background includes a BA in Psychology and Tourism Management from North-West University, equipping him with a deep understanding of human behavior. His dedication to exceptional service and genuine care for guests is evident in every aspect of his work.

Join us in welcoming Neil as he begins this exciting journey with SafariWise. His expertise and dedication will elevate your safari experience, leaving a lasting impact on your adventure.

Pierre ROOS

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.

Neil Leslie MacLeod

We’re thrilled to introduce Neil Leslie MacLeod, our newest addition to the SafariWise team. Hailing from Swakopmund, Neil’s deep passion for travel and tourism aligns perfectly with our mission.

Neil’s impressive background includes a BA in Psychology and Tourism Management from North-West University, equipping him with a deep understanding of human behavior. His dedication to exceptional service and genuine care for guests is evident in every aspect of his work.

Join us in welcoming Neil as he begins this exciting journey with SafariWise. His expertise and dedication will elevate your safari experience, leaving a lasting impact on your adventure.