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, 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.
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
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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