About Us

From our humble beginning in 1992, with just a pair of binoculars between us, we have developed a solid reputation for high quality, intimate tours and safaris. Many of our clients return as friends to discover more of the diversity and beauty of Africa with us.

In no particular order, SafariWise is owned and managed by two of southern Africa's leading naturalists: Neil MacLeod and Johan van Tonder.

Johan runs operations in South Africa and leads tours into Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, and of course his own country.

Neil runs operations in Namibia and leads tours into Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.

Neil started as a freelance guide for a large safari company in Namibia before taking the plunge on his own in 1992, offering tours to friends of friends.

The business took off and little did he know that in calling it Neil MacLeod Safaris, his name would become synonymous with birdwatching in Namibia. Neil has expanded his phenomenal birding knowledge to include wildlife, plants and almost everything to do with the natural world.

Growing up in the Western Cape, Johan spent his youth outdoors absorbing the names and habits of birds, animals and plants. A short detour took him into engineering before he returned to his first love – and Neil's sister! In 1999, Neil and Johan joined forces and launched SafariWise.

While Johan and Neil still lead most of their safaris to this day, they have a senior full-time walking, talking encyclopaedia by the name of Charles Rhyn. Charlie guided for that same large safari company specialising in tracking desert elephants and black rhino. He joined SafariWise in 2003 and, with the tutelage of Neil and Johan, has earned a devoted following and high praise from his clients.

Melakia Nghishoono is our indispensable and industrious camp assistant in Namibia. He goes in front of the safari and sets up camp in the most beautiful and remote places. His traditional cooking, easy smile and helpful nature has earned him much respect and admiration.

When things get busier, SafariWise employs only the best professional freelance guides, who are experts in their fields, to conduct specialist tours and safaris.