Meet
the Team
Leander Borg
Mate Araes
Lee-Ann Visser
Jennifer Esau
Tanya Deutschmann
Cliff Silishebo
Elizabeth
Ralph Beuckes
Pauline Katjipi
Valery Nowases
Nico Visser
Charles Kahuure
Erna
Paul Afrikaner
Leander Borg
Leander, a lifelong Namibian with a deep-rooted love for the country’s diverse landscapes, is the driving force behind Naturefriends Safaris. Growing up in Swakopmund and studying at the University of Stellenbosch, Leander’s passion for adventure and exploration was ignited early on.
As a seasoned traveler and outdoor enthusiast, Leander has traversed Namibia’s vast wilderness on countless occasions, from cycling its rugged trails to hiking its towering dunes. His personal achievements, such as completing the Desert Dash solo and walking from the Atlantic to Sossusvlei, highlight his endurance and unwavering spirit.
At the helm of Naturefriends Safaris, Leander is dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking authentic encounters with Africa’s natural wonders. With a focus on conservation, community engagement, and personalized service, Naturefriends Safaris offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and sustainability.
Mate Araes
A Windhoek native with a deep-rooted love for travel, Mate embarked on her career in tourism after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Travel & Tourism Management from Cape Town. Joining Naturefriends Safaris in 2003 marked the beginning of her journey as a passionate advocate for Namibia.
With over two decades of experience exploring the country and the broader Southern African region, Mate boasts an in-depth knowledge of the industry. She is particularly passionate about showcasing Namibia’s unparalleled beauty and ensuring that every visitor experiences the magic of this extraordinary land. While the NamibRand Nature Reserve holds a special place in her heart, the allure of Damaraland is a close contender.
Mate a mother or 2 finds immense satisfaction in crafting unforgettable travel experiences for her clients. When not immersed in the world of tourism, she enjoys capturing the beauty around her through photography and indulging in her baking hobby.
Lee-Ann Visser
Lee-Ann’s love affair with tourism began shortly after completing her studies, and she’s been captivated by the industry ever since. A lifelong Namibian with a deep-rooted connection to her country,
Joining Naturefriends Safaris in 2014 as a senior tour consultant, Lee-Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her passion for travel and her dedication to providing exceptional service have made her a valuable asset to the team.
Having explored both Namibia and Europe, Lee-Ann is particularly drawn to the warm hospitality and natural beauty of her homeland. She’s a devoted mother and a passionate advocate for responsible tourism. When planning your Namibian adventure, Lee-Ann is committed to ensuring that your experience exceeds your expectations
Elizabeth Perry
“I was born in Germany but raised in English. I have visited various countries, including Egypt, Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia (Vic. Falls), South Africa, England, Denmark, France, Belgium and Canada. I have travelled around Namibia as well and my favourite place is the Zambezi Strip. I have over 15 years experience in the tourism industry. I enjoy how travelling allows me to experience different cultures, see differing landscapes and learn about the history of a country.”
Ralph Beuckes
Ralph, a Rehoboth native and proud father of two, joined the Naturefriends Safaris team in March 2018. He is responsible for bookkeeping for our Uis, Swakopmund, Lebo, and Nature Wheels branches. Ralph enjoys working with numbers and spends his leisure time with family.
Pauline Katjipi
Pauline, a dedicated accountant and passionate farmer, joined Naturefriends Safaris in 2013 to oversee our financial operations. A native of Grootfontein and a mother of three, Pauline brings a wealth of experience to her role.
With meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy, Pauline ensures that our financial records are always up-to-date and reliable. Her dedication to her work is complemented by her love for farming, which she pursues in her spare time at the family farm near Grootfontein.
Pauline’s enthusiasm for the tourism industry is evident in her dedication to Naturefriends Safaris. Her passion for numbers and her commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of our team.
Valery Nowases
Valery, the cheerful heart of our office, brings a ray of sunshine to our team. Born and raised in Windhoek, Valery began her journey at Naturefriends Safaris as a cleaning lady. Her exceptional work ethic and positive attitude quickly caught our attention, leading to her promotion to a more responsible role.
Today, Valery is a valuable asset to our team, managing our stock, answering the phone, and handling reservations for Sesfontein Guesthouse and Ongongo Waterfall Campsite. Her friendly demeanour and efficient problem-solving skills make her a natural fit for customer service, ensuring that our guests receive a warm welcome and personalized attention.
Shaundre Feris
Shaundre, or Shani as she’s known, is a Windhoek native with a growing passion for the tourism industry. She joined the Naturefriends Safaris team in 2023. With a passion for people and animals, Shani also enjoys spending quality time with family. Eager to explore her own country, she’s excited to discover Namibia’s hidden treasures. For her, the true beauty of Namibia lies in its people and vast, stunning landscapes.
Charles Kahuure
Charles Kahuure, a native of Gobabis, Omaheke region, embarked on his career in the tourism industry after completing his high school education at Augustinium College. His early experiences working as a salesman for camping equipment at an auto dealer shop sparked his interest in outdoor adventures.
Driven by his passion for nature, Charles joined Namibia Car Rental, where he gained invaluable experience as a guide and driver. His love for the outdoors and his ability to connect with people led him to Naturefriends Safaris, where he initially worked as a part-time guide and driver.
Recognizing Charles’s exceptional skills and dedication, Naturefriends Safaris quickly transitioned him to a full-time role, where he continues to share his enthusiasm for Namibia’s natural wonders with travelers from around the world.
Erna Hoebes
Erna, our dedicated team member, plays a vital role in ensuring a pristine and efficient working environment. Her meticulous attention to detail and tireless efforts keep our office and equipment impeccably clean and organized.
Thanks to Erna’s diligent work, we can operate in a comfortable and productive space. Her commitment to keeping our camping equipment in order not only contributes to a more efficient workflow but also helps to prevent losses and streamline our operations.
Paul Afrikaner
Paul, affectionately known as “Kuku” by his colleagues, joined Naturefriends Safaris over eight years ago after working at the car wash at Wika Service Station. His infectious smile and friendly demeanor immediately made him a valuable member of our team.
As a dedicated member of our team, Paul ensures that our guests receive their vehicles in pristine condition. His keen eye for detail allows him to identify any potential damages before they become a problem. Paul’s positive attitude and unwavering commitment to his work make him an invaluable asset to Naturefriends Safaris.
Tanya Deutschmann
Tanya is a true Namibian, born and raised in the heart of the country. Her love for adventure began on her family farm, where she spent countless hours exploring the vast landscapes. This early exposure to nature ignited a passion for tourism, which led her to pursue studies in Tourism and Marketing at Stellenbosch.
With a diverse background encompassing consulting, front-of-house management, guest house operations, reservations, and even experience on a hunting farm, Tanya brings a wealth of knowledge to Naturefriends Safaris. Her enthusiasm for camping and off-the-beaten-path journeys is matched only by her appreciation for Namibia’s extraordinary natural beauty. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of creating unforgettable family experiences. Tanya is captivated by Namibia’s endless horizons, diverse ecosystems, and unparalleled night skies. Her deep connection to the country shines through in her work, making her an invaluable asset to our team.
Monique titus
Monique is a dynamic tourism professional with a deep-rooted connection to Namibia. Born in Windhoek and raised in the coastal town of Swakopmund, she developed a lifelong passion for exploring her country’s diverse landscapes. Monique holds a Bachelor of Tourism, Innovation, and Development with distinctions from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. Prior to joining the NatureFriends Safaris team early in 2023, she honed her skills as a travel agent. Her experience, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for creating unforgettable journeys, makes her an invaluable asset to the team. When not crafting bespoke safaris, Monique enjoys exploring new destinations and immersing herself in different cultures.
Marc Bassingthwaighte
Coming soon…
