The difference between a good trip and a great one is often down to the guide—and Nat Hab Expedition Leaders are truly the best!
If you’ve traveled with us, you know your Expedition Leader often makes the difference between a gratifying trip and a truly outstanding adventure. Simply put, the guides who lead our trips are the best in the business. Painstakingly selected, these highly trained professionals bring a set of traits that foster a superlative travel experience. They are passionate about the places they share with their guests, with an irrepressible enthusiasm that can’t help but inspire those who travel with them. As naturalists, biologists and environmental educators, their knowledge deeply enriches our guests' experience. They receive in-depth training plus exclusive resources from World Wildlife Fund's team of scientists. While many of them hold master’s or doctorate degrees, they are chosen for their good nature as well as their good grades. Many of our guests are global travel veterans, sophisticated and independent—but they choose to go with us because of the consistent top-quality leadership on our trips. In the realm of nature travel, great guides set us apart.
Repeater Layout :
guide
Annie Van Dinther
Annie Van Dinther
Guide Development Director
Expedition Leader Since: 1999
Annie's career as a naturalist began on a whale-watching vessel off Cape Cod. With degrees in biology and geology, and with her enthusiasm for teaching and understanding animal behavior...
Expedition Leader Since: 1999
Annie's career as a naturalist began on a whale-watching vessel off Cape Cod. With degrees in biology and geology, and with her enthusiasm for teaching and understanding animal behavior...
Brad Josephs
Brad Josephs
Worldwide
Expedition Leader Since: 2005
Brad is a Nat Hab staff naturalist interpreter specializing in bear biology and ecology of the North Country. He attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and graduated with a B.S. in wildlife biology in...
Expedition Leader Since: 2005
Brad is a Nat Hab staff naturalist interpreter specializing in bear biology and ecology of the North Country. He attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and graduated with a B.S. in wildlife biology in...
John Mittan
John Mittan
Worldwide
Expedition Leader Since: 2005
Nat Hab Staff Naturalist John Mittan was born in South Africa, where from a young age he was introduced to the joys of the African bush. At the age of 5, he left with his family to live in Australia...
Expedition Leader Since: 2005
Nat Hab Staff Naturalist John Mittan was born in South Africa, where from a young age he was introduced to the joys of the African bush. At the age of 5, he left with his family to live in Australia...
Aaron Bott
Aaron Bott
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
A Utah native, Aaron Bott was raised in an active outdoor recreation environment. Fly fishing, rock climbing and hiking across pristine backcountry nurtured an enduring love for wild country...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
A Utah native, Aaron Bott was raised in an active outdoor recreation environment. Fly fishing, rock climbing and hiking across pristine backcountry nurtured an enduring love for wild country...
Abner Simeon
Abner Simeon
Namibia
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Abner Simeon, a.k.a. Abby or "Eagle Eye," was born in a northern village in Namibia and grew up in the central region. He was raised at the safari lodge where his parents worked...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Abner Simeon, a.k.a. Abby or "Eagle Eye," was born in a northern village in Namibia and grew up in the central region. He was raised at the safari lodge where his parents worked...
Aditya Dev
Aditya Dev
India, Bhutan and Nepal
Expedition LeaderSince: 2013
Aditya manages guiding operations for Nat Hab guests in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and loves to share the entrancing natural beauty and serene culture of this small country...
Expedition Leader
Aditya manages guiding operations for Nat Hab guests in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and loves to share the entrancing natural beauty and serene culture of this small country...
Aditya Panda
Aditya Panda
India
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Aditya Panda is an award winning naturalist, wildlife conservationist and photographer from Orissa. Since his teen years, he has worked for the conservation of tiger and elephant...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Aditya Panda is an award winning naturalist, wildlife conservationist and photographer from Orissa. Since his teen years, he has worked for the conservation of tiger and elephant...
Alex Mazuga
Alex Mazuga
Botswana
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Alex Mazuga is from northern Botswana. Born in a village called Mabele in Chobe, he lived a nomadic life with his family from the time he was 3 years old, traveling west along the Linyanti River...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Alex Mazuga is from northern Botswana. Born in a village called Mabele in Chobe, he lived a nomadic life with his family from the time he was 3 years old, traveling west along the Linyanti River...
Alexander Arias
Alexander Arias
Costa Rica
Expedition Leader Since: 2006
Originally educated as a computer scientist, Alex’s abiding love of the outdoors eventually lured him into his current vocation as a naturalist guide. For the past 12 years he has been...
Expedition Leader Since: 2006
Originally educated as a computer scientist, Alex’s abiding love of the outdoors eventually lured him into his current vocation as a naturalist guide. For the past 12 years he has been...
Andrea Serena
Andrea Serena
Switzerland
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Andrea was born and raised in a small village in northern Italy where he spent his early childhood mostly with his grandparents, who were farmers. Surrounded by nature...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Andrea was born and raised in a small village in northern Italy where he spent his early childhood mostly with his grandparents, who were farmers. Surrounded by nature...
Andres Vergara
Andres Vergara
Galapagos
Expedition Leader Since: 2013
Andres Vergara was born and raised in Ecuador's capital of Quito. His grandparents, however, lived off the coast of Ecuador where Andres' love of nature and wildlife was nurtured. Andres observed...
Expedition Leader Since: 2013
Andres Vergara was born and raised in Ecuador's capital of Quito. His grandparents, however, lived off the coast of Ecuador where Andres' love of nature and wildlife was nurtured. Andres observed...
Anne Beaulaurier
Anne Beaulaurier
Alaska and The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Anne grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where she was raised by a family that took every opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Childhood vacations were spent camping...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Anne grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where she was raised by a family that took every opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Childhood vacations were spent camping...
Anne Schuschke
Anne Schuschke
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Anne grew up close to Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. She spent summers at her family cabin, tromping through the woods and playing in creeks, keenly focused on building forts, making mud pies...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Anne grew up close to Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. She spent summers at her family cabin, tromping through the woods and playing in creeks, keenly focused on building forts, making mud pies...
Ant Bennet
Ant Bennet
Southern Africa
Expedition leader Since: 2017
Anthony is better known as Ant. He was born and raised in South Africa, where his curiosity in nature started young with visits to wildlife reserves and northern Natal's wild coastline...
Expedition leader Since: 2017
Anthony is better known as Ant. He was born and raised in South Africa, where his curiosity in nature started young with visits to wildlife reserves and northern Natal's wild coastline...
Arpita Dutta
Arpita Dutta
India
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Arpita Dutta hails from West Bengal, a state located in Eastern India on the Bay of Bengal. She has an immense love for nature and a lifelong fascination with flora and fauna...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Arpita Dutta hails from West Bengal, a state located in Eastern India on the Bay of Bengal. She has an immense love for nature and a lifelong fascination with flora and fauna...
Astrid Frisch
Astrid Frisch
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 1999
Astrid trained as a biologist at Mexico’s National University and has been leading natural history expeditions throughout Mexico since 1991. For years, she has introduced our guests to her country’s...
Expedition Leader Since: 1999
Astrid trained as a biologist at Mexico’s National University and has been leading natural history expeditions throughout Mexico since 1991. For years, she has introduced our guests to her country’s...
Bulisani Mathe
Bulisani Mathe
Zimbabwe
Expedition Leader Since: 2020
Buli was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city and the birthplace of the Ndebele kings. He is an outdoor enthusiast, wildlife photographer and storyteller...
Expedition Leader Since: 2020
Buli was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city and the birthplace of the Ndebele kings. He is an outdoor enthusiast, wildlife photographer and storyteller...
Cassiano (Zapa) Zaparoli
Cassiano (Zapa) Zaparoli
Brazil, Patagonia and Galapagos
Expedition Leader Since: 2010
Zapa grew up on his grandparents’ farm in the interior of Brazil, where he developed a deep love for nature and wildlife. As a teen he loved to camp and fished in the tropical forests and rivers...
Expedition Leader Since: 2010
Zapa grew up on his grandparents’ farm in the interior of Brazil, where he developed a deep love for nature and wildlife. As a teen he loved to camp and fished in the tropical forests and rivers...
Cecibel Guerrero
Cecibel Guerrero
Galapagos
Expedition LeaderSince: 2015
Ecuador-born “Ceci” spent 15 years living in Toronto, Canada where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After attending a training by Galapagos...
Expedition Leader
Ecuador-born “Ceci” spent 15 years living in Toronto, Canada where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After attending a training by Galapagos...
Celinda Humilde
Celinda Humilde
Peru
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Celinda was born in Maras, Peru, a small community located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, approximately 25 miles north of Cusco. When she was young, her family moved to Cusco...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Celinda was born in Maras, Peru, a small community located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, approximately 25 miles north of Cusco. When she was young, her family moved to Cusco...
Chandraguptha (Wicky) Wickramasekara
Chandraguptha (Wicky) Wickramasekara
Sri Lanka
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Born and raised in a rural village north of Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, Wicky grew up near a beautiful lake and large rice fields where birds, mammals and reptiles roamed the terrain...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Born and raised in a rural village north of Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, Wicky grew up near a beautiful lake and large rice fields where birds, mammals and reptiles roamed the terrain...
Cilas Mafoko
Cilas Mafoko
Botswana
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Cilas Mafoko is a naturally gifted guide with a fervent passion for the wonders of nature. Growing up in a small village, he spent much of his childhood immersed in nature while herding cattle...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Cilas Mafoko is a naturally gifted guide with a fervent passion for the wonders of nature. Growing up in a small village, he spent much of his childhood immersed in nature while herding cattle...
Clint Schipper
Clint Schipper
East Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Australian-born Clint has had a lifelong fascination with natural history. As a 12-year-old with bird book in hand, he would head out into the Australian bush to find and identify as many birds as possible...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Australian-born Clint has had a lifelong fascination with natural history. As a 12-year-old with bird book in hand, he would head out into the Australian bush to find and identify as many birds as possible...
Colby Brokvist
Colby Brokvist
North America and the Polar Regions
Expedition Leader Since: 2006
Hailing originally from New England, Colby has an appetite for wild places. With a degree in Environmental Sciences, his passion for guiding lies in connecting people to wilderness...
Expedition Leader Since: 2006
Hailing originally from New England, Colby has an appetite for wild places. With a degree in Environmental Sciences, his passion for guiding lies in connecting people to wilderness...
Colin Boeh
Colin Boeh
Yellowstone
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Colin grew up exploring the woodlands of western Pennsylvania. Turning over rocks to see what critters are living underneath has remained one of his favorite activities since...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Colin grew up exploring the woodlands of western Pennsylvania. Turning over rocks to see what critters are living underneath has remained one of his favorite activities since...
Conan Dumenil
Conan Dumenil
India, Bhutan and Nepal
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Conan was born and raised in the South of India and has always been drawn to the call of the wild. While studying business and then later tourism in college, he got his first taste of the jungle and...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Conan was born and raised in the South of India and has always been drawn to the call of the wild. While studying business and then later tourism in college, he got his first taste of the jungle and...
Corbin Hawkins
Corbin Hawkins
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
A Rocky Mountain native, Corbin grew up in Breckenridge, Colorado and currently calls Jackson, Wyoming home. As a kid living in a mountain town at 9,000 feet...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
A Rocky Mountain native, Corbin grew up in Breckenridge, Colorado and currently calls Jackson, Wyoming home. As a kid living in a mountain town at 9,000 feet...
Court Whelan
Court Whelan
Worldwide
Expedition LeaderSince: 2014
Court’s background in wildlife and conservation biology led him to pursue a joint Ph.D. in ecotourism and entomology, while simultaneously coordinating and guiding...
Expedition Leader
Court’s background in wildlife and conservation biology led him to pursue a joint Ph.D. in ecotourism and entomology, while simultaneously coordinating and guiding...
Daniel Behn
Daniel Behn
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Daniel was born in the United States and raised in Panama and Mexico by Swiss parents. His international background and varied interests enrich his expertise...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Daniel was born in the United States and raised in Panama and Mexico by Swiss parents. His international background and varied interests enrich his expertise...
Daniel Hagaman
Daniel Hagaman
North America and Patagonia
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
During the past decade, Daniel has passed the seasons being drawn back-and-forth from the extreme opposites of the earth. Living in Alaska and Patagonia, he migrated with the sun...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
During the past decade, Daniel has passed the seasons being drawn back-and-forth from the extreme opposites of the earth. Living in Alaska and Patagonia, he migrated with the sun...
Brooks Kamanakao
Brooks Kamanakao
Botswana
Expedition Leader Since: 2008
Not every guide can claim to have been born in the bush he now guides in, but Brooks can. He grew up in the small village of Motopi, on the banks of the then-flowing Boteti River, one...
Expedition Leader Since: 2008
Not every guide can claim to have been born in the bush he now guides in, but Brooks can. He grew up in the small village of Motopi, on the banks of the then-flowing Boteti River, one...
Dave Luck
Dave Luck
Southern Africa
Expedition LeaderSince: 2001
Growing up in Zambia and spending time in the Bush, Dave developed a passion for the wilderness. Time was spentlearing the ways of surviving in harsh environments, tracking animals...
Expedition Leader
Growing up in Zambia and spending time in the Bush, Dave developed a passion for the wilderness. Time was spent
David Jaffe
David Jaffe
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
David Jaffe has been guiding and teaching a variety of audiences about the natural world and our connection with it since 1991. His childhood interest in natural systems eventually brought him to...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
David Jaffe has been guiding and teaching a variety of audiences about the natural world and our connection with it since 1991. His childhood interest in natural systems eventually brought him to...
Daniel Stavert
Daniel Stavert
The Polar Regions
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Daniel Stavert hails from the Blue Mountains in Australia, which explains why he is drawn to the beauty of wild places, the extremes of cold and light, and an abundance of life...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Daniel Stavert hails from the Blue Mountains in Australia, which explains why he is drawn to the beauty of wild places, the extremes of cold and light, and an abundance of life...
Diana Lopez
Diana Lopez
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Diana was born in Mexico and earned both her bachelor´s and master´s degrees at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where she focused in marine mammals and bio-acoustics...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Diana was born in Mexico and earned both her bachelor´s and master´s degrees at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where she focused in marine mammals and bio-acoustics...
Diego Iglesias
Diego Iglesias
Galapagos
Expedition Leader Since: 2020
Born and raised in the Galapagos Islands, Diego has been a full-time naturalist guide in Galapagos National Park since 2013. He has also worked as a crew member aboard...
Expedition Leader Since: 2020
Born and raised in the Galapagos Islands, Diego has been a full-time naturalist guide in Galapagos National Park since 2013. He has also worked as a crew member aboard...
Diogo Lucatelli
Diogo Lucatelli
Brazil
Expedition Leader Since: 2020
Diogo was born and raised in northeast Brazil, where he developed an interest and love for nature during early childhood adventures on the family's farm near Salvador da Bahia, his hometown...
Expedition Leader Since: 2020
Diogo was born and raised in northeast Brazil, where he developed an interest and love for nature during early childhood adventures on the family's farm near Salvador da Bahia, his hometown...
Doug Gualtieri
Doug Gualtieri
The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Doug Gualtieri has worked as a naturalist interpretive guide for more than 20 years. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Biology and Conservation Biology at Central Michigan University. With this background...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Doug Gualtieri has worked as a naturalist interpretive guide for more than 20 years. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Biology and Conservation Biology at Central Michigan University. With this background...
Drew Hamilton
Drew Hamilton
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Born in Alaska and raised in the wilds of Iowa, Drew spent countless hours outdoors as a youth building forts along the Iowa River and delivering an incalculable number of newspapers...
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Born in Alaska and raised in the wilds of Iowa, Drew spent countless hours outdoors as a youth building forts along the Iowa River and delivering an incalculable number of newspapers...
Drew McCarthy
Drew McCarthy
North America and Greenland
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Having spent most of his life above 61 degrees north, Drew is most comfortable negotiating the adventures and challenges of life at high latitudes. He grew up in Anchorage...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Having spent most of his life above 61 degrees north, Drew is most comfortable negotiating the adventures and challenges of life at high latitudes. He grew up in Anchorage...
Dushyant Singh
Dushyant Singh
India, Bhutan and Nepal
Expedition Leader Since: 2009
Dushyant's passion for wildlife began when he was appointed as a management trainee at Tiger Tops Lodge in Chitwan, Nepal. Within 10 months he became the naturalist/manager of Tiger Tops Karnali...
Expedition Leader Since: 2009
Dushyant's passion for wildlife began when he was appointed as a management trainee at Tiger Tops Lodge in Chitwan, Nepal. Within 10 months he became the naturalist/manager of Tiger Tops Karnali...
Eddy Savage
Eddy Savage
North America, China & Switzerland
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Born and raised on Vancouver Island in Sidney, British Columbia and now living in Victoria, Eddy’s passion for exploring the wild and sharing nature with others...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Born and raised on Vancouver Island in Sidney, British Columbia and now living in Victoria, Eddy’s passion for exploring the wild and sharing nature with others...
Eleanor Edye
Eleanor Edye
North America and Australia
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Eleanor was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Traveling with her family as a child cemented her wanderlust and drive for finding new places. Her love of exploration began early in life...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Eleanor was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Traveling with her family as a child cemented her wanderlust and drive for finding new places. Her love of exploration began early in life...
Erika Fitzgerald
Erika Fitzgerald
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Erika grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating with a degree in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she was presented with an opportunity to spend a week...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Erika grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating with a degree in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she was presented with an opportunity to spend a week...
Esteban Biamonte
Esteban Biamonte
Costa Rica
Expedition Leader Since: 2004
Esteban Biamonte’s aim in life is nature preservation. Literally since his early youth he has been a nature lover, especially when it comes to birds. Nature was his passion long...
Expedition Leader Since: 2004
Esteban Biamonte’s aim in life is nature preservation. Literally since his early youth he has been a nature lover, especially when it comes to birds. Nature was his passion long...
Fermin Tzib
Fermin Tzib
Belize
Expedition Leader Since: 2009
Fermin Tzib is a Belizean of Mayan descent who has been guiding natural history groups throughout Belize for many years. After completing his education in Belize, and furthering his education...
Expedition Leader Since: 2009
Fermin Tzib is a Belizean of Mayan descent who has been guiding natural history groups throughout Belize for many years. After completing his education in Belize, and furthering his education...
Fernando Romo
Fernando Romo
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 2006
Born and raised in Mexico City, Fernando moved to Puerto Vallarta in 1999 to study marine biology and pursue his love of nature. During his studies he collaborated in different research projects...
Expedition Leader Since: 2006
Born and raised in Mexico City, Fernando moved to Puerto Vallarta in 1999 to study marine biology and pursue his love of nature. During his studies he collaborated in different research projects...
Fiona Galbraith
Fiona Galbraith
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Growing up downtown Toronto, Fiona would use any opportunity to escape into nature. Her yearning for the outdoors ultimately led to a career divided between naturalist guiding and climate change work...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Growing up downtown Toronto, Fiona would use any opportunity to escape into nature. Her yearning for the outdoors ultimately led to a career divided between naturalist guiding and climate change work...
Francis Casapino
Francis Casapino
Peru
Expedition Leader Since: 2002
Born in Urubamba, Peru’s Sacred Valley, Francis has had personal contact with Andean highland communities and cultures throughout his life. Francis is passionate about Andean anthropological studies...
Expedition Leader Since: 2002
Born in Urubamba, Peru’s Sacred Valley, Francis has had personal contact with Andean highland communities and cultures throughout his life. Francis is passionate about Andean anthropological studies...
Francis Kudumo
Francis Kudumo
Botswana
Expedition Leader Since: 2009
Francis had an idyllic boyhood: born and raised in the Okavango Delta, he fished from a dugout canoe and camped on islands around open campfires. At night his father would tell stories about...
Expedition Leader Since: 2009
Francis had an idyllic boyhood: born and raised in the Okavango Delta, he fished from a dugout canoe and camped on islands around open campfires. At night his father would tell stories about...
Fred Ackerman
Fred Ackerman
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
From a young age, Fred sought out knowledge of wild things through books, television specials and rolling around in the dirt. Fred never missed a ranger talk as a child, and he’s now leading...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
From a young age, Fred sought out knowledge of wild things through books, television specials and rolling around in the dirt. Fred never missed a ranger talk as a child, and he’s now leading...
Fred Tavares
Fred Tavares
Brazil
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Fred Tavares has completed extensive study in biology, the primates of southeastern Brazil and the ecology of the Pantanal region, and holds a degree from Izabela Hendrix University...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Fred Tavares has completed extensive study in biology, the primates of southeastern Brazil and the ecology of the Pantanal region, and holds a degree from Izabela Hendrix University...
Giancarlo Toti
Giancarlo Toti
Galapagos
Expedition Leader Since: 2009
Giancarlo was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he attended both primary and secondary school at the American School of Guayaquil. He studied industrial engineering at the Polytechnic Institute...
Expedition Leader Since: 2009
Giancarlo was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he attended both primary and secondary school at the American School of Guayaquil. He studied industrial engineering at the Polytechnic Institute...
Guillermo Knell
Guillermo Knell
Amazon
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Guillermo got his start as a naturalist guide leading nighttime forest walks in the Amazon. His interpretive and leadership skills expanded to include designing activities for Amazonian ecolodges...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Guillermo got his start as a naturalist guide leading nighttime forest walks in the Amazon. His interpretive and leadership skills expanded to include designing activities for Amazonian ecolodges...
Harsha Jayaramaiah
Harsha Jayaramaiah
India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Borneo
Expedition Leader Since: 2012
Growing up in the city of Bangalore, India, Harsha had the invaluable opportunity of learning about animals rather intimately due to his involvement with a local animal rescue center. He treated, cared for...
Expedition Leader Since: 2012
Growing up in the city of Bangalore, India, Harsha had the invaluable opportunity of learning about animals rather intimately due to his involvement with a local animal rescue center. He treated, cared for...
Heather Chrystie
Heather Chrystie
North America and Iceland
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Heather seeks to foster positivity in everyone who travels with her and aims to send guests home feeling awed, inspired and with a greater understanding of the intricacies of the natural world...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Heather seeks to foster positivity in everyone who travels with her and aims to send guests home feeling awed, inspired and with a greater understanding of the intricacies of the natural world...
Helder Brandao
Helder Brandao
Brazil and Patagonia
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Helder developed a passion for nature early in life. After earning a biology degree from the University of São Paulo, his fascination with the wild lured him to the Pantanal...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Helder developed a passion for nature early in life. After earning a biology degree from the University of São Paulo, his fascination with the wild lured him to the Pantanal...
Hollie Galloway
Hollie Galloway
North America & England
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
As a child growing up in rural England, Hollie could be found in any weather exploring the countryside with her horses. These years developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and fostered her...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
As a child growing up in rural England, Hollie could be found in any weather exploring the countryside with her horses. These years developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and fostered her...
Ian Crookston
Ian Crookston
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Ian began guiding early in life, and has been safely escorting guests through the backcountry of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks since he was 15 years old. He was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Ian began guiding early in life, and has been safely escorting guests through the backcountry of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks since he was 15 years old. He was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains...
Ian Strachan
Ian Strachan
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Ian has been guiding expeditions since graduating from college, and he uses his knowledge of the natural world from pole to pole to enrich the experience of his guests. Born in Mid Coast Maine...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Ian has been guiding expeditions since graduating from college, and he uses his knowledge of the natural world from pole to pole to enrich the experience of his guests. Born in Mid Coast Maine...
Isaac Rotich
Isaac Rotich
East Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Isaac is a world-class naturalist and fantastically enthusiastic guide—one of only a few gold-certified guides in Kenya. His career in the bush started with...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Isaac is a world-class naturalist and fantastically enthusiastic guide—one of only a few gold-certified guides in Kenya. His career in the bush started with...
Jackie Weston
Jackie Weston
North America & Iceland
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
With a master's degree in physiology and a never-ending curiosity about the world around her, Jackie has a love of nature and the outdoors that has carried her through many challenging...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
With a master's degree in physiology and a never-ending curiosity about the world around her, Jackie has a love of nature and the outdoors that has carried her through many challenging...
Jake Richards
Jake Richards
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Jake grew up in a log cabin in the forests of Vermont. After graduating from Castleton University with a bachelor's degree in History, he spent nine years in manufacturing as a forklift driver. During that time, he went back to school...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Jake grew up in a log cabin in the forests of Vermont. After graduating from Castleton University with a bachelor's degree in History, he spent nine years in manufacturing as a forklift driver. During that time, he went back to school...
James Beissel
James Beissel
Yellowstone
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Born and raised in Michigan, Jim developed a fascination with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem while guiding rock climbing trips in Wyoming. It grew as he completed his bachelor’s degree in Earth Science...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Born and raised in Michigan, Jim developed a fascination with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem while guiding rock climbing trips in Wyoming. It grew as he completed his bachelor’s degree in Earth Science...
Jim Phillips
Jim Phillips
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
For as long as he can remember, Jim has been driven by wanderlust, beginning with exploring the forests of the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee and discovering the wonders of many U.S. national parks with his parents...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
For as long as he can remember, Jim has been driven by wanderlust, beginning with exploring the forests of the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee and discovering the wonders of many U.S. national parks with his parents...
Jean Lawrence
Jean Lawrence
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University, Jean pursued a career that reflected her love of the natural world. She worked as an interpretive ranger at Grand Teton National Park...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University, Jean pursued a career that reflected her love of the natural world. She worked as an interpretive ranger at Grand Teton National Park...
Jeremia Mwapopi
Jeremia Mwapopi
Namibia
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Jeremia was born in the far northern reaches of Namibia in a region known as Owamboland. As a young boy, his daily chores were herding cattle and goats, cultivating millet crops...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Jeremia was born in the far northern reaches of Namibia in a region known as Owamboland. As a young boy, his daily chores were herding cattle and goats, cultivating millet crops...
Jeremy Covert
Jeremy Covert
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Jeremy, who was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, became enamored with nature at a young age thanks to the woods near his house on the banks of the Ohio River...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Jeremy, who was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, became enamored with nature at a young age thanks to the woods near his house on the banks of the Ohio River...
Jessica Morgan
Jessica Morgan
U.S. National Parks
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Spending the majority of her life in the Sonoran Desert, Jessica has developed a deep interest in the way plants and animals adapt to their environments, especially in arid settings, and it’s an...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Spending the majority of her life in the Sonoran Desert, Jessica has developed a deep interest in the way plants and animals adapt to their environments, especially in arid settings, and it’s an...
Jimmy Limbo
Jimmy Limbo
Namibia
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Jimmy was born and raised in Namibia. Growing up in the small village of Mambali in the Caprivi region, he spent much of his time as a young boy in the bush...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Jimmy was born and raised in Namibia. Growing up in the small village of Mambali in the Caprivi region, he spent much of his time as a young boy in the bush...
Jimmy Tosso
Jimmy Tosso
Costa Rica
Expedition Leader Since: 1998
Although Jimmy has participated in and led many classroom programs designed to educate guides about the natural history of Costa Rica, his true love is in the field—Costa Rica’s rain forest...
Expedition Leader Since: 1998
Although Jimmy has participated in and led many classroom programs designed to educate guides about the natural history of Costa Rica, his true love is in the field—Costa Rica’s rain forest...
Joanna Fonkert
Joanna Fonkert
Alaska
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Growing up in New England, Joanna was exposed to the Northeast’s mountains, lakes and oceans at an early age. Though she is clearly an extrovert and loves people, her first love was wildlife...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Growing up in New England, Joanna was exposed to the Northeast’s mountains, lakes and oceans at an early age. Though she is clearly an extrovert and loves people, her first love was wildlife...
Joe Charleson
Joe Charleson
Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2012
Along with his wife, Gillian, Joe Charleson manages various safari operations for Nat Hab from Kenya, where he divides his time between Nairobi and the bush, when he's out on safari...
Expedition Leader Since: 2012
Along with his wife, Gillian, Joe Charleson manages various safari operations for Nat Hab from Kenya, where he divides his time between Nairobi and the bush, when he's out on safari...
Joseline Cardoso
Joseline Cardoso
Galapagos and Mexico
Expedition Leader since: 2005
As an Expedition Leader, Josy's desire is to share her passion for the islands with her guests and to impart an appreciation for their natural environment and wild inhabitants...
Expedition Leader since: 2005
As an Expedition Leader, Josy's desire is to share her passion for the islands with her guests and to impart an appreciation for their natural environment and wild inhabitants...
Judy McKenzie
Judy McKenzie
New Zealand and Australia
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
A professional guide since 1996, Judy has an extensive background in many facets of New Zealand's travel industry. She leads groups throughout the country, and she has worked with families...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
A professional guide since 1996, Judy has an extensive background in many facets of New Zealand's travel industry. She leads groups throughout the country, and she has worked with families...
Judy Wilson
Judy Wilson
North America
Expedition Leader since: 2018
Judy is curious by nature, a trait that has taken her down roads less traveled and rewarded her with interesting people and unique experiences, always with camera in hand. Born a city girl, Judy quickly realized her love of the outdoors and wide-open spaces...
Expedition Leader since: 2018
Judy is curious by nature, a trait that has taken her down roads less traveled and rewarded her with interesting people and unique experiences, always with camera in hand. Born a city girl, Judy quickly realized her love of the outdoors and wide-open spaces...
Julio Madriz
Julio Madriz
Costa Rica
Expedition Leader Since: 2010
It’s no wonder Julio Madriz Nuñez loves the land: he was raised on it. Born into a farming family in rural Costa Rica, Julio spent his childhood developing a natural understanding of Costa Rica’s...
Expedition Leader Since: 2010
It’s no wonder Julio Madriz Nuñez loves the land: he was raised on it. Born into a farming family in rural Costa Rica, Julio spent his childhood developing a natural understanding of Costa Rica’s...
Justin Gibson
Justin Gibson
Worldwide
Expedition Leader Since: 2011
At the age of eight, Justin saw his first wild bear. Decades later, his infatuation with all things ursine continues to grow. While attending the University of Alaska, Anchorage, he spent...
Expedition Leader Since: 2011
At the age of eight, Justin saw his first wild bear. Decades later, his infatuation with all things ursine continues to grow. While attending the University of Alaska, Anchorage, he spent...
Karel Beets
Karel Beets
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 1999
Karel’s lifelong love of nature and the outdoors lead him to a career as a naturalist and conservationist in 1991. He is a co-founder and past president of the Mexican Association of Ecotourism...
Expedition Leader Since: 1999
Karel’s lifelong love of nature and the outdoors lead him to a career as a naturalist and conservationist in 1991. He is a co-founder and past president of the Mexican Association of Ecotourism...
Kari Nielsen
Kari Nielsen
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Kari Nielsen grew up between Montana's Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, where she spent a feral childhood exploring creeks, fields, forests, mountains and lakes...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Kari Nielsen grew up between Montana's Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, where she spent a feral childhood exploring creeks, fields, forests, mountains and lakes...
Katherine Schake
Katherine Schake
Iceland
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Growing up in Minnesota, Katherine fell in love with black spruce and sphagnum moss at an early age. Exposure to the southern extent of the boreal forest cultivated Katherine's deep curiosity about...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Growing up in Minnesota, Katherine fell in love with black spruce and sphagnum moss at an early age. Exposure to the southern extent of the boreal forest cultivated Katherine's deep curiosity about...
Kim Clune
Kim Clune
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Kim grew up in western New York where she was fascinated by the shores of Lake Erie. With her hair often combed by hemlock needles, she’d poke her tiny fingers into water-carved shale...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Kim grew up in western New York where she was fascinated by the shores of Lake Erie. With her hair often combed by hemlock needles, she’d poke her tiny fingers into water-carved shale...
Kristina Disney
Kristina Disney
Churchill
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Growing up as the youngest of four on a farm in southern Saskatchewan, Kristina had a rough and tumble childhood of riding horses, wrestling calves and building barbed-wire fence...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Growing up as the youngest of four on a farm in southern Saskatchewan, Kristina had a rough and tumble childhood of riding horses, wrestling calves and building barbed-wire fence...
Kurt Johnson
Kurt Johnson
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Kurt Johnson is a naturalist, author and photographer with a passion for the natural world and ecotourism. He grew up in both the urban setting of northern Virginia and the remote Adirondack...
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Kurt Johnson is a naturalist, author and photographer with a passion for the natural world and ecotourism. He grew up in both the urban setting of northern Virginia and the remote Adirondack...
Laura Geissinger
Laura Geissinger
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Laura has always loved nature. She was born in Alaska, and as a child, her family spent time outside boating, berry-picking and enjoying having cookouts on the beach...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Laura has always loved nature. She was born in Alaska, and as a child, her family spent time outside boating, berry-picking and enjoying having cookouts on the beach...
Lazarus Moalosi
Lazarus Moalosi
Botswana
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Lazarus — "Lazi"— was born and raised in Bobonong village in Botswana. During weekends and school holidays he helped his parents on a farm along the Limpopo River...
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Lazarus — "Lazi"— was born and raised in Bobonong village in Botswana. During weekends and school holidays he helped his parents on a farm along the Limpopo River...
Leah Okin
Leah Okin
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2003
Leah was born in England and began a life of adventure at an early age. After living in many remote areas, she now calls Alaska her home. Working as a guide, naturalist and...
Expedition Leader Since: 2003
Leah was born in England and began a life of adventure at an early age. After living in many remote areas, she now calls Alaska her home. Working as a guide, naturalist and...
Leah Pengelly
Leah Pengelly
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Growing up in the Canadian Rockies, Leah found her passion for exploring the outdoors early on, spending much of her childhood backpacking, skiing, horseback riding and canoeing...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Growing up in the Canadian Rockies, Leah found her passion for exploring the outdoors early on, spending much of her childhood backpacking, skiing, horseback riding and canoeing...
Lemme Gust
Lemme Gust
Southern Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Lemme Guest was born in the small southwest Botswana village of Ncojane and raised in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. He spent school holidays in the bush...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Lemme Guest was born in the small southwest Botswana village of Ncojane and raised in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. He spent school holidays in the bush...
Leo Garrigues
Leo Garrigues
Costa Rica
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
A birder since the age of six, Leonardo Garrigues has been accumulating natural history knowledge and experience all his life. In addition to studying biology and forest engineering...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
A birder since the age of six, Leonardo Garrigues has been accumulating natural history knowledge and experience all his life. In addition to studying biology and forest engineering...
Lets Kamogelo
Lets Kamogelo
Southern Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Letsogile “Lets” Kamogelo was born and raised in eastern Botswana’s Tuli Block, an area so dominated by nature that it molded him early into an ardent naturalist and conservationist...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Letsogile “Lets” Kamogelo was born and raised in eastern Botswana’s Tuli Block, an area so dominated by nature that it molded him early into an ardent naturalist and conservationist...
Lianne Thompson
Lianne Thompson
North America & Europe
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Lianne was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Canada. She grew up in southern Ontario, where her love for nature started early. While obtaining her undergraduate zoology degree...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Lianne was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Canada. She grew up in southern Ontario, where her love for nature started early. While obtaining her undergraduate zoology degree...
Lilia Gonzalez
Lilia Gonzalez
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Lilia was born and raised in Mexico City. Even as a young child, she showed a keen interest in the ocean and its creatures, especially whales and dolphins. Her passion continued into young adulthood...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Lilia was born and raised in Mexico City. Even as a young child, she showed a keen interest in the ocean and its creatures, especially whales and dolphins. Her passion continued into young adulthood...
Linda Himelbloom
Linda Himelbloom
Alaska
Expedition Leader Since: 2010
Linda loves Alaska! She moved to the 49th state to work as a geologist after living initially in Canada, then into naturalist guide work with Nat Hab after she relocated to Kodiak Island, where...
Expedition Leader Since: 2010
Linda loves Alaska! She moved to the 49th state to work as a geologist after living initially in Canada, then into naturalist guide work with Nat Hab after she relocated to Kodiak Island, where...
Lindsey Nielsen
Lindsey Nielsen
North America, Mexico & Norway
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Born to a pair of ski bums in Montana, Lindsey says her earliest memories were of being toted around in a backpack as her parents carved fresh tracks in the snow...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Born to a pair of ski bums in Montana, Lindsey says her earliest memories were of being toted around in a backpack as her parents carved fresh tracks in the snow...
Liz Gifford
Liz Gifford
The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Liz is a wilderness guide and photography instructor in some of the most remote parts of the world. With her undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology and her master’s in teaching...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Liz is a wilderness guide and photography instructor in some of the most remote parts of the world. With her undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology and her master’s in teaching...
Lorraine Doyle
Lorraine Doyle
Southern Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Lorraine was born and raised in Zimbabwe. As a teenager, visits to Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Great Zimbabwe fostered her passion for the natural world...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Lorraine was born and raised in Zimbabwe. As a teenager, visits to Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Great Zimbabwe fostered her passion for the natural world...
Luis Lobos
Luis Lobos
Belize
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Luis was born in the riverside town of San Ignacio, Belize. From a young age, he pursued adventurous endeavors that immersed him in nature near his beautiful hometown...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Luis was born in the riverside town of San Ignacio, Belize. From a young age, he pursued adventurous endeavors that immersed him in nature near his beautiful hometown...
Marco Fallas
Marco Fallas
Costa Rica
Expedition Leader Since: 1997
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Marco has small-group explorations through all regions of his country. His research focus is birds and plants, and he has often participated in bird studies...
Expedition Leader Since: 1997
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Marco has small-group explorations through all regions of his country. His research focus is birds and plants, and he has often participated in bird studies...
Mark Jordahl
Mark Jordahl
Uganda and Madagascar
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Mark’s love affair with Africa started in 2004, when he was mid-way through a master’s program in conservation education and he moved to Uganda. The move spurred him to shift his research focus...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Mark’s love affair with Africa started in 2004, when he was mid-way through a master’s program in conservation education and he moved to Uganda. The move spurred him to shift his research focus...
Marlo Shaw
Marlo Shaw
The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
As a child, Marlo spent her summers in northwest British Columbia. It was during these formative years that she first became acquainted with the flora and fauna of the coastal temperate rain forest...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
As a child, Marlo spent her summers in northwest British Columbia. It was during these formative years that she first became acquainted with the flora and fauna of the coastal temperate rain forest...
Matt Meyer
Matt Meyer
Southern Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Matt was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and grew up between Durban and his family's game reserve. His passion for the outdoors and wildlife developed young, while his family would vacation at their private game reserve in northern Zululand...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Matt was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and grew up between Durban and his family's game reserve. His passion for the outdoors and wildlife developed young, while his family would vacation at their private game reserve in northern Zululand...
Matt Turner
Matt Turner
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
From an early age Matt has been fascinated with the natural world. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and having lived in the Bay Area for much of his childhood, he made a life-changing decision...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
From an early age Matt has been fascinated with the natural world. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and having lived in the Bay Area for much of his childhood, he made a life-changing decision...
Melissa Silva
Melissa Silva
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Melissa Silva is a Marine Biologist who has been guiding in México for the last 3 years, sharing her passion for wildlife and conservation with guests from around the world...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Melissa Silva is a Marine Biologist who has been guiding in México for the last 3 years, sharing her passion for wildlife and conservation with guests from around the world...
Meredith Fontana
Meredith Fontana
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Meredith is a paleontologist and outdoor educator with a lifelong passion and deep fascination for natural history, geology and prehistoric life. She grew up dreaming about outdoor adventure...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Meredith is a paleontologist and outdoor educator with a lifelong passion and deep fascination for natural history, geology and prehistoric life. She grew up dreaming about outdoor adventure...
Mike Hillman
Mike Hillman
North America & Greenland
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Mike grew up in the North Woods of Michigan and spent his early years learning all he could about the natural world. As an Eagle Scout, he led groups through the wilds while identifying plants and...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Mike grew up in the North Woods of Michigan and spent his early years learning all he could about the natural world. As an Eagle Scout, he led groups through the wilds while identifying plants and...
Miranda Unger
Miranda Unger
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Miranda’s interests in marine life and ecosystems were sparked visiting the intertidal zones on the east coast of North America...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Miranda’s interests in marine life and ecosystems were sparked visiting the intertidal zones on the east coast of North America...
Moira Le Patourel
Moira Le Patourel
North America, the Polar Regions and China
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Moira began working with Natural Habitat Adventures in Churchill, Manitoba in 2014, building on her role in the Canadian outdoor tourism industry as an adventure guide and naturalist...
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Moira began working with Natural Habitat Adventures in Churchill, Manitoba in 2014, building on her role in the Canadian outdoor tourism industry as an adventure guide and naturalist...
Monika Mikulec
Monika Mikulec
Croatia
Expedition Leader Since: 2010
Born and raised in Croatia, athletic Monika has always been a lover of the outdoors. After working in the corporate world for five years, her deep passion for travel and photography took over...
Expedition Leader Since: 2010
Born and raised in Croatia, athletic Monika has always been a lover of the outdoors. After working in the corporate world for five years, her deep passion for travel and photography took over...
Nancy Moore
Nancy Moore
Portugal
Expedition Leader Since: 2004
Nancy’s appetite for adventure was fed at a very young age by her grandmother who would orchestrate weekend drives into the New England countryside and announce, much to Nancy’s delight...
Expedition Leader Since: 2004
Nancy’s appetite for adventure was fed at a very young age by her grandmother who would orchestrate weekend drives into the New England countryside and announce, much to Nancy’s delight...
Noel Thompson
Noel Thompson
Belize
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Noel was born and raised in western Belize, where he still resides in the village of Cristo Rey. Coming from a mixed ethnic background, Noel is fluent in three languages...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Noel was born and raised in western Belize, where he still resides in the village of Cristo Rey. Coming from a mixed ethnic background, Noel is fluent in three languages...
Ollie Porote
Ollie Porote
Botswana
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Olebogile (known as Ollie) Porote was born and raised in Maun, Botswana. He comes from a long line of subsistence farmers, and his passion for and appreciation of nature and wildlife dates back to...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Olebogile (known as Ollie) Porote was born and raised in Maun, Botswana. He comes from a long line of subsistence farmers, and his passion for and appreciation of nature and wildlife dates back to...
Ona Basimane
Ona Basimane
Southern Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Ona was born and raised in Maun, Botswana. His passion for the natural world started at a young age when he had opportunities to visit the Moremi Game Reserve as well as several trips...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Ona was born and raised in Maun, Botswana. His passion for the natural world started at a young age when he had opportunities to visit the Moremi Game Reserve as well as several trips...
Patricia Valdespino
Patricia Valdespino
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 2004
Patricia was born and raised in Mexico City, but has spent the majority of her life in the great outdoors. She graduated from the National University of Mexico with a B.S. in biology where she...
Expedition Leader Since: 2004
Patricia was born and raised in Mexico City, but has spent the majority of her life in the great outdoors. She graduated from the National University of Mexico with a B.S. in biology where she...
Paul Kirui
Paul Kirui
East Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
One of Kenya’s most distinguished safari guides, Paul was born on the northern outskirts of the Maasai Mara game reserve. He grew up herding cattle on the savannas, where he grew to know...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
One of Kenya’s most distinguished safari guides, Paul was born on the northern outskirts of the Maasai Mara game reserve. He grew up herding cattle on the savannas, where he grew to know...
Payal Mehta
Payal Mehta
India, Bhutan and Nepal
Expedition Leader Since: 2013
Payal’s life journey has taken her from a typical urban childhood in Mumbai to a career as a naturalist guide. Though she grew up in one of India’s largest metropolises, Payal loved the outdoors...
Expedition Leader Since: 2013
Payal’s life journey has taken her from a typical urban childhood in Mumbai to a career as a naturalist guide. Though she grew up in one of India’s largest metropolises, Payal loved the outdoors...
Pietro Luraschi
Pietro Luraschi
East Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Pietro was born in Milan, Italy in 1975 and later trained as a civil engineer there. His passion for Africa inspired him to first experience the continent as a volunteer in the Tarangire Lion Project...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Pietro was born in Milan, Italy in 1975 and later trained as a civil engineer there. His passion for Africa inspired him to first experience the continent as a volunteer in the Tarangire Lion Project...
Rachel Sullivan-Lord
Rachel Sullivan-Lord
Alaska & The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Hailing from the coast of New England, Rachel grew up with a passion for the ocean and the creatures that live beneath the water’s surface, leading her to become a marine ecologist.
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Hailing from the coast of New England, Rachel grew up with a passion for the ocean and the creatures that live beneath the water’s surface, leading her to become a marine ecologist.
Ramani Jayewardene
Ramani Jayewardene
Sri Lanka & Switzerland
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Ramani lives and breathes nature and has been involved with wildlife professionally for more than two decades...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Ramani lives and breathes nature and has been involved with wildlife professionally for more than two decades...
Rashid Ali
Rashid Ali
India
Expedition Leader Since: 2012
Rashid’s passions are natural history and wildlife conservation. As a child growing up in a family of naturalists, Rashid developed a keen interest in the natural world as the family visited...
Expedition Leader Since: 2012
Rashid’s passions are natural history and wildlife conservation. As a child growing up in a family of naturalists, Rashid developed a keen interest in the natural world as the family visited...
Renzo Zeppilli
Renzo Zeppilli
Amazon and Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
From an early age, Renzo developed a deep love for the natural side of his native Peru, which he enjoys sharing with Nat Hab guests as an Expedition Leader on our Amazon River voyages...
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
From an early age, Renzo developed a deep love for the natural side of his native Peru, which he enjoys sharing with Nat Hab guests as an Expedition Leader on our Amazon River voyages...
Richard Avilino
Richard Avilino
Botswana
Expedition Leader Since: 2006
As a boy growing up in Maun, Botswana, Richard Avilino would sit in his grandfather’s field and watch the bushbucks play on the other side of the Thamalakane River. Those quiet...
Expedition Leader Since: 2006
As a boy growing up in Maun, Botswana, Richard Avilino would sit in his grandfather’s field and watch the bushbucks play on the other side of the Thamalakane River. Those quiet...
Richard de Gouveia
Richard de Gouveia
Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Richard started out his career as an environmental consultant, conducting environmental impact assessments for various companies. He had always been drawn to the bush and eventually...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Richard started out his career as an environmental consultant, conducting environmental impact assessments for various companies. He had always been drawn to the bush and eventually...
Rinie Van Meurs
Rinie Van Meurs
The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2003
Born in the Netherlands, Rinie has been a keen naturalist his entire life. He received his formal education in forestry and civil engineering and then set out to travel the world in search of wildlife...
Expedition Leader Since: 2003
Born in the Netherlands, Rinie has been a keen naturalist his entire life. He received his formal education in forestry and civil engineering and then set out to travel the world in search of wildlife...
Rob Norton
Rob Norton
The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Rob was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario where he spent his youth exploring the forests, lakes and rivers of the Ottawa Valley and Gatineau Hills. It was here at a young age that he first discovered...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Rob was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario where he spent his youth exploring the forests, lakes and rivers of the Ottawa Valley and Gatineau Hills. It was here at a young age that he first discovered...
Robert Weeden
Robert Weeden
The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Robert was born into a family of professional biologists in Fairbanks, Alaska. His early summers were spent at Eagle Summit in the White Mountains, where his father studied ptarmigan for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Robert was born into a family of professional biologists in Fairbanks, Alaska. His early summers were spent at Eagle Summit in the White Mountains, where his father studied ptarmigan for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game...
Rosa Alegria Gonzales
Rosa Alegria Gonzales
Peru
Expedition Leader Since: 1997
Rosa was born and raised in Peru. She is a native Quechuan, and is extremely proud of the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the cultures, of her native country. Rosa has been a guide...
Expedition Leader Since: 1997
Rosa was born and raised in Peru. She is a native Quechuan, and is extremely proud of the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the cultures, of her native country. Rosa has been a guide...
Roy Valverde
Roy Valverde
Costa Rica
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Roy is a passionate nature interpreter and bird-watcher, having worked as a certified professional naturalist guide for over a decade. A committed advocate for the protection of...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Roy is a passionate nature interpreter and bird-watcher, having worked as a certified professional naturalist guide for over a decade. A committed advocate for the protection of...
Russell Gerber
Russell Gerber
Southern Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Born and raised in South Africa's Eastern Cape, Russell has a deep passion for the conservation of Africa’s environmental and cultural diversity. He earned his undergraduate degree...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Born and raised in South Africa's Eastern Cape, Russell has a deep passion for the conservation of Africa’s environmental and cultural diversity. He earned his undergraduate degree...
Sabine Moll
Sabine Moll
Europe
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Born and raised right in the middle of the Alps, Sabine grew up in the woods and mountains of southern Germany. She spent most of her childhood outside and in the forest, often all day long...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Born and raised right in the middle of the Alps, Sabine grew up in the woods and mountains of southern Germany. She spent most of her childhood outside and in the forest, often all day long...
Sam Anthony
Sam Anthony
The North
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Samuel was born and raised in Winnipeg, where the great Canadian wilderness was his playground. He grew up spending weeks camping and canoeing across the boreal forest each summer...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Samuel was born and raised in Winnipeg, where the great Canadian wilderness was his playground. He grew up spending weeks camping and canoeing across the boreal forest each summer...
Sam Mushandu
Sam Mushandu
Zimbabwe
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
One of southern Africa's top safari guides, Sam Mushandu was born and raised in southeast Zimbabwe. Growing up in a rural village surrounded by wild country gave him a great appreciation...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
One of southern Africa's top safari guides, Sam Mushandu was born and raised in southeast Zimbabwe. Growing up in a rural village surrounded by wild country gave him a great appreciation...
Samantha McNearney
Samantha McNearney
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
As a child, Samantha loved being outside and watching wildlife. Seeing living things in nature thrilled her and ultimately inspired her to earn a biology degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
As a child, Samantha loved being outside and watching wildlife. Seeing living things in nature thrilled her and ultimately inspired her to earn a biology degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks...
Santiago Moran
Santiago Moran
Galapagos
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Santiago arrived on the island of Santa Cruz as a boy of 7. His first memory is the view of Academy Bay as he descended the dirt road from the lush highlands of Santa Rosa...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Santiago arrived on the island of Santa Cruz as a boy of 7. His first memory is the view of Academy Bay as he descended the dirt road from the lush highlands of Santa Rosa...
Sean Beckett
Sean Beckett
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2013
Years ago, somewhere in Costa Rica’s rainforest, a teenage Sean was awoken by his guide from a peaceful slumber in an airy bungalow and shuffled into...
Expedition Leader Since: 2013
Years ago, somewhere in Costa Rica’s rainforest, a teenage Sean was awoken by his guide from a peaceful slumber in an airy bungalow and shuffled into...
Seth Adams
Seth Adams
Alaska
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Seth was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, and happily still calls it home. He had an interest in science from an early age, but in his teens his passion for science...
Expedition Leader Since: 2021
Seth was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, and happily still calls it home. He had an interest in science from an early age, but in his teens his passion for science...
Shawn Eggleston
Shawn Eggleston
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Shawn grew up playing in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Led by his father, he was inspired to explore the wilderness from a young age, which led to a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Shawn grew up playing in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Led by his father, he was inspired to explore the wilderness from a young age, which led to a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife...
Sheri Saari
Sheri Saari
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Sheri tagged along on family hiking outings in the Columbia River Gorge where she forged a deep connection to wilderness...
Expedition Leader Since: 2014
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Sheri tagged along on family hiking outings in the Columbia River Gorge where she forged a deep connection to wilderness...
Sierra Zacks
Sierra Zacks
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Sierra Zacks grew up along the entrance road to Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet in southeastern California. She spent her early years hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding in the park...
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Sierra Zacks grew up along the entrance road to Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet in southeastern California. She spent her early years hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding in the park...
Simon McLaughlin
Simon McLaughlin
Scotland
Expedition Leader Since: 2020
Simon was born in the U.K. and traveled among various military camps throughout his early years, while his father served in the first battalion Royal Scots. He discovered a passion for wildlife...
Expedition Leader Since: 2020
Simon was born in the U.K. and traveled among various military camps throughout his early years, while his father served in the first battalion Royal Scots. He discovered a passion for wildlife...
Simon Stobbs
Simon Stobbs
Southern Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2007
After completing a post-graduate degree in psychology, Simon was stuck behind a computer, working in human resources for two rather painful years. Thankfully, he decided that it was time to follow...
Expedition Leader Since: 2007
After completing a post-graduate degree in psychology, Simon was stuck behind a computer, working in human resources for two rather painful years. Thankfully, he decided that it was time to follow...
Sofia Merino
Sofia Merino
Mexico
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Ana Sofia Merino was born in the metropolis of Guadalajara but raised in one of Mexico's smallest communities, Zacatecas. She comes from an adventurous family that loves traveling and being close.....
Expedition Leader Since: 2018
Ana Sofia Merino was born in the metropolis of Guadalajara but raised in one of Mexico's smallest communities, Zacatecas. She comes from an adventurous family that loves traveling and being close.....
Sophie Mazowita
Sophie Mazowita
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Sophie's childhood was split between the capital cities of Canada and Australia, but she felt most at home exploring the lakes and woods near her grandmother's home in the Ottawa...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Sophie's childhood was split between the capital cities of Canada and Australia, but she felt most at home exploring the lakes and woods near her grandmother's home in the Ottawa...
Surya Ramachandran
Surya Ramachandran
India
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Surya hails from the South India city of Chennai. While his academic background and formal training are in engineering, the call of the wild was stronger...
Expedition Leader Since: 2017
Surya hails from the South India city of Chennai. While his academic background and formal training are in engineering, the call of the wild was stronger...
Tadeu de Oliveira
Tadeu de Oliveira
Brazil
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Tadeu de Oliveira—"Tadeu"—got his start in the travel industry as a flight attendant. Realizing after four years that he was drawn more to wild nature...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Tadeu de Oliveira—"Tadeu"—got his start in the travel industry as a flight attendant. Realizing after four years that he was drawn more to wild nature...
Teresa Whipple
Teresa Whipple
North America
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Teresa is thrilled that her passions have become a career built upon sharing an untamed world with other nature enthusiasts who agree that the wilderness deserves reverence and dedicated preservation...
Expedition Leader Since: 2015
Teresa is thrilled that her passions have become a career built upon sharing an untamed world with other nature enthusiasts who agree that the wilderness deserves reverence and dedicated preservation...
Thuto Moutloatse
Thuto Moutloatse
Africa
Expedition Leader Since: 2007
Named "Best Safari Guide on the Planet" in Outside magazine’s 2014 Travel Awards, Thuto Moutloatse had the privilege of growing up in the superb wildlife areas of Botswana, where his father...
Expedition Leader Since: 2007
Named "Best Safari Guide on the Planet" in Outside magazine’s 2014 Travel Awards, Thuto Moutloatse had the privilege of growing up in the superb wildlife areas of Botswana, where his father...
Toby Sinclair
Toby Sinclair
India, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka
Expedition Leader Since: 2007
A London-born Scot, Toby first drove out to India in 1974 and by late 1975 he joined the Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park. In April 1977 he moved to Delhi and helped establish...
Expedition Leader Since: 2007
A London-born Scot, Toby first drove out to India in 1974 and by late 1975 he joined the Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park. In April 1977 he moved to Delhi and helped establish...
Veronica Maruri
Veronica Maruri
Galapagos
Expedition Leader Since: 2011
Veronica was born and raised in Guayaquil, on the Ecuadorian coast. When she was 12 years old, she spent a year in Massachusetts giving her the opportunity to learn English...
Expedition Leader Since: 2011
Veronica was born and raised in Guayaquil, on the Ecuadorian coast. When she was 12 years old, she spent a year in Massachusetts giving her the opportunity to learn English...
Wendy Redal
Wendy Redal
Alaska
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Born and raised near Seattle, Wendy grew up exploring Puget Sound at her doorstep, the Cascade Mountains behind her, and British Columbia to the north. She isn’t exactly sure when Alaska first took hold of her heart...
Expedition Leader Since: 2019
Born and raised near Seattle, Wendy grew up exploring Puget Sound at her doorstep, the Cascade Mountains behind her, and British Columbia to the north. She isn’t exactly sure when Alaska first took hold of her heart...
Wilfredo Huillca Gamarra
Wilfredo Huillca Gamarra
Peru
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Wilfredo was born in Cusco, Peru. He grew up with a passion for nature and an unending curiosity. In the Peruvian countryside, he fell in love with his surroundings and soaked up information...
Expedition Leader Since: 2016
Wilfredo was born in Cusco, Peru. He grew up with a passion for nature and an unending curiosity. In the Peruvian countryside, he fell in love with his surroundings and soaked up information...
Guides & Staff
