Our Story

© 

John Mittan2005

Nat Hab Staff Naturalist John Mittan was born in 1979 in South Africa, where from a very 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 where his passion for the natural world and all living things continued to grow. His memories of Africa remained powerful, however, with fond recollections of camping safaris with his parents in many of South Africa’s game and coastal reserves, and he continually hankered after the African bush he had left behind.

John was schooled in Perth, Western Australia, where he remained an avid outdoorsman, participating eagerly in sports such as soccer, tennis, swimming, and in particular, surfing. He took numerous trips with family and friends to experience Australia's many natural wonders, and he was also fortunate to travel back to the great wild places of Africa on many occasions. These trips further cemented John’s conviction that he wanted to return to his country of birth and fulfill his dream of becoming a field guide.

John pursued a biological science degree in Sydney, studying biology, microbiology, ecology and geology. One inspired day he responded to a Getaway magazine ad for EcoTraining, the most recognized field guide training facility in Southern Africa, based in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The only available opening was in a scant three weeks' time. John decided it was "now or never." He went straight into the month-long course where he underwent intensive training to learn about birds, plants, animals, insects, geology, ecology, weapons handling, walking in dangerous animal areas, and, of course, guest relations. John showed a rare passion and enthusiasm that was noticed by the lecturers/owners of the facility. They requested that he start work immediately for EcoTraining: John's career as a guide had begun.

After gaining experience as an instructor, John worked as a guide at Ingwe Game Lodge, spending two and a half years as a ranger and head ranger, as well as assisting a research organization called K.E.R.I., which studied leopard and cheetah. John’s parents had returned to South Africa and bought a lodge in the Blyde River Canyon region, and while he could have joined the family business, he opted to work for Wilderness Safaris because of the company's exceptional dedication to the environment, communities and people. John became a senior guide with Wilderness Safaris Namibia in April 2003, a tremendously fulfilling post that furthered his development as an experienced specialist guide. There, he went on to lead the guide-training department, educating guides and leading safaris himself, all over Africa. He also took pride in bringing guide-training opportunities to underdeveloped communities in Namibia. Working in cooperation with NGOs and donor bodies, John firmly believes that since the future of the environment lies in the hands of the youth, this is where training is most needed.  

While John has led safaris for Natural Habitat Adventures for years, in 2014 he joined the ranks of Nat Hab's select staff naturalists, acknowledging his exceptional guiding skills, extensive knowledge and superlative relationship with his guests.
Admin Note : Slideshow or Grid
Choose the version to show.
Current Version: old
Set Version
Admin Note : Show/Hide Camera Bag Section
Choose show or hide.
Current Setting: hide
Edit Setting

What's in My Camera Bag

My Packing Philosophy
Camera Bag
Manfrotto Manhattan Mover

Camera Equipment
Sony a7Rv body
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM  
Sony FE 200-600mm F/5.6-6.3 G

Nikon D850 Body
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm F/5.6E
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm F/2.8ED

Olympus OM-1
Olympus M Zuiko MC-20 2x teleconveter
Olympus M Zuiko 60mm F/2.8 Macro
Olympus M Ziuko 12-40mm F/2.8 Pro
Olympus M zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro
Manfrotto MK055CXPRO tripod

Post-Processing Software
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Topaz Sharpen AI
Topaz DeNoise AI
Topaz Gigapixel
Final Cut Pro
Admin Note : Show/Hide Testimonials Section
Choose show or hide.
Current Setting: show
Edit Setting

What Our Guests Say

John is an extraordinary ambassador for Nat Hab and for the wonders of Madagascar. His encyclopedic knowledge of the wildlife, from the smallest tree frog to the largest lemur, is matched only by his delightful sense of humor and unflagging patience. He went above and beyond. He is an amazing photographer who is generous (and kind) in making sure we all got the best possible photos of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I've traveled with countless guides and John ranks right at the top!
J. Heindel
John is the best guide I have ever had. He was most professional and made the trip interesting. He gave so much of his time and was helpful to each and every one of us on the trip. He knew so much about every living creature, both big and small, and also about the history of Uganda and Africa. He has a great sense of humor and is fun to have as a guide.
L. Leonard
John was outstanding as a guide and leader. He was enthusiastic, the breadth and depth of his knowledge was unmatched, he was exceedingly friendly and he kept all of us working together as a team. He both met and exceeded all of my expectations. I can't rave about him enough, he was that good! John made our trip spectacular.
P. Labay
Admin Note : Show/Hide Upcoming Adventures Section
Choose show or hide.
Current Setting: hide
Edit Setting

Upcoming Adventures with John Mittan

Admin Note : Show/Hide Videos & Travel Stories Section
Choose show or hide.
Current Setting: hide
Choose Setting

Videos & Travel Stories

Get Weekly Updates

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more.

Privacy Policy
We're Proud of the Reputation We’ve Earned
Voted "World's Best Travel Company" by Outside Magazine
Travel & Leisure logo
Voted "Top Tour Operator" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
Newsweek logo
Voted "Best Adventure Travel Company" in Newsweek Reader's Choice Awards
VIEW MORE AWARDS

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Nathab 2024 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly 100 nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Logos
Request Your 2025/26 Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Continued - Page 2 of 2
To help us customize your catalog request, please tell us more about your travel needs:
Thank you for requesting a catalog
We’ve received your request. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917.

Get Weekly Updatess

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Us a Message
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your message

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Refer a Friend,
Get $250 Off
Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for the referral!

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

View Our 2025/2026

Digital Catalog

Help us save paper! We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details here. To view our digital catalog, please enter your info in the form to the right.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
View Digital Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Happy browsing!

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Our Trips

Polar Bear Tours

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Photography Expeditions

Photography Expeditions

Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Women's Adventures

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us.

Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sunday
Call 800-543-8917
Questions? Click to Chat
Questions? Click to Chat
/our-story/expedition-leader-bios/john-mittan/