The Naturalist Collection

19/08/2024

Join our Upcoming / Set Departure Tours 2025

8 Day Caprivi Birding Tour
8 Nov 2025 - 15 Nov 2025
from only N$ 35,827.00 pps

7 Day Namibia Birding Tour - Endemic & Near-Endemic
11 Mar 2025 - 17 Mar 2025
from only N$ 22 665.00 pps

10 Day Namibia Tour - Birding, Wildlife, Photography
25 Mar 2025 - 3 Apr 2025
from only N$ 36 225.00 pps

Namibia Herpetology Tours
Jan 2025 and more dates
Price & Info on request

Madagascar Tour
07 - 22 October 2025
from only USD 5 410.00 pps

We can also design a custom tour for you based on your target list.
For more info simply visit our website: www.thenaturalistcollection.com

BIRDING - WILDLIFE - BOTANY - ENTOMOLOGY - HERPING – PHOTOGRAPHY

16/07/2024

22/06/2024

Where in Namibia can you find these two side by side ?

28/05/2024

4 Day Endemic & Near-Endemic Namibia Birding Tour

This fast-paced birding tour is designed to find you as many of Namibia's near-endemics as well as our only true endemic, the Dune Lark, in only 4 days. The top targets include Dune Lark, Gray's Lark, Benguela Long-billed Lark, Stark's Lark, Hartlaub's Spurfowl, Carp's tit, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Monteiro's Hornbill, White-tailed Shrike, Rockrunner, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Herero Chat, Rüppell's Parrot, Rüppell's Korhaan, Bradfield's Swift and Violet Woodhoopoe.

More info please contact us or follow the link: https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/2fb6af4e-98dd-4a7b-8358-0ba5e653a006

09/05/2024

In appreciation of International Chameleon Day! Here is a a representation of Madagascar, Uganda and Namibia. From the rain forests to the desert! Of these species represented the Brookesia gives live birth and the others lay eggs. Chameleons are a fascinating family with 228 species known to science (and counting). In Namibia we host only 2 species but, we can show you way more if you join a trip to Madagascar ( hosts over 100 species) and future planned trips to Tanzania (which hosts around 40 species). Watch this space! Chameleons are just amazing 🤩

08/05/2024

🐘🌅 Namibia Birding, Wildlife & Photography Tour

Join us for an unforgettable 10-day adventure through Namibia’s breath-taking landscapes and diverse wildlife! Led by renowned naturalist guide and wildlife photographer, Dayne Braine, this tour promises rare sightings, stunning photography opportunities, and a deep connection with nature.

Starting from only N$ 30 700 per person

Travel dates: 30 August 2024 - 7 September 2024

https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Overview/09917d7a-fd7c-4920-a359-7b7199104289

For more info please contact us:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.thenaturalistcollection.com

29/04/2024

🏜🌌 Explore and experience the Namib with our Desert Day Tours & Coastal Birding Day Tours operating from Swakopmund, Namibia.

For more info & bookings please contact:
Phone: +264 81 639 1775
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thenaturalistcollection.com

08/04/2024

Join us for the ultimate birding adventure in the Caprivi!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore diverse habitats and spot some of Namibia's most sought-after bird species.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of broad-leafed woodlands, riparian habitats, and ancient drainage lines teeming with life. From Rufous-bellied T**s to Slaty Egrets, our tour promises unforgettable encounters with the Caprivi's avian wonders.

Glide through the serene waters of the Zambezi, Kwando, and Okavango Rivers on multiple boat cruises, offering unparalleled views of waterfowl and riverine species in their natural habitat.

Calling all wildlife photographers! Capture breathtaking moments with your lens as you witness the magic of Caprivi's birdlife unfold before your eyes.
Key species await your discovery, including the elusive Souza's Shrike, Racket-tailed Roller and the vibrant Schalow's Turaco.

Reserve your spot now and embark on a journey of discovery with fellow bird enthusiasts and seasoned guides. For more details, please visit our website https://thenaturalistcollection.com/st-birding.php. For reservations and inquiries please contact me at [email protected]

We offer half and full-day eco 'living desert' dune tours in Swakopmund, Namibia. Or choose from a variety of other tours that focus on the natural environment

12/03/2024

Another successful haul of Namibian Bitis (Adders). Our fifth trip in a row to nail all the Adders of the country.
Should you want to have a good shot at experiencing the same please contact us.

21/02/2024

Join us for the ultimate birding adventure in the Caprivi!

Only ONE spot left on our exclusive 9-day Caprivi Birding Tour! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore diverse habitats and spot some of Namibia's most sought-after bird species.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of broad-leafed woodlands, riparian habitats, and ancient drainage lines teeming with life. From Rufous-bellied T**s to Slaty Egrets, our tour promises unforgettable encounters with the Caprivi's avian wonders.

Glide through the serene waters of the Zambezi, Kwando, and Okavango Rivers on multiple boat cruises, offering unparalleled views of waterfowl and riverine species in their natural habitat.

Calling all wildlife photographers! Capture breathtaking moments with your lens as you witness the magic of Caprivi's birdlife unfold before your eyes.

Key species await your discovery, including the elusive Souza's Shrike, Racket-tailed Roller and the vibrant Schalow's Turaco.

Reserve your spot now and embark on a journey of discovery with fellow bird enthusiasts and seasoned guides. For more details, please visit our website https://thenaturalistcollection.com/st-birding.php. For reservations and inquiries please contact me at [email protected]

Here is a small collection of the birds that were photographed by Sean Braine Photography on our 2023 Caprivi Birding Tour

08/02/2024

Let us show you the Namib Desert, situated all along the coast of Namibia and one of the oldest and driest deserts globally, characterized by its vast expanses of sand dunes, rocky plains, and unique biodiversity. Its stark beauty and harsh conditions have intrigued adventurers and scientists alike, offering a window into extreme ecosystems.

24/01/2024

Good evening folks. If anyone had been waiting for it, here it is. We will be running two trips to Angola in May 2024. This will be a first of its kind, a dedicated herping trip to Angola with some focus on the endemics but the main objective of the tour will be Bitis heraldica. Having had the privilege of seeing and photographing one in the wild, I would love to share this opportunity with the herping world to do the same! There are some great species to be found in this wonderland.

20/12/2023

Biodiversity & Photography Tour
March 2024
with Marisa Ishimatsu

Capture Namibia with me next year. This tour is aimed at naturalists and photographers who are interested in biodiversity. Our specialized guides are all-round naturalists and greatly enthusiastic about all fauna and flora. They are likely to point out plants, mammals, reptiles and insects as we go along. The tour is ideal for wildlife, macro, bird, starscape and landscape photography.

Please follow the links for more information:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvBLkSyPThY/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D

https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/5D0A47BE-ADB7-431D-BC77-3BD2CE40F4CE

21/11/2023

This female Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) is a rare palearctic migrant to Namibia and would usually associate with miombo or brachystegia woodland. This individual found its way to my father’s,garden near Swakopmund in the namib desert. Unfortunately she had her tail missing but was quite happily hawking insects around the garden.

🇳🇦

13/11/2023

🎉✨ Heartfelt Thanks for a Memorable Night! ✨📚

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made our soft book launch for "Namibia's Namib" an unforgettable evening! 🙌 Your presence, enthusiasm, and support filled the room with warmth and joy.

🙏 A special shoutout to Mark Stanton and the incredible team at Two Beards for being the perfect hosts! 🍽️ Your hospitality and the phenomenal platters added an extra layer of magic to our celebration. The venue was an absolute dream, and we couldn't have asked for a better place to share our special moment.

😄 It was truly heartwarming to see so many friends and supporters coming together to celebrate the unveiling of "Namibia's Namib." Your presence made the occasion even more special, and we're elated to have you on this journey with us.

🌟 Here's to the beginning of a new chapter, and to the wonderful community that surrounds us. Your encouragement and positive vibes fuel our passion for sharing the beauty of Namibia's Namib.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and adventures! 🚀 Once again, thank you to everyone who made this night extraordinary. Your support means the world to us! 🌍📖

13/11/2023

📸 Exciting Announcement: Introducing "Namibia's Namib" by Steve, Sean, and Dayne Braine! 🌵

We're thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking photographic guidebook that promises to captivate adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and scientists alike. Steve Braine, a dedicated explorer of the Namib Desert, has poured years of passion and expertise into creating a comprehensive trilogy that delves deep into this mesmerizing landscape.

📘 Book 1: Namibia's Namib
Dive into the heart of the Namib Desert with Steve Braine's first installment, offering a sweeping overview of the physical environment, the human factor, biota, and vegetation. This book is a must-have for tourists, guides, and scientists seeking an in-depth understanding of this extraordinary desert.

🦅🐾 Upcoming Releases:
Stay tuned for the next two volumes! Book 2 will focus on Birds and Mammals, while Book 3 will showcase the incredible world of Reptiles and Invertebrates. A trifecta of knowledge and visual splendor awaits.

📷 Stunning Visuals by Sean and Dayne Braine
Flipping through the pages, you'll be treated to a visual feast courtesy of Steve's talented sons, Sean and Dayne Braine. Their awe-inspiring photographs vividly capture the rich diversity of the Namib's fauna and flora, elevating this guidebook to a visual masterpiece.

🔍 Expert Insight by Dr. Mary Seely
Renowned scientist Dr. Mary Seely lends her expertise in the foreword, stating, "For those who want to gain insight into the Namib beyond that already available in print, I strongly recommend this guidebook for expanding their understanding of this remarkable landscape."

🌍 Embark on a Journey of Discovery
Whether you're planning a trip to Namibia, guiding others through its wonders, or simply fascinated by the desert's secrets, "Namibia's Namib" is your passport to a deeper connection with this extraordinary landscape.

🛍️ Available Now!
Don't miss out on this unparalleled exploration – grab your copy of "Namibia's Namib" today and embark on a journey like never before! Priceless knowledge at only N$400 per book (excluding shipping).

To order your copy please visit our website: https://www.thenaturalistcollection.com/contact-us.php

29/09/2023

Large numbers of Greater and Lesser flamingo in Walvis Bay provide some jaw dropping scenes.

🇳🇦

07/09/2023

As most of you know, we travel with avid enthusiasts across Namibia and further away on tours and safaris to show the spectacular wildlife and landscapes the continent has to offer. But here is a friendly reminder that we also do Namib Desert Day Tours from Swakopmund daily to enlighten our guests about our immediate surroundings.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.thenaturalistcollection.com

21/08/2023

ℹ️ Batis Birding Safaris Namibia 🇳🇦

🌟 Introducing the Pririt Batis: Our Signature Feathered Logo Muse!

Meet the Pririt Batis (Batis pririt), a tiny avian dynamo that's more than just a bird – it's an emblem of our company's spirit! 🚀🎨

🎨 Stunning Monochrome Fashionista: Dressed in bold black and white, the Pririt Batis rocks a look that's all about contrast and style. With its fashionable plumage, it's the fashionista of the avian world!

🐜 Antics with Ants: But wait, it gets cooler! This bird doesn't just strut its stuff. It's got a secret beauty routine involving ants. Yep, you heard that right – it rubs ants on itself, channeling their formic acid magic for some stunning self-care.

🪶 Aerial Acrobatics: When it comes to food, the Pririt Batis is a flying circus performer! Picture this: mid-air acrobatics, darting and hovering, snatching insects like a pro. It's a real-life action hero in the bird world!

💬 What's the Buzz?: Just like our company, the Pririt Batis thrives on buzzing energy. It's not just a bird; it's a symbol of our innovation, passion, and never-ending curiosity.

💼 A Symbol with Substance: We chose the Pririt Batis as our logo for a reason. It mirrors our dedication to pushing boundaries, seeking the unexpected, and evolving fearlessly.

17/08/2023

Thank you for joining us on the adventure!

14/06/2023

What more could one ask for?

Join us on an unforgettable photo safari to Namibia. Imagine flying over the world's oldest dunes photographing Oryx out the side of a helicopter! Spending t...

06/05/2023

Let us plan your next photographic adventure !!

12/04/2023

Teaching the next generation.

10/04/2023

What did you do for easter ?
We spent some time looking for easter eggs of our own, these Red Knots (Calidris canutus) stopped over at one of our sites on their way back north. Spent two mornings with 10 individuals. At least two were well into breeding plumage and they were very obliging.

22/03/2023

A few other snake species found on our last Herping expedition into southern Namibia. Namibian wolf snake found near Aus is quite a range extension.
1. Beetz’s Tiger Snake
2. Namibian Wolf Snake
3. Stiletto
4. Bug-eyed House Snake