The Naturalist Collection is a small, family-run business based in Namibia, dedicated to nature-focused, conservation-minded travel. The Collection includes Batis Birding Safaris, Namibian Naturalist Tours & Safaris, Desert Day Tours and Braine Photography, and is owned and operated by Steve and Louise Braine together with their sons, Sean and Dayne.
For more than 30 years, the Braine family has been actively involved in tourism and conservation across Namibia and beyond. Steve and his sons are respected naturalists, authors and specialist guides, widely regarded for their depth of knowledge and their ability to interpret the natural world in a way that is both engaging and meaningful. Extensive travel experience, combined with an approachable guiding style and a good sense of humour, ensures that guests feel informed, comfortable, and genuinely connected to the environments they explore.
While the quality of guiding lies at the heart of every journey, it is the breadth of specialist knowledge and the care with which each safari is designed that truly sets The Naturalist Collection apart.
Areas of Specialisation
Our guides have expertise across a wide range of natural history disciplines, including:
Ornithology
Entomology
Herpetology
Botany
Wildlife ecology
Nature and wildlife photography
In addition to Namibia, we offer guided journeys to Angola, Madagascar, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, and São Tomé & Príncipe, working with trusted local partners who share our conservation values.
Thoughtfully Designed Journeys
The Naturalist Collection specialises primarily in tailor-made guided and self-drive tours within Namibia, each designed to reflect individual interests, travel style, and seasonal considerations. We also act as ground agents for a number of reputable international tour operators, who consistently commend our reliability, attention to detail, and on-the-ground expertise.
Our Commitment
Providing each client with a meaningful and rewarding safari experience is our highest priority. To ensure this, we place strong emphasis on:
Carefully selected, well-established accommodation across all comfort levels
Comfortable, well-equipped vehicles suited to photography and long days in the field, with guaranteed window seats
Up-to-date reference material and checklists
Itineraries designed around individual needs and interests
A constant focus on guest well-being, safety, and responsible travel
Above all, we aim to create journeys that foster a deeper understanding of the landscapes, wildlife, and ecological systems that make each destination unique.
Itinerary Terms and Conditions
- The costs quoted are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may have to be adjusted
- Due to unforeseen circumstances, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary at short or no notice; please be aware that we will attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible.
- You must please take out, prior to confirming the booking, comprehensive travel-, medical-, evacuation-, cancellation-, curtailment- and default insurance for the duration of your trip. Due to the remote areas through which you may travel, it is vital that all guests are covered for emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances. We will not be held responsible for guest travelling without insurance.
- The relevant cancellation policy applies should you fail to start your journey for any reason, including airline delays or missed connections. Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance for this purpose. You become liable for cancellation penalties immediately on confirmation of booking services.
- Passports must be valid (usually for at least 6 months after date of travel) and still have at least 3 blank visa (not endorsement) pages.
- All visa requirements must be fulfilled and these are your responsibility. If you have any queries about obtaining visas please contact us.
- 20% non-refundable deposit is due on confirmation and the balance 45 days before departure.
The Naturalist Collection Terms and Conditions
The costs outlined in this proposal are based on the suggested itinerary, services, and accommodation as detailed herein. Any changes to the itinerary, travel dates, accommodation, activities, services, or level of comfort requested after the proposal stage may result in a revision of the quoted price and are subject to availability and supplier terms.
The costs outlined in this proposal are based on confirmed 2026 rates, as 2027 supplier rates are not yet fully available. The pricing is therefore provided for indicative purposes only to assist with planning and budgeting. Based on historical trends, clients should allow for a potential increase of up to 10% for 2027 departures once final supplier rates are released. Any confirmed rate adjustments will be communicated as soon as updated pricing becomes available and prior to final confirmation of services.
Pricing & Cost Adjustments
All costs quoted are based on current rates and are subject to change due to unforeseen increases in tour-related costs, including but not limited to fuel surcharges, supplier rate increases, government levies, taxes, or exchange rate fluctuations. Any such increases will be communicated and may require an adjustment to the quoted price.
Itinerary Changes
While every effort is made to adhere to the proposed itinerary, the Company reserves the right to amend or alter the itinerary, services, or sequence of activities due to unforeseen circumstances, operational requirements, weather conditions, supplier availability, or factors beyond our control. Any changes will be made in good faith and with the intent to maintain the overall quality and experience of the trip.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must be arranged prior to confirming the booking. This must include, at a minimum, cover for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, curtailment, and default insurance.
Due to the remote areas through which guests may travel, it is essential that all travellers are adequately insured for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. The Company and Consultant shall not be held responsible or liable for any loss, expense, injury, or inconvenience suffered by guests travelling without adequate insurance.
Passports & Visas
All travellers must ensure their passports are valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of travel and contain a minimum of three (3) blank visa pages (excluding endorsement pages). Compliance with passport and visa requirements is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The Company and Consultant accept no liability for denied entry, delays, or additional costs arising from non-compliance.
All visa requirements must be fulfilled and these are your responsibility.
Third-Party Supplier & Service Disclaimer
Accommodation suggestions are made with great care and professionalism, drawing on first-hand experience where possible and trusted industry partnerships. While we strive to recommend properties that meet the expected standards of comfort and service, accommodation quality and service delivery remain the responsibility of the individual providers.
The Company and Consultant cannot accept liability for variations in service, cleanliness, food quality, or facilities. Clients are advised to review the proposed accommodations prior to confirming the booking. Once the quote is accepted and reservations are made, any changes or upgrades requested thereafter may incur additional costs and are subject to availability.
The Company shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience caused by or arising from the acts or omissions of any third-party supplier.
Payments
A 20% non-refundable deposit is due on confirmation and the full balance is due 45 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellation fees are applicable per booking and are calculated based on the date written notice of cancellation is received by the Company.
The following cancellation charges apply:
- Upon confirmation: 20% of the total tour cost (non-refundable deposit)
- 45–31 days prior to departure: 50% of the total tour cost
- 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of the total tour cost
In the event of cancellation, the Company will endeavour to recover any refundable amounts from third-party suppliers where possible; however, any such recoveries are subject to supplier terms and cannot be guaranteed.
No refunds will be made for unused services, early departure, or failure to commence the trip for any reason, including but not limited to airline delays, missed connections, illness, or personal circumstances. Guests are strongly advised to ensure that their travel insurance adequately covers cancellation, curtailment, and interruption.
