Staff Writer
Ultimate Safaris has continued its international guide exchange programme, marking its fourth year and investing more than N$400 000 since it began.
Each year, the “Ultimate Guide of the Year” travels to Baja California in Mexico for a three-week experience with Todos Santos Eco Adventures.
Peter Nuugonya, the 2025 winner, took part in the programme this year. He grew up in a village near Ondangwa, where he learned to track animals from a young age.
Nuugonya started his career at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in the NamibRand Nature Reserve as a barman before moving into guiding. Over time, he developed skills in birding, stargazing, photography and nature guiding. After joining Ultimate Safaris, he travelled more across Namibia and the region, building his experience.
He said the trip to Mexico gave him a new perspective. He took part in snorkelling, scuba diving, whale watching and cooking activities. It was his first international trip.
“It was a humbling and once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.
He said meeting local people and learning about their culture stood out. He also said seeing whales and marine life helped him understand why people travel long distances.
Nuugonya met Axel Herrera, a guide from Todos Santos who had previously visited Namibia through the same programme.
Tristan Cowley, co-founder and managing director of Ultimate Safaris, said the exchange creates learning opportunities for guides in different environments.
“The guide exchange initiative continues to be a learning experience and a great opportunity for interaction between people on different sides of the world who may have differing geographies, wildlife, and weather, but who share the same dedication to conservation and community,” he said.
A guide from Mexico is expected to visit Namibia later this year as part of the exchange programme.
