The Naturalist Collection

Home
Namibia
Swakopmund
The Naturalist Collection

Namibian Family-owned Tour Operator
Wildlife | Birding | Botany | Herping | Photography
Exploring Africa Through the Eyes of Naturalists

The Braine's are known for their extensive experience in all things natural hence "The Naturalist Collection" T/A Batis Birding Safaris -

Desert Day Tours offers as the name suggests, Desert Day Tours based in Swakopmund, Namibia. These include the Eco Dune Tour or "Living Desert Tour" as well as excursions to the Moonlandscape, Welwitschia, Spitzkoppe and Brandberg. The Namibian Naturalist offers guided and self-drive tours to Namibia specializing in Wildlife, Herpetology, Entomology, Botany and/or Photography. Batis Birding Safaris specializes in ornithology and offers tours to Namibia, Angola, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia and Ghana. Braine Photography is made up of the Braine brothers - Sean and Dayne. Besides an impressive portfolio of their many adventures, they lead local and international expeditions, host various workshops and exhibitions.

14/09/2026

Namibia, from a different perspective. Recently, Sean took to the skies for a helicopter flight over the Namib Desert — and brought his camera along for the ride.

From above, the dunes become something entirely different: endless waves of sculpted sand, dramatic lines and shadows, and a landscape that seems to stretch forever. These aerial views offer a whole new appreciation for the beauty and scale of the Namib — raw, ancient and constantly shaped by wind.

📸 Braine Photography

11/09/2026

Our new T-shirt collection celebrates the incredible reptiles and wildlife that make our landscapes so unique — with striking, field-inspired designs featuring the Cape Coral snake, Many-horned adder and Namaqua chameleon.

Each T-shirt is:
Cotton sourced from Africa
Made in South Africa
Screen printed in Namibia
Excellent quality
Designed for naturalists by naturalists

Whether you're heading into the field, exploring Namibia, or simply want to carry a little piece of Africa with you, The Naturalist Collection is made for you.

Available now in our Curio Store!

09/09/2026

NAMIBIA HERPING TOUR 2026 — A FEW SEATS LEFT!

This November, is heading into the Namib Desert for an 11-day expert-led herping expedition, with opportunities to photograph, observe and study some of Namibia’s incredible desert reptiles.

Expect encounters with dwarf adders, web-footed geckos, cobras, and other highly specialised desert species — while contributing real observations and data to genuine herpetological fieldwork.

📅 19–30 November 2026

Want the full itinerary, costs and expedition details? Send us a quick DM and we’ll get them over to you.

07/09/2026

The Namib Desert has a way of making you slow down, look closer and appreciate the little things — and Arnold is the perfect person to help you do just that.

As one of our Eco Dune Tour guides, Arnold loves sharing the fascinating secrets of the desert. From tiny tracks in the sand and well-camouflaged creatures to the remarkable plants and insects that have adapted to survive in this extreme environment, he reveals a side of the Namib that is easy to miss.

Arnold has a wonderful way of connecting with guests and sharing his knowledge of the desert. His passion for the natural world shines through as he points out the fascinating details that make this environment so unique.

04/09/2026

Those eyes have watched Madagascar for millions of years. Curious, intelligent and unmistakably unique, lemurs are found nowhere else on Earth. Meeting them in the wild is more than a wildlife encounter—it's a reminder of how wonderfully diverse our planet truly is. Some places change the way you travel. Madagascar changes the way you see nature.

Interested in experiencing Madagascar's incredible wildlife for yourself? Enquire about our upcoming Madagascar Set Departure and discover one of the world's most extraordinary natural history destinations.

🌍 Explore Africa through the eyes of naturalists.
📸 Braine Photography

02/09/2026

Strength. Resilience. Freedom.

The wild horses of the Namib have become one of Namibia's most enduring symbols. Forged by the desert and shaped by generations of survival, they continue to roam one of the harshest landscapes on Earth - a reminder that beauty is often born from resilience.

📍 Garub, Namibia
📸 Dayne Braine Photography

31/08/2026

If you’ve joined our Eco Dune Tour, there’s a good chance you’ve met Chantelle — and you’ll know why she’s such a favorite with our guests!

With her infectious enthusiasm, sharp eye and wonderful knowledge of the Namibian desert, Chantelle has a special talent for bringing the seemingly empty dunes to life. Her passion, humour and curiosity make every outing an adventure — and her ability to share the fascinating stories of the desert is what keeps guests looking closely long after the tour has ended.

The dunes may look empty… but with Chantelle, you’ll never see them that way again.

28/08/2026

An Encounter You'll Never Forget

There are few wildlife experiences as moving as standing quietly in the presence of a mountain gorilla.

For one unforgettable hour, you're welcomed into their world—watching them feed, play and interact, often just a few meters away. It's a humbling reminder of how closely connected we are to these gentle giants.

Uganda offers one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife encounters, and it's an experience that stays with you long after you've left the forest.

🌍 Join us on an unforgettable journey to the Pearl of Africa.
📸 Braine Photography

26/08/2026

ANGOLA BIRDING EXPEDITION

Join Dayne from 30 June – 18 July 2027 for an unforgettable 19-day birding adventure through one of Africa’s most exciting and least explored destinations.

From the endemic-rich forests of Kumbira and the highlands of Mount Moco and Mount Namba to Calandula Falls, Uíge and Angola’s spectacular coast — this is a true birding frontier.

📅 30 June – 18 July 2027
🦜 Led by Dayne
👥 Small group | Limited spaces

Get in touch for the full itinerary and pricing!

24/08/2026

For the past several years, Timothy has been sharing his passion for Africa's wildlife with guests from around the world as part of the Batis guiding team.

An avid birder and accomplished wildlife guide, Timothy has a remarkable ability to find species that others might overlook. His patience, sharp field skills and eye for composition also make him an exceptional guide for photography tours, helping guests capture unforgettable moments in the wild.

Beyond wildlife, Timothy has a deep knowledge of archaeology, bringing Namibia's ancient landscapes to life by connecting its remarkable biodiversity with the rich human history etched into the rocks, caves and mountains of the region.

Whether you're searching for a lifer, perfecting your wildlife photography or uncovering the stories of Namibia's past, Timothy's enthusiasm and expertise make every day in the field an experience to remember.

🌍 Explore Africa through the eyes of naturalists.

Address

Unit 5, Patrick Lungadha Street
Swakopmund
9000

Website

http://www.thenaturalistcollection.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Naturalist Collection posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency in Swakopmund?