Carlo Basson

Carlo has all the knowledge of years of being in the bush, with enough first-hand experiences and info to equip you for your Namibian adventure safari. He’s likely the first face of NTS you will meet on arrival and the last you’ll share your feedback with before you leave. Ask any of our clients who have met him, he’s as interesting as the tales he shares of his lifetime falling in love with Namibia and the raw wilderness and remote areas of southern Africa.

He was born in Sabie, next to the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa, but grew up in Rundu in the Caprivi of Namibia. To say he was born and bred in the bush, could not be more accurate. With only two rules growing up: 1. Eat breakfast 2. Be back before sunset, Carlo spent his childhood days playing with the indigenous San children learning to love nature, until he went to finish his schooling in Windhoek.

From there to the SA Navy, Carlo spent 4 years in the military where he was trained in video production. He then went backpacking in Europe and later went on to work in Israel.

On return to Africa and back in Namibia many of his mentors as he entered the world of guiding were some of the ‘big shot’ names in the industry today. The stuff of legends. Caesar Zandberg, Paul Liechti and Steve Braine to name a few. With numerous courses under his belt, guiding became Carlo’s life. He’ll tell you it’s a passion as is flora and fauna – his special interest. Since he started guiding he’s never worked a day in his life. It’s simply what he loves, the best of which is sharing it.

Now, his favourite part is that he gets to share it with all of our NTS clients on arrival. “I know what they are about to experience. It hardly gets better than that.”

Carlo still loves to be in the bush whenever he gets the chance. Taking his two sons camping is always a highlight for him. A chance to teach them some of what he has learnt over the years and if he’s not out in the wilderness, or he isn’t meeting our clients or handing over one of our vehicles, he’s busy with all the background arrangements and preparations to ensure everything goes smoothly. He’s mighty good at it. You’ll see. He’ll go out of his way wherever he can. It’s just who is, which is why he is such a great fit for NTS.

Carlo will greet you in English or Afrikaans (although he can speak a smattering of German), but his friendly face and wide smile is enough of a welcome. It’s a universal language. His demeanor will set you at ease. His knowledge will leave you prepared and the tales of his adventures will leave you excited to make your own.