Wilderness Expert

Abner Simeon

Wilderness Namibia Guide

Abner is a private guide who is deeply committed to conservation and community empowerment. His passion for his country and nature can be seen in his positive impact on individuals through his guiding, wildlife photography and support of Wilderness partner organisation, Children in the Wilderness.

'Guiding is about teaching.'

No stranger to lodge life, Abner grew up at a lodge in central Namibia, where his parents worked and he attended its small private school. Like a lot of children, he dreamed of becoming a pilot, but things changed when his brother – a ranger – introduced him to the natural world. What started out as just one school holiday shadowing his brother in the field, resulted in back-to-back visits.

After school, Abner worked in various lodges across the country as a maintenance hand. His lucky break came in 2014 when Amarula Eco Training and FGASA sponsored his guide training.

He then went on to acquire his Level 4 National Guiding certification – the highest qualification in his field. This led to his appointment with Wilderness a year later. He started off at Damaraland Camp and later joined the team at Hoanib Skeleton Coast, although he has also guided at most of the other Wilderness camps across the country.

'Once you come to Namibia you will fall in love forever. It’s so different. I have guests returning time and again.'

His ambition to travel throughout the country, explore Namibia’s expansive beauty and educate others about this intriguing landscape was finally realised when Abner joined the Wilderness Explorations team as a Private Guide. His enjoyment of photography, astronomy, tracking fauna and appreciating flora, complemented by his lively nature and his convivial fireside tales, not to mention his endeavours to ensure a life-changing journey for each and every one of his guests, make him a compelling guide.

Abner is passionate about sharing the importance of conservation with others, especially the youth, and works with Children in the Wilderness during his 'spare time' – an indication of his endless energy and passion to make a difference. His real downtime, however, is spent with friends or producing music.

'There are a few reasons why I love Wilderness. Firstly, it’s the people. The CEO, our MDs, the marketing and sales teams, our consultants, our agents, the camp managers and staff, guides, the list goes on... We are the ones making this the best travel company in the world. The hard work and ideas we put in, the teamwork and the family bond we have as a company is what makes us strong.'

'Secondly, I love Wilderness for who I am today. Since 2015 the company has made sure my dreams come true. I was a camp guide and today I'm a private guide. I have the skills to instruct others on Olympus photography and I’m also an Eco-Mentor and assistant for Children in the Wilderness. The engagement that I have with the community and the conservation initiatives is all thanks to Wilderness and the team.'

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Always with a camrea at hand

Abner’s venture into photography started around 2016 while working in Damaraland. Initially he used his phone’s camera. Encouraged by the regular inclusion of his photos in the company’s newsletters, he started investing in cameras and an iPhone to improve the quality of his images.

Follow Abner on socials

01 / 07

Our safari guide Abner was the best safari guide we had on our Namibian trip. He had answers to any question we had from the animals to plants to even picture taking tips. He was also cheerful and witty. He made the long game drives very enjoyable.

Tripadvisor Hoanib

A guide is allocated to you for the stay and ours was Abner and what a brilliant guide he was. 'Abner, we can't thank you enough for looking after us, you really are a talented guide'.

Tripadvisor Damaraland

Abner is an absolutely wonderful guide! He is very knowledgeable, but beyond that, he worked so hard to ensure that everything was perfect for us. He loves what he is doing and it really shows.
M. Spiegel

01 / 03

A lone figure stands next to a crackling safari campfire under a brilliant Milky Way and starry night sky in the Okavango Delta, emphasizing the feeling of exclusivity and wild privacy.

Around the Fire

What do you enjoy most about working as a guide for Wilderness?

I enjoy meeting different people and making our guests happy. I love being able to explore Namibia and exclusive remote areas and still enjoy it.

What's one of the most unique wildlife facts you know?

Desert-adapted elephants are unique in the way they have evolved over time. They have longer and wider feet for walking in dunes; they are smaller in body size, and the fact that they can go 3 to 4days without drinking water but will dig for water if they smell it at the surface. I have seen them digging up to about 1.5 metres in the dry river bed in search of water.

What one thing do we probably not know about you?

I am also a musician and music producer. My music production is just a hobby but I make sounds that people can dance to! I also love singing.

What advice can you share with a first-time safari goer?

Seeing is believing. Pack your bags and camera, we are waiting for you, wildlife is waiting for you. We can offer your unforgettable experiences and memories.

If you could be an animal for a day, which would it be?

I would choose to be a honey badger and fear nothing! I would go out there full of confidence and know that I can handle any situation, good or bad, at any time.