Wilderness Experts

Dr Mariëtte Van der Walt

Biodiversity Co-ordinator

Mariëtte is a conservationist and storyteller who combines her ecological expertise with a talent for engaging communication, to foster deeper connections with nature. Her unique skill set and unwavering passion make her the perfect fit for Wilderness’ mission of driving impactful conservation.

Conservationists
Conservationist

PhD in Zoology and Ecology. Africa Refocused fellow with NEWF and National Geographic.

Professions Reading
Languages

Speaks three languages: English, Afrikaans and isiZulu.

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Accolades

Named one of 10 Emerging Storytellers to Watch by the National Geographic Society.

Conservation Research Data
Passion

Driven by a desire to make research more accessible.

'Science turns curiosity into care.'

From a young age, Mariëtte was captivated by the wild places of Southern Africa. Family adventures in national parks, hours spent flipping through National Geographic magazines, and a deep admiration for David Attenborough’s documentaries nurtured her lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation. Determined to turn that passion into a purpose, she pursued studies in both Zoology and Ecological Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand (2012-2017), later earning her Master’s degree and completing her PhD in 2020 at the University of Pretoria.

 

Her research took her deep into the world of bat ecology and conservation, from navigating guano-laden caves to mapping bat conservation hotspots and disease risks in collaboration with virologists. But while science provided critical insights, Mariëtte realized that storytelling had the power to inspire real change. This led her to train in wildlife filmmaking through the Nature Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) fellowship, where she also earned her open-water SCUBA certification and discovered new ways to merge science with visual storytelling. A hugely rewarding career highlight was being named one of 10 Emerging Storytellers to Watch by the National Geographic Society – an accolade that reinforced her passion for bridging conservation and communication. She also won a Pan-African STM Cinema Competition award for a science communication video. 

 

With a deep love for learning, Mariëtte has developed a basic grasp of isiZulu as her third language. She thrives on the freedom to create – whether through writing, graphic design, or her camera – and is a self-professed meticulous planner at heart. Driven by a desire to make research more accessible, Mariette transitioned from academia to science communication, taking on the role of Science Communication Officer at GENUS Palaeosciences. There, she used writing, design, and film to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public engagement.

 

Now, as the Wilderness Biodiversity Co-ordinator, Mariëtte has come full circle – bringing together her scientific expertise, storytelling skills, and deep love for conservation to protect and preserve Africa’s extraordinary wild landscapes.

I'm not your typical scientist. With a PhD in Zoology and Ecology, I've spent years as a cave explorer, crawling through the dark to uncover the secret lives of bats.

LindeIn profile

When we understand even the smallest species, we see how every wild place depends on delicate, living connections.

 

Ecologically, insects form the foundation of the seasonal food web.

Each new discovery reminds us that even in a country celebrated for its wildlife, nature still holds surprises.

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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 

 

 

Why did you study bats?

 

After completing my master’s degree, I spent a year as a National Research Foundation intern at the Ditsong Museum of Natural History. It was there that I worked with bats for the first time, and I was immediately hooked. I found them endlessly fascinating, so pursuing a PhD felt like the natural next step and the perfect excuse to learn even more about these remarkable animals.

 

What do you enjoy most about your work at Wilderness?

 

My role as Biodiversity Co-ordinator allows me to combine my scientific skills with practical conservation work. I love the variety of challenges I get to tackle each day, and I am fortunate to work with one of the best teams in the company while collaborating with many others across Wilderness. Most days, it hardly feels like work at all.

 

What is your favourite animal and why?

 

The forbidden question! Bats are an obvious favourite. After all, I spent six years studying them. But African wild dogs, which I researched for my Master’s degree, are another all-time favourite. They are intelligent, efficient and fiercely loyal to their pack. I could watch them for hours.

 

If you could choose a Wilderness camp to be stranded at, which one would it be?

 

Linkwasha. I fell in love with the sunken hide and could happily spend all day there, watching the wildlife come and go.

Dream itinerary

Gorillas and Savannah

I love this itinerary because it combines two sublime camps across diverse landscapes in Rwanda. Lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos roam the sprawling grasslands of Rwanda’s eastern savannah, while in the west, the mist-shrouded rainforest protects families of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. It’s two vastly different experiences all wrapped up in one country.
Plan your trip
Wilderness Bisate Lodge situated on the edge of Rwandas Volcano National Parks
Bisate Lodge

Voted Africa’s #1 safari lodge, Bisate marries a life-list mountain gorilla adventure with sublime luxury in the rainforest.

Explore Camp
Wilderness Magashi Rwanda Accommodation Guest Room Interior
Magashi

This elegant camp on the shores of Akagera National Park’s Lake Rwanyakazinga promises an exceptional East African safari.

Explore Camp