Naturalist, Zoologist, Wildlife Guide

Grant Nel is a professional wildlife guide, naturalist, and expedition leader based on the banks of Botswana’s Chobe River, near its confluence with the mighty Zambezi. With African roots tracing back to Huguenot settlers who arrived in Southern Africa in 1682, Grant has a deep connection to the continent’s landscapes, wildlife, and natural history.

While Africa remains at the heart of his work, Grant’s career has taken him to six of the world’s seven continents in pursuit of new experiences and a deeper understanding of the planet’s remarkable biodiversity. Combining a scientific background with more than 35 years of field-guiding experience, he brings both expertise and curiosity to every expedition. Known for his engaging style and enthusiasm for the natural world, Grant has a gift for making complex ecological concepts accessible, informative, and entertaining.

Grant holds a postgraduate degree in Zoology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Although he began his career on an academic path, he chose to leave academia to pursue his passion for field-based natural history, wildlife guiding, and conservation education.

After receiving his initial field training in South Africa, he moved to Botswana, where he led walking safaris and managed safari operations within the ecotourism sector. Over the years, he has built extensive experience across some of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas. Today, Botswana serves as his home base as he leads specialist safari groups and expeditions throughout Southern, Central, and East Africa, sharing his knowledge of wildlife, ecology, and conservation with travellers from around the world.