Globe­trot­ters and Travel Experts: Your Natucate Team

He’s the champion when it comes to storming the office in the morning: Paco, the entertainer, captured our hearts in no time! Our office dog – a staff member we wouldn’t want to miss.

Chrissy is a passionate geographer and knows all about the interconnection of mankind, nature and environment. Within and outside her geography studies she was able to gain lots of international experience and therefore provides professional consulting services for our customers. In addition, she supports Natucate’s marketing activities with creative and innovative ideas. As an enthusiastic outdoor lover, she spends most of her free time in nature – along with her dog Paco. Her cordialness as well as her communication and organizational skills make her an invaluable team member.

In summer 2016 our team was given another helping hand: After she had graduated from highschool, Theda travelled Southern Africa for half a year, joined a safari guide course and became fascinated with this special continent. Her wish to take over responsibility came true: In 2013 Theda founded CONSAFARITY and a little later the Knyphausen Foundation for Sustainability, Nature Conservation and Education. CONSAFARITY specializes in customized safaris in Southern Africa. 3% of each booking are used to support the work of the Knyphausen Foundation. In June 2016 Theda joined Natucate to support our team in Botswana, where she lives most of the year. Due to her happy nature and broad experience it would be hard to imagine her not being part of the team.

Nick has been with Natucate since it was founded and is an indispensable part of the team. A researcher and data scientist, he has a PhD in Ecological Modelling and has a number of scientific publications to his name. He has worked on research projects in the UK, USA and China covering topics such as species conservation, climate and land-use change. Natucate benefits from his leadership qualities, which he acquired during his long-term experience conducting and managing nature conservation projects with international teams. He also started out as a volunteer and therefore knows all about voluntary service.

Growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe, Africa flows deep in Terry's heart. Starting her conservation career as a Field Guide, she had the pleasure of educating people from around the globe about our majestic Mother nature and all her Wildlife. During her Guide career, Terry worked in incredible places, from Zululand in the South to up North in the Waterberg region. She sidestepped away from guiding after 18 years and took up the responsibility of Lodge manager in various lodges around South Africa. Her passion for making a difference in conservation grows daily, and she knows we can change the world together! She is honoured to now assist people with life-changing opportunities in conservation.

Meghan joined our team in December 2022. She has spent 10 years traversing the world, travelling to over 60 countries to explore distinct cultures and landscapes through a variety of volunteer projects. Originally from California, Meghan speaks fluent English, Spanish and German, and has spent the last years studying human rights law, Latin American studies and migration policy. She is passionate about environmental protection and its ties to cultural preservation, and is thrilled to help volunteers travel consciously around the globe.

All-rounder Louis is the youngest member of the Natucate family, has skills in various fields and supports our team primarily in marketing and customer care. The prospective geographer is a true globetrotter and has already gained a lot of experience abroad through numerous trips with friends and family. What sets him apart: After graduating from highschool he spent a gap year designed and organised by Natucate, which took him to South Africa, Namibia and the Seychelles as a volunteer as well as to beautiful Botswana to become a Field Guide Level 1 and Back-up Trails Guide. The knowledge and impressions he has gained are beyond valuable and ensure all-round competent and experience-based customer advice.

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and primarily raised in Cape Town, Wes devoted his formative years to these locales before embarking on a transformative journey to Nelspruit at the age of 21. It was there that he ignited his career in conservation with EcoTraining. Before this pivotal move, Wes pursued an education in IT, and now, at Natucate, he spearheads our software initiatives and manages an array of dynamic projects.

On a personal level, Wes nurtures a profound connection with nature, often seeking solace and refuge from the hectic pace of modern life during tranquil wilderness walks. For him, the pristine expanse of true wilderness serves as a powerful catalyst for personal development and self-growth, making it a cherished sanctuary for introspection and rejuvenation. He is a great addition to our team, especially with his open and humorous nature as well as his enormous expertise in the South African bush.

Meet Emilia, our marketing executive based in Germany. She brings a seamless blend of marketing skills and a deep dedication to purpose-driven initiatives. Emilia's educational journey took her to Romania and Lithuania, where she not only sharpened her marketing skills but also nurtured a deep fascination with travel and personal development.

Living by the sea, Emilia has established a unique connection with the water. Her morning rituals often begin with a refreshing dip in the sea, where she draws energy and vitality. Her zest for life and her harmonious relationship with nature support our team spirit here at Natucate.

Isa is a new member of our Natucate team and an enthusiastic globetrotter with a special fondness for southern Africa. That's why she completed her Field Guide Level 1 through Natucate in 2017 and has been passionate about birding ever since.

Besides her academic degree in business administration, she is very active, loves outdoor activities and thus simply enjoys being out in nature. Her long association with Natucate and her enthusiasm for the African bush make her a great addition to our team.

Daniel is the founder of Natucate and he is responsible for developing new projects and partnerships. He has the relevant requisite experience to be able to help you find a suitable destination and project. What is special about Daniel? On the one hand, he acquired knowledge about nature in all its diverse facets during studies for his master’s degree and on the other hand he knows from his own experience what it is like to be a volunteer in nature conservation. Furthermore, Daniel successfully took part in the FGASA accredited Field Guide Level 1 Course, in the beautiful landscapes of South Africa and Botswana. Over the years he has built up a network of international contacts which he now uses to deliver the best projects to Natucate, whilst also maintaining a hands-on approach with our project partners.