Your guide

Martin Maderthaner

Martin is a keen naturalist with an interest in a broad range of topics such as ecology, animal behaviour, ornithology, indigenous cultures, history and current affairs. While of course having a great interest in observing and interpreting the behaviour of the big cats and other mammals he is an avid birder who has a great appreciation for all the smaller creatures. Martin was born and raised in South Africa and developed a passion for nature and wildlife from an early age while on holidays to the bush with friends and family. Martin’s bubbling enthusiasm is infectious, invariably rubbing off on his guests and leading to all safaris with him being truly memorable.

After completing a degree in Social Anthropology and Sociology Martin followed his passion for the bush and pursued a career as a Professional Field Guide. Through the comprehensive guide training framework of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) Martin was able to harness and enrich his skills and knowledge picked up while on safari. From 1996 – 2004 Martin led camping safaris throughout Southern and East Africa, travelling extensively in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania and Zanzibar, and also in Kenya, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Since 2004 and together with his wife, Jennifer, Martin worked as a Professional Field Guide at some of the most exclusive safari lodges in South Africa and Tanzania, hosting discerning international guests and leading them through the bush, on foot and by vehicle. Three years at exclusive lodges was a great opportunity to learn the intricacies of service excellence.

Early 2008, Martin relocated with his wife to her birth city of Melbourne, Australia. Martin works now as a Field Guide leading nature and wildlife tours in the bush of South Eastern Australia during the summer months and returns to Africa to lead photographic safaris during the prime safari season (or at any other time of the year he is required).

When not running nature tours Martin travels as much as possible, always with binoculars and bird book in hand, hiking boots, and where suitable scuba gear. Travel destinations have included Europe, United States, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Bali (Indonesia), Vanuatu, large parts of Australia, and of course Africa. The list of places still to visit is endless…