10 | Wild Horizons Magazine - Winter 2026 INTERVIEW Having spent several years working in conservation and tourism in Namibia, Mike Gardiner delivers an insightful overview NAMIBIAN PASSAGES What brought you to Namibia originally? My first journey to Namibia came through an opportunity to join an NGO working to conserve cheetahs. Namibia holds more cheetahs than any other country, yet these remarkable animals face constant pressure from human–wildlife conflict. I managed the sustainable tourism operation, which drew me into the landscapes, wildlife and communities that make the country special. How did you end up working on conservation projects? Although the NGO focused on cheetah conservation, I managed its tourism operation at the foot of the Waterberg Plateau, giving me daily insight into conservation. I led local guides, engaged visitors and ran the visitor centre, witnessing challenges and successes. Although I did not work directly on projects, I learned invaluable lessons about balancing tourism, wildlife and local communities. What was daily life like when you were working there? Life was rooted in the wilderness and in rural community life. Beyond routine management, I most enjoyed interacting with the team, guests, and wildlife. Days meant managing guides and guest‐service staff, leading tours and game drives, and promoting the visitor centre. Early mornings were the norm, with visitors arriving around 08:00 when the cheetahs were most active. Meeting visitors from around the world and seeing their reactions was endlessly fascinating. Living in such a remote, peaceful place sharpened my awareness of the land and the people who call it home. There must be places you've discovered that most visitors never see. Where is somewhere special that people really ought to experience? Damaraland is uniquely scenic, often overlooked as a transit between the Skeleton Coast and Etosha, yet Mike Gardiner Senior Travel Designer Wildfoot Travel
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