Ultimate Safaris, a leader in conservation-based luxury travel in Namibia, has once again continued to demonstrate its commitment to people and the planet with its fourth consecutive international guide exchange, investing over N$400,000 into the initiative since its inception.

Every year the “Ultimate Guide of the Year”, is given the opportunity to travel to Baja California in Mexico for a three-week immersion experience with Todos Santos Eco Adventures. Peter Nuugonya, who grew up a village near Ondangwa where he was able to already learn the art of tracking animal tracks as a youngster, won the award for 2025, and was granted this amazing opportunity.

Peter started his career at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve where he began working as a barman but soon realized that guiding was the career he wanted to pursue. Throughout his years of guiding in the desert, Peter has developed his interest and knowledge in birding, star gazing, photography, and overall nature, and having joined Ultimate Safaris has been able to travel more extensively around the country and region, developing his guiding skills on a national rather than regional basis.

Peter says his journey from Namibia’s vast deserts to Mexico’s vibrant marine ecosystems was nothing short of transformative. From snorkelling and scuba diving to whale watching and cooking classes, he embraced new perspectives—both professionally and personally. This being his first major international travel,” Peter explained that ending up on the other side of the world and being hosted by amazing people, helped him understand how Ultimate Safaris’ guests must feel, saying that “it was a humbling and once in a lifetime experience”.

While the cultural experience and meeting locals was the highlight of his journey and something that reminded him how important local culture and cuisine are to any traveler, his ‘mind blowing’ encounter with three species of whales (Blue, Humpback, and Grey), along with other marine biology,  made him realize why people travel across the world, and that those experiences are also the reason visitors come to Namibia.

Peter also reconnected with Axel Herrera, a Todos Santos guide who had previously visited Namibia through the same exchange program — reinforcing the mutual value and long-term relationships fostered by this initiative.

The guide exchange underscores a shared mission between the two companies: to empower guides, foster cross-cultural conservation practices, and celebrate the ecosystems they passionately protect.

Tristan Cowley, Co-founder and Managing Director of Ultimate Safaris, explains that “the guide exchange initiative continues to be a learning experience and a great opportunity for interaction between people on different sides of the world who may have differing geographies, wildlife, and weather, but who share the same dedication to conservation and community”.

Later this year, a Mexican guide will travel to Namibia for the next chapter of this growing partnership between Ultimate Safaris and Todos Santos Eco Adventures which represents a model for global collaboration in eco-tourism — building not only better guides, but stronger bridges between continents, cultures, and conservation efforts.