ABOUT NATURE NERDS
OUR STORYPassionate about nature. Dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences.
NATURE NERDS
Nature Nerds is committed to providing its guests with enriching nature experiences in South Africa. We spend a lot of time looking at birds and guiding birders but are equally at home assisting clients with their wildlife viewing and fishing adventures.
We offer one-day and much longer tours. Although we have a roster of tried and trusted routes, we are always happy to customise these for you if you are looking for something specific.
Why Nature Nerds?
EXPERIENCED AS
WILDLIFE TOURISTS
So what makes us different to other bird, fishing and wildlife operators? Well, firstly it is because we have travelled extensively as wildlife tourists ourselves. Not only within South Africa (which we know like the back of our hands) but also to many other wild areas throughout the world. From the depths of the Amazon jungle to the open tundra of northern Alaska, we’ve been there as wildlife tourists and have experienced what a big difference a great guide or tour operator can make to the overall nature experience. Unless you have been a guided tourist yourself, you cannot be a great guide!
ACADEMIC EXPERTISE
Secondly, all of our guides and office staff have postgraduate degrees in wildlife related subjects. A strong academic background is essential to understand the complex and intricate interactions of the natural world. Whether your passion is birds, fish or frogs – our guides have studied these at university. Even if you are one of those weirdos fascinated by insects (we’re weird in that way too), we have guides who understand these creatures and can add value to your time on safari with informed and interesting explanations of the animal behaviour we observe.
WE DON'T RUSH NATURE
Thirdly, time in the wilds of Africa and elsewhere in the world has taught us that nature cannot be rushed and often the best experience of a client’s trip will come in a quiet moment in camp, rather than rushing around trying to see a particular species. In today’s fast-paced, stressful and noisy world, we love the quiet of the last wild places and will move heaven and earth to make sure that you experience this on your trip with us.
OUR TEAM
Meet the Guides
Martin Rudman
Born and raised in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, Martin grew up fascinated by wild creatures from an early age. As a child he could usually be found wandering in the garden collecting chameleons, or on the shores of nearby Willow Dam trying to catch crabs with a chunk of meat attached to a piece of string. A very patient family allowed him to spend most of his holidays on the seashore or in the bush.
In his quest to postpone meaningful employment, Martin bounced around various universities, attaining degrees in Psychology, English and Zoology. His Honours degree in Ichthyology and Fisheries Science was awarded cum laude. Martin’s first full-time job was as a game ranger at Mala Mala Game Reserve, where he learned almost as much about people as he did about animals (those psychology classes finally paid off).
Meeting his wife, Mareza, resulted in a move to Johannesburg where, after a long stint in the Education sector, he moved into corporate finance. Here he worked for Deloitte as Chief Financial Officer in their Mergers & Acquisitions business for ten years. All this exposure to business (especially spreadsheets), reminded Martin that he really preferred crabs and chameleons and so Nature Nerds was born.
Martin is completely obsessed by fish and there are few (if any) people who know more about them than him. Despite this seemingly debilitating trait, he manages to function adequately (more or less) within society. Having travelled extremely widely within South Africa, Martin knows where best to view most of the fauna and flora found across our incredibly diverse country. He is an expert on birds, fish, mammals and most other wildlife and is passionate about sharing this knowledge with others.
Dale Geldenhuys
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, Dale has dedicated his life and career to understanding, interpreting, and sharing the natural world. With university degrees majoring in Zoology and Botany, he brings a level of scientific knowledge that complements more than two decades of practical experience as a professional safari guide, guide trainer, lodge manager, and tourism executive across southern Africa.
Dale's guiding style combines academic insight with engaging storytelling, allowing guests to gain a deeper appreciation of Africa's wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Whether explaining the intricate relationships within a forest, interpreting animal behaviour on safari, or identifying birds by sight and sound, he is passionate about making nature accessible, fascinating, and memorable for people of all backgrounds.
Fluent in English and Dutch, Dale has lived in the Netherlands since 2020, where he continues to build bridges between Europe and Africa through tourism. His unique combination of scientific training, extensive field experience, and international perspective enables him to connect with travellers from diverse cultures while inspiring a lasting appreciation for Africa's extraordinary natural heritage.