Frank Austin

One of the more useful of the famous Austins out there, Frank, that wry gentleman of indeterminate age and origin, started professional guiding many, many moons ago and therein, as with everything concerning safaris and safari guides, lies a story.

It was 230 moons ago to be precise when NTS, under its former incarnation as Africa Adventure Safaris relocated to Swakopmund and employed exactly two permanent staff members: Danie plus Jeni (who would later, much later, marry Frank).

Danie, being in urgent need of a driver/camp assistant for an upcoming safari asked his friend Frank, having just sold his auto parts and repairs business, for a helping hand.

Despite the lack of remuneration other than food and the chance to drive around his awesome country showing guests how awesome it was, Frank leapt at the opportunity and has never looked back (except in the rear view mirror).

Since then, moon after moon, equinox after equinox, Frank has continued to hone his knowledge of everything to become one of the country’s top guides and a consummate professional. So much so that he now holds a permanent seat on The High Council of Slightly Greying Yet Completely Lucid Safari Guides, aka The Old Guard.

Charm and infinite wisdom aside, could you ask for better qualities of your safari guide: a companionable host brimming with accumulated knowledge of the country’s people, history, geography, animals and birds who can fix a shattered diff with nothing but a teaspoon and a pot of strong coffee.

Here's what some of Frank's fans have to say:

"We loved having Frank as our guide and leader, for his happy disposition and eagerness to share Namibia with us all. He never failed to inform or enlighten us along the way. We can't wait to return again to learn more about this special place!" - MJ, South Africa