Ultimate Safaris

Martin Webb Bowen – Director and co-founder

Martin came to Namibia from Kenya in 1993 to run the Namibian end of a British safari operation, which quickly developed into a Namibian safari company called SandyAcre Safaris. Initially focused on providing private guided safaris for UK visitors, SandyAcre soon spread into other markets such as the USA, Switzerland, France, Spain and Australia. SandyAcre also acted as a film services support company, and as a sub-contractor for the BBC. SandyAcre Safaris was incorporated into the newly formed Ultimate Safaris in 2008, and Martin now oversees the running of the new company in partnership with Tristan. At various times, they have filled most of the executive positions in private sector tourism associations, as well as acting as trustees for the non-profit Conservation Travel Foundation, which works to assist rural development and conservation initiatives in the areas where Ultimate is most active.

Birgit Bekker – Sales Director

Birgit is a fourth generation Namibian and has worked in tourism for nearly two decades. She has traveled to more than 400 lodges, camps and hotel in the country, and is one of the most passionate Namibians in the industry. She has enjoyed many safaris to the Okavango Delta, gotten soaked by the Victoria Falls and regularly travels to South Africa for work and pleasure. She has also ventured to the UK, Berlin, Iceland and many of the big cities of the US; and while she enjoys big city vibes, she finds rejuvenation in Namibia. The ephemeral river systems, the purple pink colors of the Damaraland and especially the wild isolation of the Kunene region are the places she likes to recharge. She has served on the TASA board for the past three years and is fiercely committed to continuously promote Namibia as a safe, unique and pioneering tourism destination.

Colleen Bleach – North America Journeysmith

From a young age Colleen had an interest in wildlife and travel, especially birding and discovering the little things. Add to this, she lives in a perfect country to develop her passion for photography (which is also why the NamibRand Nature Reserve is her favorite spot in Namibia – this magical place makes it impossible to take a soulless photo). Namibian born, she started her tourism career in South Africa with 3 years in retail travel and then worked for over 13 years at &Beyond, 5 of which were at a lodge in the Sabi Sands. She moved back to Namibia in 2012 and has been with Ultimate since February 2013, where she continues to indulge in her passion for the bush and work with people who share that interest. One of her favorite quotes: “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.”

Anna Povanhu – North America Journeysmith

Born in Angola, Anna was raised in the former eastern part of Germany. When she flew for the first time in her life on the life-changing journey moving from Angola to Germany as a child, she was inspired by the air hostesses and wanted to be one when she grew up. And her dream came true in 2004 when she was recruited by Air Namibia. During her 5 years of flying with the airline she traveled to Germany, the UK, Angola, Ghana and South Africa. Anna then changed her career direction and became a travel consultant, determined to continue her passion for travel and taking the opportunity to explore her home. She has become a specialist in all Namibian safaris, including designing and planning self-drives, guided and fly in safaris for FIT’s and small groups.

To get to know the Ultimate Safaris guiding team, visit their website.