Richard Avalino

Richard was born in the 70's in what was then the small village of Maun, Botswana. At that time, Maun was a frontier town surrounded by wilderness areas and it was here, during his early childhood, that Richard gained a keen affinity and passion for Botswana's wildlife and people and their conservation. This affinity led to Richard beginning his career in the Okavango Delta as chef and manager of a small lodge in 1994. Craving variety and exposure to different environments, and finding that he enjoyed extended interactions with guests, Richard made the move from camp life to mobile safaris two years later. Another two years later he obtained his full professional guide licence and immediately began leading his first expeditions across northern Botswana. Over time Richard's passion for his surroundings has only intensified. Walking and birding in the remote, wild areas of the Okavango and Linyanti systems are his favourite activities. He has travelled extensively in southern Africa and also Europe, where he spent three months indulging his love for the German language, which he now speaks fluently.