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The idea of Wild Giants was born in 2022. One starry night in the village of Sesfontein – where John grew up – he and Frode Stang were sitting together around the fire.
“I have long dreamed of starting an eco-tourism venture, where we take guests even closer to Namibia's wildlife, culture, and people,” John said.
John and Frode had first met in 2013, when Frode hosted a WWF conference in Oslo and John was invited as a keynote speaker. The two became friends and stayed in touch.
In May 2022, Frode was in the Kunene region after completing filming for a documentary about lion conservation there. He had witnessed how John's organization, IRDNC, worked both to monitor and protect lions and to reduce conflicts between local communities and the predators.
Frode was deeply impressed – and agreed with John that there was a unique opportunity here to create extraordinary safari experiences for Scandinavians.
The idea took root, and John reached out to one of Southern Africa's most experienced safari guides, Johan Kriek, who has nearly 40 years of guiding experience across Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Johan found the concept compelling and joined the team.
In 2023, the Wild Giants team set off on an exploratory journey through Kunene and Kaokoland to discover the most breathtaking places and experiences for safari guests.
The result is what you can now explore here on our website.
Head of Wild Giants
John is the head of Wild Giants. He has worked in nature conservation since 1993 and holds a Master of Science in Integrated Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, as well as a National Diploma in Nature Conservation.
He has broad experience across the field – from tourism and natural resource management to community-based conservation support. As former head of Namibia's largest conservation organization – and as a Himba himself – John is a unique expert on northern Namibia.
Watch John's TED talk in Los Angeles about wildlife conservation in Namibia: How poachers became caretakers.
Head of Marketing, Norway
Frode is our head of marketing in Norway. At home, he is best known as the Norwegian voice behind most BBC nature series on Norwegian TV. He has also co-produced a documentary on lion conservation in Namibia.
Frode has developed a deep love for Namibia and has been a friend of John Kasaona ever since they met in Norway in 2013. He is fascinated by Namibia's groundbreaking predator conservation program, particularly the rare desert lions – and he has been a proud pen pal of Sir David Attenborough through a number of years.
Tour Guide
Johan is your expert guide and host. For more than 40 years, he has shared his passion for conserving both cultures and nature in Southern Africa.
He loves to share his knowledge as you journey through the wilderness – and is known for keeping guests spellbound with his many stories.
