About us - our story
At Wild Cherry Adventures, our mission is to bring the untamed beauty of Namibia to life through transformative journeys that reconnect people with nature. Founded on a love for the Namibian wilderness, we create experiences that blend adventure, mindfulness, and environmental respect.
Today, Wild Cherry Adventures is operated by Ellen Horlebein, who carries forward the legacy of the company’s founder, Chad Wratten, known as "Chadmanwalking."
Chad Wratten and Chadmanwalking
In Memory of Chad
Sunrise 16.12.1970 – Sunset 23.02.2024
Chad Wratten’s passion for the outdoors began early in his life. In his twenties, he entered the world of tourism, working first in the Kruger National Park, where he discovered a deep sense of purpose and joy in guiding. Over the next decade, Chad honed his skills across Southern and East Africa, with Namibia’s vast landscapes holding a special place in his heart. This connection eventually led him to settle in Windhoek by taking over the Backpackers Cardboard Box Accommodation in 2000 and establish his own guiding business in 2004.
He founded Wild Cherry Adventures (we will share the story of the name of the company when joining us walking ;-), specialising in safaris to Namibia’s iconic highlights such as Sossusvlei and Etosha, and later creating unique desert walking experiences. Chad was not only a guide but a true explorer at heart. Over the years, he completed several remarkable solo walks across the Namib Desert — covering more than 3,000 km on foot. One of his favourite routes was through the Kaokoveld up to the Kunene River, in support of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. This trail was further developed in 2023 into what is now known as the Kaokoveld Camino.
To Chad, a great safari was far more than just a tour — it was a shared experience of discovery, connection, and joy. His journeys were guided by knowledge, laughter, good food, and a deep respect for nature and people alike.
Tragically, Chad passed away in early 2024. Despite this immense personal loss, Ellen has continued to carry on his legacy — not only to honour Chad’s spirit and the Caminos he created, but also to keep providing meaningful work and income to the dedicated Wild Cherry Adventures team. Through this, guests from around the world can continue to experience the same magic of Namibia that inspired Chad throughout his life.
His spirit of adventure, humour, and love for the wild lives on in every journey we walk.
Ellen Horlebein leading the adventures
About Ellen Horlebein
Since Chad’s passing, Ellen Horlebein has been carrying Wild Cherry Adventures forward on her own — continuing the dream they built together. Guided by the same spirit of adventure, authenticity, and care, she remains deeply committed to creating meaningful, soulful travel experiences in Namibia.
A passionate adventurer herself, Ellen has hiked trails across the globe — from trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal to walking the wilderness trails of the Kruger National Park. She has crossed the Alps on foot and completed the Camino de Santiago twice, experiences that deepened her belief in walking as a way to connect — with nature, with others, and with oneself.
Her love for travel and wide-open landscapes eventually brought her to Southern Africa, where she spent eight years exploring Namibia, Botswana, and beyond in her beloved pink 4×4, affectionately known as “My Pink Bumper.” It was somewhere among the rugged Erongo Mountains that she met Chad Wratten, and together they began shaping a shared dream — to create journeys that bring people closer to the land, to silence, and to a sense of wonder.
One of Ellen’s most treasured memories with Chad is a walk they did just for themselves — a long, reflective journey on foot from Windhoek to Swakopmund, crossing the desert over Christmas and New Year. That walk, filled with quiet moments, laughter, and vast horizons, became a symbol of their shared love for Namibia and the freedom of walking.
Drawing from years in both the corporate world — including her earlier career in a law firm — and her qualification as an MBSR Mindfulness Coach, Ellen brings together structure, empathy, and awareness. She knows that travel, when done with intention, can restore mental clarity and inner balance. This understanding shapes every Wild Cherry experience, from her signature Caminos to the carefully crafted self-drive and guided safari tours, each designed with deep local knowledge, precision, and a personal touch.
Ellen also believes in doing things differently — blending adventure with play, curiosity, and joy. Whether it’s playing Padel on her travels, hosting a yoga or mindfulness retreat, or finding new ways to connect people to Namibia’s landscapes, she continues to evolve Wild Cherry Adventures with creativity and heart.
With her compassion, adventurous spirit, and unwavering commitment to mindful, responsible travel, Ellen leads Wild Cherry Adventures into a new chapter — one that honours the past while opening new trails for others to experience the beauty, simplicity, and transformative power of walking through Namibia.
The Team
George, Ruben, Steve & Uno: The Team Behind Every Adventure
Ellen is supported by an outstanding team, including George, Ruben, Steve, and Uno, who bring together over 60 years of combined tourism experience and been working already with Chad.
This trusted crew ensures every aspect of your journey runs smoothly, from safety and meals to transport, plus plenty of TLC to make your experience both comfortable and unforgettable. Their expertise covers all facets of our trips, and they work behind the scenes to keep everything seamless and personalized.
Alongside this core team, we collaborate with a selection of highly skilled freelance guides. Each guide is carefully chosen for their deep knowledge of Namibia’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultures, allowing us to provide tours that are well-guided, insightful, and memorable.
At Wild Cherry Adventures, we believe that a great adventure is shaped by the people behind it, and our team is here to make sure every detail of your journey is crafted with care.
