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."

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Chad Wratten and Chadmanwalking

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 and quickly finding 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 bond with Namibia eventually led him to establish his own guiding business in Windhoek in 2004.
Just three years later, he expanded it into Wild Cherry Adventures, focusing on safaris to iconic sites like Sossusvlei & Etosha and creating unique desert experiences. Chad was not only a guide but a passionate explorer. Over the years, he undertook several remarkable journeys across the Namib Desert on foot, covering over 3000 km. One of his favourite treks was through the Kaokoveld up to the Kunene River to support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, which got developed in 2023 to the Kaokoveld Camino.

To Chad, a great safari was more than just a tour—it was an experience of discovery and enjoyment, led by knowledgeable guides, enriched with good food, comfortable accommodations, and filled with laughter and connection. Chad’s philosophy lives on in every tour we offer, ensuring that Wild Cherry Adventures continues to create fun and meaningful journeys.

Ellen Horlebein leading the adventures

Ellen Horlebein now leads Wild Cherry Adventures with the same commitment to immersive, soulful travel. A seasoned adventurer herself, Ellen has hiked trails around the world, crossed the Alps on foot, and completed the Camino de Santiago twice. Her passion for travel and nature brought her to Southern Africa, where she spent eight years exploring in her well-loved “My Pink Bumper” vehicle, diving deep into the region’s landscapes and communities. During this time she met Chad Wratten somewhere in the Erongo Mountains...

Ellen’s vision for Wild Cherry Adventures builds on Chad’s legacy, expanding the company’s offerings while staying true to its roots. She believes that exploring Namibia’s wilderness is an opportunity for personal transformation, with the potential to foster mindfulness, mental clarity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Ellen’s personal experiences with nature, combined with her adventurous spirit, infuse every Wild Cherry journey with inspiration and purpose, making each trip an unforgettable blend of fun, beauty, and connection. Under Ellen's leadership, Wild Cherry Adventures continues to honor Chad’s legacy by delivering meaningful, eco-conscious tours that celebrate the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant communities of Namibia.

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."

f3071286e23417065b7e760ede3f8ed0

Chad Wratten and Chadmanwalking

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 and quickly finding 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 bond with Namibia eventually led him to establish his own guiding business in Windhoek in 2004.
Just three years later, he expanded it into Wild Cherry Adventures, focusing on safaris to iconic sites like Sossusvlei & Etosha and creating unique desert experiences. Chad was not only a guide but a passionate explorer. Over the years, he undertook several remarkable journeys across the Namib Desert on foot, covering over 3000 km. One of his favourite treks was through the Kaokoveld up to the Kunene River to support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, which got developed in 2023 to the Kaokoveld Camino.

To Chad, a great safari was more than just a tour—it was an experience of discovery and enjoyment, led by knowledgeable guides, enriched with good food, comfortable accommodations, and filled with laughter and connection. Chad’s philosophy lives on in every tour we offer, ensuring that Wild Cherry Adventures continues to create fun and meaningful journeys.

Ellen Horlebein leading the adventures

Ellen Horlebein now leads Wild Cherry Adventures with the same commitment to immersive, soulful travel. A seasoned adventurer herself, Ellen has hiked trails around the world, crossed the Alps on foot, and completed the Camino de Santiago twice. Her passion for travel and nature brought her to Southern Africa, where she spent eight years exploring in her well-loved “My Pink Bumper” vehicle, diving deep into the region’s landscapes and communities. During this time she met Chad Wratten somewhere in the Erongo Mountains...

Ellen’s vision for Wild Cherry Adventures builds on Chad’s legacy, expanding the company’s offerings while staying true to its roots. She believes that exploring Namibia’s wilderness is an opportunity for personal transformation, with the potential to foster mindfulness, mental clarity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Ellen’s personal experiences with nature, combined with her adventurous spirit, infuse every Wild Cherry journey with inspiration and purpose, making each trip an unforgettable blend of fun, beauty, and connection. Under Ellen's leadership, Wild Cherry Adventures continues to honor Chad’s legacy by delivering meaningful, eco-conscious tours that celebrate the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant communities of Namibia.

The Team

George, Steve & Uno: The Team Behind Every Adventure

Ellen is supported by an outstanding team, including George, 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.

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