Liam Rainier
My goal as a guide is to passively and patiently observe a subject of nature until you become a part of the experience and not just a spectator. It is a privilege to be out there.
Expedition Leader Liam Rainier
Liam Rainier grew up in bustling Pretoria, South Africa, where his family found every opportunity to get away from the city and explore nature. Consequently, Liam’s love for the wilderness was instilled in him at an early age—his father’s own adoration of nature fueled a steady exposure to new landscapes and exciting wildlife.
After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pretoria, Liam followed his life-long passion for exploring the natural world. He has spent the last decade as a naturalist guide in the bushveld—the sub-tropical woodland ecoregion of Southern Africa—a landscape Liam knows intimately. He loves nothing more than to share his knowledge and passion for animals and their behavior. His excitement and pure joy of experiencing wildlife sightings, big or small, is contagious. Liam has a deep love for walking in any natural environment, whether he’s expertly tracking a leopard in the bushveld, silently trailing a breeding herd of elephants, or intently listening to bird calls in a forest canopy—nothing enraptures the senses more.
“When you’re alone and in nature, you are forced to use all your senses, not because you have the choice—it just happens. It’s more than what you can see with your eyes—you have to hear it and smell it… and feel it.”
Liam's knowledge of and passion for the flora and fauna of the area was incredibly infectious and made each drive even more memorable—he even found time to give us helpful photography tips! We really can't express how impressed we were with him.
--Daniel J., United Kingdom
Liam's Expeditions
Pape'ete to Valparaíso (October 20 – November 13, 2022) 
An epic 25-day journey that includes the Austral, Pitcairn, Easter, and rarely-visited Alexander Selkirk and Robinson Crusoe Islands, before ending in Valparaíso, Chile.
Uganda (January 16 – 28, 2023)
Chimp tracking and Nile wildlife watching are combined with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s endangered Mountain Gorillas on this comprehensive exploration.
Tanzania: Southern Serengeti & Mahale (January 31 – February 13, 2023)
Combining two enthralling wildlife spectacles—Serengeti’s legendary herds during the birthing season, and chimp tracking on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
India: Tigers & Snow Leopards (February 28 – March 16, 2023)
Join a quest for India’s most charismatic big cats—Bengal Tiger in Kanha’s magnificent Sal forests and the elusive Snow Leopard in the high Himalayas.
Spice Islands, Raja Ampat & West Papua (March 18 – April 2, 2023)
Stroll colorful spice markets on historic, rarely-visited islands, swim with graceful Whale Sharks, snorkel over vibrant coral reefs and seek the Red Bird of Paradise.
India (March 23 – April 6, 2023)
Search for Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant and Greater One-horned Rhino, while also experiencing the incomparable cultural and scenic diversity of this ancient land.
Melanesia (April 25 – May 13, 2023)
Active volcanoes, kaleidoscopic coral reefs, and rugged, forested islands form the backdrop for the indigenous cultures and WWII history of this fascinating region.
Western Australia (August 25 – September 13, 2023)
A grand transect of Australia’s wild west coast—pristine reefs, historic archipelagos, seabird bonanzas, and Aboriginal art in the Kimberley’s red sandstone wilderness.
Zimbabwe (September 20 – October 3, 2023)
An in-depth look at Zimbabwe’s rich habitats, from Hwange’s huge elephant herds and Matobo’s White and Black Rhinos, to Mana Pools’ prolific wildlife.
Ask Liam a question about his upcoming expeditions?
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Geographical Adaptation
The ability to adapt to different environments is what determines survival. You may come across animals of the same species, but their behavior in contrasting habitats may differ entirely, due to factors such as food supply and competition. When going on safari in different regions, it is important to keep this in mind. You may encounter some of the same animals you've seen before, but pay close attention. They may behave quite different than what you'd expect.
