The COWLEY family has been involved in tourism in southern Africa for almost two decades. As one of the pioneering families in the tourism field in Namibia, the Cowley family (Clive and Doris) produced the first in-depth travel guide for Namibia, setting an unprecedented benchmark for others to follow. ‘The Namibia Guidebook’ (now called ‘Clive Cowley’s Journey into Namibia’) was the first tourist guidebook which offered both visitors and potential visitors an in-depth account of this great country.

Having a true love and passion for the natural environment, Tristan (son of Clive and Doris) followed in his parents’ footsteps and founded Tou (meaning ‘Elephant’ in the Lozi language) Safaris. Originally specializing in only Namibia as a destination, Tou Safaris now offers no fewer than 8 prime southern African safari destinations. Tristan’s life in the natural environment and tourism began with managing one of Africa’s finest camps, where he became a specialist desert guide, whereafter he completed both the National- and Hunting Guide Qualifications and was assigned to lead exclusive safaris in southern Africa for leading safari operators. From here he returned to the books and obtained a National Diploma in Natural Resource Management (Nature Conservation), after which he conducted field research on two Sandgrouse species as well as the newly described, endemic black mongoose and has had numerous research papers published in learned journals. In 2003 he founded Tou Safaris, and now spends his time both running the business and still leading safaris.

Tristan also spends significant time serving on the boards of TASA (Tour and Safari Association of Namibia) and NATH (Namibian Academy for Tourism and Hospitality), which are both pivotal stakeholders within the Namibian tourism industry. He also lectures at NATH, qualifying new and young aspiring national guides.

Published research articles :-

Agama planiceps Peters, 1862 as prey item for Black Mongoose Galerella (sanguinea) nigrata. (2003)
Black mongoose (Galerella nigrata) home range and social behaviour affected by abundant food at an antelope carcass. (2003)
Notes on the drinking behaviour of the DOUBLE-BANDED SANDGROUSE, PTEROCLES BICINCTUS, from southern Namibia (2005)
The drinking frequency of wing-tagged NAMAQUA SANDGROUSE, PTEROCLES NAMAQUA, at a Namib cesert waterhole (2003)