Heinz is a South African born birder whose interests in birds and wildlife, in general, commenced at a very young age. He holds an Honours in Conservation Ecology and an MSc in Conservation Biology and has many years’ experience in the field.
Heinz hails from South Africa’s Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands. His interest in birds and wildlife began on regular visits to some of the well-known Zululand reserves and the Kruger National Park. His passion for conservation led him to complete an Honours in Conservation Ecology focusing on the management of African Wild Dogs on a private game reserve in Zululand. This was followed by studying at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology in Cape Town where Heinz completed his MSc in Conservation Biology, which included a 3-month stay on Nightingale Island in the South Atlantic Ocean studying one of the world's rarest birds, Wilkin's Bunting. Heinz has since also worked as an observer on fishing vessels off the coast of Cape Town for BirdLife South Africa, recording information on albatross and other seabird species found in South African waters, as well as working as an environmental consultant specializing on the impacts of mining and other developments on bird species occurring in wetland areas of South Africa. Some of his other interests include butterflies and reptiles.
Just a short note to say that I thought Heinz did a great job with the Masoala extension---he's a a sharp birder, energetic, and very personable with a lot of good stories! I look forward to traveling on another trip with him…
We were very happy to have Heinz Ortmann as our guide. He operated the tour very skilfully in every way and with flexibility when needed to try to get all possible targets. We were also very positively surprised that he had such a great knowledge about mammals, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians beside the birds. Since we also are very interested in all these groups, this was a most welcome bonus. A great tour that we will remember for a long time. We would be very happy doing another private trip with Heinz as our guide.
Heinz Ortmann was charming and funny, outstanding on the birds and other animals, and excellent in dealing with the logistics. I would be very happy to travel with Heinz again.
Heinz Ortmann was charming and funny, outstanding on the birds and other animals, and excellent in dealing with the logistics. I would be very happy to travel with Heinz again.
Heinz Ortmann is a great guide, organizer and traveling companion.
Heinz Ortmann is a great guide, organizer and traveling companion.
Heinz Ortmann is a great guide, organizer and traveling companion.
Heinz Ortmann did an excellent job of leading a group with diverse interests. He was particularly patient in showing the birds to the non-birders, and I believe he increased the level of interest in all of them with his enthusiasm. (Graham is already talking about a possible trip to Uganda!). He also did his best with my "wish-list" and I don't think we missed much. I have some stunning pictures of Stresemann's Bushcrow and Vulturine Guineafowl as evidence. It was necessary to make a couple of changes to the itinerary and accommodation, and Heinz managed all of this without any stress to the group.
This was my first birding tour, and what a great introduction it was. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The birding, wildlife viewing and accomodation were excellent and the vehicle very comfortable. Our tour leader, Heinz, was knowledgable, enthusiastic and managed all the logistics very well. Heinz ensured all members of the group (with their differing birding abilities) enjoyed good birding. This trip exceeded my expections. Thanks for providing such a great experience!
The tour was fabulous and Heinz is a great guide. Our van was good with the "pop up" roof. The lodges we stayed at were very nice with good food. We even had a chance to try some wild game.
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Heinz was incredible. His knowledge and personality were wonderful. What a wonderful young man! We had an incredible time.