NATURE’S FRIEND... Tommy Collard with a baby chameleon during one of his tours in the Namib. Photo: Tommy’s Tours & Safaris
NATURE’S FRIEND... Tommy Collard with a baby chameleon during one of his tours in the Namib. Photo: Tommy’s Tours & Safaris

Namib Desert legend Tommy Collard passes away

NEWS IN SHORT
Adam Hartman
The Namibian tourism and conservation community is mourning the loss of a legend, Tommy Collard, who passed away on Wednesday morning in Swakopmund after a prolonged battle with health complications following a heart attack.

Collard, renowned for his deep knowledge and passionate advocacy for the Namib desert, was the founder of Tommy’s Tours & Safaris and the pioneer of the widely acclaimed Living Desert Tours. Through these tours, he introduced thousands of visitors to the hidden wonders of the Namib, showcasing its unique wildlife, including the ‘Little Five’ – tiny creatures perfectly adapted to the harsh desert environment.

“He will be remembered for his extraordinary love for the desert and it’s wonderful animals. He will surely be missed," said Living Desert Tours.

His wife, Kit, expressed the family's grief, highlighting Tommy’s impact on local tourism and conservation efforts, particularly along the Namibian coast.

"I didn’t realise how much of an impact he had, but seeing the messages and hearing from so many people, it’s clear that he touched countless lives," she told NMH.

- Adam Hartman

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-23

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