Birgit Aikman

Birgit Aikman is a Cultural Specialist and Naturalist with a background in anthropology and a long-standing interest in cultural traditions and plant life. Raised in Germany, she initially studied English, French and Spanish before pursuing anthropology, a field that deepened her understanding of cultural perspectives, belief systems and ways of life.

Her academic training and curiosity about people have taken her across Europe, Asia, Oceania and other regions of the world. For more than 25 years, Birgit has worked in the tourism industry, specializing in ship-based and land-based cultural tours. During that time, she has led more than 100 tours throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific.

Alongside her interest in culture, Birgit has a strong appreciation for natural science, particularly flora and fauna. As a Naturalist focused on botany, she enjoys exploring plant life in diverse environments and connecting cultural traditions with the landscapes in which they developed.

Now based in Auckland, New Zealand, Birgit continues to travel and guide while maintaining an active lifestyle that includes cycling, hiking and yoga. She values cross-cultural exchange and looks forward to welcoming guests from around the world aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet.