HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I love nature and I enrolled in a Tourism College for formal training.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

Managing your guests during a safari to meet their expectations.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

Zebra: Their scientific nature on how they survive well from predators on open plains yet both males and females don’t have horns for protection.

MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

A leopard fighting with a crocodile over a zebra kill along the Mara River.

THE MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR YOU'VE WITNESSED?

Osteophagy – I experienced a Giraffe picking a gnu bone to obtain some minerals from the bone.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

When I interpret ethology correctly.

MOST EMBARRASSING GUIDING MOMENT?

When I saw a fawn hiding on a grass tussock, I then drove closer and it ran away only to be taken down by a lioness that was hiding behind some bushes.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

Ever since I can remember, I grew up in areas teaming with wildlife i.e. Naivasha and Ongata Rongai. Wildlife roamed freely during my childhood and teenage hood back in early to late 90's. I owe it to my uncle who encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a safari guide.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

Attitude! It's the little thing that gives you big results and as a safari guide, I have the power to make or break my client’s dreams of their safari experience in Kenya.

The desire to work with people for many hours, positive attitude, an enquiring mind and a genuine LOVE and appreciation for all things wild. It's all about creating magic and being a conscious conservationist.

MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

My most memorable sighting is my first sighting of a pangolin. I spotted the pangolin in Serengeti while staying at Lemala camp and on the same day my daughter was born. Her nickname is Serengeti.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

Giraffe. It's my lucky charm, I like their 'permanent' smile on their faces.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

Whenever I visit places I've never been before.

THE MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR YOU'VE WITNESSED?

African Orange-bellied Parrot mating in Samburu. They couldn't be more humans - close to two minutes affair. Unlike the king of the jungle.

MOST EMBARRASSING GUIDING MOMENT?

Monkey business displayed by the ever promiscuous baboons. Had to start the birds and bees talk early with my daughters since they decided to offer a free show while on a game drive in Nairobi National park.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I became a driver guide because I really love nature and wanted to learn and understand nature more.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A good safari guide needs to be a leader, a representative and an ambassador of his/her country. Someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about his work.

MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

A warthog wrestling a crocodile to save its piglet which it did but it was too late; the piglet died.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

All animals are my favourite and they are all very important as each of them play a role in our ecosystem.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

Whenever I visit a new place.

THE MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR YOU'VE WITNESSED?

I saw a caracal mating in Maasai Mara some years back which is a very rare sighting to witness.

MOST EMBARRASSING GUIDING MOMENT?

When guests I had on a game drive hit a lion that was asleep with a bottle of water to wake them up.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I have always had a passion in wildlife and travel. I stayed in Maasai Mara for a while before joining Utalii College to pursue my tourism studies. I worked as a tour consultant for a couple of years before joining the field industry where my heart is.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

Patience is key and the ability to understand the client’s needs. Broad knowledge in different fields is equally important.

MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

Lions hunting hippos that really took several hours.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

Leopard – Because of its elusiveness and camouflage with nature but I love all wildlife and plants generally.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

My best experience is when the guest goes back home happy and satisfied with my services.

THE MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR YOU'VE WITNESSED?

Snakes Mating – Pythons in Masai Mara

MOST EMBARRASSING GUIDING MOMENT?

When on safari with kids and we find animals mating and I have to explain what is happening in details to all.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I grew up on the edges of the Aberdare National Park and would sit by the roadside and watch as tourists were driven past. I knew they were going for game drives and that added the love I had and still have for animals. I promised myself I would be a guide and here I am.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A good guide must be knowledgeable.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

Giraffe due to its elegance. Giraffes will always walk with their necks held high.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

A pangolin in Taita Hills Game sanctuary.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

The Topi has an interesting behaviour of having one on the lookout at all times. A necessity in the jungle.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

The annual wildebeest migration.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST TIME GUIDING IN?

Masai Mara Game Reserve.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I became a safari guide after missing out on a job interview to become a journalist as well as a slot in a Banking College of which my admission letters got there way too late. My next alternative was to become a guide since it was the next available option, and I happen to come from not far away from the Maasai Mara.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A good safari guide is one who first understands his or her client’s interests and works towards fulfilling that. I have witnessed clients that have many different interests. For example, some are birders, photographers and others are just curious to know everything and as a driver guide, one is supposed to understand them so that he/she can deliver what they want.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

My favorite animal is the leopard. I always feel like a safari is not complete without a leopard sighting. They are elusive and hard to find and I always feel satisfied when I see one.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

My most memorable sighting was of a python fighting with a leopard over a kill and at the end, the python became part of the meal too.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

This happened in the Mara during one of the migration seasons whereby a crocodile attacked a wildebeest and it was holding on to pulling it to the deep end of the river. The wildebeest was trying it's best to rescue itself and the push n pull lasted for over 45 minutes.

Later, a hippo which was watching this event suddenly attacked the crocodile and rescued the wildebeest which by this time had broken its hind leg. The hippo pushed the gnu up to the end of the river and the gnu managed to escape.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

when I see my clients going back home with some fond memories about the trip and knowing that I have truly met their expectations, and even that they have seen value for their money and it was really worth it to do the safari. That really satisfies me.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

Growing up, I had a passion for nature and wildlife. Our school trips to Nairobi national park developed my love for conservation that led me to study and learn all about the flora and fauna in Africa.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A person who is passionate about what they do. Knowledgeable, Patient and respectful of the environment and wildlife.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT AS A GUIDE?

After parking our vehicle for several hours waiting to witness the wildebeest migration that never took place because vehicles were blocking the migratory path and it was very noisy. It was so embarrassing to see the disappointment in my client’s face.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

My favourite animal is a cheetah. Cheetahs are very unique animals. I like how courageous the female cheetahs are at raising their cubs all alone with no help from the male ones or pride. They never give up even in the most difficult situations.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

We encountered a large herd of Elephants crossing the Ewaso Nyiro River while playing in the water for about 15 minutes before they began to approach where our vehicle was under a tree shade. I noticed how happy and peaceful they were.

To our surprise, we got surrounded for 30 minutes while we sat in our land cruiser as quietly as possible. We watched mesmerized. Eventually, the elephants lost interest in us and wandered off to some nearby trees.

THE MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR YOU'VE WITNESSED?

The great wildebeest migration fascinates me by how they know when the right time to migrate is and which way to go.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

Having the opportunity of guiding national award winning nature and wildlife photographers and filmmakers.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I have had a passion for conservation from a very early stage in my life. As a patron of conservation clubs both in primary and secondary school, I was able to visit some of the parks and reserves and I fell in love with them. After school, I was employed in one of the reserves and was able to train myself as a guide..

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A good guide has to convey his/her clients the information they need in a way they will be able to understand and absorb. He/she also needs to connect to his /her clients and be able to know their interests and help them achieve their true safari experience.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

Elephants because of their social interaction and close family ties.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

There is a particular sighting I saw of 5 leopards in one area and that stood and still stands out to date. It was a leopard famously known as “olive” in Maasai Mara. She had 2 cubs and one cub from the previous litter came to share on a kill and suddenly a big male leopard joined them –could have been the father of the cubs and all five were sharing on a meal together.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

It has to be the leopard’s experience that still stands out. We have known leopards to be solitary except female with cubs or a mating pair.p>

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

It’s always satisfying when I am able to meet and exceed my client’s expectations. My best experience is seeing them satisfied and happy about our safari together.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

I am yet to experience that but hopefully never.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

Having grown in an area with diverse flora and fauna, my interest to become a safari guide started at a very early age and when I joined high school, I became a member of wildlife club at the school.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A people’s person combined with great passion of wildlife should make a good safari guide.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

I love elephants. They are very social, intelligent and being the largest land mammal, they are ever active and there is always something that you can learn from an elephant.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

Birthing is something that happens every day but hardly ever encountered, so seeing a giraffe giving birth to twins is a sight that always lingers through my memories.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

It is common for lions to kill cheetahs to get rid of them as their competitors in terms of food, it was very interesting for me to see a male lion kill a cheetah cub and sat there for over 24 hours with the cub in between his paws. It was really strange what was in his mind for that long.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

Doing a 17 day safari and all the parks were new to me.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

A well planned sundowner that never happened. After my clients and I got to the sundowner point and I set up everything then a really strong wind came and blew up the table and all the wine bottles were broken.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

Maasai Mara Game Reserve

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

My passion for both wild and domestic animals.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A good safari guide should have passion for his job, should be knowledgeable, outgoing and tolerant.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

I love monkeys and elephants. Monkeys because they are cheeky and elephants because of how big and gentle they are.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

It was in Tsavo when a pride of over 10 lions attacked two old buffaloes who in turn ran towards our vehicle squeezing themselves between our vehicle and the lions. My guests got up-close action.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

Elephants mourning a dead elephant baby.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

In Nakuru National Park when I helped a school bus driver who was stuck and had small kids who seemed hungry and exhausted. I helped him to pull the bus out and the kids said I was the best driver guide.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

When I saw a driver guide throwing a stone with a catapult to wake up some sleeping lions in Tsavo East.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I loved nature from an early age. I was always a member of wildlife clubs both in Primary and Secondary School. Later I joined Kenya Utalii College for a diploma in tour guiding.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A good safari guide must be a nature enthusiast, informative, honest, punctual, well groomed and definitely have strong public relation skills.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

Elephants. They have the best memory and very protective to the young. They have a human-like personality.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

During migration of wildebeest and zebras, I enjoy seeing the big groups of animals and them swimming across Mara River is always breath taking.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

Coalition of five male cheetahs to enable them hunt down a bigger prey.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

Meeting people from different parts of the world. It gives me the opportunity to understand the different cultures of the world.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

When I have guests in the vehicle who are strangers and they do not get along.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

Maasai Mara Game Reserve since I worked there for two years full time. Also, most of the itineraries include Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

Since I was young I loved being with wildlife because I grew up in an area with lots of antelopes. I used to chase them from farms with my friends. Nowadays I treasure them.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

I think what makes a good guide is discipline and knowledge of what you do and how to handle different situations whenever they occur.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

All animals are my favourite because each is unique in its own way and character too.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

My memorable sighting was seeing 4 giraffes stuck while trying to cross Ewaso Nyiro River. We stayed for one hour waiting to see if they could lift their long stuck legs and make it to the other side. Unfortunately one didn't make it and was attacked by a crocodile.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

A giraffe lifting its front leg and rubbing it against a bush for 30 minutes

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

I've experienced a lot of things and learned more from the being on the ground. Being patient, humble, and forgiving is part of the job.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

This was years back when my client insisted to get out of the vehicle, then he wanted to run towards a buffalo herd, forcing me to take photos of him as they charge towards him. We disagreed until I had to call the office because he said that was what he did the previous trips.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

Masai Mara and Samburu game reserves.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I developed interest in wildlife back in Primary School and I was very involved in a wildlife club. After completing my studies, I enrolled in a German Language Course where met a tour guide who also encouraged me through our interactions to join the industry.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

Tour Guiding is one of the most important aspects in the tourism industry and a good guide has several elements. First of all, knowledge and experience are very essential when it comes to handling tourists. Cleanness and soberness are other critical factors. Additionally, a good guide should be kind and willing to help where needed by the client.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

Elephant. I like the way they live in herds and are led by a dominant female. Most interestingly is how they graze around quietly and in peace. Additionally, it is said that they are very intelligent animals and their social bond fascinates me.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

My most memorable sighting was in Tsavo West. Despite that leopards are rare animals to spot due to the fact that they normally live alone and they are a bit shy, I was so lucky to spot one on the roadside which seemed not to be scared and it was just walking majestically. This gave the guests a humble time to view it and also take some pictures.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

Ostrich mating. The male has to dance to convince the female before the real act takes place.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

Visiting Samburu Game Reserve for my first time. It was amazing for me to see this beautiful scenery of this magnificent reserve. I was also impressed by the special wildlife species found in this reserve including Grevy’s Zebras and Somali Ostrich.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

4 days safari in the Mara with a British client who was very unfriendly all through the safari.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I dreamt of working in tourism but I did not know how to get started. Then one day, I was given a chance to train and work as a sales representative and guide in a company known as Frank’s Special Safaris in Diani and that is how it all started.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A good guide in my view is one who first of all can interact freely and consciously with his/her clients. Knowledge of flora and fauna, general knowledge of the region, good driving skills and sense of humour play a major role in being a great safari guide. Above all, a good guide must be passionate about his job.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

Elephant. Because it’s a giant vegetarian like me, a very intelligent animal, humble but could be lethal when mishandled. I also love the family strings and the way elephants conduct themselves in different situations to survive

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

For me the Mara River Crossing and the whole exodus is breath taking. The Ngorongoro Crater is also a sight to behold.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

Ostrich mating. The male has to dance to convince the female before the real act takes place.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

In one safari company I was working with there was a safari itinerary known as “Abendteur pur” translated as “Adventure pure”. The itinerary included a 16 day safari from Kenya to Tanzania and would take place in the rainy months of May and November. It was absolutely adventurous and lots of fun. In the hyena den at Amboseli National Park, I saw hyenas and warthogs sharing their den comfortably.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

I once had honeymooner clients who were staying at Kilaguni Lodge. I was driving them in a Nissan Van and we were heading to the rhino sanctuary in Tsavo West National Park. My plan was that we first see the rhinos then drive them down the rhino valley to spot some lions that had killed a giraffe. It had rained the previous day and the park was quite muddy. We got stuck with no radio, no tools, nothing to get us out. We spent the night in the middle of nowhere till 03:00am when the KWS ranger came to our rescue.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I admired the job after I saw a documentary about wildlife.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A good safari guide should be ethical.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

Elephants. I find it amazing how they are physically strong and intelligent.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

There are many especially the hunts and patience involved.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

A lioness adopting a baby Oryx in Samburu. That is one behavior nobody has ever predicted before.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

I have studied animal behavior and a lot of time I gamble just to see what will happen and a lot of time I get it right. I once predicted where the wildebeest crossing would happen and I was very excited when it happened at the exact same spot.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

Getting stuck in the mud for hours and nobody was around to help us.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

Masai Mara Game Reserve, Samburu and Shaba game reserve.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I developed interest after interacting with my father’s friend who was a ranger.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

Good training, interest and passion.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

Hyena: They have got patience of a life time.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

In 2009 when a male hippo saved a young wildebeest that had gotten stuck while crossing the Mara River.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

When a coalition of male cheetahs caught an injured wildebeest but they did not eat it the moment they discovered it was injured.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

When a lioness caught a wildebeest and let her cubs play with it then finally let it go.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

When a male baboon snatched a picnic breakfast box from my client in Lake Nakuru National Park.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Samburu Game Reserves and Amboseli National Park.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I was always fascinated by wild animals crossing our classroom while in school on the slopes of Aberdares in central Kenya and became a member of wildlife clubs of Kenya - WCK.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

A passion for both big and small animals, reptiles and birds. And the love to travel.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

Giraffes because they are graceful.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

My very first Wild dog sighting at Lake Nakuru national park and always an Aardvark sighting.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

A lioness eating up her cub.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

A Big Rock python joining us from a game drive in the jeep for four hours and eventually the safe removal process.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

I was driving when I saw a shiny Black spitting Cobra basking in the morning sun on an ant hill. In my shock, I lifted my legs as if I didn't want to step on it eventually releasing all the car controls. My feet were visibly shaking and trembling with fear. My clients saw all this and kept laughing wondering what happened and for the rest of the safari they kept joking about my fear of snakes.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

Lake Nakuru National Park.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU BECOME A SAFARI GUIDE?

I was born and raised in up-country next to a National Park. I developed a love for wild animals as they would mix up with the domestic animals that I was herding like zebras, giraffes and gazelles.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SAFARI GUIDE?

Someone who understands their client’s needs and has a big heart to educate the client about our beautiful nature.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL AND WHY?

I love elephants so much because they are incredibly intelligent.

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

In Samburu National Reserve, I witnessed two female lions go up a tree and steal a kill from a leopard.

MOST INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR?

Seeing a female leopard fighting head to head with lions, with her cub in her mouth, then they later disappeared into a hole of an aardvark, showing that leopards inspect their territories very well.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

My best experience was seeing an elephant give birth and introducing the little one to the other family members. All the trumpeting and joy shown by the others; elephants are just amazing to watch.

MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?

Seeing uncertified guides drive into a den of new born baby Cheetahs and scaring them to death.

THE NATIONAL PARK OR GAME RESERVE YOU SPEND MOST OF THE TIME GUIDING IN?

The famous Maasai Mara National Reserve because it has really so much to offer from big mammals to small insects, to birds and flowers.