My Life as a Field Guide

Imagine having someone who can plan and manage every detail of your safari as it unfolds, leaving you with nothing much else to do than decide how many photos to take; imagine not having to share your game drive vehicle with strangers, affording more flexibility when exploring the wilds; imagine having a charismatic and entertaining host while you dine at your private table! If this is how you imagine your safari, then private guided safaris are for you!

The job of a field guide is often glamorised. It can be an extremely rewarding career and in fact is probably better described as a lifestyle.
It is also incredibly hard work requiring a commitment and dedication to long hours, irregular schedules, tough conditions (often having to work outdoors in rain and extreme cold), potential danger and probably most importantly, solitude and very little social life in (often) isolated and remote locations.

The benefits and positives do, however, outweigh the hardships and negatives with the biggest plus being the opportunity to live and work in areas that most people only dream about visiting while experiencing a quality of life that is second to none. As a field guide you get to meet people from all walks of life, you have unparalleled opportunities to view wildlife, to witness spectacular wildlife interactions, and to take awesome photographs on a daily basis, but probably most importantly you are in the unique position to educate people about our most precious resource, the natural world around us, and in so doing contribute toward a sustainable future!
Guiding can be an extremely rewarding career and in fact is probably better described as a lifestyle. The job of a field guide (or ranger as they are called in some areas) is often glamorized.

From an early age, my family and I spent an annual vacation in the Masai Mara where my passion for wildlife was fueled and developed. I was fascinated by the intricacies and wonders of nature and my thirst for knowledge and understanding resulted in the acquisition of a considerable library of related literature (field guides and scientific journals) and a dedication to self-study that continues to this day.

I have an avid interest in all aspects of fauna and flora, and although I have no ‘field of specialty’, I would say that I have particular interest in the Behavior of Animals and Birds. I have a particular interest in diversifying my knowledge-base to include as broad a spectrum of environmental topics, natural science subjects and wildlife destinations as possible.
Photography is a keen interest of mine (with particular interest in sepia imagery) – having taken most of the photographs in my Facebook Profile - and therefore have an understanding of what lighting and positions are best for guest photography. This is an attribute which undoubtedly enhances the overall safari experience for visitors.
My primary focus is to travel to and explore the natural wonders of the African Continent and the World, and in so-doing attain a better first hand understanding of nature’s fundamentals in order to make this information available in as clear a manner as possible to my guests.
I am passionate about the pivotal role that tourism can play in Africa and seriously aspire to not only putting something back into the industry -but also to making a positive contribution toward growing Africa’s slice of the international tourism cake. I believe that the easiest way to do this is by exposing my guests to, and making them aware of, the unique historical, cultural and environmental virtues of the region in an articulate and enthusiastic manner as possible.
When not guiding,am studying/reading books that will improve my Guiding Skills, , I enjoy spending time relaxing and even Bird watching.
I have always had a passion for teaching and from the early days of my career have wanted to make a difference and ‘put something back’ into the industry from which I have gained so much. With this in mind,I am planing to open up Ornithological & Safaris Expeditions Here In Kenya,to inform and teach young and aspiring guides.

As far as safaris go, wilderness areas and the wildlife they contain certainly take centre stage.I have more than 16 years experience conducting high-end safaris in a diverse array of wildlife destinations in Africa.My dedication to guiding in an ethical and professional manner, coupled to my experience, expertise, enthusiasm and dynamic personalities will ensure a memorable safari adventure.
This are the tributes towards,improving and conserving mother Nature.

Member:Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association
Member:Nature Kenya

An Unusual wake up Alarm, Augur Buzzard (Buteo Augur).

Augar Buzzard(Buteo Augur)

Being a guide, waking up early in the morning is part of my daily routine, my alarm clock is always set to wake me up at the correct time in the morning, but for the last four months my alarm clock has been replaced by an unusual alarm, the Augur Buzzard (Buteo Augur).
Repeated ku-wow ku-wow calls from the bird is what has been waking me up as early as 5:30 am. Over this period waking up has been much easier. Thanks to this bird for it has also sharpened my call identification skills not only for the Augur Buzzard but also other bird species.
This bird has a big nest in my compound. For the four months period, I have been watching and recording its behavior as it flies to and fro its nest sometimes with twigs, grasses even meals such as Rats. From as early as 06:00 am to 10:30 am when the ku-wow ku-wow calls become silent till the next day at 05:30 am. I am Lucky to be recording its behavior & relation to other bird species, sometimes chasing small doves i.e. Red eyed dove, the Speckled Pigeon for a glance of a meal.
On several occasions I have witnessed pied crows & black kites flying around her nest uttering different calls may be to alert other birds of the expected danger. I hope my record will continue more when she attracts a mate for breeding hence incising more activity of the birds in my compound.
Out of the 78 diurnal & 16 nocturnal species of raptors (Umbrella Species) The Augur Buzzard is now shying off to forested habitats.
Having come from Ngong Town, an adjacent town to the foots of the Ngong Hills, famous for a one time bestselling book & Movie OUT OF AFRICA.As the Danish author laments on the first chapter of the book ‘’I had a farm in Africa, Ngong Hills’’ .She Boost’s on the rich wildlife Flora, fauna & avi-fauna, where Lions, Buffalo, Rhinos & Eland just but to name a few, used to roam the area freely. In frequent bird watch in the area and it’s adjacent dating back in the year 2003, my record on the Augur buzzard has fallen down to 6 from 16, a 90 % record fall.
During my recent bird watch treks to the Ngong hills, I witnessed a pair mating near a roosting nest of Bartuler Eagles on top of the Telkom Mast. On different a occasion at Embul Bul an area adjacent to the Oloolua Forest, I saw a Melanistic Augur Buzzard & with the help of a resident Guide Isaac Rotich (KPSGA GOLD) was able to identify it as a male .
I blame the fall in number of the Augur Buzzard and other bird species in Ngong and adjacent areas to the continued urbanization, putting up of building, creating more open areas without tree cover, the recent completion of the Face one Ngong Windmill Power Generating Project, mega poles have been erected by the KPLC and wire lines from the windmills ran down hill to the Karen sub-station. These are some of the factors diminishing the population of the raptors and other bird Species around Ngong.
In my opinion key issues factors relevant to conservation & management of nature such as putting up structures, electrification & logging should be highly addressed to improve & manage the population of different species including birds In Kenya
Member:Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association

Member:Nature Kenya