Meet the Faces Behind Your Safari
The people you meet are the heartbeat of a safari experience, transforming a simple journey into an unforgettable adventure.
Expert guides bring the wilderness to life through their deep knowledge of animal behavior, ecosystems, and heritage, so you see wildlife and understand their stories.
Transfer agents and hosts act as seamless coordinators, handling logistics with precision so travelers can focus on the wonder around them.
Dedicated camp staff includes the amazing people who make it all happen: cooks and kitchen staff, housekeepers, waitstaff and bartenders, maintenance and laundry staff, reservations, safety and security.
Together, with incredible teamwork, they provide insight, comfort and fun in truly wild places—making every moment in the bush safe, memorable, and truly extraordinary.
Bonface Muriithi
African Horizons - East Africa
Bonface Muriithi’s story begins on the misty slopes of Mt. Kenya, where his childhood was shaped by forest trails, rustling wildlife, and the distant calls of adventure. To neighbors, he was the boy forever wandering—collecting stories from elders and marveling at every sunrise over the mountain’s rugged shoulders.
Now at 34, Bonface guides others through the lands that first inspired him. He isn’t just a safari guide; he’s a storyteller, a bridge between worlds, and a companion in the wild.
He’s traveled through 38 of Kenya’s 47 counties, each one adding layers to his understanding of his homeland, and Bonface seeks out the small mysteries—the market where everyone seems to know your name, the canyon where legends are whispered.
Armed with a diploma in tourism and travel management, Bonface chose guiding as his way to fuse knowledge with heart. Every day, he invites travelers to step into his world—a world where adventure, culture, and memory are woven together.
Eric Olonana
African Horizons - East Africa
Born and raised in Narok, Eric Olonana is a passionate safari guide whose love for nature, photography, and adventure has shaped his life’s journey. Surrounded by wildlife and sweeping landscapes from an early age, he developed a deep respect for conservation and a desire to share the beauty of Africa with travelers from around the world. Today, he dedicates his career to creating meaningful safari experiences that combine discovery, connection, and unforgettable photographic moments.
As a professional guide, Eric takes pride in crafting personalized journeys for his guests across Kenya’s iconic national parks. His unique background in wildlife photography and livestock farming allows him to bring both ecological and cultural perspectives to every safari. Seeing guests engaged and inspired by Africa’s wilderness is, for Eric, the greatest reward of his work.
A committed environmentalist, Eric actively participates in tree-planting initiatives to promote sustainability and habitat restoration. His efforts have reached across Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Oltukai, and his hometown of Suswa—each tree representing his enduring commitment to conservation.
Educated and experienced in the art of wildlife guiding, Eric blends storytelling with adventure to provide safaris that are not only memorable but meaningful. Through every journey, he invites travelers to connect with Africa’s wonders and leave inspired by the wild places that make the continent so extraordinary.
Godfrey Godluck Mmari
African Horizons - East Africa
Born 40 years ago at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Godfrey Godluck Mmari, affectionately known as Godo Gordo, has dedicated his life to sharing the wonders of Africa with travelers from around the world. A proud member of the Chagga tribe and fluent in Spanish, Godfrey specializes in guiding Spanish-speaking safaris, crafting meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences for his guests.
Godfrey’s passion for animals began early in life, inspired by his father, a veterinarian. As a child, he often joined his father on visits to government farms, cultivating a deep curiosity about animal behavior and welfare. Initially drawn toward veterinary science, his fascination later shifted to wildlife after countless hours watching nature documentaries. Determined to turn his passion into a career, he attended wildlife school for three years, studying the theory and practice of ecology, flora, and fauna.
With over 15 years of guiding experience, Godfrey continues to approach every safari as a new adventure and an opportunity to keep learning. His enthusiasm for storytelling, tracking skills, and deep respect for nature allow him to create authentic and inspiring journeys through East Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Beyond guiding, Godfrey enjoys spending his free time watching wildlife and history documentaries, reading, and keeping active through football. A former football player, he still trains whenever possible to stay fit and connected to the sport. He also enjoys traveling—having explored Kenya and hoping someday to venture beyond East Africa to experience new cultures. Music is another of his passions, with country, R&B, and Tanzania’s vibrant Bongo Flava holding a special place in his heart.
Edward Joel Mollel
Nomad Tanzania - Tanzania - Northern Serengeti
Edward was born in 1977 and grew up in a traditional Maasai culture just outside of Arusha. His early childhood was spent herding his father's cattle and he remembers being interested in the wild animals that he would see around them. After his primary and secondary schooling, he worked as a dishwater in a small safari company, but was most interested in becoming a chef
He joined Nomad in 2003, working as an assistant chef first in the mobile Serengeti camps, then as a roving chef in the Selous (now Nyerere) and Katavi. Whilst working in the safari camp kitchens, he was always aware of the wild animals he'd see around camp and during the afternoons, whilst everyone was resting, he would walk around camp with guidebooks in hand, learning about animals and birds.
Nomad then gave him the opportunity to study guiding at a college in Arusha, after which they offered him a guiding job in the Selous in 2014. From there he moved into the northern Serengeti - at Lamai - before becoming one of the Serengeti Safari Camp based guides. He says he's still learning all the time and is particularly interested in animal behaviours, especially elephants.
Usko Hanghuwo
Ultimate Safaris - Namibia
Usko was born in Ohangwena, a small town in northern Ovamboland, where he grew up helping his family with farming and livestock. From an early age, he developed a strong connection to nature and the land, which later shaped his career as a guide.
In 2009, he began guiding at Wolwedans, quickly gaining recognition for his expertise in desert guiding, geology, and the unique wildlife of the Namib. After three years, he moved to Damaraland Camp, where he encountered desert-adapted elephants for the first time and honed his off-road driving skills across rugged terrain.
His journey then took him to Serra Cafema on the Kunene River, where he spent two years mastering birding, boating, and cultural guiding with the Himba community. During this time, he also completed extensive training with the Namibia Academy of Tourism and Hospitality, covering subjects from ornithology to history.
Today, with over six years of diverse guiding experience, Usko is a valued member of the Ultimate Safaris team. Guests consistently praise his knowledge, warmth, and passion for storytelling, making every journey with him both insightful and memorable.
Kagiso ‘Villa’ Moatshe
Natural Selection - Namibia - Makgadikgadi Pans
Kagiso – affectionately known as Villa within the Natural Selection family – began his journey with conservation at the age of 17. His first experience came through the Botswana Workcamps Association, where he volunteered on community and wildlife projects. What started as a simple opportunity soon sparked a lifelong passion for the environment.
For years, Villa dedicated himself to running conservation initiatives across communities and reserves in Botswana. In 2013, his path took him further afield when he was invited to Germany to facilitate high school workshops on conservation and climate change. After this inspiring chapter, Villa returned home with a clear dream: to become a safari guide.
Villa qualified as a guide and began his career at Khama Rhino Sanctuary and Modisa Wildlife Project, before joining Uncharted Africa in 2018. Under the guidance of Ralph Bousfield—renowned guide and founder of Uncharted Africa—he honed his skills through intensive training before leading safaris in the iconic Makgadikgadi Pans. Over the years, he has become something of a desert specialist, with deep knowledge of this extraordinary landscape.
Today, Villa continues to share his enduring love for the environment, sparked in his teenage years and nurtured throughout his career. His passion for conservation and his gift for storytelling make every safari experience with him both meaningful and unforgettable.
Nthabiseng
Great Plains - Botswana
Nthabiseng grew up in the village of Manyana, southwest of Gaborone, surrounded by hills and the Kolobeng River. Unlike other children who played with toys, her playground was nature itself—hiking the hills, listening to birdsong, and finding peace in the rhythms of the wild. From a young age, she felt deeply connected to the natural world, often collecting bird nests and observing wildlife despite her father’s warnings.
Her passion was sparked further when she saw the Okavango Delta on television and knew she wanted to work in such an environment. In 2017, she began volunteering with a mobile safari, where her sharp eyes for spotting animals impressed guests and motivated her to learn more. Determined, she enrolled at Career Dreams Centre in Maun in 2019, becoming the only woman among 32 students. Her dedication paid off—she ranked in the top five of her class and later excelled in national guiding exams at the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute.
That same year, she joined Great Plains on attachment, where her skills and commitment led to a permanent role. Today, Nthabiseng is a fully qualified professional and walking guide, living the purpose she discovered as a child among the hills of Manyana.
Dickson Nabaala
Great Plains - Kenya - Masai Mara
Born and raised on the breathtaking plains of the Masai Mara, Dickson comes from a remarkable family of 26 siblings. His journey began in a village where the natural world was his closest companion. As a young boy, he spent countless days herding livestock, often encountering the wild animals that roamed nearby. These early experiences nurtured a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation.
After completing his secondary education, Dickson’s parents encouraged him to pursue his love for wildlife through formal studies. He enrolled in a year-long program at a dedicated college, immersing himself in training that prepared him for his career in conservation. For the past five years, he has proudly worked with Great Plains Conservation, a family-oriented company that values respect, care, and a sincere commitment to protecting natural heritage.
For him, guiding is less a profession than a calling—a chance to share his heritage and help travelers connect deeply with the natural world.
Today, he continues to share his knowledge and passion with guests, whether by tracking big cats, pointing out rare birds, or weaving traditional cultural stories into the safari experience. For him, every encounter is more than just a sighting; it is an opportunity to foster a deeper connection to the remarkable world of the wild.
Dophas Tshaba
African Bush Camps - Zimbabwe - Hwange National Park
Dophas Tshaba is a guide at Somalisa Camp in Hwange National Park, where he has worked for 12 years. He began in maintenance, inspired by his brother Raymond, a guide at the camp, and gained experience in roles from kitchen porter to waiter to host.
Watching guests return from game drives full of excitement sparked his desire to guide. With Raymond’s encouragement and mentorship from Head Guide Calvet, he studied, passed his exams, and stepped into the role.
Drawn to the unpredictability of the bush, Dophas finds beauty in the fact that every day offers something new. His favorite animal is the elephant, whose matriarch-led gatherings at waterholes he describes as deeply moving. Hwange National Park, not only his home but a place rich in wildlife and surprises, is his preferred guiding ground.
Somalisa Camp’s prime location offers exceptional sightings, and he sees it as a privilege to share these experiences with guests while highlighting the importance of protecting such places.
Sonia Legei
Sarara - Kenya - Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy
Becoming a safari guide was never a straight path for one of Sarara’s inspiring female guides. After financial setbacks delayed her studies, she persevered to pursue her dream of wildlife management and tour guiding.
Her first role was as a volunteer spotter, working unpaid for eight months while earning her Bronze certification from the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. Then came a life-changing opportunity: “A friend told me about a position at Sarara. I applied, interviewed—and got the job! It made my parents proud and helped support my siblings’ education.”
Her first solo guiding trip remains unforgettable. “Guests were surprised to meet a female guide—it gave me confidence to keep doing what I love.” Growing up surrounded by wildlife, she has always felt deeply connected to nature. Her favorite animal? “Elephants. They’re close to my heart.”
She describes Northern Kenya as “a land of breathtaking beauty, where wildlife, scenery, and diverse cultures make every visit unforgettable.” A highlight of guiding has been leading guests through the Mathews Range forests to see ancient Kenyan Giant Cycads—“living fossils” over 280 million years old.
Guests often tell her she radiates joy. “One said my smile made them feel instantly at home.” She especially loves hosting families and seeing children learn Samburu traditions, play warrior games, and explore the wild. “They gain a new perspective on life and nature.”
Among overlooked species, she admires the fearless honey badger, and her favorite bird is the vibrant lilac-breasted roller. As each day ends, her heart belongs to Namunyak’s sunsets: “Every evening paints a new story in the sky.”
At Sarara, her passion, culture, and deep respect for wildlife come together—inviting every guest to see Northern Kenya through her eyes.
Morris Kasana Looseyia
Mara Tangulia Camp - Kenya - Masai Mara
Morris Kasana Looseyia was born in the Masai Mara and is the only son of the well-known guide and TV presenter Jackson Looseyia. He grew up on the western side of the Mara Reserve, spending his youth exploring the very landscapes he now guides guests through so expertly.
Morris attended school in Narok town, some distance from his village, before continuing on to university in Nairobi. Recently married to Elsie, he now works as a guide at Mara Tangulia Camp.
From the camp, the rolling plains and the great Mara River stretch out before you. These are the landscapes that have been Morris’s playground since birth. Time spent with him opens a window into this world, and most likely will lead you to some of the Mara’s most special, secret corners that he knows so well.
His great passion is for birds, though he is equally well-known for seeking the quiet company of elephants — his way of truly relaxing in the bush.
