Best Safari Guide Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2019
James Nampaso
kicheche bush
You generally hear the rumbling laugh before you catch sight of him, which is saying something for his laugh as he towers over most, even Maasai. Adept with families, photographers, honeymooners or whoever we throw at him, he is an integral part of the Bush Camp Holy trinity.
James Nampaso picked up the prestigious accolade of Best Safari Guide at the Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2019. Over 4000 guides received nominations, he now owns this covetous prize. 12 years ago James was a tent attendant. We are all just so proud.
Josphat Sapit
kicheche laikipia
This enterprising mechanic started oiling the wheels of Kicheche Landcruisers eight years ago. Full of drive and determination with no little pedal to the metal, he successfully steered himself through Koyaiki guiding school and earned his Kicheche colours, passing his Silver level guiding exam in 2019.
A hugely popular guide, nicknamed ‘Lucky, the leopard whisperer’ as he has an uncanny knack of spotting these elusive cats, which are even more so in the rarefied air of Laikipia.
Johnson Kepera
kicheche valley
Photography, tick, families, tick, spotting skills, tick, sense of humour … many ticks, Johnson is one of a kind. Normally resident at Valley Camp this magnificent Maasai knows every acacia, cat and termite mound in all three Conservancies. He works tremendously hard every day without fail and is NEVER without a big smile on his face. With children he is like the pied piper and it seems that way with elusive wildlife too as he leads them all a merry dance with his gentle yet persistent tune. We are very glad Johnson found us, he is hugely popular, a big asset and sparkling example to all.
Charles Wandero
kicheche bush
Whenever there is a good sighting in Olare Orok conservancy or the reserve the chances are Charles was there first. This broad-shouldered, softly spoken Kikuyu is a rock for Kicheche, consistently one of our most requested guides.
Patrick Koriata
kicheche bush
Patrick is not only a truly outstanding guide in every aspect, he is also a very intelligent man who can discuss traditional Maasai dancing with the same vim and vigour as he can gestation periods. He is Kicheche to the core, he was once asked what he likes best about his job ‘ hearing that people are returning and requesting me as their guide again’, he must really like his job then as he gets asked this a lot.
Simon Alepel Lomelo
kicheche laikipia
Whether he does have mystical skills in locating wild dogs is still under debate but he is frankly astonishing when it comes to canids and other predators for that matter. An ardent twitcher from Naivasha and upcoming photographer.
Peter Kariuki
kicheche laikipia
His guests have made comments that he’s careful and sensitive to their needs. Knowledgeable, considerate and very sensitive to all safari-goers needs.
Mika Kaleku
kicheche valley
If this young man is the future of the Mara, we are in safe hands. Simply a brilliant guide, silver qualified, looking to increase his carat value, he is a prized asset. This is a man who can hold a deep conversation
with a full vehicle, sipping his chai whilst looking over his shoulder driving on lumpy granite … and still spot a leopard cub.
Bernard Soit
kicheche valley
Another top graduate from the guiding school (which Kicheche sponsors) Bernard is home grown from Ole Sere and revels in the continual success of the Mara Naboisho conservancy, his own back yard. Regularly provides ‘Spots’ of the week and is a fantastic birder.
Benjamin Kaluena
kicheche bush
Seven years ago Benja was a tent assistant. No longer, he is now one of our most senior and accomplished members of the guiding inner circle. He is not only another of the top spotters, he also has a wonderful temperament.
Langisa Twala
kicheche valley
He goes by the moniker Magic Twala from visitors. He is a fantastic guide who is extremely knowledgeable and has a wonderful personality. Nothing is ever too hard or too difficult for him because he is a positive individual who gets along with everyone and is passionate about his work.
Jimmy Tinka
kicheche mara
Another extremely popular guide, Jimmy is also incredibly hard-working as well as a tremendous spotter. Whether it is bee eaters, hyena pups or serval, Jimmy misses nothing. It is a ridiculous CV for one so comparatively young.
George Nampaso
kicheche mara
Past through guiding school with flying colours, George has family connections all over the Mara but is never happier than when guiding. Thoughtful, quietly spoken and thorough, he has a fantastic future with us.
Francis Saruni
kicheche mara
Passionate about guiding. Francis has guided hundreds of photographers and is very good with birders and families.
Peter Njapit
kicheche mara
Lively guide with outstanding humour and also very popular with families.
Gerald Murero
kicheche mara
Knowledgeable, personable, and enthusiastic silver-rated guide who enjoys imparting his knowledge of history, culture, and animals to others and bringing it to life for the visitors.
David Nchoe
kicheche mara
Lean, keen and often seen, David is making large areas of Mara North his own. He has the uncanny ability of not only finding often notoriously elusive game but also being in the right place when the action starts.
Voices
what our clients say
Jimmy, a wonderful guide with a 6th sense of where the animals should be. Great company.
David & Jane - UK
UK
Patrick has been an excellent guide, he always manages to put us exactly where the animals are going to be, so they come to us rather than us following them. He is knowledgeable about all the birds and animals and has a great sense of humour. He has really made this a fantastic safari with a real gift for his role as a guide.
Ravin & Ria
UK
Jimmy understands wildlife photography and gets the vehicle in just the right position.
Janet & Richard - UK
UK
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