Excluding our management couple, the vast majority (+90%) of our staff are Maasai from the surrounding communities. Below are the profiles from some of our expert guides, each of whom is accredited in the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) as well as trained in first aid.
Nelson Kirrokorr (Head Guide)was brought up in Nkoilale town, bordering Naboisho Conservancy. In secondary school, Nelson was the chairman of his school’s wildlife club, and then went on to join Koiyaki Guiding School’s pioneer first class. He has now held his KPSGA Silver badge for three years, and is studying for his Gold exam. Nelson is also the chairman of the Nkoilale Community Development Organization, and the Masai Mara Representative of Education For All Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to putting underpriviledged children through school. Nelson’s love of his homeland, the people, birds, mammals, and plants brings out the best the Mara has to offer.
Samson Kaelo (Guide and Assistant Manager)grew up in Lemek area, North of Masai Mara and went to school at Lemek Primary school. After primary school, he took on many positions in different parts of the country, gaining valuable, wide experience. Throughout all this, his passion for wildlife and conservation grew, and he decided to become a guide, becoming a KPSGA Bronze level guide through the Koiyaki Guiding School in February 2011. Sammy is constantly studying and learning from the more senior guides so he can eventually attain the highest level, Gold. When Sammy is guiding and travelling around the Mara, he can’t help but notice what a beautiful country he lives in, and he has a passion for conservation and for helping his own local community to understand the importance of this area.
Daniel Tiampati Ntika (Guide)grew up in Talek town on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve and attended primary school there. It was in primary school that his interest in botany, ornithology, and safari guiding developed. Once he had finished his secondary school in Narok, he joined the first group of students in the pioneer class at Koiyaki Guiding school. In 2009, he furthered his education, receiving his KPSGA Silver qualification. He is now aiming for Gold in the near future, and hoping to become one of the top guides in Kenya. Daniel’s passion for his community is clear, and he is on the planning committee for the Nkoilale Development organisation.
Moses Lenkoko Kaleku (Guide)comes from the small town which borders Mara Naboisho Conservancy. After completing secondary school in Narok he worked as an assistant researcher on the Mara Lion Research Project. He then attended Koiyaki Guiding School, graduating in 2009. Since graduating, he has worked as a guide for the BBC on a filming project, and became the scout leader for Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Moses’ knowledge of the Mara flora and fauna is astounding and he hopes to study further in conservation and wildlife management. He already holds a Silver level accreditation from the Kenya Professional Guides association. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Encounter Mara team, as well as an infectious personality and love for hosting visitors from afar.
Dickson Lenkoko Kisemei (Guide)came to Mara Naboisho Conservancy in 2010. He is also a graduate of Koiyaki Guiding School and is now a KPSGA Silver level guide. Besides guiding, he also worked in a conservancy on an anti-snaring unit. Dickson has a deep vision for community conservation within the Mara region, and having been a teacher at a local primary school, he also has a passion for community development and the empowerment of local communities. His wife and daughter live close by in the village of Olosokon.
