Inside our itineraries: The people behind our Kenyan safaris
Go behind the scenes on our popular Kenyan safaris and meet the team of experienced guides that make the biggest difference to each wish-list encounter.
Kenya’s national parks and wild savannah plains are always a memorable choice for an animal-spotting escape, but what really makes an impact is the company you keep on safari. That’s where our trusted partners at African Horizons come in, and it’s their experienced team of drivers, guides, and wildlife experts that often turn our customers’ dream holidays into the stories they continue to tell for years afterwards.
We recently caught up with five of their specialist drivers to find out what safari means to them and why they’re so passionate about sharing this part of East Africa with visitors. With that in mind, put some faces to your dream safari and learn more about the inner workings of this wildly popular travel experience.
Meet the people who make our Kenyan safaris so special
Aaron
I love meeting people from different backgrounds and helping them experience something completely new in my home country. Every safari is an opportunity to share stories and ensure customers feel welcomed and cared for throughout their journey. Kenya is a country with a diverse range of cultures and landscapes, and I’m always inspired by the opportunity to explore its beauty and help others experience it too.
My favourite part is seeing the wonder on my customers’ faces, whether they’re seeing a ‘Big Five’ species for the first time or simply appreciating the beauty of nature. It always takes me back to how I felt when I first saw it too, and that’s always exciting!
Bonface
In my opinion, it’s Kenya's incredible diversity that makes it truly special, from its spectacular wildlife and landscapes to the culture and hospitality that form the foundation of every trip. No two tours are the same, and each one offers something unique to enjoy.
My favourite moments are the unexpected wildlife encounters that leave a lasting impression. One that stands out was in Lake Nakuru National Park when a curious giraffe leaned into our vehicle through the open roof and surprised everyone by taking a customer's packet of crisps before calmly walking away. Moments like these make every safari memorable.
Emmanuel
For me, safari is all about creating meaningful connections between people and nature. Every day in the bush is different, and I never tire of sharing Kenya's incredible wildlife, landscapes, and the knowledge I’ve picked up over the years. From the vast plains of the Maasai Mara to the dramatic landscapes of Samburu, every region has its own character and beauty. Beyond the wildlife, it’s the people, cultures, and deep connection to nature that make Kenya truly unique. It is a privilege to share these experiences with visitors and help them discover what makes this country so remarkable.
It might sound odd, but my favourite moments are the quietest ones. The silence as we watch a leopard resting in a tree, the gasps as we witness the Great Migration, or how seeing an elephant up close for the first time leaves our customers speechless. It’s these experiences that best capture the beauty of the bush.
James
Having grown up on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Kenya's wilderness has always been part of who I am. Its extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and rich natural heritage make it a truly special place, and I feel privileged to share it with visitors from around the world. To me, a safari is more than just wildlife viewing, and it’s just as much an opportunity to share stories, inspire curiosity, and create lasting memories in some of Africa's most remarkable landscapes.
My favourite part of every tour I lead is watching my groups develop a genuine appreciation for nature and conservation. Whether it's through a memorable wildlife encounter, a story from the bush, or a quiet moment taking in the landscape, it's rewarding to see people connect with the wild in a meaningful way.
Peris
I love helping customers experience the wonders of the East African wilderness beyond each wildlife sighting. There’s more to the bush than just the sights, and taking the time to appreciate the sounds and scents helps make every moment even more memorable. I always enjoy bringing every journey to life with local stories and creating lifelong memories for each group.
My favourite part, though, is seeing my customers grow into the experience, and by the end, most fully immerse themselves in Kenyan culture and form genuine connections with the people, places, and wildlife around them. It's especially rewarding to watch total strangers become friends as they explore, laugh, and embrace the spirit of Hakuna Matata together.
Start planning your own Kenyan safaris with Newmarket Holidays
Ready for your own wish-list animal encounters on the African savannah? Our award-winning safari tours have something to suit every occasion, whether you’re looking for a more exclusive experience or an escape celebrating the best of the bush and beach. Give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today for more information on our featured Kenya tours or browse our full range of safari getaways.
If your heart lies elsewhere, we also have over 100 escorted tours, spanning six continents, and you can see them all on our dedicated destinations page.
