For the last three weeks, I had the privilege of working with 20 guides from El Karama in Laikipia, The Hildana in the Taita Hills, and Pearl Mara in the Maasai Mara. Each group brought their unique stories, challenges, and aspirations, making the experience unforgettable. But instead of recounting the specifics of what we achieved, I want to share why I train guides and how this journey fills me with purpose.
My career began in science. As a biologist, I was captivated by the intricate dance of nature, the threads of ecosystems woven together in harmony. Yet, I fell out of love with the way science was often communicated—dry, inaccessible, and detached from the wonder it seeks to explain. I wanted to breathe life into these facts, to tell their story in a way that resonated deeply with others. Guiding became my stage, and I’ve never looked back.
Guiding, for me, is an art form—a marriage of knowledge and performance. It’s not just about what you know but how you share it. I see a guide as a storyteller who weaves a narrative rich in conservation, curiosity, and wonder. Great guiding should educate, engage, and leave guests inspired, their perspectives broadened by the landscape and its stories.
This philosophy fuels my guide training workshops. I relish helping others understand that guiding is far more than a job; it’s a craft that demands passion, creativity, and professionalism. Watching guides grow—seeing their confidence bloom as they embrace the art of storytelling and the science of ecosystems—is one of the greatest joys of my life. They begin to see guiding as I do: not just as a career, but as a calling to inspire and educate others about our shared natural world.
A good friend of mine, Boyd Varty, once shared a profound idea: in life, don’t just be a storyteller—be a story hunter. Seek out experiences that shape you, and surround yourself with people who live in ways that spark great stories. These are the people who inspire you, challenge you, and enrich your journey.
The most rewarding part of training is the two-way exchange. Each guide I meet comes with their own experiences, shaped by their environment and culture. Whether it’s amongst the Whistling thorns of the Laikipia plateau, the biodiversity hotspot of the Taita Hills, or the iconic endless grassy plains of the Maasai Mara, these landscapes have nurtured storytellers with unique perspectives. By helping them find their voice, I also deepen my understanding of Earth's natural and human diversity.
Guiding is not static; it’s a continual learning journey that moves across multiple dimensions. I strive to instill this mindset in the guides I train. Each encounter, every guest interaction, is a chance to refine the art, to deepen the story, and to weave conservation into every thread of the narrative.
As I reflect on the last three weeks, I feel immense gratitude. It’s an honor to pass on what I’ve learned over nearly two decades of guiding. Watching these guides take their first steps towards mastery reminds me why I started this journey: to ignite passion, to share stories, and to leave behind a legacy of knowledge and inspiration.
Together, we’re creating a ripple effect. As these guides carry forward their newfound skills, they’ll inspire countless others to see the natural world not just with their eyes, but with their hearts. And that, to me, is the true essence of guiding.
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