How is the work of a safari guide?

We have interviewed for you Jackson Olenku a safari guide in Maasai Mara area to learn about their profession and passion.

Jackson are you from this Area? 

Yes, I am from Naiboisho Area and my family is among those that agreed to set aside part of the 50,000 acres land for the conservancy

Why did you choose to work as wildlife guide here?

Having lived around the area since birth, it comes as second nature to appreciate and love the ecosystem and the animals, birds and insects that create the diversity. Sharing this knowledge with guests as well as influencing their perception on conservations gives me great satisfaction.

Tell us a bit of the wildlife population. 

The conservancy has the big cats in big numbers. In fact, with roughly 100 lions living in the vicinity, it has one of the highest lion densities in the world. The largest pride in the Greater Mara Region – comprising 20 lions – has made the conservancy its home. Of course, such a healthy lion population would not be possible without an equally healthy wildlife food chain below it.

The conservancy boasts impressive herds of elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, and zebra. It is also home to Kenya’s rare wild dog. In addition to the abundance of resident game, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy also serves as a migration corridor for several hundred thousand animals between the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Loita Plains to the east. The existence of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy ensures that migratory cycles and patterns are not disturbed or forced to change.

What are your favorite animals and why? 

 I really enjoy bird watching, natural and wildlife history, my favorite experience in the wild is during the wildebeest migration as the Mara is teeming with wildlife. I love the lappet faced and the white-backed vultures while my favorite land mammal is the giraffe. 

What still needs to be done to protect animals?

 Involving the community and educating them on the benefits of conservation. It is also important to involve the young children from an early age to appreciate nature. 

Tell us, what was the most satisfying experience in conjunction with your task as a guide.

The birth of any of the big 5 is always a wonderful experience and seeing that while on a game drive with guests is most satisfying.

 

How can a visitor support your work? 

By visiting Naboisho Conservancy and making as well as making donations towards conservation through Naboisho based organisations. Do not forget to also share how much of an amazing country Kenya is.

Asante Sana Jackson