Eco-Nomads Nature Guides Academy is a registered Community-Based Organization (CBO) in Kenya, established in 2025 to formalize its role as a training institution for nature guiding in partnership with the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA). This registration provides the Academy with a structured platform to engage partners, donors, and supporters in sponsoring Indigenous youth to access professional guiding training. As a community-focused, non-profit initiative, the Academy operates with a charitable mandate and is tax-exempt, ensuring that resources are directed toward training, capacity building, and expanding opportunities for local communities.
To harness inherent biodiversity knowledge of Indigenous youth to strengthen biodiversity protection while creating sustainable tourism livelihoods.
To nurture a new generation of Indigenous nature guides through immersive, hands-on training that blends cultural ecological wisdom with professional guiding standards.
Instructors for the 2026 and future trainings are:
Meet Ngila, one of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association members since 2005.
My path into guiding began long ago as a young Maasai boy. I grew up knowing no other school but the bush. My father was my instructor and teacher, and through him I learned animal behavior, tracking skills, and knowledge of different plants from tribal elders while we grazed livestock on the Laikipia plains. Later in life, I joined formal schooling like any other child.
Driven by curiosity, I visited the William Holden Wildlife Foundation on Mount Kenya while I was in high school. There, I met a guide whose presence stayed with me.
“I was struck by how smart he looked in his uniform and how confidently he spoke about wildlife and plants. I thought, this is someone who truly understands the bush.”
I connected easily with him because I already understood much of what he was saying, though from a Maasai perspective. He encouraged me to return after finishing school, and I did exactly that — after working hard to build a brighter future.
After school, I went to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, beginning with manual work at a lodge. From there, I enrolled in guide school in Nairobi at the Centre for Tourism Training and Research, where I studied for two years to deepen my knowledge.
An internship later brought me back to Lewa as a research assistant, and soon I was guiding guests through prehistoric archaeological sites, blending history, landscapes, and cultural storytelling.
My journey then took me into conservation work alongside Ian Craig, assisting with wildlife capture during the restocking of Meru National Park.
That experience opened my eyes. It showed me how much work happens behind the scenes to protect wildlife and preserve the ecosystem.
I later guided in camps across Samburu, Laikipia, and the great Maasai Mara. Yet despite the adventure, I felt a strong pull back to Laikipia. I reached out to Sue Roberts, and together with Willie Robert, they welcomed me into Sirikoi Lodge, where they helped me refine my guiding to the camp’s high standards.
Today, I am a proud Silver Guide with KPSGA qualifications and am working toward my Gold badge. I have also completed FGASA NQF2 (Field Guides Association of South Africa) and hold a highly recognized EcoTraining certification from South Africa.
For me, guiding is not just a career — it is the result of curiosity, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for Mother Nature.
Meet Onesmus Lesiata, who was born and raised in the northern part of Kenya, Samburu.
My appreciation and love for nature began at an early age when I was awarded a scholarship through one of the country’s leading elephant conservation organizations, Save the Elephants.
During my time with the program, I spent countless hours monitoring and collaring elephants while observing the incredible wildlife within the reserve. Those experiences sparked my deep passion for nature and conservation.
My growing interest in wildlife led me to a position as a tracker and spotter at Sasaab Lodge. From there, I worked my way up from tracker to driver-guide, eventually earning my Silver Level guiding qualification. Since then, I have spent extensive time guiding guests through some of Kenya’s most pristine wilderness areas.
I have also expanded my guiding career beyond Kenya. I am currently a certified FGASA NQF4 Nature Guide and hold a Track and Signs Level 3 qualification.
As I often say, “The love of nature, guiding, and sharing knowledge with people in these wild spaces is one of the most beautiful things. There is so much we can learn from Mother Nature.”
Meet Benedict Narumbe, a talented KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) silver guide who was discovered and nurtured by Anne Powys, a renowned writer and botanist, who has her own small “bush camp” called Suyian Soul. Anne Powys has been actively involved in the development of many guides through her annual botany and entomology courses, along with Dr. Dino Martins, an entomologist and ecologist.
Before beginning my career as a guide, I worked as a waiter at Suyian Soul for two years. In 2015, I achieved my Bronze Level guiding certification. That same year, I also completed courses in ornithology, botany, and entomology, which greatly expanded my knowledge of the flora and fauna of East Africa.
I later moved to Borana Lodge, where I continued to grow my guiding career and eventually achieved my Silver Level guiding certification. During my time at Borana, I was part of a team that championed sustainability standards, helping make Borana one of the few GER properties in Kenya. This work involved promoting environmentally friendly practices, supporting conservation efforts, working closely with surrounding communities, and celebrating indigenous cultures. I have a particular passion for and deep knowledge of the many cultures found throughout Kenya.
My journey from waiter to KPSGA Silver Guide reflects my passion for nature and my commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Working alongside Anne Powys and Dr. Dino Martins, while also contributing to sustainability initiatives, has strengthened my dedication to guiding and preserving Kenya’s natural heritage.
Today, I have ventured into the world of private guiding and have already led several safaris with Africa Born.
Consisting of 10 qualified individuals, the Academy Board boosts expertise in a variety of fields, including guiding, tourism, conservation, education, and community development.
