Meet Sarara Guide, Daniel Lenaipa
Safari guide, Daniel Lenaipa was born and raised in Namunyak Conservancy and knows this landscape, the wildlife and their stories like the back of his hand.
What is your name and surname?
Daniel Losieku Lenaipa
Tell us a little bit about yourself… Where were you born, where did you grow up, your family?
I was born in Samburu, in Wamba in a village called Lorain in a family of five brothers and four sisters. I attended primary and high school in Wamba. Today, I am married, with three beautiful kids.
When did you join Sarara? And what led you to working at Sarara?
I have always had a passion for wildlife and started guiding at Masai Mara Governors camp in 2007. In 2016, I started working as a wildlife researcher in the Sarara Valley and subsequently joined Sarara as a guide in 2019. Sarara is my home and having grown up here, I understand the land, the people and wildlife which is one of the reasons why I wanted to work here. My heart and my soul is here in this valley. Also, I’m very proud to be Samburu and to represent our culture as a guide. The camp does great work to promote the Samburu Culture and support community development; which means a lot to me.
Do you remember your first trip you led as a guide?
I remember it very well! My first guiding trip with a guest at Sarara was on 1st of July, 2009, and the family’s surname was Hobbs. It was fantastic, and but of course, as your first day on a new job, there were some challenges here and there.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I have a deep passion for history; especially undiscovered historical sites within the Sarara Valley. I’m also qualified in accounting and business management - two subjects I really enjoy and hope to use in my future.
What is your favourite animal, and your favourite bird?
My favourite animal is the Eland. It’s a very strong and beautiful animal and the only wild animal with a dewlap (Dewlaps are loose flaps of skin that hang from the necks).
My favourite bird is the Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus). Bateleur is French for ‘tightrope-walker’. This name was chosen because of its distinctive low-flying aerial acrobatics. Bateleur eagles pair for life and stay in the same nest for several years.
What is your most memorable animal sighting?
It has to be my first lion sighting in Sarara! It was incredible! It happened near Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and I was with one of my guests. We were driving back to Sarara, and around 18h30 the evening… we saw the lion! Majestic. Unforgettable!
What’s the one thing you recommend travelers must pack when they come on a safari?
Prepare for the harsh and hot weather! Bring along suncream and a hat! Some insect repellent wouldn’t hurt either.
Is there a particular lesson or story you like to teach guests about nature or about Samburu culture?
I really enjoy sharing stories about our unique Samburu traditions with our guests, and because I love the mountains here, I also really enjoy sharing about our medicinal knowledge, many of the plants which come from the mountain. The conversations are always interesting and it’s great that guests get to go home feeling enriched and having learned more about the Samburu.
QUICK FIRE WITH DANIEL
When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I love teaching, especially young kids! My favourite topics are lifestyle skills and conservation skills. I also have a passion for hiking and discovering new things (especially historical sites in Sarara). Come and visit and I’ll go show you some of them!
How many languages do you speak?
Samburu
Swahili
English
What is the last photo you took on your phone?
My last photo was of a sundowner at the Sarara riverbed (lugga). It’s a great spot for sundowners, as all the elephants and wildlife (and many times leopard) come to drink early evening. So, it never boring!
Lastly, if you can give travellers one reason to visit Northern Kenya in their lifetime, what would it be?
To come and experience and witness a truly unique and happy cultural community who had not changed their traditions, culture and beliefs.
