Up close & personal with Sonia Legei – one of Sarara’s female guides

Inspiring both guests and other guides with her incredible knowledge and unwavering devotion to Namunyak’s wildlife and wilderness, Sonia Legei’s journey to pursue her passion speaks volumes about her love for this land!

Guide Sonia, with her smile that radiates for miles! Photo by Simon Pocock

Q Tell us about your journey to becoming a guide?

A The path included many twists and turns, and some of the challenges during my education included having to wait a year before going to college and my exams being deferred for a semester due to a lack of funds in our family. Despite the odds, I never lost hope and persevered with my dream to follow a course and career in wildlife management and tour guiding.

Q What was your first job?

A After graduating, I worked as a volunteer spotter at another conservancy for eight months. While I didn’t receive a salary during that time, I furthered my qualifications by obtaining a bronze examination level with the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. 

Q What happened next?

A After hearing through a friend about a possible position at Sarara, I applied and my application was reviewed positively. I was invited for an interview... and got the job! I’m so proud to be a guide at Sarara, and my parents also breathed a sigh of relief – as my employment helps to pay my two siblings’ school fees. 

Q How did it feel to do your first solo guiding trip?

A It was so exciting, as I was finally living my dream! My first guests were also really impressed to meet a female guide in such a male-dominated industry – and it gave me such confidence to keep doing what I love most. 

Q Did you always have an interest in wildlife and conservation?

A Being close to nature has always been my passion. Growing up in an environment where you coexist with wildlife daily means that you form a strong bond with the natural world – it becomes an essential part of your life. 

Q What’s your favourite animal?

A Every sighting is amazing, but elephants are particularly close to my heart.

Q How would you describe Northern Kenya to someone who's never been here before?

A This landscape offers unrivalled scenic beauty – with incredible opportunities to explore its flora and fauna, which is enriched by a diverse cultural heritage. It makes for the holiday of a lifetime in the wild of Africa. 


Q What’s been one of the most profound experiences you’ve had with guests?

A Hiking along the Elephant Trails into the Mathews Range’s forests to look for the renowned Kenyan Giant Cycads. These trees are endemic and true living fossils – their origins stretch back 280 million years! It’s one of the most unforgettable experiences for many guests to see these ancient plants up close – and learn more about their slow way of growing and unusual pollination system.

Q What's the best feedback you've ever received from a first-time guest?

A Someone once told me that being born and raised in a beautiful place like this – where you get to enjoy these amazing views and wildlife daily – is a gift. Many guests have also told me that I have a big smile and always look happy! 

Q What makes this conservancy such a special experience for children?

A Here at Sarara, children get the opportunity to play warrior games with bows and arrows,  and to interact with Samburu children and their age-old indigenous culture. Learning more about their way of living helps to give them a new perspective on life. A stay here is also a great opportunity to learn more about wildlife and conservation, and spend time in nature – hiking, going on game drives, or swimming while marvelling at animals gathering at the nearby waterholes. 

Q Which animal is sometimes overlooked – but is in fact fascinating?

A People always talk about how brave lions and other big, iconic animals are, but I think honey badgers are incredibly cool and fearless!

Q Do you prefer Namunyak’s sunrises or sunsets?

A Sunsets! I love the spectacular views of the mountains in the background – and with every sunset, a new story unfolds in the sky.

Q A little bird told us that you love birds… Do you have a favourite?

A I love lilac-breasted rollers. They’re the most colourful birds I’ve ever seen – and I love their acrobatic hunting skills.

Q What’s your favourite cultural activity to share with guests?

A Visiting a Samburu manyatta (homestead). I love sharing stories of our way of life with people from different parts of the world.