Messages from Africa; GK

What was it like growing up in Kenya? Share with us a little about your culture and growing up in Kenya

Hi! My name is Gitau Kabue, otherwise known as GK. I am half Kenyan, half awesome, ha ha! Anyway, growing up was fun and adventurous.  I loved travelling to explore new places. You could say I have been liberal since childhood. Even my mum and grandma could not contain me. I remember several occasions when I would have breakfast, take off with the rest of the boys in the neighbourhood, and only return when the sun had set. What did I do? Your guess is as good as mine. I had a long day.

About my culture: I come from the biggest group of people in Kenya, a tribe known as Agikuyu, commonly referred to as Kikuyu. The origin of the Kikuyu people comes from the God Ngai or Mungai—meaning the divider.

What made you go into tourism and be a guide? How long have you been a guide and what amount of studies was required for you to obtain your rating?

Growing up in the countryside in Naivasha, I saw wildlife everywhere. The place we settled after moving from Nairobi was sparsely occupied. Hyenas would howl during the night, especially after long rains. Giraffes, impalas, Grant’s gazelles, eland, Thompson’s gazelles, dik dik, dyker, African hare, and occasionally some buffalo would roam freely. I was always happy to see giraffes grazing close to the school I went to. When I was in class 6/7, my uncle started working with the Friends of Conservation in Mara. Every time he passed by on his way to the mara, I always admired the way he dressed. But the fact that he got to always travel was my favourite part. Living on the busy Mai Mahiu–Narok road to the Mara, I would see all the tourist vehicles pass by. When they had a breakdown, I would approach the vehicles and marvel at them, asking questions. That is how my interest began.

I went to college after high school and studied tour guiding and administration. Since then, I have never looked back. I did my bronze level exam while still in college, and every Wednesday I would join the nature Kenya group for morning bird walks. I loved birds, which inspired me to further my knowledge by enrolling in an ornithology course held in Naivasha, Elsamere. I am currently a silver guide and working on my gold status.

What is your favourite animal and why? What is your favourite park and why?

The giraffe has to be my favourite animal. It’s always wearing that smiling face, and of course I love the eyebrows. It’s always winking at you. I love their elegant walk and the fact that they are almost able to see the future, ha ha! They are clean and always looking chic.

My favourite park, or should I say parks… it’s hard to choose, but I will stick with Samburu and Maasai Mara. Samburu is scenic and panoramic, dotted with several hills and mountains. One can even see the peak of Mt. Kenya from there. What stands out is the sacred mountain of the Samburu people, Mt. Ololokwe, otherwise known as Wamba. The animals are unique, from the reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, oryx, and Somali ostrich to the vulturine guinea fowls and over 500 species of birds.

The Mara is just awesome, with vast savannah grasslands offering endless opportunities for wildlife photography, not to mention the 8^th wonder, the migration. Oh, and the cats: lions, cheetahs and the leopards. Nowhere else would you see these as easily as at Maasai Mara.

What has been your favourite sighting and why? What has been your scariest moment in the field?

I have too many favourite sightings to count, from the crossing of the gnus in Mara River to the leopard/cheetah/lion kill. My most memorable, however, was seeing a giraffe giving birth. I have only seen this once. About two weeks ago, I was able to witness a buffalo giving birth, but the giraffe was the most exciting, as they give birth while standing and the baby falls head first. It is a bit scary, but after 10 minutes the baby is up and suckling.

The scariest moment was being chased by elephants from Tsavo West. Those gentle giants can be mean, but they have had bad experiences with humans, so you really can’t blame them.

Outside of Kenya, what three places are the top of your list to visit and why?

Madagascar is the top of my list outside Kenya because of the fascinating baobab trees and bird life. I understand that they have 95% of the world’s baobab trees.

My 2^nd destination would be New Zealand, for ornithology purposes. I would love to see the lovely birds that do the enticing dance as they woo the females.

The 3^rd has to be the Grand Canyon. I have always admired it and would love to take a hike down there.

What has life been like over the past month in quarantine?

Life has been a nightmare. I am a wild pepo huru (wild, free spirit). Containment of any sort is not my thing, as I like being out and about. Now, I feel choked and like I can’t breathe, so someone send help, ha ha!

It is worse because my profession involves travelling, which I cannot do now. I eke out a living by doing so, thus finances are strained.

Is there anything special that you would like to share with everyone?

Just a reminder that we live to travel, so keep safe and stay masked. Exercise proper hygiene and please dispose of any disposables the right way. Do not litter; respect Mother Nature.

That is it from me, GK (Gitau wa Kabue). I will be here when you travel. See you soon!

GK is also a passionate photographer. You may follow him on Facebook and Instagram