Messages from Africa; Raymond

It is my pleasure to introduce Raymond, who I think of as my partner in crime. Raymond and I have spent endless hours in the remote tribal regions of Kenya. If you have traveled with me to Northern Kenya, then you know Raymond. He also has a deep passion for the beautiful tribes and worked in the Omo Valley for many years in the very early days: driving rough African roads and bushwhacking his way through.

Raymond is also a specialist guide for film crews and was credited for his guide work in the incredible documentary, “The Ivory Game”, which is still viewable on Netflix; I highly recommend watching it.

We wanted to keep this interview authentic so Abigeal, who authored the interview, did not edit it as it should be written in proper english, but typed it as spoken in his own words.

Raymond start out with a special video message. This was his first time to do to make a selfie video. He was a little nervous, but he loosens up a bit and I think he did a great job.

Q. What was it like growing up in Kenya – share with us a little about your culture and growing up in Kenya? 

Hi Jambo, my name is Raymond Kitia. I am a bronze guide and I grew up in Kenya. I am Kamba by tribe and I love my culture. My tribe is known for being hunters and gatherers in the early years and we are the best wood carvers in Africa. Actually, most carvings found in curio shops all round are done by people of my tribe.

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

I decided to go into tourism because I love wildlife and being out in the wild. I love animals and culture and I have been a guide since 2006 till date. This is my last job till I retire as I love nothing else other than being a guide. I love it and still keep on doing it. Being a guide, you need to have certain skills. You need go to college and know about wildlife and flora and fauna.

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

My favourite animal is a leopard. I love leopards as they are unique and it is not easy to find. I just love leopards.

My favourite park is all the parks as they are all unique in their own way so being in any park feels different and I never get bored of visiting the parks anytime.

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

One of my favourite sightings is watching the wildebeest cross the Mara river in flocks/herds. This is truly a favourite.

My scariest moment is when one day in Tsavo East. The path I was supposed to drive through had been blocked by elephants and they brought down a tree and blocked the road. As I was waiting for them to finish feeding and move as there was no way out, one of the sub adult males charged at me and came running towards the vehicle. I had to back up and change the route meaning driving off road and round them to continue with my safari as there was no other way.

Q. What is your favorite part about being a guide? 

My favourite part about being a guide is learning more while travelling and teaching the guests about different wildlife behaviours every day.

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

Places I would like to visit…One is Australia. I hear they have the best beaches so I would like to visit the beached. I would like to go to the US and visit Miami.

Q. What message would you like to send to everyone 

I would like to tell everyone to postpone and not cancel and we will be happy to see you again soon!