We are excited to bring you a new series on the blog: Messages from Africa!
Abigeal will be authoring interviews with my guides from across Africa. With everyone stuck in their home countries, we are all missing each other and the beautiful African continent. Therefore, we thought this blog could be a way for us all to feel connected while we are homebound. We hope you will enjoy the series and participate with comments for the guides, as we know they would love to hear from you as well. Abigeal will respond to (type up) the comments from the guides back to you.
Our first interview is with Wilson Siele. He has been with me for many years, and I know many of you have had the pleasure to personally experience his deep passion for guiding. He wanted to start with a personal voice message to all of you!
Q. What has life been like over the past month in quarantine?
It has been really difficult just staying home. When you are no longer able to walk and meet friends and colleagues, you realize the importance of freedom of movement.
Q. What was it like growing up in Kenya?
Back in my days as a young boy, I enjoyed life in the remote village, herding cows and going to school. I miss those moments. I really learned a lot about our surrounding environment.
Q. What made you decide to go into tourism and be a guide?
As a small boy, during school holidays I would visit my father’s friend, who was a ranger in the famous Maasai Mara. He would take me with him during patrols in the park. That is how I fell in love with wildlife and nature and decided to pursue a career as a safari guide.
Q. How long have you been a guide? What is your favorite animal and why? What is your favourite park and why?
I have been a guide for the last 16 years, and my favourite animal is the cheetah. I am amazed by the animal’s speed and the fact that although it is one of the big cats, it does not like to engage other carnivores in a fight. A cheetah would rather lose a kill than risk an injury or its life.
My favourite park is of course the world famous Maasai Mara because of its richness and diversity in wildlife, the great migration, and the beautiful Maasai people.
Q. What has been your favourite sighting and why? What has been your scariest moment in the field?
My favourite sighting was last year when a beautiful leopard called Lorien took down a full-grown topi. That is a very rare sighting.
My scariest moment was back in 2009 at the Maasai Mara when a group of about 20 young wildebeests got stuck while crossing the Mara river. A huge male hippo headed straight for them. I thought he would kill them, but instead he helped them out. That was beyond my imagination.
Q. What message would you like to send?
To all our clients, I think about you during these difficult times. I miss you all.
Stay safe; life will be back to normal soon. Lots of love from Africa!
Hi Wilson; I thought you might be interested in what happens to some of the craft work that is sold in East Africa to North American tourists. About 10 years ago when I was in East Africa i bought a crafted small giraffe made of bottle caps for my sister in the U.S.A. who also does crafts with bottle caps. I gave it to her and it is a prized possession for her and her great grandchildren who like to look at this brightly coloured object and hold it. Some of East Africa found its way in a very tangible way to a valued place in North America and it is treasured there. My warm wishes to you and your family. Stay safe and well, Nanciellen Davis, Canada
‘Hi Nanciellen, good to hear from you. I am happy to know how African treasures are impacting lives in North America.’
Regards, Wilson
Jambo Wilson! It’s so good to see your smiling face and to hear that you are well. I miss being on Safari with you and Jonathon and hopefully, all will be returning to normal soon. I wish you and your family health and happiness until we meet again – soon! Best regards, Terry Granger – Atlanta, Georgia
‘Hi Terry, it is my pleasure to know that you are safe.’
Thanks, Wilson
Hi Wilson! Your favorite memory was our good fortune, as seeing Lorien take down that Topi was an amazing last day for Rachel and I. Every day was amazing with you as our guide, such an action pack trip. It was special to see the newborn giraffe in Nairobi Park, the cheetahs in the special evening light and the crossings were beyond my expectation. We are good here in quarantine. We miss the wild and Kenya. That you for being such a special person. Take care and be safe. Love to you and your family and all the wildlife!!
Lynn
‘Hi Lynn,I am happy to know that you are safe. Memories from that great safari are still fresh to date. Greetings to all the girls.’
Thanks, Wilson
This is a great idea, Piper!! Thank you. I didn’t write last week but I loved learning about Abigeal and recall the moment she met Cindy and me at the airport. She was so cheerful and beautiful. I’ll send that photo when I can. Today, I loved reading about Wilson and how he got involved in guiding. It’s great to hear that you are all safe. With your permission, Wilson, I’d love to use your favorite sighting in a sermon. The animals teach us so much. Thank you for sharing with us. Greet all your team. You all help make Piper’s safaris so terrific for your clients. Praying you all stay well. Sherry–CA
Hello Sherry, thank you very much for your kind words and it was so lovely meeting you and Cindy. I did not know you got a photo from that day. Would love to see it one day :). For now, continue keeping safe.
Please find Wilson’s response below:
‘Hi Sherry, happy to know that you are safe. Feel free to use any part of my testimony.’
Thanks, Wilson
Hi – Great to hear and see Wilson! Abigeal too. It was a pleasure riding with Wilson. We got some great shots together. One specifically was a giraffe at sunrise. So great! Abigeal has always been so helpful. I hope they stay well and are ok during this very difficult time.
Love to you Piper xx~Nancy
Hello Nancy, thank you very much for your lovely words. We are safe and hope that you as well continue to keep safe and healthy!
Below is Wilson’s response to you:
‘Hi Nancy, greetings from Kenya. Stay safe until we meet again.’
Thanks, Wilson
Thank you for you lovely comments. We are all doing fine, just missing being together in Africa. However, we will all soon be back in the place that touches our souls. Hope you are all doing well.
Love to you XX -Piper
Really enjoyed the message from Africa. I haven’t been on a photo shoot, but still feel I’m a part of the larger group. Have enjoyed a lecture presentation by Piper and sent info ( and contact info) on giraffe conservation from an event I attended at the Palm Desert Living Zoo.
Hello Susan
Yes I remember the information you sent-thank you.. I hope you are doing well. You are most definitely part of the larger group!
Been to South Africa and had wonderful guide/tracker Sydney! Your blog and interviews bring me back to a wonderful place!!!AFRICA
Many Thanks,
Bob
I am so glad. We were hoping these interviews would keep everyone connected with the magic of Africa!