Let's go on Safari

Charity Cheruiyot, 30, works as a range guide and a mentor with And Beyond Travel company. She is based at the Bateleur Camp in the Masai Mara Conservancy and recently won the Born Free Foundation's 'Most Responsible Safari Guide' Award. She spoke to Matilda NziokiWhen did you decide to become a range guide?I’ve always been interested in the tourism industry. At first, I wanted to join cabin crew but I did not succeed. I studied travel consultancy but after my second diploma, a job was hard to come by. I had a short stint as a waitress at the Stanley Hotel before I got an opportunity to become a range guide. In September 2005, I did an interview for the job, which I passed, but they could not take me because I did not have a passport and a driving licence. I went and worked on that then went back, and the employer was impressed by my determination. I was called again to start training in April the following year.How was the training?We travelled to the Serengeti in Tanzania. It was sort of military training for seven straight months. There was little water, the houses were small structures and sometimes you would find a snake in there. Going to the loo at night was unheard of because chances of bumping into a wild animal were very high. We learnt about animals, rocks, insects, and vegetation and also about the company.That must have been hard…It was, and it did not help that the men were at first very hostile. I was the first lady ranger there; everyone cautioned me that the training would take a toll on me. I was always told to leave the bush and go do something ‘more suited’ for females. They gave up when they realised that I was not going to go anywhere and they were all surprised when I completed the training. The only other lady dropped out. After me, there have come three more ladies now. I’m happy to have set the trend.The training however was fun. It drew me closer to nature, and at one point, most of my dreams had animals in them!What exactly does your job entail?From the moment I pick guests from the airstrip. I do the itinerary. Depending on the guests, sometimes there are morning drives, a walking safari, a night safari a field day and many other options. Depending on when we go out, we can have a picnic breakfast, a champagne breakfast, packed lunch or a bush dinner. When I am out with guests I am the guide, the driver, the waiter, the chef and the butler too. The dynamism is interesting. In my posting as a mentor, I liaise with the manager on duty and other rangers to work on the day’s schedule. My days are quite busy, even during the low season, between March and May.What have you achieved so far?I was the first female range guide in my lodge and in 2007 I won the Bateleur Award given by the company to staff who excel in their work. In 2008, I was appointed as a mentor, and I am currently training four guides. This year, I won Responsible Safari Guide Award sponsored by UK’s Born Free Foundation. It’s awarded to the safari guide who’s most responsible towards the wildlife being viewed, the Mara ecosystem and their respect for local culture and the community. I won an all expenses paid two-week trip to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, where I will have the unique opportunity to interact and work alongside, some of Africa’s top safari guides. Any notable guests?I have escorted ambassadors, ministers both Kenyan and from abroad, the Prince of Monaco, former president Moi’s son and his family, a CBS news anchor and Hillary Clinton’s assistant among other personalities.How do the guests relate to you as a female ranger?It’s challenging as you will get guests who may doubt your ability. The other day I got a flat tyre in the wild. One of the guests I was driving asked me who was going to call to change the wheel, considering it was a land cruiser, she was surprised to see me do it by myself. Some guests even admit after a trip that they feared I wouldn’t make it, especially during the muddy season around April.How is it like working out of town?It’s beautiful. I feel at peace. When I come to town, I feel misplaced due to all the noise and pollution that I’m not used to. I love trees and the feeling at the bush. In fact, when I’m away from the Mara, I miss it. As much as I see the animals every day, I unbelievably get excited each time I see them. There’s always something new I learn. I love snakes. They are part of the eco-system, and as long as you don’t get too close to them, you have nothing to fear.&#12288;

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