“I want to give them memories they will cherish for the rest of their life.”, says veteran safari guide, Daniel Musyoki, who says he’s only happy when his clients are happy.
To that end, Daniel is up every safari day at 4:30 am to prepare for his guests who he meets at 6:30 for their first game drive of the day. For him, morning is the best time to look for the lions and other big cats.
“Because that is the time before it gets very hot. When we enter the national park, we go to their favorite areas, where they love to stay.”
Daniel shares that the elephants, giraffes, and buffalo are easier to spot as they will be out during the entire day. But for the big cats… morning is prime time.
So how did Daniel become an expert on Kenya’s wildlife and its numerous national parks?
A Star Is Born
During his childhood in eastern Kenya, Daniel was always fascinated with its wildlife. But that wasn’t his first love – the stage and acting were where Daniel set his sights. But his ambitions changed when a friend took him on safari to Tsavo and Amboseli Parks, and suddenly he became hooked on the drama of the wildlife before him.
He explains, “You cannot get tired of nature. It is so satisfying. It’s never the same regardless of how many times you do safari.”
So Daniel enrolled in a college program for guides, learning in the classroom and in the field. After passing his exams, he began apprenticing with experienced guides, In time, his knowledge of the natural world rivaled his teachers’ and Daniel became a lead guide. That was over 20 years ago and today Daniel is one of Africa Kenya Safaris’ most experienced safari leaders.
Daniel’s Favorite Safari
Every safari guide has their favorite tour – Daniel’s is a 7-day adventure that begins in Amboseli National Park. “In Amboseli, the client will have the opportunity to see Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Then we have lots and lots of elephants. Then we go to the Masai Mara for 3 nights and it is quite satisfying – you have the opportunity to see the rest of the big five.” Here Daniel is referring to the park’s abundant lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo.
Never Say Goodbye
Loving the safari life and his guests’ reactions to the wildlife experience, no memory has touched Daniel as much as one family’s defining moment, “They didn’t want to leave. The whole family was crying. They were going to sell everything and come back and and settle in Africa!”
Daniel says the family is still making plans for their African return. But whether they do or not, he is happy that he was able to share his world with them, “To give memories they will cherish for the rest of their life. ‘We went to Kenya and it was… wow!”
This is what it is all about for Daniel Musyoki and the team at Africa Kenya Safaris.
You’ll meet Daniel or another of our friendly and expert guides when you book your adventure with us. We can’t wait to meet you.
