Wildlife Guide · Conservation Storyteller · Kenya Safari Expert. Two decades reading the land of Laikipia, from the rhino plains of Borana to the forests where I was born.
I am Nissa Ole Kinyaga, of the Maasai. I grew up in the Mukogodo Forest of northern Kenya, where I learned to read the land long before I ever called it a profession, the alarm call of a bird, the freshness of a track, the direction of the wind.
My path into guiding began as a radio signaller at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. From there I enrolled at the Kenya Utalii College for an advanced tour-guiding certificate, and went on to study advanced ornithology, walking safaris, astronomy and bush first aid. In 2002, I became a full-time safari guide, and I have never stopped learning since.
Today I guide at Lengishu, a private home in the heart of the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy, one of Kenya's most successful rhino sanctuaries. My days are spent among leopards and wild dogs, rhino and elephant, in rough mountainous terrain laced with deep valleys and riverine forest.
"Every day I am thankful to be surrounded by such beauty, the rough mountainous terrain with its deep valleys and riverine."
Nissa, interview with Carrier / Luxury London, 2021
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. First ears on the bush, coordinating teams and learning the rhythm of the land.
Advanced Tour Guiding Certificate, the formal foundation beneath a lifetime of bush knowledge.
The beginning of a professional career guiding guests through Northern Kenya's wild places.
Ornithology, walking wild safaris, astronomy and first aid. Depth across every discipline of the field.
Leading conservation safaris on the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy. Top-tier certification, hands in the work.
Leopard, lion and cheetah, tracking, territory and the patient art of the sighting. The cats are my first love in this work.
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, read in their own context, with respect for distance and behaviour.
Trained in advanced ornithology, from the tawny eagle of the Rift to the smallest cisticola in the grass.
Anticipating the moment before it happens, the tells, the posture, the silence that comes before a hunt.
Walking safaris, spoor and sign, understanding how the forest, the valley and the plain hold together.
Sharing the story of the rhino sanctuary, anti-poaching and community livelihoods with every guest I guide.
The animal's space comes first. The best encounters happen when the wild forgets we are there at all.
Revenue from tourism on Borana goes back to local communities and their livelihoods, protecting these animals for future generations.
In the evenings, guests can join the anti-poaching rangers on a drive, sharing stories, and understanding their way of life.
I love sharing success stories with younger generations. Conservation only lasts if it is passed on.
"Always be honest, help others, travel sustainably, and share the importance of conservation with younger generations as much as possible."
Nissa Ole Kinyaga
Big Five by day; porcupine, honey badger and leopard after dark.
Ride among giraffe and zebra with Mount Kenya on the horizon.
The Northern Frontier seen whole, from the air.
Through hills, valleys and herds of zebra.
Still mountain lakes, far above the plains.
Adventure rides through Borana's seasonal sand rivers.
Join the rangers on their evening deployment.
The southern skies, read from the dark of the conservancy.
Photographs from Nissa's own safaris, each with the story behind the frame. Swipe, scroll or use the arrows to move through the reel, and tap a frame to view it full-screen.
Silver-rated professional guide, one of only 59 in Kenya.
A full-time safari guide since, beginning at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Advanced tour-guiding certificate, Kenya Utalii College; advanced ornithology, walking safaris, astronomy & first aid.
"I enjoy spending time with all the animals, particularly the leopards and wild dogs."
Nissa, Carrier / Luxury London, 2021
"Visit Northern Kenya; it is paradise, one of the most exciting and adventurous parts of Africa."
Nissa, Carrier / Luxury London, 2021
Note, quotes are drawn from Nissa's published interview and clearly attributed. Guest testimonials from Google, TripAdvisor or past travellers can be added here as they are collected.
Hours of stillness for thirty seconds of grace, and why those seconds are worth every one of the hours.
What guests learn when they ride out with the anti-poaching team, and why I bring them along.
The forest that raised me, and the long road from a radio at Lewa to a guide's seat at Borana.
Every enquiry comes to me personally. Tell me what you hope to see, when you'd like to travel, and I'll help shape the journey.
