africa safari fundi

The Legendary “Fundi” Guides Behind Mara Siana

A small upscale camp located in the newly formed Ripoi Conservancy (formerly Olarro South), Mara Siana lies in a stunning undiscovered area just outside Masai Mara National Reserve.

The camp is 50% Masai and 50% female owned. Among its directors are some of Kenya’s safari stars.

Ranked as one of Africa’s top 15 guides by Conde Nast Traveler and co-star of the TV series Big Cat Tales , Jackson Looseyia was born and raised in the heart of the Masai Mara. Tracking wild animals is in his blood — he comes from a long line of master hunters and trackers.

Jackson’s father, a particularly famous hunter, clashed with the park authorities and was imprisoned. After release, he became the archetypal “poacher turned gamekeeper” and was appointed head ranger in the Southern Mara.

It was at this time that young Jackson was trained in the ways of the wild. His father took him into the bush for six months of intense training, learning how to track dangerous animals such as lion and buffalo. As a young man, Jackson quickly rose to become one of the first Masai guides in the Mara.

One of Kenya’s most experienced guides, Fred Ronko is a truly exceptional safari fundi who has guided in Mara for over 20 years. Growing up he dreamed of becoming a guide, and through meeting Jackson Looseyia and Ron Beaton, the founders of Rekero Camp, he got his chance.

Known for his superb guiding skills and charming manner, Fred is a master at finding ways to engage children with the world around them. A pro at anticipating the best places to view wildlife, he has also guided many photographers and film crews. Fred is passionate about conservation and sustainable tourism, and is always happy to discuss the challenges andtriumphs he has seen during his time in the Mara.

With a love for mature that started during his youth, Salaash Morompi loves guiding and sharing the incredible diversity of wildlife of the Masai Mara. He began his career as a waiter and quickly climbed through the ranks to become the incredible guide he is today.

Salaash’s desire to create memorable safari experiences knows no bounds, hence the huge demand for his guiding services with repeat guests. His love for nature started in his youth, sobecoming a safari guide was the culmination of a lifelong dream. He loves guiding and sharing the incredible diversity of wildlife of the Masai Mara.

Jenna Farber

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Les questions plus courantes

• Quelle est la meilleure periode pour faire un safari en Afrique du Sud ? Les safaris sont d'excellente qualité toute l'année en Afrique du Sud. L’hiver austral, de mai à octobre, où la végétation est peu dense, permet de plus facilement repérer les animaux car ils se regroupent auprès des points d’eau. L’été austral, de novembre à avril, est également magnifique car la végétation est luxuriante, on peut apercevoir d’innombrables bébés animaux et assister au retour des oiseaux migrateurs.
• Dans quels pays organisez vous des safaris ? J’organise, pour le moment, des safaris en Afrique du Sud mais d’autres pays africains seront bientôt à la carte. Je vous tiens au courant rapidement.
• Comment se déroule une journée de safari ? Nous sortons dans la savane deux fois par jour : le matin au lever du soleil et l’après-midi, vers 15h jusqu’au coucher du soleil. Cela peut-être en voiture ou à pied.
• Quels types d’hébergement proposez-vous ? Je vous propose plusieurs types d’hébergement : lodge entièrement privatisable, chalet, tente de luxe, il y en a pour tous les goûts.
• Les safaris sont-ils en pension complète ? Tous les repas sont compris dans le tarif devisé.
• Quelles sont les modalités de réglement ? Un acompte de 40% devra être versé à la réservation puis le solde de 60% sera à régler deux mois avant le départ.
• Les vols sont-ils compris ? Les vols ne sont pas compris dans le tarif. En revanche les transferts aéroport/réserves sont compris.
• Quel est le temps de trajet pour se rendre de Johannesburg au Kruger ? Il faut environ 5 à 6 heures, par la route, pour se rendre dans la région du Kruger depuis l’aéroport de Johannesburg. Si vous deviez prendre un vol interne, la durée du vol est d’environ 50 minutes.
• Que dois-je prendre avec moi ? Je vous enverrai une liste détaillée quelque temps avant votre départ ;)
• Dois-prendre un traitement anti-paludisme ? Si vous rendez dans les réserves privées du Greater Kruger, le risque est très faible. Le Parc National du Kruger fait partie des régions à risque, il faut en discuter avec votre médecin si vous souhaitez ou non suivre un traitement anti-paludisme.
• À quel âge peut-on partir en safari ? Certains lodges acceptent les enfants à partir de 6 ans mais les safaris à pied ne sont autorisés qu’à partir de 16 ans.

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