My Name is Paul Kirui. I am a Kenyan based Safariguide with a wealth of experience in leading photo tours and safaris. I lead tours and safari to a multitude of wildlife prolific locations around Africa, where i have extensive experience and knowledge of both the areas and endemic wildlife. My commitment is to deliver excellent level of service on all my photo tours.
I grew in the Masai Mara region of Kenya. After school, i went to colleges both in Kenya and South Africa where i graduated in the field of Natural History and professional guiding.
I have worked as a guide in the wilderness areas of Kenya, northern Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda for more than 30 years and i am one of just 30 Gold Level (highest ranking) guides in Kenya. I received “Best Guide of the Year” recognition from Eco-Warrior Awards for two years running, 2016-2017 for outstanding leadership in safari tourism. I have tapped my extensive experience to train other guides as well: I helped set up the first training school for safari guides in the Serengeti, have been involved with training guides in Rwanda and Uganda. Among all these commitments, i still find time for my first love: personally guiding guests through the natural wonders of East Africa.
I have a special interest in leopards and i have worked with the BBC Natural History film unit since 2006 as a leopard tracker and consultant for the BBC’s Big Cat Week and Big Cat Live programs. I also took part in shooting the BBC documentary The Truth About Lions in 2009, as well as helping DisneyNature during the filming of African Cats in 2009-10.
I have led many tours, guiding many guests to different wilderness areas in Kenya, Northern Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. Most of this time was spent near my village in the Masai Mara game reserve and i think very few others understands the Mara as i do. I was listed by Conde Nast traveller as one of the 25 best guides in Africa http://www.cntraveler.com/daily-traveler/2013/11/best-safari-guides-in-africa
My passion in photography started after school when i was engaged as a corresponded for a regional newspaper, owned by Kenya New Agency. This is where i underwent basic training in photography so as to be able to cover sports and other events for the paper. From then on, there was no turning back. I purchased own camera (An old model twin lens reflex) and opened a small photo studio. I specialised in wedding and events photography and taking passport size photos for students in schools and identifications documents. I carried my Photography passion from then on. Later after my college train and becoming a guide, i went along with my photography passion and joined some of the established photographers like, Jonathan Scot ( A BBC wildlife show presenter) to keep sharpening my skills. When i worked with the BBC on the Big cat diary program from Masai Mara, i was their still shots photographer for the animals featured in the documentary. My photos were used on the DVD cover of the Big Cat Live program in 2008.
My photographs have also featured severally in Swara, the East Africa Wildlife magazine, Also in papers like the Scottish Sun, UK and others.
My style is Interpreting nature through photography, taking photos that has a story behind or that which causes some emotion and a liking of the moment. My strongest point is interpreting and understanding animal behaviour which then leads me to a correct prediction of a photo opportunity. To this day, i believe strongly that no amount of equipment, expensive or cheap, can surpass a good understanding of animal behaviour, when looking for great photography.
What is in my camera bag:
Camera Equipment
Macro Setup for Select Trips
Post-Processing Software expertise
