Benson Mwangi’s passion for wildlife started in his youth, growing up near the Aberdares and cohabiting closely with wildlife, while interacting with safari enthusiasts visiting his hometown. This early exposure inspired him to pursue a career as a safari guide, and he has been guiding since 2007, specializing in wildlife and bird life.
His favourite safari destination is Samburu National Reserve, admired for its vast semi arid landscapes and the resilience of wildlife surviving in an area that often receives less than 5mm of rainfall annually. One of his most memorable wildlife experiences was witnessing a Samburu lioness realize she had hunted a mother Beisa oryx with a calf, and then deciding to protect the young calf from other predators, a raw display of nature’s balance.
Among all animals, Benson finds the cheetah the most fascinating for its agility, speed, calmness, and the combination of fragility and ferocity. He enjoys sharing insights with guests about the realities of survival in the wild, including how big cats hunt strategically and only when necessary.
For Benson, guiding guests is a special experience, like working while on holiday, traversing a world full of culture, wildlife, and adventure, all within one’s own country. When briefing first time safari guests, he emphasizes optimism, patience, and keeping an open mind for a smooth and rewarding experience.
He has honed his skills through learning, listening, attending trainings, referring to guidebooks, and collaborating with fellow guides, understanding that no one can know everything. Outside of guiding, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, catching up with friends, and watching movies or wildlife documentaries.
