
Simon Gathai
Director and Head Guide
For Simon, there is nothing quite like watching someone experience Africa for the first time. A wildlife encounter that leaves them speechless. A landscape they never imagined they would see. A spontaneous stop that becomes one of the stories they tell for years. It is this love for Africa, and the joy of sharing it with others, that has shaped Simon's life in tourism.
With more than 21 years of experience guiding travellers across Kenya and East Africa, Simon has built his career at the highest levels of the safari industry, working with some of the region's most respected safari operators and welcoming discerning travellers from around the world. His experience includes senior guiding roles on high-end safaris, where he developed a reputation for exceptional guest care, deep destination knowledge and the ability to deliver highly personalised experiences.
But for Simon, guiding has always been about more than knowing the roads or finding wildlife. It is about creating the space for people to experience Africa in their own way. After years on the road, he came to understand that the most memorable safaris are personal ones, shaped around the people travelling, what they love and the moments they want to savour.
That understanding inspired him to create Bushking Safaris, built around a simple belief: your safari should be as individual as you are.
Whether it is spending an unhurried morning watching a pride of lions, discovering the landscapes and cultures of Kenya, travelling at a relaxed pace with family, or following an unexpected wildlife encounter a little further than planned, Simon takes the time to understand what matters to each guest.
Years in the field have also taught him when to follow the itinerary and when to let Africa take the lead. Wildlife moves. Weather changes. The most extraordinary encounters are rarely scheduled. Simon brings the experience, local knowledge and judgement to adapt in the moment while keeping every journey comfortable, well considered and safe.
Fluent in English, Kiswahili and Spanish, Simon has a natural ability to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, creating the kind of rapport that makes guests feel instantly at ease.
For Simon, the greatest reward is simple: seeing a client's face light up when a dream becomes a memory.


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