There are guides who know the wild, and then there are guides who live it. Collins belongs firmly in the latter.
Recently, Collins achieved Gold Level certification with the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) – the highest and most respected level of professional guiding in Kenya. This prestigious distinction is earned only through years of field experience, deep ecological knowledge, rigorous assessments, and unwavering dedication to both conservation and guest experience.
As one of the leaders within our guiding team, Collins consistently sets the standard through his professionalism, expertise, and passion for the wilderness. This milestone is not only a personal achievement, but a proud moment for all of us at Governors’ Camp Collection.
Hongera, Collins – we are incredibly proud of you.
Long before earning his Gold badge, Collins had already set his path in guiding. Driven by a strong passion for tourism and conservation, he pursued Environmental Studies in 2007, followed by professional training at Nairobi Aviation College, where he earned a Diploma in Tour Guiding and Administration.
His academic journey did not stop there. Determined to deepen his knowledge, Collins went on to complete Single Subject Diplomas in Tour Operations and Customer Service (ICM) as well as studies in the fundamentals of Herpetology and Ornithology
His professional career began at the Karen Blixen Museum, first as an attachment and later as a recalled staff member. In 2010, he took the next step and applied to join Governors’ Camp – a decision that would shape the next chapter of his life.
Collins has guided with Governors’ for 16 years
Collins spent more than eight years at the former Little Governors’ Camp, where he honed his skills, built lasting relationships with guests, and steadily progressed through the KPSGA ranks – from Bronze, to Silver, and now to Gold.
Following the redevelopment of Little Governors’ Camp into Wilderness Mara, Collins has temporarily transferred to Loldia House in the Great Rift Valley. Here, he is discovering different landscapes, birdlife, and wildlife, and expanding his guiding experience even further.
Loldia presents different wildlife experiences
“Governors’ Camp is very special to me,” Collins shares. “It is where I have received immense support and where my professional career has grown and taken shape.”
Ask Collins what he enjoys most about his work, and his answer is simple: no two days are ever the same.
Each safari brings new light, new tracks, new stories, and new moments to share with guests. While many visitors remember a single dramatic sighting, Collins sees every drive as meaningful in its own way.
What often goes unseen is the persistence behind the scenes – the early starts, the patience, the careful reading of subtle signs in the bush, and the countless decisions made. For Collins, the reward comes when effort meets opportunity, and the wilderness reveals itself.
Collins on safari with guests last year
Despite a career filled with remarkable encounters, Collins finds it difficult to single out one defining moment. Instead, what stands out most is the personal and professional growth he has experienced over time.
Among his favourite animals in the wild? The hyena. Often misunderstood, Collins finds them fascinating and endearing – intelligent, complex, and essential to the ecosystem. It is a perspective that reflects his deep understanding of nature and his ability to see beauty where others may overlook it.
And when it comes to the best time of day in the bush, he refuses to choose. Early mornings and sundowners both hold their own magic when the light softens, and the landscape feels at its most alive.
Achieving Gold Level KPSGA status is widely regarded as the pinnacle of professional guiding in Kenya. For Collins, the journey demanded commitment, discipline, and determination. But it was also deeply fulfilling.
Collins at Loldia House
“I hope guests remember the exceptional safari experiences and lasting memories they create while staying with us,” he says, “and that they return for even more unforgettable adventures.”
By Ann Mbaabu for www.governorscamp.com
