Training the Next Generation: Gamewatchers Scholarship Graduates New Safari Guides

Sponsored students together

Training the Next Generation: Gamewatchers Scholarship Graduates New Safari Guides

On February 28, 2025, three young conservationists—Noah Sunde, Dan Pere, and Gladys Minis—achieved a significant milestone by graduating with distinction from the Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara (formerly the Koiyaki Guiding School). Their success is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the power of education in shaping the future of conservation and eco-tourism in Kenya.

Their journey was made possible through the Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship, an initiative designed to provide opportunities for promising Maasai youth who are passionate about wildlife but may not have the financial means to pursue formal training in safari guiding and conservation management. This graduation marks the beginning of an exciting chapter—not only for these graduates but for the communities and wildlife they will help protect.

Sponsored students together
Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship: Investing in People for Conservation

The Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara located in Pardat Conservation Area, was established in 2005 under the name Koiyaki Guiding School. Each year, the institution enrolls 26 students, equipping them with the skills necessary to become professional safari guides, conservationists, and ambassadors for responsible tourism.

Gamewatchers Safaris has long been committed to community-led conservation, ensuring that local people benefit directly from protecting Kenya’s wilderness. By sponsoring students at the Wildlife Tourism College, we are not just supporting individuals—we are investing in the future stewards of Kenya’s ecosystems.

Through the scholarship program, students receive full or partial financial assistance, allowing them to complete their training and gain industry-recognized certifications such as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) exams and the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) certification. For Gamewatchers Safaris, the scholarship is more than just education—it is about ensuring that conservation efforts are community-led, sustainable, and impactful. With over 90% of Porini Camps’ staff coming from the surrounding communities, this initiative directly contributes to employment, skills development, and long-term conservation efforts.

Meet the Graduates: Their Journey, Their Impact

Gladys Nabaya Minis: A Trailblazer for Women in Conservation
At just 20 years old, Gladys from Ol Kinyei Conservancy has already defied the odds. As a single mother, she faced financial challenges, but her passion for wildlife and determination led her to earn a Distinction in her KNEC exams and pass her Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) Bronze exam. Gladys did her internship at the Porini Ol Kinyei Safari Cottages to further equip her with practical experience, allowing her to apply her skills in a real-world setting. With her newfound qualifications, Gladys is poised to become a leading female guide, inspiring more women to pursue careers in conservation.

Gladis Minis proudly receives her certificate on graduation day.

Daniel Pere: A Guiding Light for His Family & Wildlife
As the firstborn in a family of 30, a husband and a father of two, Pere understands responsibility. His dream is to use his guiding skills to uplift his family while protecting Kenya’s wildlife. Despite challenges, he scored 67% in his KPSGA exam and achieved a Distinction in his KNEC exams. During his internship at Porini Mara Camp, he gained hands-on experience, boosting his confidence and preparing him for a future as a professional guide

Dan Pere proudly receives his certificate on graduation day.

Noah Sunde: Championing Conservation in Selenkay
Growing up in Selenkay Conservancy, Noah was inspired by expert guides from Porini Camps. With Gamewatchers’ sponsorship, he pursued his dream, excelling in his KPSGA Bronze Exam and KNEC Final Exam. His internship at Porini Rhino Camp strengthened his skills, and now, he is eager to promote sustainable tourism and conservation in Selenkay, ensuring his community benefits from responsible travel.

The graduation of Noah, Dan, and Gladys is not just a milestone for them personally—it is a victory for conservation in Kenya. As newly qualified guides, they will help protect and preserve Kenya’s diverse ecosystems by sharing their knowledge with visitors. Their expertise will ensure that safari experiences remain authentic and deeply connected to local culture while playing a vital role in educating guests on sustainable tourism practices and the importance of conservation. They will also serve as role models for other young Maasai individuals who aspire to work in eco-tourism.

By investing in local talent, Gamewatchers Safaris ensures that the future of conservation is in the hands of those who have grown up in these landscapes and understand their significance better than anyone else.

How Safari Guests Play a Role in Conservation

One of the most remarkable aspects of this program is how every guest staying at Porini Safari Camps directly contributes to education and employment opportunities for young Maasai men and women. By choosing eco-tourism over mass tourism, visitors help fund scholarships, create jobs, and support the protection of Kenya’s wildlife and wilderness areas.

As more travelers seek ethical and sustainable safari experiences, programs like the Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship prove that tourism can be a force for positive change—benefiting both people and the planet.

A Bright Future Ahead

For Noah, Dan, and Gladys, this graduation is just the beginning. Their journey from students to professional guides means that future safari guests may soon find themselves exploring Kenya’s breathtaking conservancies under their expert guidance. Their success is a reminder that investing in people is just as important —if not more—than protecting wildlife, because conservation thrives when communities are part of the solution.

Acknowledging Our Generous Supporters

The success of our scholarship program would not be possible without the generosity of those who believe in the power of education and conservation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

  • Angie Ullmann – Generously provided a full scholarship for Noah Sunde
  • Adrienne Van Veen –  Generously contributed $463 towards Gladys Minis’ education

Additionally, further support was provided to ensure Gladys Minis and Dan Pere could successfully complete their studies.

Your generosity has helped shape the future of young conservationists, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to protect wildlife and natural heritage. Thank you for making a lasting impact!

Be Part of the Impact

Every booking with Porini Camps supports initiatives like the Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship, ensuring that conservation remains community-driven, sustainable, and effective. Want to experience a safari that makes a difference? Book your stay with Porini Camps and be part of the movement to empower future conservationists.Learn more about our community projects and how you can help here: https://wildlifehabitattrust.org/trust-projects/

Posted on 19th March 2025

By Ivy Vuguza

A Tribute to Paolo, Amboseli’s Iconic Elephant

Wildlife

Paolo, captured through the lens of Porini Guide Edison Sakimba

A Tribute to Paolo, Amboseli’s Iconic Elephant

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paolo, one of Amboseli’s most famous and cherished elephants. At 46 years old, Paolo’s death marks the loss of a true giant, not only in size but also in spirit. His massive tusks, each weighing over 100 pounds (45 kg), made him one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers, and his presence will be sorely missed.

A Life Filled with Challenges and Triumphs

According to Amboseli Elephant Trust, Paolo was born in November 1979 and was part of the ‘P’ family, one of the largest elephant families in Amboseli. Under the care of his mother, Pick, Paolo survived early challenges, including a devastating drought in 1984. As Paolo grew older, he left his family at 14 years of age, following the natural path of male elephants to live independently.

Over the years, Paolo endured numerous hardships, including two poaching crises and a severe drought in 2008 that claimed the life of his mother. Despite these challenges, Paolo thrived, becoming one of Amboseli’s largest and most iconic elephants

Paolo, captured through the lens of Porini Guide Edison Sakimba

The Rare Super Tusker

Paolo was a magnificent bull known for his impressive tusks. Following his passing, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) recorded measurements of Paolo’s tusks, confirming just how extraordinary they were.

Paolo’s Tusks: A Legacy in Numbers

🔹 Right Tusk

  • Weight: 52.9 kg
  • Outer Curve Length: 260 cm
  • Inner Curve Length: 234 cm
  • Circumference: 52 cm

🔹 Left Tusk

  • Weight: 51 kg
  • Outer Curve Length: 252 cm
  • Inner Curve Length: 227 cm
  • Circumference: 52 cm

These numbers highlight just how magnificent Paolo was—his tusks were not only long but also thick and symmetrical, marking him as a true ‘big tusker.’ 

Super tuskers like Paolo are becoming increasingly rare. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) notes that fewer than 30 super tuskers remain worldwide – IFAW.ORG. with only approximately 10 residing within the Amboseli ecosystem – EnactAfrica.Org.  Paolo, however, was able to survive thanks to the tireless conservation efforts in the Amboseli ecosystem from the community, KWS, many conservation partners as well as the critical protected area that the Selenkay Conservancy is.

His presence in Amboseli and Selenkay Conservancy was a symbol of the success of community-based conservation. The local Maasai communities and dedicated rangers helped protect Paolo and other elephants, allowing them to live freely and safely.

 Selenkay Conservancy set up by Gamewatchers & Porini Camps in partnership with the community almost 30 years ago continues to be a vital part of the home range to some of these super tuskers and a great place to be able to view these majestic animals from while staying at Porini Amboseli Camp. 

Paolo’s Impact on Amboseli and Selenkay Conservancy

Paolo was not only an icon of Amboseli but also a frequent visitor to the Selenkay Conservancy. The conservancy, one of the most important wildlife areas in the region, has been a safe haven for elephants like Paolo. Our Porini Amboseli guides fondly remember him, sharing stories of his gentle nature and awe-inspiring presence.

“From the moment Paolo arrived here, he lived peacefully among both people and other elephants. He was easy to recognize by his folded right ear and his long, thick tusks, which stood tall above his shoulders. I knew him as a shy but calm elephant who preferred solitude most of the time. Despite this, he was a favorite among our guests, who traveled from far and wide to photograph him. His presence was a great attraction, and he embodied the beauty of Africa’s iconic big tuskers. Sadly, Paolo passed away when we still needed him. Though we couldn’t intervene, we believe he died of natural causes. Throughout his life, he was never in conflict with people—not even when near their farms. Paolo will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever, ” says Selenkay Conservancy Manager, Daniel Mamai.

Paolo, captured in a stunning moment by Selenkay Conservancy Manager, Daniel Mamai.

“Paolo was often seen between Selenkay Conservancy and Amboseli National Park in the months leading up to his death. He was a friendly bull, and his presence was a symbol of strength and grace in our conservancy. As one of the iconic giants of Selenkay, Paolo was truly a living legend. His passing marks the loss of one of our biggest super tuskers, and it’s incredibly sad to lose such a peaceful and majestic patriarch. Paolo leaves a significant gap in Amboseli, and we can only hope that he has passed on his legacy through the next generation, ” adds Porini Amboseli Camp Silver Guide, Edison Sakimba who often photographed Paolo both in the Park and the Conservancy.

Check out this video of Paolo, captured by Sakimba in December 2024 at Selenkay Conservancy during a game drive with guests from Porini Amboseli Camp: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Azhqfwx9T/

“I’ve known Paolo for 10 years, and he became one of the best bull elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem. I always made it a point to track him down for my clients so they could have the chance to see him. He was a very friendly and intelligent elephant, who preferred to stay in Selenkay Conservancy for longer periods than in the park. Just last month, he came to Porini’s waterhole to say goodbye. His passing was due to natural causes, and no one is to blame. Rest in peace, Paolo! “ says Porini Amboseli Camp, Bronze Guide Daniel Muli.

Left to Right: Paolo, captured through the lens of Porini Guide Daniel Muli; Muli photographed with Paolo the elephant in Selenkay Conservancy

Though Paolo is gone, his legacy lives on in the work done to protect elephants and their habitats. His story is a reminder of the importance of sustainable conservation practices and the need to continue protecting these majestic creatures for future generations.

A Lasting Legacy

While we mourn the loss of Paolo, we also celebrate his life and the role he played in Amboseli’s elephant population. His sister, Periwinkle, continues to roam the savannah, carrying his memory forward. As you visit Porini Amboseli Camp, know that your support helps maintain the vital habitats that allow elephants like Paolo to thrive.

Rest in peace, Paolo. You will forever be remembered as one of Amboseli’s greatest giants.

— With gratitude from the team at Porini Amboseli Camp, Selenkay Conservancy and the entire Gamewatchers Safaris Team.

By Ivy Vuguza

Posted: 7th February, 2025