Paul Kirui

Paul, one of Kenya’s most distinguished safari guides, was born on the northern outskirts of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, where the rhythm of the African wilderness was woven into his upbringing. From a young age, Paul herded cattle across the vast savannah, developing an intimate connection with the land, its flora, and its diverse wildlife. This early immersion in the natural world fostered a deep passion for conservation and a lifelong dream of working in the safari industry.

Paul’s path to becoming a leading guide took him through rigorous academic and professional training in both Kenya and South Africa, where he earned degrees in natural history and professional guiding. His education, combined with his innate understanding of the bush, has made him a sought-after expert in the region, particularly in the study and tracking of Africa's great apes, including leopards, chimpanzees, and gorillas.

His expertise has not gone unnoticed; since 2006, Paul has been a key collaborator with the BBC Natural History film unit, serving as a Big Cat tracker and consultant on celebrated productions such as Big Cat Week, Big Cat Live, and Disney’s The Truth About Lions. However, it is his unparalleled knowledge of primates that truly sets him apart. Paul is widely recognized as one of East Africa’s top guides for primate-focused expeditions, leading groups through the dense forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo in search of these remarkable creatures.

Paul’s achievements extend beyond guiding. He is one of only 30 Gold Level guides in Kenya, a prestigious certification that reflects his exceptional skill and dedication to the craft. His contributions to the industry were further recognized when he was awarded the "Best Guide of the Year" by the Eco-Warrior Awards in both 2016 and 2017. Committed to raising the standards of safari guiding across East Africa, Paul established Tanzania’s first training school for safari guides in the Serengeti and has played a pivotal role in training programs in Rwanda and Uganda. His leadership in the field is further underscored by his tenure as a director of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA).

Based in Kenya, Paul guides across East Africa, specializing in expeditions to Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo—regions renowned for their populations of great apes. Paul offers an exceptional safari experience, blending his deep-rooted knowledge, academic expertise, and decades of practical experience to create unforgettable journeys into the heart of Africa’s wilderness.

Home location: Kenya

Guides in: across East Africa, specialising in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo (destinations where you can find the Great Apes)

Languages: English

Daily rate: $$$