Willis Oketch

Few in the APGN community can boast a bio as extensive and multifaceted as that of Professor Willis Okech Oyugi. More than just a safari guide, Willis is an esteemed environmental historian of Africa, whose academic pursuits in the US have profoundly shaped his approach to guiding. His research delves deep into the complex history and nature of human-wildlife conflicts, the evolution of African environmental ideologies, and the role of national parks as emblems of ethnic identity. These scholarly interests inform every aspect of his work, making his safaris not only visually stunning but also intellectually enriching experiences. An avid birder, naturalist, and accomplished award-winning nature photographer, Willis specializes in leading private birding, wildlife, photography, cultural, and historical tours across East Africa.

Willis holds a PhD in History, with a focus on African and environmental history from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA, 2009) where he also received his MA (2009). He attained his BA in History and B-Phil in Environmental Studies (2007) from Miami University of Ohio. From 2014 to 2023, Willis was a full-time faculty member, teaching courses in African and environmental history at Oberlin College (OH) and Sam Houston State University. Willis, or Professor “O,” also imparted his vast knowledge of conservation of Africa’s diverse environments and cultures to students while successfully leading college-level study-abroad programs to Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana.

Despite his academic commitments, his heart has always belonged to the wild. His foray into the academic world since 2003 has only enriched his guiding, allowing him to seamlessly blend historical narratives with live wildlife encounters, creating a safari experience that is as educational as it is awe-inspiring.

Willis is often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Safari Guides in Kenya,’ a title that reflects his deep

influence on the profession. His contributions extend beyond the field; A pioneer member of the Kenya

Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) and current Chair of the KPSGA Examination Committee

and Nature Kenya’s Bird Committee, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of safari guiding

in Kenya by tutoring and authoring exams that aspiring guides must pass to earn their KPSGA

certifications. His mentorship and involvement in the development of these standards ensures that the

next generation of guides upholds the same level of excellence and integrity that Willis embodies.

With a career that bridges the worlds of academia and the wild, Willis- -Prof “O” - offers an unparalleled

safari experience, where each moment is infused with the richness of Africa’s history and the thrill of its

wildlife. He continues to advocate for Africa’s environmental and natural history conservation issues

through guiding, scholarship, and public speaking in Kenya and the US.

Home location: Kenya and the USA

Guides in: across East Africa, specialising in Kenya, Tanzania, & Rwanda

Languages: English

Daily rate: $$$