I'm Benson (Ben) Mugambi. I was born in the shadow of Mt Kenya, one of Kenya's richest natural habitats. It is a place of streams, rivers, forest, heath, snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation - all teaming with birds, animals and insects. Being an active, inquisitive and energetic child I quickly developed a keen interest in nature. This led me to study Biological Sciences in school where I gained a deeper understanding of the world around me. However I realized that I wanted to share this knowledge and love of my country with others and so I completed a Tour Guiding Course at the Air Travel and Related Studies Centre. After qualifying as a tour guide I took various groups of students around Kenyan and Tanzanian National Parks. I have also worked as the Resident Ornithologist and Naturalist in a number of Kenyan lodges and hotels and have led bird watching tours around Kenya and Tanzania. In addition to this I have conducted research projects in a number of Kenya's IBAs (Important Bird Areas). In my spare time I travel around East Africa finding new places of interest and keeping my identification skills honed. I am a "bronze category" member of the Kenyan Professional Safari Guide Association and will do my silver level qualifications in July 2002. Although I have enjoyed my relationship with the various lodges and companies I have worked with, in early 2001 I decided to start my own tour company as director and guide. This allows me to provide tours with a wider remit than just the "Big Five" or "Birder Specials". I provide informative but fun tours which are ideal for students, holiday makers or local people who want to know more about the natural world around them. Being a small concern I am able to provide personalized attention to my clients before and during each Safari. Also being multilingual (I speak English, Swahili and Spanish at a comfortable conversational level and I also have a smattering of French) I can provide a friendly and comprehensive service for a range of people. As a freelance guide I am also available even if you have booked the rest of your tour with another company. Ben conducts EarthFoot's "Week of Wildlife Viewing & Birding" program