5 Questions With Michael Rakwa, Safari Guide at Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

Step into the world of safari guiding through the eyes of Michael Rakwa, one of the most passionate and knowledgeable guides at Ol Seki Hemingways Mara. 

1. What inspired you to become a safari guide in the Maasai Mara?

“I was brought up right here in the Mara,” Mike begins with a smile. “My father was a paramount chief for 25 years, and I was the first in our family to go to school. Growing up surrounded by wildlife inspired me deeply, my uncle was one of the first guides in the Mara, and watching him sparked my passion.” That childhood curiosity soon became a calling that led Mike to the Koyaki Guiding School, where he trained to become a professional safari guide.

2. What does a typical day look like at Ol Seki Hemingways Mara?

“A day begins before sunrise. We head out for our morning drive just as the first light breaks over the plains, it’s magical. Each drive is different, every moment unpredictable,” he says. From a lion’s hunt to elephants crossing at dawn, each safari offers a new story.

3. What makes guiding in Naboisho Conservancy unique?

"I divide Naboisho Conservancy into four distinct regions, each home to unique lion coalitions, the Rongai males in the east, Limpy and Bull in the north, the Lanet Boys in the west, and the Coca Boys in the south." “The northern corridor is my favourite,” he adds. “Watching the Limpy and Bull coalition hunt is unforgettable.”

4. How does community-led conservation shape your work?

“This land belongs to the local Maasai people,” Mike explains. “Guests sometimes see cattle grazing and wonder why, but wildlife and livestock coexist here. Cows help manage grass levels, and when they graze, antelopes follow. It’s a balanced ecosystem.” He’s proud to share that the Naboisho Conservancy model supports bursaries, jobs, and sustainable livelihoods for the community.

5. What lessons from the wild stay with you?

“When I was 14, a buffalo charged me, and I had to climb a tree,” Mike laughs. “It waited for 15 minutes before leaving — that day taught me to respect wildlife and stay calm.” He pauses. “If guests take home one thing, it’s this: if we take care of nature, nature takes care of us.”

Plan Your Safari at Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

Experience the Maasai Mara through the eyes of passionate guides like Mike Rakwa. Discover lion prides, elephants, and the balance between people and wildlife at Naboisho Conservancy, an exclusive, conservation-led safari experience.

Learn More about Ol Seki: https://www.hemingways-collection.com/ol-seki-mara