Liz as a Safari Planner

Liz Waweru
Sep 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Nov 3

I am a Safari Planner planning bush safaris for travelers visiting East Africa who are interested in Adventure, Culture and Wildlife watching in Kenya and Uganda.

I wasn't always a Safari Planner. I begun my work experience marketing and selling soap & detergent to small shop owners in Kenya. It entailed travel in between the various rural and urban towns. As I transversed the towns on my sales calls, I fell in love with the outdoors as I came to appreciate the beauty of Kenya and later Uganda where I was transferred to work for some time. After 5 years, I resigned, went off to study in Cape town, did an exchange program to Europe (which meant more travel😁) and then returned to Kenya. With the prompting of a complete stranger (as I was not being successful in getting a job in tourism), I started Exclusive Eco Travels in 2008.....you never know who is disguised as an angel😇to prompt you in a certain direction!

It has now been 17 years of planning Safaris!

It has been full of adventure. One such adventure is running a Spectators Bush Camp (Kampi Starehe) for 5 years at Rhino Charge, an annual off-road 4x4 competition held in Kenya. Check us out when we got featured on the Dos & Dont's of outdoor bush camping.

My love for the outdoors has fueled me to create lifetime memories for visitors to East Africa through the customized travel itineraries I have created for them in adventure, culture and wildlife viewing for a real safari experience in Kenya and Uganda.

From gorilla trekking, hiking, climbing two of Africa's highest mountains to just enjoying Africa's beauty, it has been an indescribable journey of combining what I enjoy immensely (nature) and being of service to people.

Liz Waweru Collage of Safari Adventures — ***"A safari without pictures is like a bird without wings" Liz Waweru***

My service has extended to serving a 5 year term as secretary to the board of Ecotourism Kenya, a non for profit organization in the tourism sector promoting responsible travel.

Strategic Plan_Ectourism Kenya_Liz Waweru_Board Member

I especially love it when I get feedback from my clients while on safari that they are enjoying themselves....I am especially grateful for the team on the ground who bring these itineraries to life - from the driver/guides to the staff at the camps and lodges...it's absolutely a team effort! Such was my excitement when I received this voice note from a client on safari with her family.

The friendships made along the way, especially with the driver guide who is a constant companion on the safari makes the trip so much more memorable! The picture I received from guests on their safari celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary was a confirmation of this.

Exclusive Eco Travels Clients on safari with driver guide — **Clients on Safari with Driver Guide**

Take a peek into some activities from the itineraries that I have crafted.

Gorilla trekking: In Uganda or Rwanda helps one to appreciate these endangered primates.

FACT😉: An adult male gorilla can eat up to over 18 kilograms of vegetation each day. They rarely take water as most of them consume succulent vegetation which is composed of over half water and morning dew. SOURCE: https://www.bwindiimpenetrablenationalpark.com/?

It is said that gorillas have a 98% match of their DNA to that of human beings!

....no wonder even their little ones are as cheeky as little children! 😁

Hikes: This is especially enjoyable for an outdoors person. The Murchisons Falls at Murchisons Park, Uganda has breathtaking views while enjoying the morning fresh air during the hike.... breakfast by the river bank is an added bonus after the hike.

A Beautiful Rainbow welcomes you at the top of Murchisons Falls

Ziplining: For adrenaline "junkies" ziplining is a welcome activity. Check out my experience at beautiful and green Kereita Forest, Nairobi.

I promise you the views are worth the adrenaline rush! 😀

Game drives: Or maybe you just want to calmly enjoy...no huffing and puffing 🥵just a quiet and simple game drive as you savor Africa's wildlife 😁The birds chirping in the background tells just how beautiful and laid back of a morning it was at Nairobi National Park.

We came across these lionesses as we headed for our bush breakfast...I don't think they would have minded if WE were part of their breakfast! 😆

Cruises: A cruise is a great way to enjoy nature at a slower, relaxed pace and if you appreciate bird life, you will not get disappointed with the array of bird life abounding around the river.

We got to be part of the "cheering crowd" as a gentleman proposed to his girlfriend ....romance just can't be helped when on such an experience! 🥰

Cultural experiences: Meeting the locals and experiencing their culture as I did with the Batwa, a local indigenous community in Western Uganda is a one of a kind & genuine interaction.

Even the welcome received upon your arrival helps one to appreciate the warmth and culture of the local community.

The Warm Welcome at the Spirit of the Masai Mara Lodge is a hint at what lies ahead over your stay! 🙂

I am at your service in planning your Safari adventure! 🙂