Gerald Githaiga Spotlight On

Gerald is an integral member of our RAS private canvas team. If you’ve been on safari with us in Kenya, and specifically our Mara Camp, then you have likely had the pleasure of meeting him.

 What is your role here?

Mostly bar service and also taking care of the mess tent, setting it up and cleaning.

How long have you worked here?

6 years, always mess tent duties.

Did you do anything before?

I went to college in 1997 for food and beverage services. I got my first job in central Kenya next to the Aberdare Country Club at a permanent camp. My first job was very encouraging. Then the tourism industry was struck, the place closed and I was let go. During this time I worked in Nairobi in restaurants, then worked at Nigel Safaris in the mess. The 1990’s were not friendly for tourism because of the political issues. I used to think of tour guiding when I was young, but that has left me now and will I stick with what I have now. With food and beverage skills you can work anywhere; restaurants or camps, it is very broad.

How did you get this job?

I met one of the RAS Partners  while at Nigel Safaris and he introduced me to this job.

What’s the best part about safari life and mobile camping?

Mobile camping gives you great adventures and experiences. I think, “the more challenges you have in a job, the more experience you get.” You also have to plan for everything. I take care of the whole mess and have to make sure we have everything before we move camps. We all ask each other “did you remember this?” and we become a team. In a mobile camp you know this is what it takes. Permanent camps need someone in charge to tell people what to do, mobile camps everyone works together. Also, you get to see different places and have different experiences.

What is your favorite place?

The Mara, because you can be confident clients, will get what they want, and the surrounding communities appreciate tourism.

What is your favorite animal?

Elephants: the way they move their trunks, I can’t get enough of it.

Any memories or stories?

In 1999 at another camp we were on a night walk with guests. We did not know there was an elephant in the water so we were talking and then went quiet and heard it rushing toward us. There were 3 guides with spotlights, but mine was not working. As the elephant came toward us, miraculously my spotlight worked and shone on the elephant in the face. It stopped, shook his head, and left. I don’t want to imagine what would have happened if my spotlight did not work, so that is one memory I have not forgotten.

My first time at the river camp location, we had some nasty hyenas around. I came into the mess and found the hyena had taken a big jar of peanut butter and a client’s camera. I didn’t even imagine that would happen. Luckily, we found the camera and it was safe, but the peanut butter was done with.