Custom Safaris Blog

Kasao Paul Learat

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EDT

was born in Samburu country, in Northern Kenya. After finishing Maralal HIgh School, he went to South Africa to attend Wayne Saunders Ranger Guide Training School in Eastern Transvall, completing both basic and advanced courses. He holds a silver level from Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPGS). Prior to becoming a freelance independent Naturalist/Guide, Kasao was the Head Guide at both Richard’s Camp in the Masai Mara, and Borana in Laikipia. He was also the Desnaring Team Leader at Tsavo East Anti-Poaching Unit, Funded by David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where he arrested over 60 poachers. Custom Safaris is thrilled that Kasao works with us and is based north of the Equator!

Nissa Ole Kinyaga

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EDT

Nissa Ole Kinyaga grew up in the Il Ngwesi / Mukogodo Forest area of Laikipia. He went to a missionary primary school during the time that attending day school meant that you would share the day between tending cattle and attending school. After secondary school he joined Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as a radio signaler, completing a course at the British Army Headquarters in Nanyuki, became a game ranger at Lewa, and joined the research team monitoring the wildlife and their habitat. Prior to becoming a freelance independent Naturalist/Guide, Nissa was the head guide at Lewa Safari Camp and Sirikoi. He holds a silver level from Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPGS), and is working on the gold level. A serious bird watcher, he did fundamentals of ornithology studies in Naivasha. Nissa has four children and is happy working closer to his family. Custom Safaris is thrilled that Nissa works with us and shares his passion for his home area with some of our very lucky clients.

Oloololo Escarpment

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 07:00:00 EDT

The final scene in "Out of Africa" was filmed on this spot. Alex and James Morinte at the end of a glorious day.

Alex/card tricks

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 07:00:00 EDT

Card tricks with James Morinte's kids.

Istanbul/Spice Market

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EDT

The Istanbul spice market was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life. the aroma of the spices was unlike anything I have ever smelled. Things were being sold all over the narrow street. People were crowding at all the stores, and so were we. My grandparents and I bought cheap bathing suits because they were7.50 dolars for two of them. Our tour guide stopped to show us an authentic spice market. We bought spices such as Paprika and Fish spices. They were very good. And they had a nice kick to them. We stopped when we saw something we were interested in, but we tried not to spend so much money. Everything there was great. Another thing that was cool, is the people there. It is amazing that people of all nationalities were jammed into a narrow walkway. I never knew so many traditions could be packed into a small street like that.

by: Alex Friedman, Age 11

Istanbul/Ciragan Palace

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EDT

The fabulous Ciragan Palace on the European shores of the Bosphorus

Where's the Migration?

Sun, 27 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya

Culture Video

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

The people and cultures you experience on safari will stay with you for years to come!

Custom Safaris Video

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

We create the experience, you create the memories!

Meet Our Guides - Albert

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

Albert Waweru - Senior Guide

Wildlife Video

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

The most amazing wildlife on earth!

Meet our Guides - David

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

David Nganga

Meet our Guides - James

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

James Morinte - Senior Guide

World's Best Vacation Crafters

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST

Travel Weekly contributing editor, Richard Turen, named Linda Friedman of Custom Safaris, one of "the world's best vacation crafters."

"Linda Friedman lives in Bethesda, Md., where she runs Custom Safaris. But don't plan a surprise visit to her office. Linda, an alternative to big-box Africa tour operators, spends several months each year in Kenya, where she has several offices. Her success is due in part to the fact that she has hired many of the region's best guides. She books lodges and authentic cultural exchanges directly and is now focusing on a new passion, gorilla tracking in Rwanda."

Click here to read the full article by Richard Turen.

Family Safari/2006

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 07:00:00 EDT

Three generations of Friedmans off on safari together for the first time! Albert is waiting for on the airstrip in Samburu.

Family Safari/2006

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 07:00:00 EDT

Kids on Safari! The best.