Those of you who followed our Generosity Campaign Africa #2 Samburu may recognize James. He is a lead guide at one of my favorite camps in Samburu, and he was our community liaison with the villages for GPA #2. He is Samburu, and he has lived a very traditional Samburu life outside of guiding. Therefore, I thought it would be special to interview James. Even though James does not guide for me directly, we all still consider him one of the family.
As always, I want to thank Abigeal for authoring this interview and helping to keep you connected with Africa.
James is always happy! Although this video was a greeting to me during the GPA Samburu, I wanted to share it so you have sense of his personality and understand how I feel in love with Kenya; the beauty of the spirit of the people.
Q. Please share with us a little about your culture and what it was like growing up in Kenya.
I am James Lekadaa, a Samburu tribe member living on the northern part of Kenya. I was born and grew up in a small village called Lorubae village near Samburu National Reserve. I started my nursery, primary, and high school there, but for my college, I went to Nanyuki (Mt Kenya). We are a nomadic people, meaning we keep livestock like cows, goats, sheep, and donkeys for transportation. We move with them as well, looking for green pastures and water for the livestock. That is the main reason we move.
Q. What made you decide to go into tourism and be a guide?
I got my love for animals when I was a young boy. According to our culture, boys have to kill birds once we get circumcised to show the heroism of being a good shot!I loved birds then; I did not want to kill them for no reason! I loved dik diks (small antelopes) and squirrels too! I started being a guide after college, and I got an opportunity at Elephant Bedroom Camp, which is not far from my home.(Lucky me!?)
Q. What is your favourite animal and why? What is your favourite park and why?
My favorite is the elephant. I just love them, especially when seeing them bathing and swimming!
My favorite park is Samburu National Reserve, basically because of the scenery and special five: Gerenuk (antelopes), Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, and Beisa oryx!
Q. What has been your favourite sighting and why? What has been your scariest moment in the field?
My favorite sighting is when I saw an elephant delivering. I just learned that the animals also feel pain like humans (so they deserve respect). My scariest moment is when I was charged by the bull elephant on musth.
Q. What is your favourite part about being a guide?
I love being a guide because I can interact with people of different nationalities.
Q Outside of Kenya, what three places are at the top of your list to visit and why?
1.America, becauseI have a lot of friends there.
2.Australia, for the kangaroo.
3.Canada, to see bears.
Q. What message would you like to send to everyone?
I want to send all my gratitude to all who supported us during this time of pandemic and wish them a happy life. I can’t wait to see everyone back again to our beloved country, Kenya!
The power of your photography is ABSOLUTE!
I have always believed in the power of photography, but more so now than ever. Your photographs, photography, love for travel, and generosity make a difference.
During our last Generosity Project Africa, James was our community liaison to the villages when we distributed food packages to 350 families and 15 rangers and also provided COVID training to thousands of Samburu. He was so inspired,he has continued the work in his community. He has started a wonderful website with which I am very impressed, and he has continued to raise funds and distribute food packages to his community weekly. You can learn more and see James in the videos we posted in our report.
Here is a link to the Samburu Community website, where even a small donation will support his work and keep him inspired. Notice the domain name he was able to secure!
