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Kifaru House’s head guide, Godfrey Polonet speaks to us about the game viewing and importance of conservation at Lewa

StarBeds

Tell us a little about what guests can expect from a game drive from Kifaru House and how likely is it that guests will see the rhinos that Lewa is so famous for

First and foremost, as the name suggests “kifaru” is a swahili word for Rhino, and guests are pretty much guaranteed to see these animals. The Big Five also call the conservancy home, and although not guaranteed, guests have a very good chance of witnessing all these mammals. There is such wide diversity of species on Lewa, there is so much to explore and witness. Lewa Conservancy is a live success story for rhino conservation and protection of the endangered Grevy’s Zebra so all the guides are passionate about sharing that positive story.

What are the lesser-known flora and fauna that you like to show guests on Lewa

Lewa has incredible biodiversity of both flora and fauna. As well as the Big Five, Lewa is also home to the Special Northern Five - Reticulated Giraffe, Endangered Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk and Beisa Oryx. There are over 400 species of birds, some which are migratory, beautiful Acacia trees, butterflies, including the African migrant which congregates in big swarms hovering above the acacia trees during flowering season. There is beautiful scenery carved from historic volcanic eruptions, from the peak of Mt Kenya on glorious mornings to the beautiful Lewa Savanna.
Many people don’t realise that Lewa is a historical site where it is possible to see old stone tools, such as hands axes, used by early man.

You recently took a road show to Thailand, Manila, and the Philippines, your first abroad, what was your most lasting impression from the visit

I was fascinated by the huge planes flying at very high altitude 40,000ft and all the tall budlings, I really enjoyed meeting monks in the temple.

On the same trip you were educating local school children in conservation, tell us a little about the main messages you were conveying

Conservation is the only way of life to make the planet a better place for all of us, full of flora and fauna and for future generations. I also shared the message that we need to stop the poaching of animals, as they have just as much right to survive as a species as humans.

What inspired you to be a guide

I was inspired to be a guide by the natural surroundings that I was born in and grew up with, and now luckily, it’s where I work. From a young age I had a curious mind and interest in sound, smell, and colour and through this I decided I wanted to be an ambassador for the voiceless. I wanted to share what had been passed on from my father and other elders to others and of course the fact that nature is the greatest artist of all!

What’s been your favourite part of guiding at Kifaru House

Meeting and creating new friends all over the world.