Wanjiru
Host · Nairobi
Runs the house in Karen. Decides when the day starts. Has strong opinions about coffee and softer ones about everything else.
The Hand — IV
Who is carrying the season.
A season is only as good as the hands that shape it. These are the cooks and guides and hosts and poets and the occasional elder who will be with you for some stretch of the arc. First names only, on purpose — the person, not the title. Click any face to read more.
Lemayian
Guide · Mara
Born in the grasslands. Can read the wind and read a room with roughly equal skill. Leads the Mara week.
Salma
Chef · Lamu
Cooks the swahili table. Will not let you leave hungry. Will not let you into the kitchen, either.
Juma
Captain · Lamu–Zanzibar
Fourth-generation dhow sailor. Reads the monsoons. Silent at the right times and funny at the wrong ones.
Amani
Writer in residence
Poet, essayist, quiet presence. Hosts the evening readings. Does not assign homework.
Zuberi
Historian · Zanzibar
Knows every corner of Stone Town and the story behind each one. Walks slowly, on purpose.
Naserian
Conservation · Mara
Runs the rangeland project. Will take the serious-minded on a morning patrol. Will answer hard questions plainly.
Aziza
Steward · Zanzibar
Keeps the island week together. Knows where the good coconut water is. Will not tell you.
Kofi
Director of the season
Plans the arc, then steps aside. Believes the best seasons are the ones guests barely notice are planned.