Our Story
About Mandevu Safaris
Mandevu— Swahili for “the bearded one” — was the bush nickname of our founder, and it stuck. Since 2010, we've grown from one Land Cruiser and a battered map into one of Nairobi's most trusted independent tour operators, but the founding idea hasn't changed: real Kenyan hospitality, deep local knowledge, and journeys designed person-to-person rather than copy-pasted from a brochure.
We are fully licensed, KATO-member, and proudly Kenyan-owned. Our team has walked, driven, climbed and snorkelled every itinerary we sell — and when you travel with us, you're guided by people for whom these landscapes are home.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Wildlife First
We follow strict responsible-viewing practices and partner with conservancies that protect habitats and fund anti-poaching work.
Community Powered
Our guides, chefs and partners are local. Every safari puts income directly into the communities that steward Kenya's wild places.
Details Matter
From your airport pickup to the farewell dinner, we sweat the small stuff so your only job is to enjoy the journey.
The People
Meet the Team
Baraka 'Mandevu' Otieno
Founder & Lead Safari Designer
A silver-level KPSGA guide with 20 years in the bush, Baraka founded Mandevu Safaris to share the Kenya he grew up in — wild, warm and full of stories.
Wanjiru Kamau
Head of Operations
Wanjiru orchestrates every moving part of your trip — lodges, flights, transfers and the hundred details you never have to think about.
Joseph Lekan
Senior Driver-Guide
Born on the edge of the Mara, Joseph reads the savannah like a book. Guests call him 'the leopard whisperer' for good reason.
Traveller Stories
In Their Words
“Summiting Point Lenana at sunrise with Kilimanjaro on the horizon was the highlight of my year. The crew was professional, the food on the mountain unbelievable. Highly recommended operator.”
Lukas Weber
Germany · 5-Day Mount Kenya Trek — Sirimon-Chogoria
“I was nervous about a budget safari but this exceeded every expectation. We saw all of the Big Five except rhino, the camp food was great, and our group became friends for life.”
Priya Raman
India · 3-Day Maasai Mara Budget Camping Safari
“Eight days, three parks, zero hiccups. Samburu was the surprise star — leopards two evenings running. The logistics were flawless from airport pickup to drop-off.”
Daniel Kip
United States · 8-Day Kenya Grand Safari