Liz & Stefano Cheli – Owners Born of Italian parents, Stefano grew up in Kenya, spending his early days on a coffee farm in Thika, and later on mixed farms in the Rift Valley.  His father was the General Manager for a group of farms and lodges owned by an Italian Count, which included Loisaba Ranch and Oasis Lodge at Lake Turkana – Stefano’s favourites. Stefano completed secondary schooling in Italy, completed his National Service on the ski slopes of the Dolomites, and Fiumicino Airport in Rome, before returning to Kenya in 1980 as General Manger of Loisaba Ranch.  Before starting Cheli & Peacock with Liz, Stefano spent a year as a Professional Hunter in Tanzania. Liz had English parents, but was born in Venezuela and grew up in Nairobi.  She completed secondary schooling in Kent, and went to Agricultural College in Yorkshire, England, before returning to Kenya in 1979 to work as Administrator on a 60,000acre ranch in Laikipia.  Before starting Cheli & Peacock with Stefano, Liz spent a year as a freelance Professional Guide on camping safaris throughout Kenya. Liz and Stefano have two sons, Joss and Sebastian. Stephen & Tania Hitchins - Investors More recent converts to the joys and romance of Kenya and its wildlife Investors in Elsa’s Kopje, Tortilis, Joy’s Camp and Kitich Camp. Natives of Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom, with son Harry & daughter Chloe. Involved in residential and commercial development in the West of England and South Wales Founders of the Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club in Almeria in South East Spain See  Spain Property       www.desertsprings.co.uk        www.hitchins.co.uk John & Clare Upton - Managers John was born and brought up in Kenya, living his childhood in the bush.  He attended university in South Africa and has spent much his working life in Europe and the States as a senior executive with an international advertising company.  However he has never lost his love of the bush, and is delighted to be managing Tortilis Camp in one of Kenya’s most famous ecosystems. Clare was born in England and studied hotel management.  She and John met in the bush in Zimbabwe, they have a 4 year old son Rory. GUIDES   Nickson Olti “I was born and raised in a small village, 40Kms away from Amboseli National Park. When I was a young boy I used to see lots of animals coming close by our home area, and I just loved them. At that time there was a lot of lion-hunting carried out by the warriors, which I really felt was not good. I joined primary school when I was 8 years old, and 8 years later I entered high school. This was finished after 4 years, but I was unable to join college due to financial constraints of my parents. I decided to look for employment, luckily enough I tried Tortilis Camp and they accepted me due to my good performance in high school. They gave me a training job, starting from the restaurant and the bar. Since I had a lot of interest in wildlife I started studying and reading through most guiding books, especially interested in the social behaviour and how species relate themselves to the ecosystem. After a while I started taking guests on guided walks. After a few years the management sent me to do the KPSGA Bronze level exam, which I passed, so I became a full guide. I look forward to also passing my Silver level exam in the future. I am married and have two sons, my family is very happy with what I do. I love guiding, it is just interesting.” Nickson has been a qualified KPSGA Bronze Level guide for almost 4 years. He has worked at Tortilis for 8 years. Favourite animal: Cheetah Favourite bird: Lilac Breasted Roller Juma Maclean “I Maclean Juma Wanyama was the last born in a family of six. I was born in the Western Province, in a village called Nambuku. I am not married yet. Academically I went through primary school and secondary school, and then joined college at ‘Wildlife Clubs of Kenya Centre for Tourism Training and Research’. There I became qualified in Tour Guiding and Administration as a professional course. Recently I was employed by Tortilis Camp Ltd. I really enjoy working with them. The most admirable thing in my life is to be a successful Conservationist and Environmentalist. Juma is a KPSGA Bronze level guide. This is his second year working with Tortilis. Favourite animal: Leopard Favourite bird: Martial Eagle Ali Makenzi (Head Guide) “I was born in Kilifi in 1970 and my family moved to Mombasa when I was two years old. I am now married, and a proud father of five. My nursery, primary and secondary education was in Mombasa. Due to a lack of finance, I was unable to complete my secondary education. In 1987 I joined Cheli & Peacock Safaris, this was when the company was young and they were just carrying out mobile camping safaris. Cheli & Peacock started building Tortilis Camp in 1993. I was involved in the actual construction, and later in 1994 I started learning about wildlife and tour guiding. In 1995 I started my guiding career. In 1997 I qualified as KPSGA bronze level, now I am looking forward to passing my Silver level”. Tribe: Giriama Favourite animal: Elephant Favourite bird: African Hoopoe Joel Cheruiyot “After I graduated from Kenya Utalii College in 1997, I was given a contract with African Tours & Hotels to work in their tour department desk, which was good experience for me since I managed to visit all their lodges in different parks and game reserves in the country. During my visits I loved to see animals and birds, I had always wanted to be a safari guide. In 1998, the company closed down and I joined Travel Ways as a driver guide. I managed to visit some parks but it was a small tour company, hence not busy. In July 1999 I got myself a job with Tortilis Camp, and I am happy that I still work for them. I got married in 2002 and I am blessed with two children, Valerie who is 4½ years old and Brian who is 2½ years old. Thanks to the owners of Tortilis and the management, for giving me a chance to fulfil my dreams.” Joel qualified as a KPSGA Bronze Level guide in 1999. Favourite animal: Elephant Favourite bird: Grey Crowned Crane Leperes Pilot “In 2003, I qualified from Air Travel College with a diploma in ‘Tour guiding, Administration and Japanese’. In 2004 I joined Mpata Safari Club in the Maasai Mara, as a guide. From 2005 to 2006 I worked as a guide for David Livingstone Safari Resort, also in the Maasai Mara.” Leperes qualified as a KPSGA Bronze Level guide in 2005. He has been working for Tortilis Camp since July 2006. Favourite animal: Elephants & Giraffes Favourite bird: Saddle-billed Stork & Pied Kingfisher Saibulu Ole Kalama   Joseph Chege