Charles is a Silver Medal Naturalist-Guide in Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi, Kenya, 2 October 2010. He can be contacted at charmwangi26 @ yahoo.com> (delete spaces!)

Charles Mwangi Gitau was born and brought up in Nakuru (a city west of Nairobi) near the shores of Lake Elmenteita (one of the Rift Valley Lakes). His interest in nature was triggered at a tender age while still in primary school after seeing tourists flock to the lake to admire the flamingoes and other avians. Upon enquiring he learnt that the tourists travel from all over the world to experience these unique, fuschia colored birds.

Charles is now a trained professional guide, interested in anything and everything from an ant, bird, plant to a big elephant. He is especially keen with bird tourism. His interest in birding saw him join Nature Kenya, a society that deals with learning, appreciation and conservation of nature. He has learnt much under the tutelage of Nature Kenya's Doyenne of Birds and Nature, Fleur N'gweno. Fleur has shared with Charles much of her immense knowledge on birds, plants and all nature. He has participated in conservation projects and activities across East Africa such as environmental education, awareness creation, tree walks, twice yearly water bird counts on Rift Valley lakes. Also as guide at the Nairobi National Museum he has learnt a lot on ethnography, prehistory of human origin, and herpetology. To sum it all he is a formidable all round naturalist, an enormous asset in any field trip who is eager to learn more. He has led several safaris within East Africa. He holds a diploma in tourism and wildlife studies, a member of Kenya professional safari guides association-silver medal.