Onesmus is a student in Nairobi, Kenya and is also a nature guide. Nairobi, Kenya, 2 October 2010. Information about his tour guiding service is available on-line at www.pumba-ecosafaris.com. His e-mail contact is: onesmus@pumba-ecosafaris.com
Onesmus Ndungo is a Kenya citizen born in the central region at a town called Muranga. This area has very rich biodiversity, not forgetting it neighbors the famous Mt Kenya, Aberdares range, and Treetops Hotel (where Queen Elizabeth was visiting in 1952 and was declared the new Queen of England).
As a young boy, Onesmus kept rock doves as pets, and sometimes would join fellow boys for dik dik and reedbuck hunting expeditions (not poaching) which would lead to very interesting encounters in the bush like meeting up with an awful smell courtesy of weasels or sharp quills of porcupines. This was a start for a long journey with Nature. He did his initial Nature Guide examination in the capital city Nairobi where he also pursued a two year Automobile Engineering course. After completion, he worked in a local automobile garage where he got the real taste of vehicle mechanics. Onesmus' passion for nature convinced him go back to college and enroll in a Tour Guiding and administration course. After another one and a half years of study, he attained a diploma and learned Japanese language, lifestyle and culture - he emerged the best Japanese student and was rewarded for that.
He is a very active chap on matters concerning community. After the 2008 post-elections violence, for example, he volunteered for a month and joined the Red Cross Society in taking care of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) at various camps within Nairobi. As a qualified first aider awarded by St Johns Ambulance, his services were very crucial for the displaced persons and for the families which lost their loved ones. In addition, Onesmus has participated many times in tree planting events in different parts of the country including Mt Kenya forest, Mau forest in Rift valley, Ngong Forest in Kajiado, Mua Hills in eastern Kenya, City Park in Nairobi, schools and his rural village.
Onesmus has worked for various Tour/Safari companies both as a tour guide and as a driver guide for four years. He has worked as a resident driver guide at the famous Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the only place in Kenya where you will find Chimpanzee and the almost extinct Northern White Rhino. He has visited most of Kenya’s national parks and reserves, some Tanzania national parks and some Uganda national parks. He has, also, been privileged to lead Tree/Nature walks at Nairobi Arboretum and Nairobi City Park and Bird walks which are organized by National Museums of Kenya’s partner Nature Kenya. This has really molded him to emerge as a bird guide, plants/nature guide and mammal guide hence quenching the thirst of information for different clients on his safaris. Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA), the body which rates professional safari guide in Kenya, has certified him at the SILVER level. Sky is the limit for him and is looking forward to more interactions with wildlife and clients a lifetime experience. He is devoted to conserving our beautiful nature.