Grands Espaces Safaris is a Kenyan Tour Operator dedicated and committed to enable visitors discover and enjoy the rich diverse Culture, Fauna and Flora of East Africa.
We are Safari enthusiasts who are passionate about the Culture of the people of East Africa, the Cradle of Mankind. The Grands Espaces Safaris guides team is made up of field guides with undisputed knowledge of the Culture of the people, Flora and Fauna of East Africa.
From the great Game reserves and National parks in the highlands and on the savanna plains to the Marine Parks in the Indian Ocean, our tours are organised in a way that ensures diversity by combining several aspects such as game viewing, sight seeing, village visits or stop overs to break the monotony of classic tours. Our Safaris, will bring you face to face with the African Elephants who are giants of the savanna, the Lion king of the jungle, the stealth Leopard, some of the most beautiful birds endemic to Kenya and Tanzania and much more.
The rich cultural diversity of more than forty ethnic groupings with distinct cultural practices are the foundation of Kenya. Our cultural expeditions will lead you to the heart of a local village where the tribes will welcome and invite you to participate in their day to day activities, share their traditional meal or with prior arrangement spend a night or more at their home from where you can visit the historical and religious sites like caves and forests.
For those who love trekking and hiking, the places we visit will leave you in awe. You will love the magical splendour of our landscape dominated by monster rock outcrops, indigenous forests, valleys and peaks in the Rift valley highlands and the Taita Hills which harbour birds and other animal species found nowhere else on this planet.
We pay attention to clients requests and remain flexible as much as possible to ensure our guests get the best experience on their tours with us. Our guided tours are conducted in client’s preferred language such as French, English,German and Swahili while other languages may be provided on request.
You can choose from one of our itineraries or organize your own with our our help.
FOUNDER PROFILE
My name is Elius Kilugha, an independent safari guide in Eastern Africa notably Kenya and Tanzania.
Born and raised in the countryside adjacent to the greater Tsavo National Park, the largest wildlife conservation area in Kenya, I developed a keen interest in nature at a tender age. Growing up as a kid in this country side where the use of indigenous plants and herbs to cure ailments was holistic, my curiosity and interest on the subject drew me closer to the knowledgeable elders who taught me a lot about medicinal plants.
While looking after our cows and goats in the hilly wooded savanna during school holidays, I would come across wild animals like zebras, giraffes or gazelles mingling freely with the herd of cattle. I could sit down under a tree and get lost in the world of birds as i watched lilac breasted roller dive after grasshoppers and the collard sun bird draw nectar from african violets and morning glory( ipomea). At some instances predators like stripped Hyena would stalk a calf or a baby goat in the field. Bumping into a herd of elephants by the riverside in morning or evening hours was a normal occurrence. On each encounter I would take time to observe the animals’ behavior at a safe distance. With this long time exposure, curiosity and love for nature, I eventually accumulated a lot of practical knowledge on animal life and behavior in relation to their environment. My studies in Tourism management at the college would later compliment my practical experience and bring the best out of me in the industry. I have to confess though that as a child, on few occasions I had near fatal encounters with elephants and deadly snakes but this did not bother me much then because it was part of my life. Little did I know that, what seemed to be a hobby would evolve into a guiding profession which I enjoy without tiring.
A native of Kenya like my ancestors, I have explored all the routes, paths and all places of my beautiful country and know them by heart. I will share with you this experience in total serenity, for with me you will travel with absolute confidence.
Adapting easily to your wishes, I will guide you to visit picturesque and incredibly beautiful places full of sensation. I have a rich and extensive network of contacts which allow me to get in touch with Consuls, hotel and camp managers, travel agents and other relevant players at the stroke of a pen.
I speak fluent English, French and German.
With me you will discover the white sandy beaches of Diani south of Mombasa and the secluded Kilifi beach north of Mombasa city, the divers and snorkelers paradise of Kisite marine park near Wasini island, national parks and reserves like Tsavo, Amboseli, Masai mara, Samburu or Lake Nakuru in the great rifty valley and the shores of lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world found in western Kenya. I will tell you why the rifty valley region in Kenya is home to world’s cross country and long distance race gold medalists. Why not visit Nairobi, the city in the sun and its environs, the city market full of colors and fragrances or Nairobi national park, the only natural park adjacent to a city in the world. I will also tell you why Kenya is the premier supplier of rose flowers to the European union market and a major supplier of black tea to the world market. I will make necessary stops on the way to explore the open air colorful markets of vegetables and fruits like mangoes, oranges, avocados and much more, allowing my guests to trade and interact with the local populations. I will identify different medicinal plants and herbs and explain to you how and for what problem they are used in my community.
Conviviality is at the core of my relationship with my clients. I always make sure that my guests have smooth check in at the lodges and hotels while I availal mysel to offer translation whenever there is a language barrier between the clients and the hotel staff. I ensure that all clients’ needs are catered for according to the agreements. I always listen to my clients requests with a view of effecting any possible change meant to enhance their safari experience under my leadership without leaving any question unanswered.
During my guided Safaris and visits I cover all areas of interest to visitors as opposed to only game viewing. To make my guiding sessions more interesting and enjoyable I engage my guests in discussions by asking questions just to make sure that i am well understood and give everyone a chance to share their experiences while I remain as informative as possible.
Do not hesitate to call me or better still email me.
Come and get a memorable experience.
WORK EXPERIENCE.
With an experience spanning more than 18 years as a safari guide and Guest relations officer in charge of guest experience at the destination, I am your ultimate host and guide you can rely on.
Welcome to Kenya and East Africa and let us begin the journey together.