Tour Director Profile: George Omuya | Classic Safari

Longtime Odysseys tour director George Omuya takes pride in showcasing his native Kenya to his guests. “I love to share the beauty, history, and culture of the region,” he says. “My team and I ensure that our guests leave with a better understanding, have their dreams of Africa fulfilled, and encourage friends to come experience African hospitality.”

George (far right) with a group of Odysseys guests on Classic Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Beyond wildlife encounters, George teaches guests about the forces at play in his homeland: “Our region allows guests to see untouched swaths of conserved land,” he says. “From the gazelle to the big cats, and our diverse ethnic groups, guests leave with an appreciation for the countries and the efforts to preserve our wildlife.”

“George Omuya is certainly an ambassador for East Africa and its treasures and people."
Judith Sebring
Morgan Hill, CA

 

George's outreach stretches far beyond directing tours. In fact, George can rightly think of himself as a local philanthropist first, with leading tours comprising only one part of a life devoted to giving back.

In an effort to combat climate change and preserve the beauty and natural splendor of his homeland, George and his family have planted thousands of trees at homes and schools, including one for every tour group he leads. In fact, George and his tree planting project were featured in the Washington Post a few years ago, when he reported to the paper, "'Since 2013, I have planted roughly 5,000 trees and counting. Besides planting a tree for each guest who travels with me, we also plant [the number of trees equal to] our ages each year as a family.'"

Tree planting has become a family affair — here, George's son pours the first bucketful of water on a new sapling.

George also educates his local community on clean water harvesting techniques, fixing gutters and donating rain barrels to locals to help keep them supplied with fresh water all year long.

George installing rain barrels in his local community

George with a group of travelers in front of their safari vehicle

In addition, George holds speaking engagements at nearby high schools, where he encourages his audience to pursue further studies and aim higher. Of this latter project, George says, "I am proud of the young minds that I have mentored over the years as they return to say a big thank you for the encouragement and words of wisdom."

George showing his Boston pride during a visit to the Odysseys Unlimited corporate office in Newton, MA in 2024.

To go on safari with George, or one of our other experienced and engaging tour directors, reserve your spot on our Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania tour today!