Julius Maina Nderitu | Founder

Early Life & Roots

Julius was born and raised in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, near the foot of Mount Kenya. His childhood was shaped by close contact with nature — tracking lion footprints in dusty paths, observing elephant behavior near family farms, and hearing tales from his uncle, a safari guide in Maasai Mara. These formative years lit the path for his lifelong calling in wildlife guiding, conservation, and cross-cultural connection.

Professional Training & Qualifications

Julius also undertook additional birding and ecological education through volunteer work with Nature Kenya and the Kenya Museum. His academic path reflects a blend of formal instruction, field immersion, and continuous learning, which has shaped him into a trusted and knowledgeable guide.

Language Skills

• Fluent in: English, Spanish, Kikuyu, Meru, Kamba

• Working knowledge of: Japanese (sponsored by JICA), Italian, Maasai

These language skills make Julius an effective cross-cultural communicator, whether guiding international guests or facilitating dialogue in remote field settings.

Career Journey

Julius began his career in tourism humbly, working as a salesman in a curio shop in Isiolo. This role honed his people skills and understanding of local crafts and cultures. He later worked with respected safari companies like Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) and Kobo Safaris, gaining valuable experience across East Africa.

In 2010, Julius founded Campo East Africa Safaris, building a safari brand grounded in authenticity, ecological respect, and personal attention.

He has since led safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, earning recognition for his keen eye, storytelling ability, and cultural sensitivity.

Research Support & Field Logistics

Beyond guiding, Julius offers consultancy and field support for researchers and NGOs working in remote parts of East Africa. His rare ability to combine linguistic fluency, cultural understanding, and logistical problem-solving has proven invaluable in real-world field settings.

A notable example is detailed on the Campo Research Support page, where Julius helped a researcher navigate a delicate pastoralist conflict in the Mara by interpreting not just language but cultural nuance — a skill few possess.

He continues to provide transport, translation, wildlife interpretation, and community liaison services to conservation groups, anthropologists, and ecologists.

Areas of Expertise

• Wildlife Tracking: Uncanny ability to detect signs, understand behavior, and predict movements

• Birding: Near expert-level knowledge of East Africa’s avian species and habitats

• Cross-Cultural Mediation: Skilled in bridging gaps between researchers and local communities

• Conservation Insight: Promotes sustainable tourism and human-wildlife coexistence

• Field Research Facilitation: Offers field-tested expertise in route planning, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement

Conservation Ethos

Growing up in a landscape where elephants raided farms and wildlife competed with cattle, Julius developed a deep sense of ecological empathy. He believes in working with nature, not against it, and aims to inspire the same respect in every guest, student, or researcher he meets.

He advocates for tourism as a force for conservation, ensuring that travel contributes to the protection of landscapes and the well-being of local communities.

Charitable Causes

Beyond his work in conservation and tourism, Julius Maina Nderitu is deeply committed to uplifting communities. One of the causes closest to his heart is the Siyiapei Children’s Home in Narok, a safe haven for vulnerable children in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

For several years, Julius has supported Siyiapei through personal contributions, logistical assistance, and by rallying others to the cause. His advocacy led to a meaningful collaboration with the Youth Enhancement and Training Initiative (YETI) — a U.S.-based organization that now partners with the home to improve living conditions, especially for girls.

Thanks to these efforts, Siyiapei has seen real improvements, including better dormitory facilities and expanded educational support. Julius continues to connect his network — from international travelers to fellow conservationists — with impactful grassroots projects like this.

“Wildlife is only half the story. For tourism to be truly sustainable, the people must thrive too.” – Julius Maina Nderitu

Through acts of generosity and bridge-building, Julius ensures that his safaris leave a legacy not just in photos, but in lives changed.

The Human Compass Behind Campo East Africa

Julius Maina Nderitu is more than a safari guide — he’s a cultural interpreter, conservation ally, wildlife expert, and trusted companion in the field. With decades of hands-on experience, deep local knowledge, and fluency in the languages that connect people to place, he guides each journey with heart and purpose.

Whether you’re a traveler seeking the thrill of the wild, a researcher navigating cultural nuance, or a conservationist working on the ground, Julius offers more than just direction — he offers insight.

👉 Ready to explore with a guide who truly lives the landscape?

Discover our curated safari experiences here:
Campo East Africa Safaris Tour Packages