David Githu Gathimba, known as GG, was born and raised in Kenya’s central highlands before moving to the Great Rift Valley lakes region. His love of the outdoors began in the central highlands of Kenya where he was raised - days spent herding his father’s cattle, sheep and goats, exploring woodlands, climbing mountains, watching birds at the riversides and listening to local stories about the bush taught me to notice the small signs that reveal a wild place’s secrets. He was fortunate to accompany experienced trackers, elders and especially his grandfather who worked for a European settler on walks; their knowledge and respect for nature ignited his passion for wildlife and conservation. It was that childhood apprenticeship, combined with a talent for photography and storytelling, made guiding the most natural way for him to share wild places with others while protecting them for future generations.

GG underwent 3 years of formal training at Utalii College, one of East Africa’s premier tourism institutions. He holds multiple certifications with the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA), achieving the prestigious Gold-Level. Over the years, he has worked with respected travel companies guiding guests from across the world before joining a premier tented safari camp in the Maasai Mara in 2010 until 2016, when he shifted to private guiding.

Since 2018, GG has been a freelance TV Presenter/Naturalist with SafariLive and WildEarth (NatGeo), engaging audiences on live broadcast safaris. With over 20 years of experience, he has conducted over 500 safaris across Africa and contributed to conservation efforts such as film work and bird counts.  He is currently a freelance naturalist and making wildlife films with BBC Natural History. 

GG is friendly, enthusiastic, and dedicated to ensuring a memorable experience for his clients. He has founded GG Guiding to mentor emerging guides and support community programs while serving as an alternate director of the KPSGA. Additionally, he's an active member of several conservation organizations. Fluent in English, Spanish, and his native languages, GG is passionate about sharing the beauty of Africa with others.

Home location: Kenya

Guides in: across Africa, in particular Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Egypt, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, DRC, Congo, Namibia

Languages: English, Spanish

Daily rate: $$$$