Stellah Njeri

Stellah Njeri Kaburu, born in the early 70’s as the eldest of four siblings, grew up in a household where she balanced education with traditional chores such as herding sheep. Living in a home with a view of snow-capped peaks inspired her fascination with mountains, particularly Mount Kenya, a passion encouraged by her late uncle, a mountain guide, and her father, a Kenya Forest Officer and her biggest cheerleader and supporter.

Attending a school that was situated atop a hill with a prominent view of Mount Kenya, it deepened her admiration for the natural beauty surrounding her. Despite initial plans for nursing college, Stellah pursued her true calling in tourism, earning diplomas in Tour Guiding and Tours and Travel from Nairobi, where she was the sole female among 40 classmates. Overcoming challenges of gender bias and physical stature, she persisted, even leaving a secure office job to follow her passion for guiding.

Under her uncle's mentorship in Chogoria, Stellah faced rigorous tests, including carrying bricks up Mount Kenya, before proving herself as a certified mountain guide. After several years, she relocated to Nairobi with her husband, founding a tour company specialising in East African expeditions. Over the years, Stellah remains dedicated to nature; navigating challenges with resilience and a focus on sustainable tourism practices.

Beyond her professional achievements, Stellah balances her roles as a businesswoman, small-scale farmer, wife, and mother. She mentors young women in tourism and advocates for environmental conservation, particularly concerning the impact of climate change on Mount Kenya's glaciers and ecosystems. As a KWS Honorary Warden (and one of the few women to hold this role), she actively engages communities in conservation efforts and organizes tree-planting initiatives with local schools.

Stellah's life embodies her motto, "Realise Your Wild Dream," emphasizing determination, passion for nature, and a commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact on her beloved mountains and their communities.

Home location: Kenya

Guides in: across East Africa, specialising in mountaineering

Languages: English

Daily rate: $