Joseph Thuo
Born and raised in Kenya, in the land of the Maasai (Narok), I started traveling extensively around the country back in College, exploring unique destinations and cultural experiences one after another. This helped me to build genuine connections with local communities and I realized how powerful these local interactions are in enriching the overall travel experience. For this reason, I really like working with people coming from all over the world and sharing each other’s background. I make it a point to connect guests to local communities to share stories and meaningful connections. Get ready to be greeted by genuine smiles, open arms, and world-class hospitality. Let me help you to choose the best destinations, immerse in rich cultures, meet the warmest people, share stories and genuine connections, and eat the best foods and cuisines that East Africa has to offer. In short - I cannot wait to bring you to this beautiful piece of earth as close as possible to your personal wishes and I look forward to being able to participate in your travel planning.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"All of East Africa from wildlife safari, mountain climbing, beach holidays, cultural safaris, honeymoons, biking, trekking and everything in between. Whether you are looking for luxury, adventure, history, or any combination thereof, we can put together the perfect itinerary for you. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I was super attached to my Cousin who was more like a big brother to me when I was young. Anything he did, I did, and anywhere he went, best believe, I would do everything possible to be there. In 2008, Mum was making arrangements for a family holiday to the Kenyan Coast. And since we used to live with my cousin, she asked him if he wanted to go and he simply answered “No” without a second thought. OMG I couldn’t believe it. It was my turn in the hot seat. “Joseph, would you like to come?” I could only manage to move my head from side to side which Mum took as a No. I truly wanted to go but sided with my Cousin. Not that he asked me to. I cried and begged to join them when the day finally arrived. Mum explained that it was impossible as plans were already made. I hugged her tightly and said goodbye.
They returned, and kept reminding me of how their holiday was. I told myself that whenever the opportunity to travel presents itself to me, I won’t turn it down. Though I didn’t have any real travel experience, I did the next holiday by myself, camping at the shores of Lake Naivasha. I found it easy to break with routine, meet new people, try different foods, see other landscapes and explore different cultures. Travelling solo is sink or swim, and you have to learn how to survive — who to trust, how to make friends and how to find your way around alone. With all the experiences as a Solo traveler I discovered my passion for traveling and I love helping others find their perfect journey.
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Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Oh, several. But one of my unforgettable experiences was when I decided to return to Aberdare as a Solo traveler for hiking and decided to camp before I would hike. As soon as it got dark and I was falling asleep my tent became covered with hundreds of rats. They were everywhere, climbing up my ropes and over the top of the tent. I shook as many as I could off and started a fire and stayed up all night hoping they wouldn't return. They seemed to be gone so the next night I stayed in the same place thinking they had moved on to another dump or something but no, again as it got dark they all returned bringing some of their friends as it seemed there was more than ever now. I again shook them off the tent and got a fire going.
When morning came, I decided to pack up my tent and head for a new place far from those rats. As I was walking down the trails wondering if I should return to another camping spot where we had been previously, there on the trail near to that place was a dead wild dog which had crawled out from the forest only a few feet from where we had been camping a few months previously. I decided my Aberdares hiking/camping adventure was not meant to be and headed back home."
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Featured trips & expertise
Highlights of Serengeti National Park - 5 Days
If you have limited time to plan the safari adventure of a lifetime, there's only one clear choice: Serengeti National Park. In just five days, you can experience all the majesty of Tanzania's crown jewel of wildlife reserves. This includes spotting coveted Big Five animals like lions, leopards, elephants, and more.
Zanzibar & Pemba Island - 7 Days
Experience one of the true gems of the Indian Ocean with a visit to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. Over seven days, you'll enjoy this island's famed white-sand beaches plus discover its rich culture and cuisine on tours of its historic center. Finish the trip on the unspoiled island of Pemba for some snorkeling, fishing, and communing with nature far from the stress of the modern world.
Best of Tanzania's National Parks - 7 Days
In just a week, you can visit not one, not two, but three of Tanzania's legendary national parks for safari adventures. All the famous specimens will be on display, from the elephants at Tarangire to the lions of the Serengeti to the rhinos of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In between these epic wildlife tours, you'll have the opportunity to visit indigenous communities to spend time with tribespeople who still hunt and forage the way their ancient ancestors did.
Active Tanzania: Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar & the Serengeti - 10 Days
This 10-day adventure combines the best safari locations in Tanzania with beach time in gorgeous Zanzibar. However, before relaxing on those white sands, you'll test yourself on a day hike up Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. In between, you'll embark on unforgettable safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater and legendary Serengeti.
Hiking Kilimanjaro - 10 Days
You've accepted the challenge, and now you're off to Tanzania to conquer Kilimanjaro, the most formidable mountain in Africa. Its snow-capped table is famous the world over, and it will take you multiple days of ascent before you can plant your flag atop it. No doubt it's hard work, but rest easy knowing that, even though this behemoth dominates the landscape, almost anyone with grit and determination can reach the top.
Kenya & Tanzania Adventure - 10 Days
Get ready for a safari adventure in Africa that covers not one incredible country but two. It begins in Kenya with visits to elephant and giraffe sanctuaries, plus a camping trip with tribal warriors. After viewing wildebeests and gazelles at the Maasai Mara Reserve, you'll hop the border and take a safari on the famous Serengeti to see lions, leopards, and more. The trip culminates with a drive over the volcanic crater at Ngorongoro to witness black rhinos in the wild.
Recent trip reviews for Joseph
Tailored itinerary and brilliant guide.
Kenya
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Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2023
Joseph worked with me to create an eclectic trip that catered to our unusual needs. He managed it while staying within our low to medium budget. Our guide, Andrew Kamau was phenomenal. He has been doing this for 20+ years and was equally good at finding animals in game parks and facilitating our daughter’s need to return to the US right in the middle of the trip. He was fun, positive and knowledgeable. I could not have been happier! read more
Hello Carmel,
Thanks so much for taking your time to leave a review, I'm really happy that you enjoyed your trip and being part of your experience in Kenya, I’m glad you enjoyed your time with Andrew. Many thanks as well for your patience and kindness throughout, you have been so great during the whole planning process, and it was such a pleasure to work with you.
We really appreciate for trusting us with your trip plan. We hope to see you again in the near future with more trips to East... read more
Unforgettable trip to Uganda!
Uganda
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Aug 13 - Sep 1, 2022
Our trip through Uganda was amazing!
The tour was perfect organized, our driver and guide Teo (Able Safaris, a local office, 19 days) was perfect, he managed everything in a good way.
The gorilla-tracking, the beautiful landscape, the game drives, the friendly people,.. all that we will never forget! read more
Hello Irene,
Thanks so much for your review, I'm really happy that you enjoyed your trip, we have taken note of some the hotels that didn’t meet your expectations. Many thanks as well for your patience and kindness throughout, you have been so great during the whole planning process, and it was such a pleasure to work with you. We will definitely share your comments with all the partners involved.
We really appreciate for trusting us with your trip plan. We hope to see you again in the... read more
Absolutely perfect! Didn’t have to worry ab...
Uganda
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Nov 14 - Nov 24, 2021
Absolutely perfect!
Didn’t have to worry about any arrangements. The hotels were exactly what we wanted. Every single hotel was more beautiful than the next. Truly a dream holiday!
Kenya and Tanzania safari
Tanzania
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Jan 2 - Jan 21, 2022
We had an incredible trip! Wonderful guides, amazing stays and great food were all set up for us.
Joseph, our local specialist, communicated well with us and was easy to work with, he answered all our questions promptly and made our requests reality. Richard was our driver in Nairobi and he was welcoming and informative. Our guide in Kenya was Andrew and he was knowledgeable and wonderful, going above and beyond in helping our Dad, and find for us some incredible animals, especially the 4... read more
Outstanding, Trip to Kenya Courtesy of Nariku Travel Experiences.
Kenya
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Nov 26 - Dec 4, 2021
In the past year I have been to, among other places, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Greece and Portugal, and my trip to Kenya was my favorite. This is due in large part to Nariku Travel Experiences. I gave them a basic blueprint of what I wanted to see, do and accomplish and they delivered. Thank you Joseph and Susan. The guide for most of my trip, George, was outstanding. George was knowledgable, personable and downright fun to be around. I miss his and being part of the A-Team. The safari... read more
Hi Michael
Thanks so much for the awesome review! On behalf of the entire team, we are so happy to hear that both we and Kenya lived up to your expectations. Also glad to hear you had an authentic experience with the Maasai People at Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp.
We appreciate for trusting us with your trip plans, and hope to see you again in the near future with more trips to East Africa or any other part of the world.
With warm and best Regards,
Joseph
Best last minute trip + Covid issues
Tanzania
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May 19 - May 27, 2021
I had Joseph as my contact for this amazing trip to Pemba & Zanzibar. I couldn't be any happier with his great customer service. Due to my busy work schedule, I was unable to book in advance and it was last minute. Finally, when I booked the trip I had a nightmare with CoVid19 as I was coming from Uganda. Joseph was very, very helpful and made sure that I initially received helped with the cancelations, but eventually I was still able to make it to my destinations and he helped me again and... read more
Hi Ivette
Thank you so much for the kind feedback! I'm more than glad to know you had such a good experience in Pemba & Zanzibar. I'm really happy that you enjoyed your trip and that you are happy with our service, and many thanks for your patience and kindness throughout the process.
With warm and best Regards,
Joseph