David Waithaka — From Livestock Clinician to Safari Whisperer
When David first set foot in the vast, untamed landscapes of Laikipia, he wasn’t chasing elephants — he was tending goats. A trained veterinarian, David started his career treating livestock. But fate (and a few very charismatic giraffes) had other plans.
While working alongside international wildlife vets, David discovered a new world — one filled with conservationists, researchers, tourists, and the untamed beauty of Kenya’s wild places. Soon, he was trading syringes for safari vehicles and guiding guests on game drives through the same lands he once studied as a vet student.
Not content to simply "wing it," David dove deep — studying wildlife tourism and conservation at college in Naivasha. What followed was a whirlwind tour of Kenya’s top safari companies: Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, Bushtops Collection, Exploreans Mara Rianta, and Sunworld Safaris. But his real dream? Creating something of his own.
In 2014, he founded Pumba Elite Safaris, with one big idea: that safaris can (and should) be ethical, immersive, and unforgettable. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a respected, sustainability-driven travel brand — trusted by conservationists and adventurers alike.
🌿 More Than a Guide — A Voice for Sustainable Travel
David’s expertise goes far beyond game spotting. He is a passionate advocate for responsible, community-based tourism — working hand-in-hand with local tribes, conservation groups, and fellow guides to protect the ecosystems he loves.
Whether it's choosing eco-friendly lodges, designing low-impact itineraries, or empowering local communities through tourism, David leads with purpose
He currently serves as:
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🛡️ Chair of the Sustainability Committee, Tour Operators Society of Kenya (TOSK)
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🦁 Silver-Level Member, Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA)
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🕊️ Member, Nature Kenya
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🌍 Member, East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS)
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🦏 Member, African Rhino Specialist Group (AFRSG)
This isn't just a job for David — it’s a calling.
🎒 Why You’ll Love Traveling With David
Because with him, you’re not just taking a safari — you’re entering a living, breathing storybook of Kenya’s wildlife and people.
From sundowners under acacia trees to cultural encounters with remote tribes, he makes the magic happen — and makes it matter.
👉 Back to Pumba Elite Safaris


