Maurice Simiyu Tissah
Lodge Manager
In his 14 years at Sanctuary Olonana; he has attended various refresher courses at Kenya Utali College. He has excelled through several ranks in the operation from, Room Steward, Head House Keeper, Guest Relations Manager, Front Office Manager and has now been promoted to Lodge Manager of Olonana.
Jackson Keiwua
Assistant Manager
Jackson was born in the Narok district of Kenya and lives with his wife, Vivian and three children. He holds a diploma in food and beverage and worked at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp and Mantis Impala Lodge as an Executive Chef and Assistant Manager before joining Sanctuary Olonana as an Assistant Manager. Jackson likes travelling and meeting new friends.
Abdul Karim Muturi
Abdul Karim Muturi
Abdul decided from a young age that he wanted to be a guide. After working as a naturalist for many years he joined Sanctuary Olonana seven years ago. Given the opportunity to do anything else, Abdul says he would still stick with guiding. He enjoys nothing more than to find animals a guest would never expect to see. He believes in continuous learning and to pass on his skills to other young guides. Now he leads a team of six dedicated guides.
Joseph Ole Koyie
Head Naturalist and Guide
Joseph who is also a traditional Masai warrior has an incredible knowledge and passion for the Masai Mara, her fauna, flora and people. This was evident when he won the Born Free Most Responsible Safari Guide Award and the 2012 Eco-tourism Guide of the Year award. During his awards speech he said ”I am very proud to have won this important guiding award. As guides we are all responsible for ensuring that our game drives do not harm or disturb the wildlife and habitats that our guests come to visit.
John Mwanzia (Big John)
Head Chef
Big John was born in Kitui County south Eastern parts of Kenya. He Joined Kanziku primary school and proceeded to Muthue Secondary School. After his high school, he worked as a teacher with the ministry of education. He trained in al’acarte cookery and Kitchen management with Kenya Utalii College. He joined Mombasa Thousand palms beach hotel as a trainee in the kitchen and later employed as a breakfast cook. In 1993, he joined Mombasa Alpha Marine beach hotels as the Head cook until he left to join Mombasa Intercontinental Beach Hotel as a Sous Chef. In 2002, he joined Tsavo park hotels as a chef. During this time, he managed three units and trained the kitchen staff. In the year 2004 he joined Sanctuary Olonana as the executive Chef where he has worked up to date. “I am enthusiastic to always serve my guests well presented quality and healthy food. My best dish is fresh Olonana Salad because it is always fresh from my WOW organic garden. It also my signature dish”
Ambrose Masinya Jimmy
Sous Chef
Since joining three years ago, Ambrose has moved from being a pastry chef to a sous chef, assistant to the executive chef. His day is a busy one involving organising the kitchen, planning the day’s menus and activities and cooking with the kitchen team. With a background as a pastry chef, he still has a soft spot for desserts, especially carrot cake.
