ExpertScientists.
Our four lead guides hold degrees in ecology and biology, bringing over 60 years of combined field experience to your safari.
Gapi Stephano
Gapi Stephano grew up near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and began guiding at twenty-two. He holds a BSc in Wildlife Management from CAWM Mweka and has guided exclusively in the Northern Circuit.
His knowledge of the Serengeti ecosystem spans twenty years of daily field observation. Migration patterns tracked by individual herds. Predator territories mapped by pride and season. Bird identification across all 500+ recorded species. He founded GAPI Africa Safaris in 2015.
His Ngorongoro Crater descents begin at 4:45am — 90 minutes before standard gate opening. He has descended into the crater over 800 times.
Lameck Stanslaus
Lameck has guided in the Northern Circuit for eleven years. His expertise: bird identification and leopard tracking.
Lameck’s bird knowledge covers all 500+ Serengeti ecosystem species. His leopard tracking in the Serengeti riverine forest combines eleven years of territory mapping with knowledge of individual animals. On approximately 80% of morning drives in the riverine zone, Lameck locates a leopard.
GAPI’s recommended guide for photography-focused expeditions.
John Mazigwa
John holds a Mountain Guide Certification from TANAPA and has summited Kilimanjaro over 200 times across six routes.
John’s 91% summit rate via the Lemosho route — against an industry average of approximately 65% — results from a pacing methodology developed across 200 ascents.
As cultural liaison, he has maintained relationships with Maasai, Hadzabe, Chagga, and Datoga communities for nine years. He speaks Maa at conversational level.
Richard Mbuya
Richard was born adjacent to the Serengeti’s western corridor and has guided within the park for twelve years. His expertise: the Great Wildebeest Migration. Over 300 Mara River crossings witnessed.
Richard’s methodology for predicting crossing timing and location is the product of twelve years of daily observation. He reads approach patterns, bank testing, and atmospheric conditions. He typically positions the vehicle two to three hours before a crossing, on the correct bank.
GAPI’s recommended guide for the August and September migration window.
Request a specific guide.
Many clients return specifically to work with one of our four guides. Tell us your preference when enquiring.