James Apolloh Omenya

Birding & Wildlife Guide

By Ben & Vickie Kwong

My husband and I went on a 15-day private birding tour in Kenya (Western Circuit) in August/September. We were lucky to have two amazing guides, Davis Kibuga and James Apolloh Omenya. We visited eight National Parks and Reserves in southwestern Kenya, spotting almost 400 bird species, plus many mammals and reptiles.

Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable—not just about birds but also about mammals and plants. Apolloh, in particular, could identify birds by both sight and sound and knew exactly where to find them. Sometimes, we would stop along a highway, and he would call for a specific bird, and it would actually appear! It was incredible to watch. Seeing our guides discuss birds and consult their books was fascinating—their passion was contagious.

The trip was well-organized from start to finish. Though the drives between parks were long and sometimes bumpy, we didn’t mind because we kept spotting new birds along the way. At some sites, a local birding guide joined us, making us feel even more special with three guides for just the two of us! Considering the expert guiding, comfortable mid-range accommodations, and good food, we felt this budget-friendly tour was an excellent value.

Reviews

By Jim Hoods. James. A.O.

Friendly and pleasant as a person. Easy to like. • Excellent bird guide. • Very alert and experienced birder. • Tracks birds by sound very well. Sharp eyes! • Very well organized and effective. Get things solved with a smile. • Also taking problems seriously, and is not afraid to communicate directly! • Good contacts. • Solve problems rapidly. • Great with internet and bird lists directly and daily in E-bird and IOC. • No time-consuming and boring evening meetings to catch-up today's birds, because it is done perpetually throughout the birding day, and shared with the clients. • Highly recommended!!

James Apolloh is an excelent bird guide. He is a very good birder, knows the birds throughout the country, and recognizes about all birds by ear. He is however also pleasant company and is able to organize things smoothly and flawlessly. He has contacts throughout the country, and is able to fix things in a very short time whenever there is need for it. Highly recommended!!

My 3 days’ trip with James at the Coast were so exceptional. James blended in so well at showing us the birds around, his click on bird calls is so exceptional and above all is his respect for nature and its surroundings.

Meet other bird guides

Our team of highly skilled safari specialists are our local tour guides based throughout East African region. We work with well trained and experienced guides who’re not only authentic and professional but can add that passion touch to your safari