1. ADVENTURER’S AND MARKETING TRIP
TO THE STATES:
DEAPATURE: 17Th
June, 2013
ARRIVAL BACK TO KENYA: 20Th
July, 2013

2. INTRODUCTION
Samburu, my home in Kenya is starts 250 km North and covers an area of roughly 20,182 sq Km.
it’s blessed with natural beauty of Scenic landscape and a rich ecosystem. I was born and within
the waso division neighboring Samburu National Reserve and was blessed to explore Flora and
Fauna of the area. I worked within this beautiful reserve as a wildlife researcher, Naturalist and
driver guide over the past 10 years.
Scenery, Wildlife, the Samburu culture and friendliness of the Samburu people are important
pulling factors to support tourism. The Elephant Bedroom Camp, Larsens Camp, Samburu Game
Lodge, Sopa Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Camp and Elephant Watch Camp provide accommodation

3. and other tourist services within Samburu National Reserve their unique ways and in Different
locations.
My profession gave me opportunities to meet many new friends from all over the world who we
shared a lot of experiences. It’s impressive that new people who visit Samburu develop a very
passionate connection to our unique Reserve. It’s demanding to protect and maintain this
beauty.
Being a Community Liaison, I began writing up a Project constitution due to the child education
need. We were fortunate enough to officially get it registered as a (CBO) with the name
Schooling of Samburu Project (SamburuSOS).I approached friends from California in the US who
joined the Organization as fundraising directors. Focusing on the Orphaned and poor Students
going to High Schools we sponsored six students this year.
I tried organizing reserve marketing and fundraising trip since the year 2011 but was able to
travel due to financial constrains I wasn’t able to travel then. My struggle didn’t stop because I
had a dream.
Fortunately, I gained a one-year visa in May and knew plans are going well. My struggles begun
gathering funds for my travels and succeeded to get a ticket.
Well dressed with my local attire, it was a chock to go pass through the customs in Jommo
Kenyatta International Airport. Kenyans are proud of our culture… metal detectors beef alarms
but I went through without undressing.
A great highlight, I met with Jen Pavley, a daughter to the California Senator. With her boyfriend,
they were very enthusiastic and friendly, all way through. ‘We had an unforgettable Safari
experience and our travel turned out beyond expectations. Kenya is a beautiful Country’, they
explained. It was an eight hour flight to Amsterdam from 2200Hrs to 0800Hrs, we arrived to
Amsterdam.

4. After a four hour break we boarded the next flight to California. It’s an eleven-hour flight. With the
morning day-light, I really enjoyed the views on a window seat after take-off. It was my first time to
fly on such a big plane with 600 passengers.
In fact I enjoyed the services given at the plane. Meals were served and there screens in front of
seats for entertainments. I couldn’t sit for long without stretching up by walking since it’s not my
nature. It was a long but a pleasant flight.
We landed at San Francisco Airport. I was warmly welcomed
by our Director Betsy Kehoe and Ali Moford as I exit out of
the Airport. They couldn’t believe I made it alone to the
States. We
then
drove to
their
home in
Atherton
where I
was
hosted for most of my stay. There was a very tight
already made ready for that proofed my one
month will be spent busy.
First Presentation:
As per the program, our first presentation was scheduled for 3rd
July, 2013. Betsy and Spenser
Kehoe- our Directors already made all arrangements. The venue for the event was at the Country
and Golf Club in Atherton. I had to meet a number of great people including sponsors to some of
our Students. I was glad to meet the founder of our partner, the schoolfund Mr. Matt Severson who
is the president and Connor Ashenbrucker the TSF Vise
president. I proudly did slideshow presentations on the
Samburu Ecology and Culture of the Samburu people.
The crowd was very motivated and fascinated by our
nature beauty and the Samburu Culture. Most of our
Students were funded right away and had promises to
support in the future. I was proud to have had a chance
to share my local experiences in that part of the World.
Infrastructure, landscape, meals and livelihood of the
people was new to me. Luckily, California weather was
accommodating for as a new environment. Since I’m
good in networking, I kept in contacts with some friends

5. I met here in Kenya. I informed some of them of my arrival to the State and already invited me to
their homes.
During my stay at San Francisco, I was invited to do slide show presentations to the Little House
Foundation and LEMO Foundation.
Adventures at San Francisco….
At intervals, I had a few days to explore San Francisco. We first had a long drive from San Francisco
to Santa Barbara. Off on our journey the next morning to Long beach in Los Angeles where we I was
invited for a Wildlife Veterinary Conference. It was a very important forum where many views were
shared concerning animal health
and conservation.
The Pacific Aquaruim in long beach was another tremendous experience. I saw creatures I have
never see. Life in the sea was a good reminder of my Marine Ecology.

6. The Senator…
On my flight from Nairobi, I met with California Senator Family. In my LA’s visit, Jen Pervley invited
me for a visit to their home to see the Senator. I had a golden opportunity to meet her and the
family; we had dinner and shared a lot. I explained to her about the beauty of Samburu and Kenya
in general which the rest of her family experienced. She promised to visit Samburu in Kenya and
even was positive on my marketing mission and the needed tourism support. We planned that she
will help spread the word within her region and the rest of America and motivate people to travel to
Kenya.
Califronia Senator Fran Pervley and Francis.
Pensacola in Florida.
Towards the end of my trip, I visited
Pensacola, Florida. I did quite a
number of public presentations
which were featured all over the
news for two weeks. I visited Gulf
breeze Zoo and saw my second
Tiger.

7. Conclusion:
The aim of my visit was Projects fundraising and Wildlife / Tourism marketing of our facilities and
natural resources. I really achieved a lot and still hopeful to have similar opportunities in the
future to fulfill my mission.
Attached to this report in some articles featured in magazines at Pensacola.
Report prepared and compiled by
Francis Lenyakopiro.