We employ local Maasai driver-guides, trained to a high standard. They have grown up in the area and have an instinctive talent for spotting game and natural ability to read animal spoor, as well as signs of an impending natural event, be it a river crossing or a predator kill.

The guides will be also be happy to share their cultural background with you, and may even take you outside the reserve to visit their Maasai homesteads, depending on your day's game viewing schedule. Those guests who are interested in cultural visits should ideally book extra time at Ilkeliani to fully enjoy this unique opportunity.

Your day will be planned by your driver-guide, who is in the best position to know where the animals are that day, including where the last crossings were made, whether there are new resident lions in the area or nomad lions passing through. Working in the area they love and know so intimately, they are the experts.