Alex

Who? Alex Rostocil

Where did it start? I was born and bred in Kenya. I started out in a ranch in Laikipia, which is the most spectacular setting for a childhood. I’m a people person and since I was knee-high I’ve been fascinated by the indigenous skills of local tribesmen. So the Samburu and Turkana trackers on the ranch sort of took me on as a protégé and taught me everything they know about the bush – its plants, its wildlife and how to read them. I later formalized my knowledge with a professional guiding qualification and now I’m a member of the Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association (KPSGA).

What makes it all worthwhile? The privacy and anonymity of being out in the wilderness gives me a real sense of serenity – I can just disappear when I feel like it. I love tracking leopards… I’ve had a few close encounters – not only with wild animals though; supermodels on a Vougue fashion photo-shoot near Mount Kenya had a similar effect on my pulse! My favourite park is Shaba but I’ve been to so many beautiful private game reserves, exploring with my camera. I’m a keen photographer and you’ll find me perched in a tree or on a vehicle somewhere nearby at golden hour, capturing the early morning light.

How far have you ventured? The further the better. I love expeditions. In the Chalbi Desert you see no other cars, no people, it’s just wild. I went land-boarding across the dunes. Kite-surfing on Lake Turkana, near the Sudanese border, was pretty wild too.

Why Westminster Safaris? It’s the personal connection that sets us apart. I’ve had guests who leave determined to buy property in Africa after one safari. We’re a personable company and our guests become friends over the course of the trip. I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for this continent with our guests and making them feel part of the place.

When the campfire’s burning low? Definitely no politics. I could teach you some Kiswahili or Maasai or even some Croatian or Slovenian if you’re interested. I’ve got a few anecdotes about my experiences of working on “Survivor” and a few other American and Australian TV shows filmed here in Kenya. Or I might tell you about the time I rode to Malawi on a boda-boda (50cc motorbike) for charity, that’s one of my favourite stories. If you’re brave, you could ask me about my scars…