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Tourism has really taken off in Kenya in recent years, but the real unsung heroes and heroines of this welcome development remain unknown to most Kenyans even as our politicians bask in the glory of the rare success never missing an opportunity to pat themselves on the back for all the advertising and marketing of the Kenya Safari holiday now being done fopr which they are allocating public funds to.
An excellent example of one of these unsung heroes of tourism is Kenyan Hamish Grant, owner of Grant & Cameron Safaris, a small outfit based in Rongai, Nakuru that offers a unique upmarket African Safari product that has gotten rave reviews from many discerning and hard to please tourists who have been fortunate enough to experience it.
Hamish Grant In his element
Grant grew up in his parents farm on the Western slopes of the Rift Valley. Kumekucha spoke to him recently about his uniquely creative African Safari package that incorporates a home stay for his guests at his expansive farmhouse full of history with easy access to world famous Lake Nakuru and a number of other fascinating tourist attractions. Excerpts.
Kumekucha: Please tell us a little about yourself and your business
Hamish Grant: I started Grant and Cameron Safaris in 1987 with my late wife Vanessa Kingsford. Together we built up our company from simple beginnings into a top safari operation. We took over the management of Gogar Farm in 1991 and started a dairy processing business which became one of Kenya's largest privatised milk processors in 1994. We had a son Alex in the same year but tragically Vanessa died during the birth of our daughter Seiya in 1997. In 2003 I married again to Lenka Kurk. We now have another child, Kristina. Lenka and the children often join us for a part of our safaris.
I have taken over 150 safaris to various parts of East Africa in almost two decades as a professional guide. I am interested in all aspects of wildlife, flora and fauna. I do not have any particular area of speciality though I have a keen interest in animals and birds. I was a founder member of Campfire Kenya whose objective is to see the local communities benefit from tourism revenues and become involved in conservation efforts. I was appointed an Honorary Game Warden for the Kenya Wildlife Services in 2004.
When I am not involved in leading safaris I manage Gogar Farms Ltd.
Kumekucha: What is unique and different about this home stay?
Hamish Grant: Our home stay is at Gogar House (see www.classicafricansafaris.com Gogar House) It is the central residence of Gogar Farm, a 4400 acre property that has been in a single family for almost 100 years, near Rongai, Nakuru. The farm is one of the most historic in the Rift Valley dating to the early days of the colonial era in Kenya (see also www.gogar.co.ke ). While the house is within easy reach of Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria for day trips to see our National Parks, the unique aspect to this home stay is that it gives guests a real insight into the daily life and operations of a large scale mixed farm. Guests are encouraged to witness and – for the more adventurous – to participate in the farm’s daily activities such as dipping and milking the cattle, and whatever other activities may be going on: land preparation, planting, harvesting of the crops amongst many others. All the while they are staying as guests of the owner in the main house where they are treated as family friends rather than as tourists. Most guests stay with us as part of a complete Kenya itinerary with Hamish Grant (owner of Gogar Farm) guiding the safari throughout. This is very much a "top end" product aimed at the wealthy and discerning traveller who wants to have a more private safari experience than the normal run-of-the-mill lodge traveller.
Kumekucha: How do you get most of your clients and do you actually measure your results from your marketing efforts for the home stay service?
Hamish Grant: Mostly from word of mouth, through some agents who are aware of our unique product. Very limited marketing and advertising.
Kumekucha: Please give me a brief history of your organization.
Hamish Grant: G&C started in 1988, we have run small upmarket safaris since, specialising in homestays and luxury mobile tented camps.
Kumekucha: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in the marketplace and how have you tried to tackle it?
Hamish Grant: Making up to date information available to all that need it. Solved by using a website.
Kumekucha: Who comes up with your marketing ideas for you?
Hamish Grant: Nobody. I do it all myself. My wife has a degree in Commerce including marketing, but 90% of the input is my own.
Kumekucha: In your opinion, how valuable is a marketing idea in the success of any organization? Please explain and give examples if possible.
Hamish Grant: Proper marketing is essential. Identifying your market and targeting your marketing efforts to that particular market is key.
Kumekucha: Have you felt the impact of the improved economic situation in the country and especially the higher number of tourists coming into the country? If so what impact has it had on your sales?
Hamish Grant: Tourism goes in cycles. Destinations can be "in favour" or "out of favour" for a variety of reasons. The main reasons are the perceived quality of the product (in comparison to other destinations) and security.
Kumekucha: How many persons does your entire group employ?
Hamish Grant: Very few. I am the chief (and often the only) guide for each safari. Otherwise we employ up to a maximum of four guides at any one time and around 20 support staff including in the office.
Kumekucha: Have you registered any sales directly through your web site? If yes, what percentage of your total sales does it constitute (home stay only)?
Hamish Grant: Not specifically home stay, but since home stay is an integral part of almost every safari we operate they cannot be separated meaningfully. Most clients read the website thoroughly before booking.
Kumekucha: What is the single thing that all your satisfied home stay visitors never fail to mention?
Hamish Grant: They often say that it is the favourite part of their African safari holiday.
