About Us
Howard is a professional safari guide based in Kenya. Born and raised near Sydney, Australia, Howard first set foot in Africa at the age of 17, on a family safari.
A LIFE’s Work
Howard is a professional safari guide based in Kenya. Born and raised near Sydney, Australia, Howard first set foot in Africa at the age of 17, on a family safari. He was smitten with the wildlife, landscapes, and people, and after finishing university he returned to Kenya to become a professional guide.
Howard lives on the edge of Nairobi with Stephanie, a wildlife biologist and science writer, and their two young children, Ollie and Halina. Howard is an avid rugby player and fan, and when he isn’t on safari in Africa, he enjoys traveling to wilderness areas and historical sites around the world.
While he thoroughly enjoys “just being out in the bush” while on safari, Howard takes particular interest in the behavior and ecology of large carnivores, the great apes, insects, and reptiles. He is exceptionally knowledgeable about these taxa, as well as the Amboseli and Mara-Serengeti ecosystems.
Howard has been guiding since 1994, originally leading adventurous journeys around Lake Victoria through Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. These expeditions shaped his deep expertise in the region. Since 2001, he has been a partner at The Original Ker & Downey Safaris, crafting bespoke safari experiences that blend adventure, comfort, and conservation.
Howard has spent a considerable amount of time in the field with biologists and enjoys helping children explore and learn while on safari – nature’s ultimate classroom. He is also deeply involved with conservation efforts in Kenya’s remaining wildlife areas: he is a founder and member of the Board of Trustees of the Kenya Wildlife Trust.
When a safari requires multiple vehicles, Howard collaborates with top guides like Alan Binks, Martin Seth-Smith, and Andreas Fox. Our dedicated team, led by Wilfred Samoire, ensures seamless operations, with Tom Maingi (aka Tom Cake) as head chef and a skilled crew of waiters, tent stewards, drivers, and spotters catering to guests in our Kenyan mobile camp.
Ker & Downey Safaris
For over 75 years, The Original Ker & Downey Safaris has been at the forefront of African safari travel, setting the gold standard for luxury, adventure, and expert-guided exploration. Since its founding in 1946, Ker & Downey has pioneered photographic safaris, bringing discerning travelers into the heart of Africa’s most legendary wilderness regions.
With a legacy built on exceptional guiding, deep-rooted conservation efforts, and strong ties to local communities, the company continues to define what it means to experience the wild in style. Among its esteemed partners, Howard Saunders has played a key role in upholding this tradition, combining decades of guiding expertise with a deep commitment to conservation.
