Sam Horner

About Sam

Sam grew up in Kenya, where his family has been involved in safaris since the early 1900s. He spent his childhood in the bush, learning bird species, fishing in the Aberdares, and hiking around Mount Kenya. He learned tracking skills from Maasai warriors and became fluent in Kiswahili.

Expert destinations

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda

Sam's recent travel experience

Sam makes it a point to travel back to Africa at least twice per year to reconnect with family and friends in Kenya and Tanzania. This past April, he combined a visit back home in Kenya with a familiarisation trip to Kenya, Northern Tanzania, and the Kenyan coast.

Sam's most memorable experience

“There are countless memories that could be a favourite, but one of the most vivid comes from a recent trip. We were fly camping in a remote region of Northern Tanzania, surrounded by untouched, breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro highlands, Ol Donyo Lengai, and Gelai. We set up camp at the base of Mt Kitumbeine. Our camp was simple yet idyllic, with our star beds beneath a crystal-clear night sky, revealing what seemed like every star in existence. As the sun rose above the horizon, we woke up to the surrounding area painted in deep shades of red and orange, with Ol Donyo Lengai standing against the horizon. Sipping a cup of rich Tanzanian coffee, I savoured the peace of knowing we were among the few hundred people for hundreds of kilometres, we only had the peaceful sounds of the bush. I love the sightings you are blessed with in this part of the world, but I can always appreciate such untouched beauty.”

Sam's biography

Growing up in an East African safari family, Sam has always been passionate about adventurous travel. Immersed in captivating family stories of life in the African wilderness, he became increasingly inspired to create unforgettable adventures and share them with those around him.

Sam has always felt drawn to a career connected to the bush because he loves the authentic African wilderness. From working across various hospitality roles to spending time with his family in Laikipia, he always sought opportunities to be close to nature. He enjoyed his time as an assistant camp manager at Sosian Lodge; every day brought something new, from forging lifelong friendships with a fantastic team to working alongside camels.

His family is spread across Africa, and he has had the opportunity to explore some of the continent's most significant wilderness areas, which sparked his passion for wildlife photography. Having been involved in a rhino charity project in Namibia, he gained a deeper appreciation for how tourism plays a critical role in conservation, from funding anti-poaching programs to supporting local communities. Through this experience, his commitment to protecting Africa's landscapes grew.

Even though he is now based in the UK, he continues to nurture his love of wildlife by photographing local birdlife when he’s not on one of his regular trips to Africa, whether it’s the native species or the vibrant green parakeets that have made the area their home.