Founder and Guide

A lifelong adventurer and avid angler, Blaede Russell grew up immersed in the wild landscapes of Kenya. From an early age, he found himself drawn to the outdoors, whether exploring the vast wilderness of Tsavo, casting lines in remote rivers, or navigating the rhythms of life in the bush. These experiences laid the foundation for a career built around exploration, conservation, and pushing the limits of adventure travel.

His journey into professional guiding began after completing his studies in the UK, where he balanced his time between business studies at the Royal Agricultural University and fishing the storied rivers of southern England. He quickly proved his skills on the water, competing at an international level in saltwater fly fishing, securing top placements at just 16 and 18 years old. But the pull of Africa was too strong to ignore.

Blaede’s guiding career has taken him across six African countries, working in some of the most remote and challenging environments on the continent. His experience spans both photographic safaris and specialized fishing expeditions, making him as comfortable tracking wildlife on horseback as he is guiding anglers in extremely remote waters.

As a proud Head guide for African Waters, Blaede has spent multiple seasons guiding in Tanzania, Gabon, and Cameroon, where he plays a critical role in running operations, managing logistics, and ensuring the safety of guests in extreme conditions. Whether navigating the strong currents of the Mnyera River for monster tigerfish, leading guests through the dense mangroves of Gabon, or overseeing remote bush camps in Cameroon for Giant Nile Perch, he thrives in the unpredictable nature of the wild. His responsibilities extend beyond guiding—from camp construction and logistics to client hospitality and conservation initiatives—giving him a deep understanding of what it takes to run world-class, off-the-grid expeditions.

His experience also includes offshore big game fishing in Zanzibar, Kenya, equestrian safaris in South Africa, and leading exploratory expeditions in newly discovered fisheries.

With a passion for untamed places, conservation, and the thrill of the unknown, Blaede continues to seek out uncharted waters and new frontiers, always chasing what he calls “the quest for life.”

Private Guide

Marcus Russell is not just a safari guide—he's a true custodian of the African wilderness. With over 40 years of experience in conservation, guiding, and lodge management, he has dedicated his life to the untamed landscapes of East Africa. His journey has been anything but ordinary, shaped by adventure, deep-rooted knowledge, and an unshakable commitment to preserving Africa’s wild places.

Born into a life of safaris and conservation, Marcus grew up immersed in Kenya’s rugged terrain, where his love for wildlife was nurtured from an early age. Over the years, he has built and managed luxury lodges, established vast wildlife conservancies, and worked hands-on in everything from anti-poaching efforts to wildlife rehabilitation. He played a key role in the development of Ndolwa House and Kishushe Camp, turning these spaces into havens for both wildlife and guests seeking an authentic bush experience. His work has extended beyond private ventures—he has managed lodges, guided safaris, and developed conservation initiatives across Kenya, ensuring that communities and wildlife can coexist sustainably.

Marcus is as much a storyteller as he is a conservationist. His quick wit, dry humor, and eccentric personality make time with him unforgettable. He has a rare ability to bring the bush to life, weaving together tales of adventure, close encounters, and lessons learned from a lifetime spent in the wild. He’s the kind of person who can track a lion through the savannah at dawn, negotiate a conservation deal by midday, and still have guests laughing around the campfire by nightfall.

Beyond his charisma, Marcus brings a level of knowledge that can’t be taught in books. His expertise spans wildlife behavior, habitat management, bushcraft, and guiding, but more importantly, he understands the rhythms of the land in a way that only decades of experience can provide. His work has taken him from the rolling plains of the Maasai Mara to the dense forests of Tsavo, the wild shores of Malindi to the remote frontiers of Laikipia—each place leaving its mark on him as much as he has left his mark on them.

At his core, Marcus is a firm believer that the wild should be experienced, not just observed. He doesn’t just take people on safari—he immerses them in it. Whether tracking elephants, sharing insights on conservation, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the fire under a sky full of stars, he creates experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left the bush.

For those lucky enough to explore Africa alongside him, it’s not just a journey—it’s a glimpse into a life fully lived in the wilderness.