Edwin Selempo is a Kenyan Wildlife Artist known for his meticulous portrayals of East Africa’s iconic wildlife and birdlife.
Growing up was full of self-amazement in a world full of life and endless explorable wonders. I joined the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya and the young ornithologists club (the junior branch of the UK’s RSPB) in high school. I found it most fascinating to learn bird names in English and Latin, and through the inspiration of our club patron and teacher I quickly developed a passion for birdwatching. We frequently visited the museum and went out on camping trips to learn our birds in the outdoors. Through these outings, I met Don Turner the proprietor East African ornithological safaris and co-author of the birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania on several occasions leading serious birders in the field, I thought that this would be a great job. After completing college, I was employed at Don’s company now known as Origins Safaris, as a resident naturalist; first at the Mara River Camp and later in several other camps.
I spent my free time drawing and painting wildlife that I lived with and expanded my wildlife knowledge widely with visiting scientists and researchers including the smaller creatures, often ignored in the shadow of big game, reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, butterflies and wild flowers Subsequently I became a mobile safari guide with Origins Safaris and settled in Nairobi where I now work from. I am a passionate, all-round guide with a great sense of humour, and a Gold Level accreditation in the Kenya Professional Guides Association (KPSGA), where I am a Board Member.
