Meet

Our Team

At Kamba African Rainforest Experiences, we are proud to have a diverse team of expert Guides who embody our mission of conservation, sustainability, and adventure. These remarkable individuals come from different corners of the world, sharing a deep passion for nature and a commitment to preserving the Congo Basin at the forefront of eco-tourism, helping travelers forge meaningful connections with one of the world’s last pristine ecosystems.

Glance Eloye-Nzoutani

Meet Glance – a passionate guide whose journey from an airline career to becoming the first Congolese nature guide trained in Congo to guide in the Congo Basin is nothing short of remarkable. His journey to become a professional guide has been a transformative one—both for him and for those lucky enough to witness his passion for the natural world.

Under the guidance of Kamba’s senior guides, Glance embarked on an intensive training regime, taking on every challenge with determination. After countless hours exploring the vast forests beneath the green and red canopies of Azobe trees, traversing the open grasslands of the Forest-Savanna mosaic, and navigating the serene waters of the Lekoli River, as well as embarking on numerous “salad surfing” missions through Ngaga’s Marantaceae forests, Glance honed his knowledge and skills to master the art of wilderness guiding. His progression from trainee to a permanent Kamba guide in Odzala-Kokoua National Park was the result of relentless hard work, highlighted by both personal and professional growth.

Today, Glance stands as the first Congolese wilderness guide trained in Congo, a milestone that seemed like a distant dream just a year and a half ago. His achievements not only symbolize personal triumph but also represent a broader vision—Kamba’s commitment to nurturing local talent through the Kamba Training Academy. The goal is to inspire young Congolese men and women by providing career development resources and training, equipping them to actively participate in the tourism industry. This empowers local community members to engage directly in conservation-based tourism, becoming exceptional ambassadors for their country’s breathtaking natural heritage.

For Glance, this is just the beginning. His enthusiasm for sharing the wonders of the rainforest, from fungi’s ecological roles to the majestic beauty of Odzala, captivates every guest he meets. “Odzala has the power to expand your imagination and reveal how precious the Congo Basin truly is,” Glance often shares with visitors. His journey is a testament to what passion, dedication, and guidance can achieve. As the Kamba Training Academy continues to develop future Congolese Nature Guides, Glance serves as an inspiring role model, a pioneer paving the way for the next generation of Congolese conservationists. His mentors, including Josh, look forward to seeing Glance take on new responsibilities—one day becoming a mentor himself, guiding the next wave of young, passionate guides.

Experience: Nature Walks

Pedro Lopes

One of the key members of our team is Pedro Lopes, our Assistant Head Guide, who brings his wealth of experience, love for wildlife, and dedication to sharing the magic of the natural world with every traveler who visits. “The day I finally traveled to Africa, I found out that the magic was real,” Pedro recalls. “I could see it, smell it, feel it.” This transformative experience ignited Pedro’s journey toward becoming a guide and deepened his connection with the wild.

For Pedro, becoming a field guide in the heart of the Congo Basin was the perfect way to test his senses and immerse himself fully in the natural world. His interests span across birds, trees, elephants, and conservation efforts, and he finds immense joy in sharing this knowledge with others. “Being able to share my passion for the natural world with people is such a rewarding feeling,” he says. “My insatiable hunger for learning keeps me kicking, and I’ve never felt more alive since I made that life-changing decision.” Pedro’s multilingual abilities—he speaks English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish—allow him to connect with travelers from around the world, enhancing their experience by making the wonders of Odzala-Kokoua National Park accessible and understandable to all.

As Kamba’s Assistant Head Guide, Pedro is more than just a guide—he is a storyteller and conservationist, inspiring guests to see the world from a new perspective. His love for the intricate ecosystems of the Congo Basin and his respect for the animals and plants that call it home shine through in every adventure. Whether he’s leading guests on a birdwatching trek, explaining the behavior of elephants, or discussing the importance of trees in the forest ecosystem, Pedro brings the environment to life for every traveler. Pedro is also deeply connected to Kamba’s mission of community engagement and conservation. His work helps visitors not only experience the awe of the natural world but also understand the importance of protecting it. Through his guiding, Pedro is playing a vital role in Kamba’s larger conservation efforts, inspiring guests to become advocates for nature long after they leave the Congo.

Pedro Lopes exemplifies the values that make Kamba African Rainforest Experiences so unique. His dedication to nature, commitment to conservation, and ability to inspire others are exactly what make our guides such an integral part of our mission. As we continue to expand our efforts in protecting the Congo Basin, Pedro’s leadership and passion are key to ensuring that travelers leave not only with unforgettable memories but also with a deep appreciation for the wild places we are working so hard to preserve.

Experience: Village Visits

Andrew Hay

Meet Andrew Hay, a Kamba Nature Guide whose journey from the UK to the heart of the Congolese rainforest has been driven by a lifelong passion for the natural world. Growing up in the countryside of Great Swinburne, UK, Andrew Hay’s love for nature was cultivated early on. His experiences in the outdoors sparked a deep curiosity about the natural world and our place within it. With a degree in History, Andrew brings a unique perspective to his work as a guide. “History provided the human element,” he explains, “helping me understand how we fit into the natural world, but also how we impact it—unless we change.”

After working in the Australian Outback, Andrew found clear direction in his mission: to educate others about the importance of nature and to help protect it. But Africa was always the ultimate destination, deeply embedded in his family history and tied to his desire to reconnect with the world’s remaining wildernesses. His first rainforest experience came at age 15 during an exercise in the Bornean Jungle, where his passion for rainforest biodiversity was born. “I saw how people lived in harmony with the forest,” he recalls, “and how these wild places are under constant threat from the industrial world.”

Today, Andrew is a Senior Guide at Kamba, where he leads guests through the Congolese rainforest, one of the most critical ecosystems on the planet. “To be able to work in the Congolese Rainforest is exceptional,” he says. “This forest is fast becoming the most important in the world, and spreading the word about its beauty and significance is more crucial than ever.”Andrew’s guiding philosophy is about more than just showcasing wildlife; it’s about helping guests understand the intricate relationships between all living things in the rainforest. “Not just the large mammals, but every animal, plant, and even the smallest organism has a message and purpose that can be told,” he says. By sharing this knowledge, Andrew believes we can better understand ourselves and our role in protecting these ecosystems.

For Andrew, guiding is a humbling mission. “To teach guests about the interconnectedness of life in the jungle, and how humans—both indigenous and tourists—can save these vital ecosystems is incredibly exciting,” he says. Through his work at Kamba, Andrew is dedicated to not only exploring the rainforest but also helping others see its beauty and importance, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to experience and protect these wild places.

Experience: Night Drives & Night Walks

Dylan Smith

Meet Dylan Smith – a Senior Nature Guide who is passionate about sharing the wonders of the Congo Basin with our guests in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dylan’s love for the natural world started early. He spent his childhood and teenage years immersed in Africa’s wild spaces, visiting reserves across the continent at every opportunity. “I took every chance I could to spend time in reserves, developing a passion for wildlife,” Dylan recalls. His fascination with the natural world didn’t stop at just observation—it grew into a lifelong goal to work in Africa’s most untamed areas, surrounded by the animals he has loved since childhood.

Dylan’s dedication to his dream led him to become a FGASA-qualified guide and a certified tracker, skills that have propelled him to an exciting decade-long career in the wildlife industry. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of Africa’s ecosystems make him an invaluable asset to Kamba and its guests. “My honest passion for this continent has led me to some of the most wild and incredible adventures,” he says, reflecting on his journey through Africa’s diverse landscapes. From deserts to dense forests, Dylan’s career has taken him to some of the most remote and captivating places on Earth.

Now, as one of Kamba’s Senior Nature Guide in Odzala, Dylan’s focus is on sharing the magic of the Congo Basin with others. His expertise in primates, amphibians, and ecology enables him to provide a rich, educational experience for his guests, whether they are tracking Western Lowland Gorillas or exploring the vibrant ecosystems of the rainforest. “My dream is to aid my guests in exploring and learning about one of the last true wildernesses of our world,” Dylan explains.

Dylan’s approach to guiding is rooted in the belief that these wildernesses hold a kind of magic—one that only a select few get to witness in their lifetimes. Through his leadership and knowledge, Dylan helps guests uncover the mysteries of the rainforest, from its elusive wildlife to its complex ecology. Each journey with Dylan is more than an adventure; it’s an opportunity for guests to connect deeply with nature, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the wild. For those who journey with Dylan through the Congo Basin, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication to the wilderness, combined with his vast knowledge of ecology and wildlife, ensures that every guest leaves with a renewed respect for nature and a profound understanding of the importance of conservation.

Experience: Kayaking

Ben Cockram

Meet Ben Cockram – a rising star in the field, whose journey as a Junior Nature Guide highlights the transformative power of nature, curiosity, and a love for exploration. Ben’s love for nature began early, nurtured by a childhood filled with travel and exploration. Growing up in a family that moved countries every few years due to his father’s work, Ben’s nomadic lifestyle exposed him to diverse ecosystems and cultures across three continents. His experiences, which included family safaris, sparked a deep passion for wildlife and planted the seed of guiding as a potential career. While this dream took a back seat during his academic journey, Ben never lost sight of his connection to the natural world.

After completing a BSc in Psychology, Ben decided to rekindle his passion for wildlife and guiding. He enrolled in an Ecotraining course and earned his FGASA Level 1 and Back-up Trails qualifications, solidifying his path in eco-tourism. Now, Ben has embarked on his first major adventure as a Junior Nature Guide at Odzala-Kokoua National Park, an unspoiled gem in the Republic of Congo. “This is an incredible, thoroughly exciting opportunity,” Ben says, reflecting on his new role. He sees Odzala as a chance to not only apply the skills he’s learned but to immerse himself in one of the world’s most pristine and often-overlooked ecosystems. From butterflies to birding, Ben’s keen interest in biodiversity and photography brings an extra layer of discovery to his guiding, allowing guests to appreciate the small but significant details of the Congo Basin’s wildlife.

Ben Cockram represents the future of eco-guiding at Kamba. His passion for the natural world, combined with his fresh perspective and enthusiasm for conservation, brings a youthful energy to the team. As a Junior Nature Guide, Ben is eager to learn and share his knowledge with guests, offering them unique insights into the flora and fauna of the Congo Basin.

Kamba is proud to nurture a new generation of guides like Ben, who are dedicated to preserving the natural wonders of this incredible region while helping visitors connect deeply with nature. With each butterfly identified, bird spotted, and photograph captured, Ben enriches the experiences of travelers while contributing to the ongoing conservation efforts that Kamba champions.

Experience: River Cruise

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