Our Story
Jemu Expeditions is a Kenyan based and registered Tours and Travel Company founded in 2020 by James Mwenda. A former ranger and caretaker of the last known Northern White Rhinos on the planet. We specialize in curating immersive and inspiring African Safaris inspired by the belief that an African safari adventure is an opportunity to connect and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. We hold the belief that a safari experience is not a journey of rushing through the African savannahs, merely ticking off a checklist, but a chance to learn, immerse, and explore a deeper understanding of nature.
Inline with our dictum “Inspired Travel’’ We endeavor through our expertise to create distinctive and extraordinary African safari experiences perfect for families, friends, couples, corporate teams, wildlife photographers, and filmmakers. From the quintessential classic safari to wildlife conservation and conservation-focused journeys Jemu Expeditions offers travel with a purpose, creating lasting memories of connecting with our biodiversity while supporting conservation initiatives.
We look forward to hosting you!
Support Eco-Friendly Travel at Our African Conservancy
Looking to leave your positive mark on the world for generations to come? Would you like to be remembered as a Steward of the Earth? You can find numerous ways to get involved in conservation with JM Expeditions during your African Safari Adventure!
Whether you are traveling, volunteering, donating, or adopting wild animals, you are part of wildlife survival. Be a part of the heart of conservation by supporting one of our diverse conservation organizations.
Reach out to us for advice to get at a volunteer program, a Gap Year opportunity, or a financial support donation to keep our conservation efforts running. Here are some of the conservation causes that are dear to Kenya’s local indigenous people and us.
James Mwenda
Conservationist | Ecologist
As the founder and leader of JM Expeditions, I am proud to take action as a conservationist in my native Kenya, whose passion for wildlife was ignited by witnessing first-hand human-wildlife conflict with wild animals in my village at the foothills of Mount Kenya. As a result of this experience, I initiated and developed programs to ensure the continuation of animal species survival in Kenya. As a result of my efforts, I was awarded the African Ranger of the Year in 2018.
At a young age, I had interactions with tourists who were visiting Mt, Kenya. My earliest memories of tourism drew me to be obsessed with the huge safari vehicles and towering radio antennas used to talk back and forth. I saw tourism as an exciting opportunity to teach others about my homeland’s uncommon and remarkable beauty.
School was hard to access as a young boy in Kenya as poverty-stricken communities don’t have educational opportunities. However, I was determined to work hard and pursue my interest in conservation. I wanted to address the human-wildlife conflict in my village and make a difference in the future.
Northern White Rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Passion for my community and our native African wildlife landed me a renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy position. Starting as a general laborer, I quickly moved up to rhino patrolman, tracked rhinos, collected data on these beautiful animals, and ensured the ecosystem’s well-being. I continued my efforts on rhino patrol for two years, then moved up to rhino caretaker. For the next six years, I spent my days and nights protecting and looking after the last known Northern White rhinos on Earth. My position started watching over four white rhinos, including Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino.
We built a wonderful relationship, Sudan and I over the next few years. We spent our days with me caring for Sudan – bathing, checking his health, and playing on the beautiful grasslands of the Olpejeta Conservancy. I have many fond memories of caring for this wonderful and beautiful animal, to whom I had the honor of being with during his last living moments here on Earth. The passing of the last male Northern White Rhino was a sad and terrible day. Sudan’s death left me caring for the remaining two Northern White Rhino females.
Kenyan Wildlife Speaker and African Wildlife Educator
In the nine-year span of my career, I’ve traveled to many cities worldwide to educate both children and adults in the name of conservation, from visiting the U.K, Hong Kong, South Africa to the U.S.A where I spoke on the plights of endangered species and how each individual can truly make a difference.
I have been privileged and excited to meet many amazing people such as visitors, students, volunteers, and tourists through my conservation engagements and who came to see the rhinos at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Inspiration for my work is a never-ending stream of positive energy from the rhinos I have worked with, to the people I’ve met on my travels and the majestic beauty of Kenya. I felt that my next organic step was to shape and form a safari company for the sole purpose of sharing the magic and inspiration of my love for the majestic flora and fauna of Africa’s pristine beauty.
Safari Travel with Intent
My team and I are proud to offer “the anti-checklist safari.” Rather than a checklist to complete, I offer a slower, more intimate, and relaxed safari experience. Travel with intent and take time to connect with nature. Sitting down to the magical experience of enjoying the vast plains’ charm and grandeur as the sunsets. Watching African animals frolic and play in the hot African environment and observing their behavior.
Learning why cultivating an understanding of the importance of wildlife is vital to their survival. It is the route to finding the beauty and tranquility these majestic African animals bring you closer to our planet. Based on first-hand experience, having been in the field, my team and I are keen to host travelers interested in closing the gap between human beings and our planet.
We are represented on SafariBookings.com
We built a wonderful relationship, Sudan and I over the next few years. We spent our days with me caring for Sudan – bathing, checking his health, and playing on the beautiful grasslands of the Olpejeta Conservancy. I have many fond memories of caring for this wonderful and beautiful animal, to whom I had the honor of being with during his last living moments here on Earth. The passing of the last male Northern White Rhino was a sad and terrible day. Sudan’s death left me caring for the remaining two Northern White Rhino females.
Today, I’ve extended my journey to encompass a company that will give Sudan’s memory an opportunity to live on for generations! I’m excited to offer JM Expeditions to you, your family and your friends to experience life on the grassland ecosystem of Kenya.
