Meet Kenya Expert Boris Maguire
I grew up traveling. My father, who is British, started out as a tour guide in Europe before building a business leading American school groups across Europe and Latin America. I tagged along whenever I could, and somewhere along the way the rhythm of the road simply became my life.
Over the past 18 years, travel has taken me through more than two dozen countries. I have trekked through Ecuador, Ethiopia, and Myanmar, snowmobiled across Maine, and raced my bike down Africa’s second-highest mountain. Each place left its mark, but Kenya is the one that stayed with me.
I first came to Nairobi for work, drawn by the energy of its growing tech scene, often called the “Silicon Savannah.” I spent years leading teams across ten African countries in the renewable energy and software sectors. My professional life kept me busy in the city, yet my heart was always pulled toward Kenya’s “upcountry.”
My wife Liz and I began exploring the country with our two children whenever we could. We hiked, biked, camped, and drove our way through forests, deserts, mountains, and along the coast. Those journeys slowly led us north, into the vast, raw beauty of Kenya’s Northern Frontier.
There, I formed a deep connection with the Samburu community. Their philosophy, their relationship with land and time, and their way of seeing the world changed how I understood many things. I kept returning north, again and again, simply to walk, listen, and share stories with elders and warriors.
Eventually Liz and I built our home on the Laikipia plateau, a gateway to the north. From here I began designing journeys for families and small groups who wanted something deeper than a traditional safari. My goal has always been to help people connect with Kenya in a more meaningful way, through its landscapes, wildlife and the communities who call it home.
In 2024, a friend and I worked with Samburu elders to create something special: a multi-day camel trek through desert and mountains, exploring indigenous leadership philosophies and how they apply to modern life. Leaders from around the world have since made that journey.
Along the way, I met Lucas and Amina from Journey Beyond Travel. We quickly discovered a shared love for adventure and cultural conservation, and that connection led us to create something together: Kenya journeys that go beyond the game drive.
The wildlife here is extraordinary, and it remains at the heart of every experience we design. Yet what I hope travelers discover is something deeper. It is the land and the people who truly change you. And it is always a privilege to help others experience that for themselves.
Boris Maguire - Kenya Expert
Boris is a Kenya-based expert with years of experience designing journeys across the country. Having explored its landscapes extensively and built close ties with local communities, he focuses on helping travelers experience Kenya authentically, from private conservancies and remote northern regions to more meaningful cultural encounters. He’ll be your go-to expert both during the planning process and while you’re on the ground in Kenya.
Some of our Favorite Kenya Tours
We’ve got some great Kenya tours we’ve developed over the years. These are some of our favorites. And, while many tour operators have similar routes, it’s really the inner-workings and attention to detail that truly matter and make our Kenya tours stand out.
Essence of Kenya
This Essential Kenya journey moves through the country’s most defining landscapes, balancing classic safari moments with quieter, more remote encounters. You’ll shift from the gentle rhythms of Nairobi to the wild openness of Laikipia’s private conservancies, continue north into the raw, less-traveled terrain of Samburu, and end in the iconic plains of the Masai Mara, where wildlife unfolds at its most dramatic. The experience closes along the coast, where the pace softens and the Indian Ocean replaces the savannah horizon. Carefully paced to feel immersive rather than rushed, this itinerary offers a focused, layered introduction to Kenya, one that feels both expansive and deeply grounded in place.
Ultimate Kenya
This Ultimate Kenya journey moves through the country’s most defining landscapes while allowing more time to explore each region in depth. You’ll travel from the ease of Nairobi into the private conservancies of Laikipia, continue north into the remote terrain of Samburu, and then descend into the vast plains of the Masai Mara, where wildlife unfolds at its most dramatic. With a slower pace and added experiences throughout, each stop feels more immersive, with time to follow the rhythms of the land rather than move quickly through it. The journey closes along the coast, where the Indian Ocean offers a final shift in atmosphere. Designed for travelers who want a more complete and unhurried perspective, this itinerary builds on Kenya’s iconic highlights while allowing the experience to settle and deepen.
Testimonials
We love creating exceptional experiences and exceeding expectations. It’s how we get our kicks but don’t take our word for it, read what people who travel with us have to say!
“Our Spain journey with JBT was even better than we imagined, the perfect complement to our Morocco adventure. From seamless planning in Madrid to Andalusia’s beauty, every detail was cared for. We adored our city guides, and our driver Jebril welcomed us into his home for a delicious couscous meal — a memory we’ll treasure forever. The special touches from Amina and Lucas, from homemade gifts to sharing lunch together, made us feel like family. Truly, it was one of the best trips of our lives, and we can’t wait to explore more of the world with JBT!”
The Durants
“Our Italy trip with JBT was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment Alexei crafted our detailed, personalized itinerary — even pulling off a last-minute hot air balloon ride for my niece — we knew we were in the best hands. Each day was filled with extraordinary experiences, from private tours of Rome and Florence’s greatest treasures to a pasta-making class and a Chianti winery lunch. Our guides were exceptional, our hotels perfectly located and welcoming, and every driver and detail seamless. JBT once again exceeded my expectations, and I wouldn’t hesitate to turn to them for future adventures anywhere in the world!”
Judy F.
“Our Japan adventure with JBT was nothing short of epic! The itinerary was so thoughtfully designed — from a serene start in Hakone to the journey through ancient traditions and modern wonders — and the variety of lodging, from ryokans to a Kyoto townhouse to a glamping tent, made it truly unforgettable. The train instructions were flawless, and having Yuka as our guide and new friend was a gift. After two incredible journeys with JBT, we can honestly say you are the best!”
Kelley and Steve
