Wildlife conservation explorer Simba Qiang Zhuo shares his story with Elsamere—about freedom, the protection of nature, and respect for the legends.
This is the forward of the book "Maasai Mara Safari Guide", the first professional field guide to the Maasai Mara written by a Chinese Conservation Expert Simba Qiang Zhuo, an explorer and expert member of the IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), this is the first comprehensive, illustrated Chinese-language guidebook detailing the geography, wildlife distribution, field observation techniques, and community-based conservation practices in the Maasai Mara.
Simba has lived and worked in the Maasai Mara of northern Maasai Mara for over 15 years. He has studied multiple lion prides, conducted daily patrols, and documented predator behavior and ecological change. All content is based on long-term field research and firsthand data.
The forewords are written by:
Simon Nkoitoi, Chief Warden of Olkinyei Conservancy and a key leader in community conservation;
Jackson Ole Looseyia, host of BBC’s Big Cat Diary and founder of the Mara Repoi Conservancy.
They describe this book as “a bridge between cultures, a compass for explorers, and a torch igniting the passion for protection.”
With a practical and scientific approach, the guide covers:
The geography, climate, vegetation, and ecosystem structure of the Maasai Mara;
Distribution and behavioral patterns of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other predators;
Over 100 GPS-tagged locations and navigation advice;
Ideal timings and routes for wildlife observation by season and migration period;
Emergency field tips for vehicle recovery, animal encounters, and insect bites.
As the first Chinese conservationist to live deeply embedded in the African wilderness, Simba’s journey has inspired thousands of Chinese and overseas communities to care about Africa’s wildlife. He initiated impactful efforts like the Mara Wildlife Academy and the Savannah Games, showcasing the growing role of Chinese participation in global conservation.
This guide is an essential companion for travelers to East Africa and a valuable resource for schools, museums, and environmental educators. It also stands as a meaningful addition to ecological literature collections.
Simba’s interview with Pastor James and Simon Masago
Summary of Simba’s Wild Notes (May 15, 2025 – Nashulai Conservancy)
By Simba Oloshorua Qiang Zhuo
At 19:11 on May 15, 2025, Simba received a call from Ryan reporting lion sightings near the Nashulai Community College. Simba drove out cautiously through difficult terrain to investigate. He met Ryan and Joseph, and together they located two lionesses concealed in the thickets. Nearby, a spotted hyena and a black-backed jackal were also active—signaling a likely hunting attempt on a nearby zebra herd.
The lions were within 300 meters of a Maasai homestead. Concerned for both human and lion safety, Simba invited two local Maasai men into the vehicle and later warned others approaching on foot. Their prompt intervention likely prevented a potential human-wildlife conflict.
After leaving to avoid disturbing the lions, Simba and his team observed giraffes and Thomson’s gazelles en route back to camp. Suddenly, several motorbikes rushed toward the bush, likely to scare away the lions. Simba quickly returned to calm the situation. Thanks to established trust with local pastoralists, the riders withdrew peacefully.
This marked Simba’s first confirmed lion encounter within Nashulai Conservancy. He noted that herbivores may seek proximity to human areas for safety, inadvertently attracting predators like lions. This incident highlights the complexity of predator-prey dynamics and the urgent need for community-based conflict mitigation strategies in shared landscapes.
Simba’s Quest in Nashulai tells the inspiring true story of Simba Oloshorua, a Chinese wildlife conservationist who has spent fifteen years working in the wilds of Kenya. Known for his practical and sometimes hardline approach to habitat protection, Simba is invited by Maasai friend and fellow conservationist Simon Masago to visit the Nashulai Conservancy—a grassroots initiative led entirely by the Maasai people. Initially skeptical of a model that integrates people, livestock, and wildlife in the same landscape, Simba is guided through the conservancy by Ryan, a young Maasai filmmaker. What begins as a reluctant evaluation turns into a profound journey of learning and personal transformation. Through field patrols, fireside conversations, and encounters with wildlife and local families, Simba comes to see a new possibility for African conservation—one based on dignity, inclusion, and trust.
By the film’s end, the once-doubtful conservationist joins the Nashulai movement, bridging cultures and ideologies to support a conservation model that could change the future of protected areas worldwide.
Nashulai: The First Maasai Conservancy in the Maasai Mara
Launched in 14 July, 2016 Nashulai is located in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Notably, it is the first Maasai conservancy in the Maasai Mara to be created, governed and managed by the people whose ancestors have inhabited this beautiful land for centuries, understand it intimately, and have sustained themselves and their herds in harmony with the natural life of this globally important ecosystem. Our private community-run conservancy is a 5000 acre a triangle of land abutting the Mara National Reserve on one side and two other large conservancies on the others, so it is a “keystone” area in the Maasai Mara ecosystem – a critical migratory corridor (from the Serengeti in Tanzania up through the Mara in Kenya) and ancient elephant nursery.
Discover the Spirit of Safari at Tangulia Mara Camp
Experience the Mara like never before at Tangulia Mara Camp, a place where the safari spirit is embraced and tailored into a once in a lifetime experience of the African Savanna. This rustic and cozy tented bush camp is located on private land with an emphasis on authentic safari and African experiences. The name "Tangulia" is a Swahili word meaning “to lead,” reflecting the camp’s mission to be the leaders in African Safari by offering guests a comfortable private stay with an array of unique experiences.
Key Highlights:
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Spectacular Location: Tangulia Mara Camp is uniquely positioned on a leafy hill overlooking the Olotulo-Murt salt lick, by the Mara River. Guests consistently praise the great location on the shores of the Mara River, describing it as special, with a view to die for. It offers a feeling of peace and tranquility in a wild world.
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Authentic Experiences Offered: Immerse yourself in the heart of the Mara with a variety of experiences designed to let you relax and enjoy the wild. These include guided safaris on foot, exhilarating game drives in the park, enriching cultural visits to the Maasai villages, and breathtaking sundowners by the Mara River. Game Drives, Sundowners, and Walking Safaris are key ways to experience the Mara here. Expect to experience the Mara like never before.
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Exceptional Service and Guides: The camp prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and expert staff. Guests consistently highlight the wonderful staff and great hosts, mentioning individuals like Dominic, Sam, and Jackson, who are known for making guests feel special. Tangulia Mara features great tour guides, including those who guide crews like Nat Geo and BBC Cat Diaries. For your peace of mind, all staff are fully vaccinated and protocols are observed regarding COVID-19.
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Comfortable Bush Accommodation: Stay in great tented camp rooms at this rustic and cozy tented bush camp, ensuring a comfortable private stay.
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Delicious Dining: Beyond the location and experiences, guests have noted that the food is even greater.
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Rave Guest Reviews: Visitors have shared their amazing times at Tangulia Mara Camp, awarding it 5/5 ratings. Testimonials specifically mention the great location, rooms, food, guides, and the exceptional welcome and hosting received.
Lions are crucial apex predators in the Maasai Mara, significantly impacting herbivore populations like wildebeest and zebras through direct predation, which helps regulate their numbers and prevent overgrazing. The presence of lions also induces behavioral changes in herbivores, leading to increased vigilance, altered habitat selection, and grouping for safety, consequently affecting vegetation patterns. Selective predation by lions can shift the abundance of different herbivore species and potentially improve prey genetic health. These predator-prey dynamics fluctuate seasonally with migrations and have broader indirect effects on the ecosystem, promoting vegetation recovery and landscape heterogeneity. Ultimately, lion conservation is vital due to their essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of this savanna.
Quote from a Wildlife Conservation Explorer Simba Oloshorua (Qiang Zhuo):
On April 19, 2025, I returned to Elsamere. I can no longer recall how many times I have visited this lovely place, but I will always remember that it was once the home of George and Joy Adamson—and of Elsa the lioness. In tribute to George Adamson, I have written a letter expressing my deep respect and admiration.
Mara Siana Camp is a small, upscale camp located in the newly established Mara Ripoi Conservancy, an exclusive 20,000-acre protected area bordering the Masai Mara. This partially female and Masai-owned camp offers luxurious tent accommodations and aims to provide an immersive wildlife experience away from typical tourist crowds. Guests can expect exceptional game viewing, including a significant cheetah population, guided by a team of highly experienced directors, notably the renowned Jackson Looseyia from Big Cat Tales. The conservancy itself was officially formed in early 2023 to expand protected wildlife land and is patrolled by local rangers.
Simon Nkoitoi is a renowned wildlife conservationist and educator in Kenya. A proud Maasai, he was born and raised in the Maasai Mara. He began his career as a schoolteacher before dedicating many years to Friends of Conservation, where he deepened his commitment to community-driven conservation. He went on to found the Koyaki Guiding School, the first safari guiding school in Kenya, aimed at empowering local youth with professional opportunities in ecotourism and conservation.
In 2015, Simon became the Chief Warden of Ol Kinyei Conservancy, where his leadership has played a key role in preserving one of the most biodiverse areas in the Mara region.
Simon Nkoitoi and Qiang Zhuo, also known as Simba, became close friends during Simon’s tenure at Ol Kinyei. They share a deep passion for wildlife conservation and a firm belief in the power of community-based conservation as the future of protecting Africa’s natural heritage.
Simba began supporting Ol Kinyei Conservancy in 2012 through a wide range of initiatives: promoting ecotourism, constructing lion-proof bomas to reduce human-wildlife conflict, donating vehicles, motorcycles, and other essential equipment to assist rangers, and supporting various community projects. Together, Simon and Simba have worked tirelessly to elevate Ol Kinyei into one of the best-managed protected areas in the world (IUCN Green List 2018).
今天（2024年11月7日）早上我看了竹内亮导演（Takeuchi Ryo）的新作《我住在这 里的理由（第 400 集）：看中国公务员抛家离职远赴非洲 14 年，铁 饭碗不如看狮子?》，标题有点长，但我感觉内容太短了，看得我意犹未尽。他从一个非常独特的视角来讲述我的野保经历，叙事手法很 接地气，立即打动了我，唤起了我对往事的回忆。
Simba praised Takeuchi Ryo’s new documentary, noting that the director’s unique and perceptive approach captured the pulse of his deepest emotions. Though concise, the film uses a genuine and delicate storytelling style to portray Simba’s journey from a secure “iron rice bowl” in China to the vast plains of Africa, offering viewers a glimpse into his relentless pursuit of a dream against all odds.
Simba shared that Takeuchi’s lens took him back to those challenging years—living alongside lions, facing nature’s raw power, bridging cultural divides, and working with local communities to protect the environment. The film captured his sense of duty: wildlife conservation is not only a personal passion but a profound responsibility toward nature. He was especially moved by Takeuchi’s narrative, which framed his journey not merely as a personal choice, but as an exploration and commitment to the meaning of life.
Simba hopes the film will inspire a greater awareness and resonance for African wildlife conservation and looks forward to future collaborations with Takeuchi to tell more stories of human coexistence with nature.
"Serengeti Lion" was written by George Schaller, a renowned wildlife researcher. The book is no doubt a masterpiece for wildlife behavior research. It focuses on the ecology and behavior of lions in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It examines the lion's interactions with its prey, other predators, the environment, and the factors that influence the lion's population dynamics. The book provides detailed information about the lion's social structure, hunting strategies, and communication, and also includes a comprehensive analysis of the ecological separation of predators in the Serengeti ecosystem.
This excerpt from Simba Qiang Zhuo’s book "Walking with the Legend" is a personal account of his journey in wildlife conservation. It chronicles Simba's interactions with legendary conservationists such as George Schaller and Tony Fitzjohn, highlighting their influence on Simba's career and the importance of global collaboration in wildlife protection. Simba emphasizes the impact of these figures, illustrating how their dedication to field research and cultural understanding has inspired him to address global issues like habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. The text also explores the significance of Simba's personal experiences in Africa and China, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to conservation.
Briefing Doc: Simba Qiang Zhuo's Wildlife Conservation Journey - Themes and Key Ideas
This briefing document analyzes the provided excerpt from "Born Wild: The Path of Wildlife Conservation" by Simba (Qiang Zhuo), highlighting its main themes and most important ideas.
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This excerpt from "Born Wild" is more than just a personal account; it's a powerful testament to the enduring power of human passion, the importance of cross-cultural collaboration, and the urgent need to protect Earth's dwindling wildlife populations. Simba's story, interwoven with the legacies of conservation giants, serves as a potent call to action for individuals around the globe.
The Wildlife Conservation Explorer, Simba Qiang Zhuo, reminisces about his past unforgettable bonds with The African legendary wildlife conservationist Tony Fitzjohn.
Tony Fitzjohn, a renowned figure in wildlife conservation, notably joined George Adamson's team in the early 1970s in Kora, Kenya. He is esteemed for his tireless efforts in reintroducing endangered species such as lions, leopards, rhinos and African wild dogs back into their natural habitats. Fitzjohn has collaborated extensively with various organizations and individuals, including Simba Qiang Zhuo, to advance conservation initiatives across the continent. His unwavering dedication to preserving wildlife and habitats has garnered international acclaim and profound admiration.
野生动物保护探险家Simba Qiang Zhuo回忆起与传奇非洲野生动物保护主义者托尼·菲茨约翰的深厚联系。托尼是野生动物保护领域的知名人物，特别以在非洲的工作而闻名。他于1970年代初期在肯尼亚的科拉加入了乔治·亚当森（George Adamson）的团队，他以不懈努力将濒危物种如狮子、花豹犀牛和非洲野狗重新引入其自然栖息地而受到广泛认可。托尼与包括星巴Simba Qiang Zhuo在内的各种组织和个人合作，推动了整个非洲的保护倡议。他对保护野生动物和栖息地的坚定承诺赢得了国际上的赞誉和崇敬。
Wildlife Conservation Explorer Simba Qiang Zhuo once wrote in his diary of observation in the Maasai Mara: “During my years in Africa, one of the most fascinating aspects of living closely with lions has been the way lion cubs often play "hide and seek" with me. When I'm not looking at them, they approach me proactively. However, as soon as I turn to look at them, they stop in their tracks, acting as if nothing had happened.”
Follow us to learn more about lion cub behavior in our Podcast.
Nancy Ogonje is the Executive Director for The East African Wild Life Society and Secretary to the Board. She has 19 years of work experience in environmental management, development management, project management, strategic management and communications management. She is passionate about wildlife and their natural habitats and through East African Wild Life Society initiatives, oversees their protection and conservation. She encourages both individuals and corporate organizations to support conservation as it is a collective responsibility for the mutual benefit of both wildlife and mankind and for the future health of our planet.
"Born Wild: The Path to Conservation" is a compelling narrative by Simba Qiang Zhuo, detailing his transformative journey in wildlife conservation within Kenya. Beginning with no formal education or experience in conservation, Zhuo's passion, ignited by the stories of George Adamson and the allure of the African wilderness, led him from the bustling streets of Nairobi to the heart of wildlife preservation efforts. His encounters with pivotal figures, including Tony Fitzjohn, and experiences such as living close to lions on the Swara Plains, illustrate the power of determination and the unexpected paths to fulfilling one's dreams.
Zhuo's narrative highlights the challenges of conservation work, especially for someone from a non-traditional background and facing prejudices due to his nationality. Despite these hurdles, his story is one of perseverance, underscored by the mentorship and friendship he received from Fitzjohn, a legendary conservationist with no formal academic training but a shared dedication to lion conservation. This mentorship and shared passion not only propelled Zhuo forward but also emphasized the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in the fight against wildlife extinction.