The Mathews Safaris Team

Established in Nairobi in 1967, Mathews Safaris is one of East Africa's oldest and most respected bespoke safari operators. Traditionally guides and operators of exclusive tented camps, Mathews Safaris was one of the first custom safari companies to recognize that many FIT clients need a full suite of destination management services.

We remain amongst the elite Mobile Luxury Tented safari operators in East Africa but our primary focus since 2002 has been providing the ultimate safari experience for our clients in partnership with the best lodges, camps and charter services. This new direction has grown from the recognition that, whilst much of the industry focuses on tradition and a "guide culture", the educated clients of today expect guides who focus on them and their interests. The vast majority of our business is repeat clients and new guests, referred directly by them.

T.O. Mathews with Abu and R.J. Moore

Clair and Jared

Mathews Safaris is owed and run by Clair Mathews Crawford, English by birth, an experienced expedition planner for the Royal Geographical Society and a Geocartographer - specializing in the tracking of elephants. Clair is joined by her husband Jared Crawford, an American conservationist with over 22 years experience in Africa. Jared leads Safari Planning, Catering and Logistics. Fi Culligan heads up Marketing and Agent Relations, and has over 16 years of FIT safari management. Together, they create safaris to make your dreams come true. The safaris of 2006 were a great success and we are determined to perpetuate the Mathews Safaris tradition by exceeding all expectations in 2007. We are fortunate enough to be supported by an excellent team of professional guides and staff. Guests often wonder how we are able to do the things we do- these are the people who create magic in the African Bush.

Speciality Guides. We are privileged to have an established team of specialist guides to suit the exact needs and interests of our guests. Among them is Rory McGuinness, a veteran bush pilot and ace story-spinner who leads our Air Safaris. We are lucky to be affiliated with Phil West, an expert walking guide with an interest in "the tiny five" as well as the big game. Glenn Mathews excels at multi-generational safaris and Brian Finch, arguably East Africa's leading ornithologist, has been guiding for Mathews Safaris for years. For the climbers, we offer exquisite tropical-alpine adventures with Njenga Mungai, an expert guide with a passion for heights and years of experience guiding with NOLS and others.

The Support Team. Jones Mutua, is the "Mzee" (wise old man) of Mathews Safaris and he ensures that the team works smoothly. He has been with us for years and is always there to ensure that guests have all the comforts of home - even in the deepest bush. What really makes our safaris magical is the team behind the scenes in camp and those who provide logistical support for our ambitious itineraries. Each safari is backed by expert bush chefs led by Paul Wambua, tent staff, and vehicle maintenance personnel who are masters at bringing the comforts of home to this wild environment.