About Peponi Safaris
Kenya-born. Australia-based. Personally hosted.
For our family, Kenya has always been more than a destination. Shilen and Sahel were both born there. We grew up exploring its landscapes, understanding its rhythms, and developing a deep respect for its wildlife and people.
Peponi means "paradise" in Kiswahili—but for us, it's not about luxury or escape. It's about sharing Kenya the way we know it: personally, thoughtfully, and with genuine care.
We created Peponi Safaris to bridge two worlds—the Kenya we know from childhood and the Australian values of clarity, safety and authenticity that we've brought home with us.
For decades, we guided family and friends to the Mara. Now, we're opening that experience to travelers who share our values: a desire for genuine connection, expert guidance, and safaris that feel personal, not commercial.
Shilen Haria
Co-Founder & Guide
Wildlife Photographer | Mentor | Guide
Recognised at the Sony World Photography awards
Years of East Africa experience
A great number of guided safaris (family and friends)
Shilen grew up exploring Kenya's national parks and game reserves. He's developed an instinctive understanding of the African flora and fauna and the light—what makes wildlife and landscape photography and guiding possible.
But Shilen isn't just a photographer. He's a guide who teaches guests to see. Whether you're holding a camera or not, he helps you understand what you're witnessing—the behaviour unfolding, the light changing, the story the landscape is telling.
His approach is patient, ethical and grounded in respect for wildlife. Rather than simply telling guests which camera settings to use, he helps them understand what they're seeing and how to position themselves to capture it.
He brings a lot of experience to every Peponi safari. Whether guests want photography guidance or prefer to simply experience the landscape, Shilen adapts his approach to what each group needs.
Sahel Haria
Co-Founder & Guest Experience Lead
Trip Designer | Host | Relationship Builder
Sahel brings together the guest experience from planning through to the final evening. Born in Kenya and now based in Perth, he understands what Australian travellers need—clarity, safety, personal attention and genuine care.
Sahel's role is to make every conversation, every booking detail and every moment in Kenya feel personal and thoughtfully designed. He's the bridge between your world and ours, ensuring that from your first question to your last game drive, you're dealing directly with someone who cares about your experience.
For Sahel, Peponi is not simply a safari company. It is an invitation to experience a place that has always felt like home. He thoughtfully deals with all guests that bring their own travel hopes and anxieties, all leaving as believers in Peponi's personal approach.
His recent safaris have hosted guests from New York, Perth, Nairobi and beyond—photographers and non-photographers alike—each leaving with a deeper connection to Kenya.
Travel With Purpose
Peponi Safaris exists because of Kenya's wildlife. We believe it's our responsibility to protect it.
A portion of every safari supports:
- Kenya Wildlife Service
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
We're committed to no-crowding practices, ethical wildlife interactions and supporting the local communities whose land and knowledge make safaris possible.