My name is Gioko Wachira (Mtalii)

I joined Amboseli Institute of Hospitality & Technology back in 2014 and did a course in TOURISM AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT. My course took me two and a half years to complete.

After I completed my KCSE and received my results, I applied for an IT course at KIST College and left for home. However, I did not feel contented, and so I decided not to report for admission until I was sure of what exactly I did want to take as my future career path.

In Jan 2014, I travelled to Samburu and managed to interact with the locals over the few months a stayed there. I also managed to transverse through the region where I enjoyed the tourism and wildlife activities in the region. It is from this moment that I realised I had an inner desire for this kind of life. Unfortunately, I had no idea where to go to class. When I got back to Central Kenya, a close friend who was taking Hospitality in Amboseli Thika Campus invited me to Thika. It is from this moment that I managed to get a chance to visit Amboseli Institute of Hospitality & Technology in “Munene” near Thika High School.

At the institution, the receptionists were calm, jovial, and welcoming, and it was these ladies who advised me on the best course I ought to undertake after answering a few questions they asked. On July, I comfortably joined the institution with no doubt that I had found my passion. Thanks to M. David, Mr. P.Kioko, Mr. Samuel Masika and Mr. Maina for it is these great tutors who introduced me to “Sustainable Tourism and Wildlife Management,” one of the greatest courses in the field of Tourism and Wildlife.

At the institution, one of my memorable moments is when I joined the modeling and fashion club. Where I contested for the first time for “Mr. Amboseli 2014-2015” where I almost emerged the majority, but the judges thought otherwise (that is to be revisited). In April 2015, I managed to get a chance as an intern at the National Museum of Kenya (School Sponsored), and I was posted at Jumba la Mtwana National Monument, a branch of Fort Jesus in Mtwapa where I gained Tour guiding skills. Later on, in 2016, I managed to get another chance as an intern at the Kenya Wildlife Service  (school-sponsored),  where I managed to work with the Tsavo East National Park Headquarters fraternity in park research ( monitoring the tuskers and endangered wildlife species), Education (outreach programme’s ) and community wildlife departments .

Thanks to the institution and its unending activities as I have managed to connect with many individuals within my profession and beyond. After I graduated, I managed to get a chance to work with a few friends who engaged in online marketing around the Coast, where I got a chance to travel most of the East African countries. However, I later quit and decided to start my own tour company, which I am currently running WATALII ADVENTURES AND SAFARIS. I have to admit the journey has not been easy because initially, I had to source for capital by working for a construction company example the “Roja Kimbaru General Contractors.”  Nevertheless, I am grateful to the Amboseli Institute community for it is through them, the sacrifice of the whole Institution’s fraternity, the support of my Mum and Dad and overall, through God that I am where I am. We have to keep on keeping on; there is no passion with pain and no pain, no gain. @FB: WataliiAdveturesandSafaris. IG@Wataliiadventures_ke .T. @Wataliadventures_ke

Thank You

@You Now Know Kenya