Biz Lounge: How a passion for nature led to the success of Malnondez Safaris

Running a tour and travel company is the best decision Denis Maende has ever made - even though it wasn't the career path he envisioned growing up.

A nature lover since childhood, Denis never imagined that entrepreneurship would become his calling.

"I know it's common for entrepreneurs to know the business they want to run from a young age," he says. "But for me, the business grew out of the career I was studying at university."

Denis moved to Nakuru to study automotive engineering at the Kenya Industrial Training Institute. After graduating, he worked as a mechanic and saved enough money to buy his first vehicle - a Nissan worth Sh180,000. 

He started by ferrying pupils and students to and from school for a fee, while also working as a matatu supervisor.

"I later sold that old vehicle and bought a tour van," he explains. "I continued to offer private transport services and at the same time started working with the Tamasha Band, transporting them to their events. This gave me the opportunity to travel long distances".

As the opportunities grew, Denis began to hire out his vehicle for tours. Realising he could make a business out of it, he enrolled in a tourism course to become a certified guide driver.

"It's important to understand an industry before you start a business, and that's why I decided to do the course," he says.

This was the beginning of Malnondez Safaris. From a one-man operation, Denis has now grown the company to six employees.

But the journey has not been without its challenges. One major problem, he points out, is the rise of "briefcase operators" - operators who defraud clients and tarnish the reputation of legitimate tours and travel companies.

"This industry requires a lot of patience," Denis says. "Tourism is seasonal, sometimes there's a spike in demand and other times it drops drastically. But the growth of local tourism helps to bridge the gap."

Denis has continued his collaboration with the Tamasha Band, organising road trips where fans can join in the fun. Together they've organised two successful trips to Watamu, with plans to replicate the model in other destinations.

"We have been working with the Tamasha Band for a long time. When they were invited to perform in Watamu, we thought, why not involve their fans? It's been a wonderful experience," he says. 

His hard work has not gone unnoticed. Denis has won several awards, including the Digitally Fit Awards in 2023 and 2024, and the Traveller's Choice Winner from Tripadvisor in 2024.

Looking to the future, he hopes to expand Malnondez Safaris into a full-fledged logistics company, creating more job opportunities for young people.

He also urges the government to expedite the construction of Lanet Airport, noting that Nakuru's tourism sector has huge potential that remains untapped due to logistical challenges.

For budding entrepreneurs, Denis advises, "You have to be passionate. You'll be dealing with all kinds of people and creating memories with them. What feels normal to you could be a once-in-a-lifetime luxury for your clients."