Our Story

Journeys that Inspire

Milele Kenya, founded by Denise Wagner, grew from her passion for connecting people with the beauty and significance of wildlife through immersive, conservation-focused safaris. What began as tailored zoo group safaris—designed to give participants an in-depth, behind-the-scenes understanding of Kenya’s ecosystems and the challenges facing its wildlife—has expanded into a broader range of travel experiences. Partnering with RAW Africa Eco Tours, founded by Brooke Squires and serving as the official ground tour operator for Milele Kenya, ensures expert local guidance and seamless, responsible travel. Denise and Brooke, who share a common background in zookeeping, bring a unique depth of animal care knowledge and conservation insight to every journey. While RAW Africa offers tours across multiple African countries, Milele Kenya provides a deeply personalized and focused experience dedicated exclusively to Kenya’s unique wildlife, culture, and conservation efforts. This specialization allows Milele Kenya to craft carefully tailored journeys that reveal the country’s hidden gems and iconic landscapes with greater depth and authenticity. Today, Milele Kenya offers customized trips for individuals, families, and special interest groups, exploring not only renowned safari destinations but also lesser-known corners of the country, all while inspiring, educating, and making a positive impact on both travelers and the communities they visit.

Meet The Team

Denise

Tour organizer/Leader

Denise is a devoted wildlife conservationist whose career spans more than three decades—beginning as a zookeeper and evolving into a lifelong mission to protect Africa’s natural heritage. For the past 18 years, she has immersed herself in the world of Kenyan safaris, deepening her connection to the country’s landscapes, wildlife, and people. A passionate champion of community-based conservation, Denise works to unite local communities and conservation organizations, firmly believing that lasting wildlife protection depends on ensuring the people who share the land benefit from its preservation. Her volunteer work with Action for Cheetahs in Kenya reflects this commitment, contributing valuable time and expertise to field research, population monitoring, and community education aimed at safeguarding cheetahs. An accomplished wildlife photographer, Denise captures the raw beauty of Kenya’s fauna in striking images that inspire action and awareness. Her photography serves as both an artistic celebration of nature and a call to protect it for future generations. With an extensive network of conservationists, safari operators, and guides across Kenya, Denise blends knowledge, collaboration, and passion to advance conservation goals. Her unwavering dedication continues to inspire others and cements her reputation as a true steward of the wild.wild.

Brooke

Ground tour operator/RAW Africa Eco Tours

Brooke has worked in zoos, national parks and conservation areas around the world for more than 25 years. Her enduring love for the wildlife and people of Africa began as a child when her family was stationed in South Africa. During her 23 years working at Zoos Victoria in Australia, Brooke cared for African wildlife as a keeper then moved to work in the Wildlife Science and Conservation team, developing and implementing community conservation programs in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Brooke has worked in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, the Northern Rangelands Trust, and various community tourism projects, which has fuelled her passion to ensure that tourism benefits local people and actively conserves the precious wildlife of Africa. “All the work I have been involved in throughout Africa has convinced me that the most sustainable way to save wildlife and support communities is through linked livelihoods such as community-based ecotourism. I love RAW Africa, I love our programs, our staff, our amazing communities, our unforgettable wildlife and the incredible friendships we make with people who see Africa through our eyes and come on journeys with us. That’s what we do, that’s what makes us RAW.” Brooke holds a BSc in Zoology and a Masters in International Community Development.

Jaros

Guide/RAW Africa Eco Tours

Jaros was one of the founding members of RAW Africa Eco-Tours and is a regional expert as well as highly qualified Wildlife Guide. “Bringing people to Kenya on safari is amazing because of the links between the local communities and the wildlife. The combination of wildlife, communities and travellers who want to see the real thing is a great combination for tourism and conservation. My favourite part of Kenya is my home, Il Ngwesi in northern Kenya.”