Liz & Stefano Cheli – Owners Born of Italian parents, Stefano grew up in Kenya, spending his early days on a coffee farm in Thika, and later on mixed farms in the Rift Valley.  His father was the General Manager for a group of farms and lodges owned by an Italian Count, which included Loisaba Ranch and Oasis Lodge at Lake Turkana – Stefano’s favourites. Stefano completed secondary schooling in Italy, completed his National Service on the ski slopes of the Dolomites, and Fiumicino Airport in Rome, before returning to Kenya in 1980 as General Manger of Loisaba Ranch.  Before starting Cheli & Peacock with Liz, Stefano spent a year as a Professional Hunter in Tanzania. Liz had English parents, but was born in Venezuela and grew up in Nairobi.  She completed secondary schooling in Kent, and went to Agricultural College in Yorkshire, England, before returning to Kenya in 1979 to work as Administrator on a 60,000acre ranch in Laikipia.  Before starting Cheli & Peacock with Stefano, Liz spent a year as a freelance Professional Guide on camping safaris throughout Kenya. Liz and Stefano have two sons, Joss and Sebastian. Sophie and Calum - Managers Calum and Sophie are both in their early 30s, and have been managing Elephant Pepper Camp since mid 2008. Sophie is Kenya born and bred, and spent her childhood between the highlands of Limuru, tea country, and a ranch in Northern Kenya. Daughter to the Brown Family – well known in Kenya for producing international award-winning cheese and dairy products. After schooling at Badminton, Sophie moved North to Edinburgh University to study Homeopathy, and in 2004 set up her own Homeopathy company in Edinburgh. Calum, on the other hand, was brought up in the highlands of Scotland, and with a great passion for wildlife and biology – he decided to study Zoology at Aberdeen University. Despite his expert knowledge of African wildlife and insect species, Calum began his African career working for a Scottish tour operator, ‘Farside Africa’. Calum revels in outdoor life, with great practical knowledge and additional experience as Platoon Commander of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Calum and Sophie met while both living in Edinburgh, were married in Kenya during February 2009, and they have recently had their first child - a daughter called Seiya. GUIDES Stanley Kipkoske Too (Head Guide) Stanley is one of the most experienced guides in the Mara. Starting out with Stefano and Liz in Cheli & Peacock’s mobile beginnings, he has more than 20 years guiding experience in the bush, most of it here in the Mara. Quiet and humble, Stanley possesses a distinctive sense of humour, and a passion for all wildlife.  Whilst a self- confessed generalist, Stanley has a remarkable knowledge of birds and mammals, and is always seen clutching a pair of binoculars. Stanley is a bronze level KPSGA guide. Michael Ndiema (Assistant – Head Guide) Mike has been guiding in the Mara for over 10 years for a number of different mobile outfits. A former staff sergeant with the Kenya Parachute regiment, Mike is also a qualified skydiving instructor, and has traveled the world extensively on various courses. Coupled with his extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area, Mike has a good understanding of geology, having undergone a geo-physics course in South Africa. He is also an ex-Olympic athlete! George Kiplangat George is from the Kalengen tribe and before becoming a guide he worked as a groom training race-horses! He is a KPSGA Silver level guide. George is known to be the most fair and laidback member of staff. He came to Elephant Pepper Camp from Elsa's Kopje, after exchanging places with his brother Richard Morogo (who is now at Elsa's Kopje). George’s favourite animal is the Elephant, and he has a great interest in all birds Francis Mburugu Francis has worked for a number of years with the Kenya Wildlife Service, in a number of capacities, most notably with the rehabilitation and care of wildlife in Daphne Sheldrick’s animal orphanage. Cheerful and fun, Francis is passionate about the welfare of our wildlife and has a particular fascination with predators. He is the youngest member of our team. Francis is a KPSGA bronze level guide.