Alan Binks guided his first safari in 1969; it was a great adventure for his guests, as his safaris still are. With his immense wildlife knowledge Alan is regarded as a fundi (expert) by many of his peers and other Ker & Downey guides. He has been a partner of Ker & Downey since 1980, serving on the Board for 24 years.

Alan’s expertise on African wildlife began to take shape in 1967 whilst managing a research study into the potential for ranching indigenous wild antelopes. Observing animal behaviour and their interaction within the environment means that a safari with Alan is not just about seeing the Big Five, but learning to understand the complexities of nature, particularly focused on his passion for elephants and birdlife. This has been taken right to the heart of the safari experience whether he is guiding a luxury tented safari, lodge safari or a more adventurous walking safari, exploring remote wilderness areas in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe or Botswana.

Alan is certain that one can have a level of personal communication with elephants and has had unforgettable moments of rapport with them.

Alan is renowned as a Fine Art photographer, having entered his first photographic competition at the age of fifteen. His artistic skills are always appreciated by amateur and professional photographic safari clients alike; “We were spoilt by the Binks treatment”. Some of Alan’s photographs have been used to provide a backdrop for the diorama of the African Rain Forest exhibit in the Hall of Biodiversity in the American Museum of Natural History and in print in many magazines and books, including his own published 'A Cry from the Wild'.

Alan is also a keen pilot and flies a Cessna and a glider, has taken part in gliding competitions and represented Kenya in the 2001 World Gliding Championships in South Africa. He lives in his self-designed unique home on the edge of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with his wife, Maggie. His two children also work in the safari business.

Alan’s safari clients regularly return - some have every year for decades - and he can honestly claim not to have followed the same itinerary twice, thus supporting his passion and belief that the African safari experience is second to none.