Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
Our Leaders
At Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, our leaders are the driving force behind the transformative wildlife expeditions that have defined us for over four decades. Carefully selected for their expertise, passion, and dedication to conservation, the leaders of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris ensure that every journey offers not only breathtaking encounters with nature but also deep, meaningful connections to the ecosystems we explore. From the plains of Africa to the icy expanses of Antarctica, our leaders create enriching experiences designed to inspire and educate.
Our leaders are seasoned naturalists, wildlife photographers, and conservationists who bring a unique combination of scientific knowledge and storytelling to every trip. Their expertise extends to diverse fields such as animal behavior, ecology, and environmental preservation. By participating in Cheesemans’ safaris, you gain firsthand insights into the natural world while contributing to its preservation. Their commitment to sustainability reflects Cheesemans’ philosophy of “Experience, Learn, Protect,” ensuring our adventures leave a positive impact on the planet.
The leaders of Cheesemans’ also collaborate with global conservation efforts, aligning with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These partnerships help protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity in the regions we visit. Travelers are encouraged to participate in citizen science initiatives such as eBird, where data collected during safaris contributes to critical conservation research.
For a deeper understanding of how Cheesemans’ supports wildlife and habitats, explore our Conservation page. Traveling with Cheesemans’ means joining a mission to safeguard the planet’s most remarkable ecosystems while experiencing the journey of a lifetime.
Abdul Rashid
Rashid is a Himalayan expert skilled in mountaineering, photography, and snow leopard conservation. He's from Nubra Valley and is proficient in 8 languages. In his 20-year career, he has guided travelers up peaks such as Nun Kun (7,125m and 7,077m), Saser (7,518m), Chamser (6,634m), Lingser (6,666m), and Stok Kangri (6,153m). Sharing his knowledge with guests, he now leads elite snow leopard trackers on expeditions in India, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia. Rashid resides in Leh with his family.
Ansar Khan
Ansar specializes in wildlife photography and guides many wildlife tours in northern and eastern India and in Bhutan. He is an expert on India’s birds and mammals. Ansar was born at Bharatpur and comes from a family of foresters who have worked in the Keoladeo National Park for two generations. Many of his photographs have appeared in magazines and books. He is also active with Life Line for Nature Society, a Bharatpur-based nonprofit working towards the welfare and conservation and wildlife and nature.
Augustine Mwangotya
Augustine, founder and owner of our local safari operator, studied at Tanzania’s College of Wildlife Management and served with the Tanzania Wildlife Department, developing an invaluable set of connections and knowledge. He received his Master’s in Conservation Biology and Ecotourism from Prescott College in Arizona. Augustine’s warmth and humor, intimate knowledge of animal behavior, friendships with indigenous people, and command of logistical details have given him a well-deserved reputation in the safari field.
Charlie Ryan
After signing up for a volunteer program in Indonesia in 2008, Charlie was re-routed to Sabah, Borneo where he helped set up community initiative programs for the Abai village. He has resided in Sabah ever since. Charlie guides for the National Geographic Adventure groups in Borneo and helps train nature guides, providing them with first-hand knowledge and experience. He is also an avid photographer, which compliments his passion for wildlife, culture, and travel.
Chris Desborough
Chris, originally from the U.K., has been living near Yellowstone’s Northwest entrance for the last 34 years. He is passionate about wildlife photography and the Yellowstone Ecosystem. His background in optical engineering has led him to work with many optical lithography systems such as those of Canon and Nikon. Chris has completed several trips with Cheesemans’ and matches Cheesemans' Co-Owner and Co-CEO, Scott Davis', passion for photography and working with others.
Dammithera Samarasinghe
Dhammithera, born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, studied Wildlife Conservation & Management at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Early in his career, he participated in wildlife research programs across the island, collaborating with both Sri Lankan and UK organizations, and enriched the exploration of Sri Lanka's Natural History – even making contributions to the Natural History Museum in the UK. Currently, Dhammithera, accredited by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as a Nature & Wildlife Guide, enlightens overseas tourists about Sri Lanka's precious wilderness and biodiversity.
David Mshana
David has been a popular safari guide for over 25 years. He has an uncanny ability to spot leopards and other wildlife even while driving with consummate skill. His flexibility, kindness, and charm complement his spotting talents, and he is adept at getting the vehicle into position for the best possible wildlife photos. David has earned certificates in Tour Guiding and Leadership, and he is passionate about continuing to learn and grow as a guide. When not guiding, he takes care of his farm and family on the slopes of Mt. Meru.
Emmanuel Joseph
Emmanuel has great knowledge of the terrain and wildlife of Tanzania that is matched by a great sense of humor and contagious chuckle. He was a driver/naturalist for Ngorongoro in the 1980s when Doug and Gail met him. His father was head chef at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, giving him a wonderful opportunity to learn about its special wildlife while growing up.
Euclides "Kilo" Campos
Though he holds a Nature Tourism degree from the National University in Panama, is involved with numerous national and international projects such as Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania, has a confirmed record of sighting 778 birds in Panama’s 2019 Big Year, and comes fully equipped with Swarovski Optics, Kilo has a natural rapport with visitors as if going birding with a friend. He speaks fluent English and exhibits attentiveness and patience as he enjoys sharing his knowledge and his ability to recognize sounds and identify birds with people from all around the world.
Hishey Tshering
Hishey Tshering is an avid birder, a football (soccer) fanatic, and a keen conservationist. Prior to establishing the company (Bhutan Birding & Heritage Travels), Hishey worked for the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) as its Communications Officer. During his years at RSPN, he played a pivotal role in the protection of the black-necked cranes. In 1998 he worked with Dr. George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, on the first-ever color-banding and radio-collaring of the black-necked cranes to study their migratory route.
Hugh Rose
Hugh has over 20 years of professional guiding experience and has been a key member of the Cheesemans’ Antarctica staff since 1998. The vast landscapes and incredible wildlife of Alaska and the Polar Regions are his subject and passion, evident in his inspired leadership and stunning professional photos. Hugh receives unending praise for his amazing knowledge, delightful and accommodating personality, and attention to every trip detail.
Jose Luna
Jose was born and raised in the western Andes of Colombia, and he has been birding since he was 16 years old. Jose was the first guide to join Colombia Birdwatch and has since traveled throughout most regions of Colombia with hundreds of guests from all corners of the world. Jose shines amongst his colleagues for his calm demeanor, friendliness, and proficiency in English, not to mention his ability to find birds.
Juan Manuel Salcedo
Juan grew up in the Galapagos Islands where he developed his passion for wildlife while sailing on his father's boat. He received a degree from the University of San Francisco, Quito after studying Applied Ecology, Biology, and Geology. Juan also earned a skipper certificate after studying sailing and navigation in Los Angeles. Involvement in Environmental Education projects in the Galapagos Islands and on mainland Ecuador fills his spare time.
Matias Ballarini
Originally from Santiago, Matias moved to Patagonia in 2004 and now lives in Punta Arenas so he can spend more time enjoying nature and the outdoors. He has guided trips to King George Island, Buenos Aires, Brazil, the Chilean Lake District, and Patagonia. He works with nonprofit organizations that help conserve the local environment and ecosystems. Because he loves to expand his knowledge of biodiversity, photography, environmental interpretation, and conservation, you may find him in a course offered by the local universities.
Mohan Singh Solanki
Mohan turned his childhood passion into a flourishing profession. He graduated from University of Rajasthan in India and was awarded Naturalist Guide's title from the Government of Rajasthan’s Department of Forest and is an approved tourist guide from Government of Rajasthan Department of Tourism Art and Culture. Using his vast knowledge of flora and fauna he has birded and guided all over India for more than 15 years, including Keoladeo National Park.
Paco Madrigal
Paco has over 20 years of experience guiding wildlife, natural history, and birding tours throughout his native Costa Rica. He grew up in Sarapiqui near the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) Station surrounded by his family's passion for the diverse local plants and animals. He was part of the very first World Wildlife Fund (WWF) intensive Naturalist training program and also worked at La Selva Biological Station before following his dream of starting his own tour company. His deep knowledge and charming personality make him one of our best leaders.
Rigzin Chhosdol
Rigzin is from Gya, one of Ladakh's oldest settlements. She's an accomplished mountaineer and ABV Indian Institute of Mountaineering graduate, winning "Best Mountaineer" twice. Rigzin has worked on community-based conservation for years, protecting snow leopards, wolves, and other predators. As a field guide and camp coordinator, she leads snow leopard trips for six months annually, educating guests on Ladakhi culture and Trans-Himalayan wildlife. Rigzin's also active in the Youth Association of Gya and Miru, supporting education and environmental causes in her village.
Scott Davis
Scott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
Sunil Gaur
Sunil has 15 years of experience as a naturalist, including Bharatpur where he lives, Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Ranthambhore, Kanha Jungle Lodge, and many others. He earned his master’s degree and is a member of Life Line for Nature Society, the Bombay Natural History Society, World Wildlife Fund for Nature India, and the Guide Association of Keoladeo National Park. He participates in mammal censuses, non-native plant eradication, such as water hyacinth removal, and in vulture surveys. He is a wonderful teacher with a great personality.
Sunil Gunathilake
Sunil Gunathilake, a top-ranked National Tour Guide Lecturer, specializes in wildlife tours and has decades of experience in Sri Lanka's biodiversity. Active in research and conservation since 1986, he has contributed to over 25 films and documentaries, including work with Disney's Monkey Kingdom and Sir David Attenborough's The Life of Mammals. As a conservationist, Sunil has published research on wildlife and led over 500 conservation programs, promoting environmental education and the preservation of Sri Lanka's natural heritage.
Tashi Tenzing
Tashi is a Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer and naturalist with an in-depth knowledge of Nepal’s wildlife, including where to find birds and tigers in Nepal. He is the grandson of the famous Tenzing Norgay, who made the first complete ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Tashi grew up in Darjeeling and earned a degree from the University of New Delhi. He has successfully summited Mount Everest (3 times) as well as numerous other challenging peaks and has guided trips, including in the Antarctic, for decades. Based in Kathmandu, his family also runs mountain lodges, builds schools, administers a medical facility, and awards scholarships for young people.
Tojo"Lytah" Razafimahefa
Tojo "Lytah" Razafimahefa, from Antananarivo, Madagascar, has over 18 years of experience in tourism. Beginning with organizing tours for Americans in 2005, he later established his consultancy business specializing in ecotourism and mentoring. As a seasoned guide, he has led tours worldwide. Currently, he serves as a Special Advisor to Madagascar's Guide Associations, and he facilitates dialogue with the government on matters of tourism advocacy as Chairman of the Confederation of Tourism. Additionally, as a co-founder of Wildlife Madagascar, he advocates for conservation and community welfare.
Vishnu Sinsinwar
Born in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Vishnu is a professional naturalist and ornithologist who has led trips throughout India since 1989. He has an extensive knowledge of both flora and fauna and spent a month leading a trip with Gail and Doug Cheeseman in 1989 covering Central, Eastern, and Western India. He wrote a book with his brother, Colonel Shyam Singh, on the birds of Bharatpur and is a member of Bombay History Natural Society (BHNS).
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