Our Team

Tom LaRock

Chief Exploration Officer

As the former Executive Director of the Friends of the National Zoo, Tom has an understanding and love of wildlife and helps manage sustainable and responsible travel for his clients. To help potential travelers identify their personal priorities, Safari Professionals relies on Tom’s extensive knowledge of wildlife, safari guides and accommodations to craft an itinerary that meets or exceeds expectations.

“My fascination with Africa really began in elementary school when East Africa was the subject of geography class. I still remember those first photographic images of abundant African wildlife and colorfully dressed people. Visits to a small, nearby zoo focused my interests on the animals of these far-away lands, especially lions and elephants. I still have the same reaction to a male lion’s roar that I had as a child – the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

My adult career eventually led me to a city with a great zoo. Starting as a volunteer fund-raiser, I got involved and, in time, I changed careers to become the zoo’s marketing and fund-raising director. As part of a zoo travel program, I conducted my first African safari to Kenya in 1983 and have enjoyed helping others experience the wonders of Africa’s wildlife ever since.

In addition to African wildlife viewing safaris, my experience includes designing and conducting tours of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica and Venezuela. As fascinating as these places are, I’m always drawn back to Africa with its unique wildlife and engaging people.

Africa is the best place in the world for wildlife photography. Having worked and traveled with professional wildlife photographers, I love helping people bring home that “perfect shot” – whether they are experienced photographers or simply want a great record of their adventures.

As Managing Director of Safari Professionals, my responsibilities include the daily operations of the company, as well as our relationships with our teams throughout Africa, some of whom we have worked with since 1983. After helping potential travelers identify their personal priorities, my extensive knowledge of wildlife, safari guides and accommodations enables me to help them craft an itinerary that meets or exceeds their needs and expectations. I’m grateful that several of our travelers have chosen me as their personal safari guide, giving me the opportunity to share in what many say is a truly life-changing experience.”

Tom LaRock

Chief Exploration Officer

As the former Executive Director of the Friends of the National Zoo, Tom has an understanding and love of wildlife and helps manage sustainable and responsible travel for his clients. To help potential travelers identify their personal priorities, Safari Professionals relies on Tom’s extensive knowledge of wildlife, safari guides and accommodations to craft an itinerary that meets or exceeds expectations.

“My fascination with Africa really began in elementary school when East Africa was the subject of geography class. I still remember those first photographic images of abundant African wildlife and colorfully dressed people. Visits to a small, nearby zoo focused my interests on the animals of these far-away lands, especially lions and elephants. I still have the same reaction to a male lion’s roar that I had as a child – the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

My adult career eventually led me to a city with a great zoo. Starting as a volunteer fund-raiser, I got involved and, in time, I changed careers to become the zoo’s marketing and fund-raising director. As part of a zoo travel program, I conducted my first African safari to Kenya in 1983 and have enjoyed helping others experience the wonders of Africa’s wildlife ever since.

In addition to African wildlife viewing safaris, my experience includes designing and conducting tours of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica and Venezuela. As fascinating as these places are, I’m always drawn back to Africa with its unique wildlife and engaging people.

Africa is the best place in the world for wildlife photography. Having worked and traveled with professional wildlife photographers, I love helping people bring home that “perfect shot” – whether they are experienced photographers or simply want a great record of their adventures.

As Managing Director of Safari Professionals, my responsibilities include the daily operations of the company, as well as our relationships with our teams throughout Africa, some of whom we have worked with since 1983. After helping potential travelers identify their personal priorities, my extensive knowledge of wildlife, safari guides and accommodations enables me to help them craft an itinerary that meets or exceeds their needs and expectations. I’m grateful that several of our travelers have chosen me as their personal safari guide, giving me the opportunity to share in what many say is a truly life-changing experience.”

Elaine Hartung

Accommodations and Ambiance

Elaine’s professional background in designing and facilitating workshops and groups, as well as her experiences as an artist, helps bring a softer or gentler side to safari life. In addition to assisting with evaluating accommodations, she helps travelers maximize other aspects of their safari – from visiting a Maasai village, to making sure there is unhurried time to relax and enjoy the ambiance of Africa.

“Somewhat like Tom, I was introduced to Africa during elementary school. I was given a sepia-colored postcard of Lake Victoria and assigned to study this area and write a report. The graceful fluidity of the lake contrasted with the flat, parched land surrounding it, and I was mesmerized! I can still recall that postcard and sitting in the classroom dreaming of this far away land.

The safaris in which I have participated have enriched my life. The focus of the safaris is wildlife viewing from the varying geographical areas. The opportunity of being in that natural setting, so close to wildlife, is a moving experience. And, although it is thrilling to be “out in the bush,” there is much to be said about having the opportunity to take time to sketch or paint or walk about with a camera. The colors of Kenya are intense and impressive.

Watching the setting sun fill the sky with opulent rays makes me wonder what heaven will be like. The past few safaris I have taken just a sketch book and left the photography to Tom. My intention was to sketch what I saw with the hope that my memories of these magical places it would remain more vivid.

I offer a “softer” aspect to the safari experience: encouraging others to spend a little time to “just be.” If it is possible to absorb some of this enthralling environment – it will enrich the mind, body and spirit. Part of my responsibilities at Safari Professionals is to make recommendations on the accommodations and the cultural activities that some travelers desire. We have stayed in enchanting two-story tree houses, danced and dined on a beach under the stars, and visited artists, sculptors, and designers.

Sometimes I think about the little girl with the postcard of Lake Victoria and how her desire to see that place has come true. It is rewarding to be instrumental in helping others make their dreams come true. Please do call us and tell us about your safari dreams; we will work with you to make them a reality. Your life will be enriched.”

Elaine Hartung

Accommodations and Ambiance

Elaine’s professional background in designing and facilitating workshops and groups, as well as her experiences as an artist, helps bring a softer or gentler side to safari life. In addition to assisting with evaluating accommodations, she helps travelers maximize other aspects of their safari – from visiting a Maasai village, to making sure there is unhurried time to relax and enjoy the ambiance of Africa.

“Somewhat like Tom, I was introduced to Africa during elementary school. I was given a sepia-colored postcard of Lake Victoria and assigned to study this area and write a report. The graceful fluidity of the lake contrasted with the flat, parched land surrounding it, and I was mesmerized! I can still recall that postcard and sitting in the classroom dreaming of this far away land.

The safaris in which I have participated have enriched my life. The focus of the safaris is wildlife viewing from the varying geographical areas. The opportunity of being in that natural setting, so close to wildlife, is a moving experience. And, although it is thrilling to be “out in the bush,” there is much to be said about having the opportunity to take time to sketch or paint or walk about with a camera. The colors of Kenya are intense and impressive.

Watching the setting sun fill the sky with opulent rays makes me wonder what heaven will be like. The past few safaris I have taken just a sketch book and left the photography to Tom. My intention was to sketch what I saw with the hope that my memories of these magical places it would remain more vivid.

I offer a “softer” aspect to the safari experience: encouraging others to spend a little time to “just be.” If it is possible to absorb some of this enthralling environment – it will enrich the mind, body and spirit. Part of my responsibilities at Safari Professionals is to make recommendations on the accommodations and the cultural activities that some travelers desire. We have stayed in enchanting two-story tree houses, danced and dined on a beach under the stars, and visited artists, sculptors, and designers.

Sometimes I think about the little girl with the postcard of Lake Victoria and how her desire to see that place has come true. It is rewarding to be instrumental in helping others make their dreams come true. Please do call us and tell us about your safari dreams; we will work with you to make them a reality. Your life will be enriched.”

Sam Kanakanui

Chief Opportunities Officer

The newest member to our management team, Sam brings over 30 years of business acumen including knowledge in IT, marketing, and operations to the Safari Professionals family. Born in Hawaii, raised in the mountains of West Virginia and living now in the Piedmont of North Carolina, Sam has always enjoyed spending time exploring nature and all that the great outdoors offers.

Before joining Safari Professionals as COO in 2019, Sam spent the last 20 years cultivating a digital marketing agency and software development house, Netwave Solutions, based in Greensboro, NC. It’s the combination of business and management experience, along with strong analytical and technical knowledge, that allowed him to provide clients with leading edge marketing and web-based solutions. Over the last 10 years, Netwave Solutions has grown steadily helping both domestic and international clients maximize ROI in all phases of marketing, including social media, search engine optimization, video marketing, and more.

Sam has already made a significant impact on Safari Professionals in just a short time, starting with the launch of our new website in March of 2020. He followed that with a comprehensive digital marketing campaign featuring SEO and social media marketing. He’s also been heavily involved in streamlining day-to-day operations through the development and implementation of Safari Logic, our in-house traveler management program. His goals for 2020 are to continue to infuse much needed technology advances to further improve our operational infrastructure as well as expand and optimize marketing campaigns. And of course, enjoying his first Safari!

Sam Kanakanui

Chief Opportunities Officer

The newest member to our management team, Sam brings over 30 years of business acumen including knowledge in IT, marketing, and operations to the Safari Professionals family. Born in Hawaii, raised in the mountains of West Virginia and living now in the Piedmont of North Carolina, Sam has always enjoyed spending time exploring nature and all that the great outdoors offers.

Before joining Safari Professionals as COO in 2019, Sam spent the last 20 years cultivating a digital marketing agency and software development house, Netwave Solutions, based in Greensboro, NC. It’s the combination of business and management experience, along with strong analytical and technical knowledge, that allowed him to provide clients with leading edge marketing and web-based solutions. Over the last 10 years, Netwave Solutions has grown steadily helping both domestic and international clients maximize ROI in all phases of marketing, including social media, search engine optimization, video marketing, and more.

Sam has already made a significant impact on Safari Professionals in just a short time, starting with the launch of our new website in March of 2020. He followed that with a comprehensive digital marketing campaign featuring SEO and social media marketing. He’s also been heavily involved in streamlining day-to-day operations through the development and implementation of Safari Logic, our in-house traveler management program. His goals for 2020 are to continue to infuse much needed technology advances to further improve our operational infrastructure as well as expand and optimize marketing campaigns. And of course, enjoying his first Safari!

James Ward

Chief Adventure Officer

Growing up in the Zoo and Aquarium field, James has been around wildlife his entire life. Since being introduced to Africa at the age of 15, he has traveled extensively throughout the continent visiting some of the most beautiful and wildest national parks in Africa. Combined with his experience in traveling in Asia and Central and South America, James is able to bring a unique perspective as he designs customized safaris for our partners.

“Once Africa is in your blood, Africa never leaves you and you never really leave Africa. It is always great seeing the look of wonder and amazement in people’s faces as they experience their first sunset in the bush. You know they are now a member of a very special fraternity. The three most special times on any safari are an African sundowner, sitting at a campfire listing to night sounds in the bush and getting up early to have a coffee around a campfire as the bush awakens and I look forward to sharing these with more people.”

James has worked with numerous conservation groups and social companies throughout Africa, introducing their products to the US market. Creating added income opportunity has a profound affect on the livelihoods of these remote communities, and positively affecting wildlife conservation. From jewelry made with reclaimed snare wire to hand stitched plush toys made in the bush to honey from bees that save elephants, he enjoys working with and getting to know people from different cultures and having a true impact on their lives.

“One of the most memorable experiences I had in Africa was with Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe. For two days, I helped Peter Blinston, Executive Director of PDC, and his team to collar painted dogs in the bush around Hwange National Park. To be directly a part of conserving these amazing animals is an experience I will never forget.”

James is an avid amateur wildlife photographer with his favorite places to visit being South Luangwa in Zambia; Mana Pools in Zimbabwe; Amboseli in Kenya and Bwindi in Uganda. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for these wild spaces with others.

James is a trustee for the Painted Wolf Foundation.

James Ward

Chief Adventure Officer

Growing up in the Zoo and Aquarium field, James has been around wildlife his entire life. Since being introduced to Africa at the age of 15, he has traveled extensively throughout the continent visiting some of the most beautiful and wildest national parks in Africa. Combined with his experience in traveling in Asia and Central and South America, James is able to bring a unique perspective as he designs customized safaris for our partners.

“Once Africa is in your blood, Africa never leaves you and you never really leave Africa. It is always great seeing the look of wonder and amazement in people’s faces as they experience their first sunset in the bush. You know they are now a member of a very special fraternity. The three most special times on any safari are an African sundowner, sitting at a campfire listing to night sounds in the bush and getting up early to have a coffee around a campfire as the bush awakens and I look forward to sharing these with more people.”

James has worked with numerous conservation groups and social companies throughout Africa, introducing their products to the US market. Creating added income opportunity has a profound affect on the livelihoods of these remote communities, and positively affecting wildlife conservation. From jewelry made with reclaimed snare wire to hand stitched plush toys made in the bush to honey from bees that save elephants, he enjoys working with and getting to know people from different cultures and having a true impact on their lives.

“One of the most memorable experiences I had in Africa was with Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe. For two days, I helped Peter Blinston, Executive Director of PDC, and his team to collar painted dogs in the bush around Hwange National Park. To be directly a part of conserving these amazing animals is an experience I will never forget.”

James is an avid amateur wildlife photographer with his favorite places to visit being South Luangwa in Zambia; Mana Pools in Zimbabwe; Amboseli in Kenya and Bwindi in Uganda. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for these wild spaces with others.

James is a trustee for the Painted Wolf Foundation.

Terry L. Maple, Ph.D.

Conservation and Science Advisor

Dr. Terry L. Maple is best known for his visionary leadership in revitalizing the Atlanta Zoo in the aftermath of one of the most publicized scandals in the history of American zoos. Dr. Maple’s eighteen years of reform leadership re-branded Zoo Atlanta as a non-profit corporation and restored its credibility. Zoo Atlanta’s privatization started a trend in the zoo industry. Former Mayor Andrew Young hailed Zoo Atlanta as the most successful privatization in Georgia history.

During Dr. Maple’s tenure as CEO, Zoo Atlanta became recognized as one of the world’s most innovative zoological parks. In 1983 and again in 2000, the zoo was honored by the Metropolitan Communities Foundation as Atlanta’s “best-managed nonprofit corporation”.  Honoring the quality of its design and reconstruction, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) presented five awards to Zoo Atlanta for excellence in exhibit design. Zoo Atlanta’s partnership with local television resulted in six Emmy Awards for local programming, and in 1991, the Georgia Wildlife Federation honored Zoo Atlanta as “Conservation Organization of the Year.”

Based largely on the programs established by Dr. Maple from 1984-2002, Zoo Atlanta was recently honored with AZA’s prestigious Edward H. Bean Award, for its fifty years of lowland gorilla conservation, exhibition, husbandry, propagation and research. Once denigrated as one of America’s worst zoos, Zoo Atlanta is now recognized as one of the world’s best.

In 2003, Dr. Maple retired as President and Chief Executive Officer, returning to Georgia Tech to found the Center for Conservation & Behavior. He served on the faculty for thirty years, retiring in 2008 as Elizabeth Smithgall Watts Professor of Conservation & Behavior Emeritus.

During his parallel academic career in Atlanta, Dr. Maple mentored and trained twenty-seven doctoral students at Emory University and Georgia Tech. Three of his students were awarded prestigious NSF Graduate Fellowships, the only NSF graduate student awards in the fifty year history of Georgia Tech’s School of Psychology. His brilliant student collaborators have consistently won top jobs at universities, zoological parks, and primate centers throughout the nation and abroad.

As a research group, Dr. Maple, his students, and his collaborators published more than 200  journal articles, chapters and books on the behavior, conservation, and welfare of African antelopes, baboons, capuchins, chimpanzees, elephants, flamingos, giant pandas, gorillas, giraffe, lemurs, lions, macaques, mandrills, orangutans, spider monkeys, tigers, and zoo visitors. The acclaimed “Ethics on the Ark” (Co-edited by Dr. Maple) was published by Smithsonian in 1995.

Terry L. Maple, Ph.D.

Conservation and Science Advisor

Dr. Terry L. Maple is best known for his visionary leadership in revitalizing the Atlanta Zoo in the aftermath of one of the most publicized scandals in the history of American zoos. Dr. Maple’s eighteen years of reform leadership re-branded Zoo Atlanta as a non-profit corporation and restored its credibility. Zoo Atlanta’s privatization started a trend in the zoo industry. Former Mayor Andrew Young hailed Zoo Atlanta as the most successful privatization in Georgia history.

During Dr. Maple’s tenure as CEO, Zoo Atlanta became recognized as one of the world’s most innovative zoological parks. In 1983 and again in 2000, the zoo was honored by the Metropolitan Communities Foundation as Atlanta’s “best-managed nonprofit corporation”.  Honoring the quality of its design and reconstruction, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) presented five awards to Zoo Atlanta for excellence in exhibit design. Zoo Atlanta’s partnership with local television resulted in six Emmy Awards for local programming, and in 1991, the Georgia Wildlife Federation honored Zoo Atlanta as “Conservation Organization of the Year.”

Based largely on the programs established by Dr. Maple from 1984-2002, Zoo Atlanta was recently honored with AZA’s prestigious Edward H. Bean Award, for its fifty years of lowland gorilla conservation, exhibition, husbandry, propagation and research. Once denigrated as one of America’s worst zoos, Zoo Atlanta is now recognized as one of the world’s best.

In 2003, Dr. Maple retired as President and Chief Executive Officer, returning to Georgia Tech to found the Center for Conservation & Behavior. He served on the faculty for thirty years, retiring in 2008 as Elizabeth Smithgall Watts Professor of Conservation & Behavior Emeritus.

During his parallel academic career in Atlanta, Dr. Maple mentored and trained twenty-seven doctoral students at Emory University and Georgia Tech. Three of his students were awarded prestigious NSF Graduate Fellowships, the only NSF graduate student awards in the fifty year history of Georgia Tech’s School of Psychology. His brilliant student collaborators have consistently won top jobs at universities, zoological parks, and primate centers throughout the nation and abroad.

As a research group, Dr. Maple, his students, and his collaborators published more than 200  journal articles, chapters and books on the behavior, conservation, and welfare of African antelopes, baboons, capuchins, chimpanzees, elephants, flamingos, giant pandas, gorillas, giraffe, lemurs, lions, macaques, mandrills, orangutans, spider monkeys, tigers, and zoo visitors. The acclaimed “Ethics on the Ark” (Co-edited by Dr. Maple) was published by Smithsonian in 1995.

Betsy Dresser, Ph.D.

Conservation and Science Advisor

Dr. Betsy Dresser’s extensive conservation accomplishments include serving as the founding Director of the Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife at the Cincinnati Zoo. Also known as CREW, the center was the first of its kind, state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to saving endangered plants and animals from extinction.

In 1996, Betsy moved to New Orleans as the Senior Vice-President/Research at the Audubon Nature Institute and the Director of the then newly-formed Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species. There, she built a team of scientists to continue the important work of saving endangered species. She and her teams have produced 28 world’s scientific firsts, including the world’s first test tube gorilla, the first wild species kittens from embryo transfer, as well as the first endangered antelope from embryo transfer and the first cloned cats.

Betsy Dresser, Ph.D.

Conservation and Science Advisor

Dr. Betsy Dresser’s extensive conservation accomplishments include serving as the founding Director of the Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife at the Cincinnati Zoo. Also known as CREW, the center was the first of its kind, state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to saving endangered plants and animals from extinction.

In 1996, Betsy moved to New Orleans as the Senior Vice-President/Research at the Audubon Nature Institute and the Director of the then newly-formed Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species. There, she built a team of scientists to continue the important work of saving endangered species. She and her teams have produced 28 world’s scientific firsts, including the world’s first test tube gorilla, the first wild species kittens from embryo transfer, as well as the first endangered antelope from embryo transfer and the first cloned cats.

Stanley Kariithi

Senior Safari Guide

The man who taught our founding member, Tom LaRock, the most about East Africa’s wildlife – and about the seemingly infinite variety of wildlife viewing opportunities that are available – was SP’s original lead safari guide, David Kariithi. David’s passion for wildlife – and for sharing the excitement of discovery – was passed on to his son, Stanley, who is now our lead senior safari guide in Kenya. Stanley not only learned the craft of guiding a safari from his father, he was also trained in tour operations at Utali College, Kenya’s tourism college. Starting in the operations side of Origins Safaris in 1995, Stanley continued to learn the business side of safaris, while pursuing courses in guiding skills, ornithology and other specialties offered by the National Museums of Kenya – eventually earning the coveted Silver certification by the Kenya Professional Guides Association.

At Safari Professionals, we’ve traveled with Stanley on many safaris over the years. His good-natured enthusiasm for Kenya’s wildlife is infectious and he loves to share stories that describe the lives of the animals found on his game drives. He is our most requested guide, especially by those who return to Kenya.

Stanley is also a talented singer. Don’t be surprised if, out in the African bush, Stanley produces a guitar after dinner and serenades you with traditional Swahili songs.

Stanley Kariithi

Senior Safari Guide

The man who taught our founding member, Tom LaRock, the most about East Africa’s wildlife – and about the seemingly infinite variety of wildlife viewing opportunities that are available – was SP’s original lead safari guide, David Kariithi. David’s passion for wildlife – and for sharing the excitement of discovery – was passed on to his son, Stanley, who is now our lead senior safari guide in Kenya. Stanley not only learned the craft of guiding a safari from his father, he was also trained in tour operations at Utali College, Kenya’s tourism college. Starting in the operations side of Origins Safaris in 1995, Stanley continued to learn the business side of safaris, while pursuing courses in guiding skills, ornithology and other specialties offered by the National Museums of Kenya – eventually earning the coveted Silver certification by the Kenya Professional Guides Association.

At Safari Professionals, we’ve traveled with Stanley on many safaris over the years. His good-natured enthusiasm for Kenya’s wildlife is infectious and he loves to share stories that describe the lives of the animals found on his game drives. He is our most requested guide, especially by those who return to Kenya.

Stanley is also a talented singer. Don’t be surprised if, out in the African bush, Stanley produces a guitar after dinner and serenades you with traditional Swahili songs.

Edwin Selempo

Senior Safari Guide

Edwin first crossed paths with Tom LaRock in 1989, when he was the resident ornithologist at Mara River Camp – a safari camp operated by East African Ornithological Safaris, which is now known as Origins Safaris. He has become one of Kenya’s most sought-after ornithological guides as a result of his extensive field research – and his engaging stories of the birds and other animals that he grew up with.

As a Maasai, he has roamed areas of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania generally inaccessible to others. In 1992, he was one of, if not the first, ornithologist to study the birds of Tanzania’s Nguruman Escarpment, discovering new range extensions of several bird species. Exploring Tsavo when he was based at the Taita Discovery Centre, Edwin rediscovered the Taata falcon – a beautiful bird of prey thought to have been extinct in Kenya for over 60 years.

Multi-talented, mild and a fascinating guide and raconteur, Selempo is also an extremely talented wildlife artist, who specializes in watercolors painted on paper made from the dung of the Taru Desert Elephants. We’re happy to tell you that one of Edwin’s early paintings hangs on the wall of Tom’s office at Safari Professionals world headquarters. The painting is of Tom’s favorite bird in the world – the lilac-breasted roller!

Edwin Selempo

Senior Safari Guide

Edwin first crossed paths with Tom LaRock in 1989, when he was the resident ornithologist at Mara River Camp – a safari camp operated by East African Ornithological Safaris, which is now known as Origins Safaris. He has become one of Kenya’s most sought-after ornithological guides as a result of his extensive field research – and his engaging stories of the birds and other animals that he grew up with.

As a Maasai, he has roamed areas of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania generally inaccessible to others. In 1992, he was one of, if not the first, ornithologist to study the birds of Tanzania’s Nguruman Escarpment, discovering new range extensions of several bird species. Exploring Tsavo when he was based at the Taita Discovery Centre, Edwin rediscovered the Taata falcon – a beautiful bird of prey thought to have been extinct in Kenya for over 60 years.

Multi-talented, mild and a fascinating guide and raconteur, Selempo is also an extremely talented wildlife artist, who specializes in watercolors painted on paper made from the dung of the Taru Desert Elephants. We’re happy to tell you that one of Edwin’s early paintings hangs on the wall of Tom’s office at Safari Professionals world headquarters. The painting is of Tom’s favorite bird in the world – the lilac-breasted roller!