Derek joined Ker & Downey in the early 80’s. Born in 1951, a second generation Kenyan, Derek spent his childhood exploring the bush. After attending The University of Nairobi, where he graduated with an honors degree in Design, he was awarded a scholarship to Yale University to study architecture. Derek has worked as an architect, in both the USA and Kenya. He continues to re-design Ker & Downey’s tents and has developed his own style of safari vehicle, which maximizes his client’s game viewing experience. Derek has worked on location with a number of film companies, most notably during the filming of Out of Africa, Gorillas in the Mist and Mountains of the Moon. Derek has led private safaris into Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and through most of southern Africa, including Botswana and Zimbabwe. He and his wife Elizabeth, an artist, and their two sons live in, Nairobi, behind Karen Bilxen’s museum.

Address:

Ker & Downey Safaris,
P.O. Box 86, Karen 00502, Kenya

Mobile: + 254721344622

Email: Elizabeth@derekdames.com

Web:   www.derekdames.com