A Day with No Beginning & No End

29 August 2017 | Inside Angama |

Reading Time: 4 MINUTES

The burden of keeping our guests and staff safe is a heavy one to bear but our Head of Security seems to breeze through every (endless) day, this is a typical day in the life of John Wayongo

My day starts . . .

I set my alarm to go off every two hours day and night to remind me to get an update from my team on the security status of Angama Mara. Such is the responsibility of Head of Security.

John-at-sunrise

Theoretically speaking, I suppose you could say today started at 04h00, as that is when I got out of bed to make sure everything was ready for our guests going hot air ballooning, including their wake-up calls and escorts to the turning circle for their 05h00 departure. Shortly thereafter, I do a patrol of the grounds to get a report from my night shift team, and to check that all is well across the property. I enjoy this pre-dawn exercise as the zebras move out of camp, the bush babies go back to sleep and a new day begins.

John-working-in-the-office

By 07h00 I am back in my office, which doubles as the armory, to collect the equipment issued the night before – torches, radios and firearms. I then update the muster roll and occurrence book on any notable events of the previous day.

Our daily HOD briefing starts at 09h00 sharp (one push up for every minute late). I take note of all arrivals and departures for the day, as well as any guest delights that will require a security detail as our property borders the Reserve and the animals come and go as they please. With several flights coming into our Angama airfield, a private Out of Africa picnic for a honeymoon couple and Forest BBQ tonight, my team has a busy day ahead.

John-in-the-morning-meeting

Then it’s time to meet with my squad to pass on what was discussed, so we are all prepared for the day. I deploy teams to clear the airfield of wild animals (the giraffes and zebra are stubborn) and secure the Out of Africa kopje, and schedule a team to keep watch at the Forest BBQ later this evening.

Now it is time for my long walk around the entire property, sometimes covering up to 10 kilometers, to make sure I have checked our security status and that of our neighbours’ with my own eyes. Today, this includes visiting the Out of Africa kopje to follow up with my team and make sure there is no dangerous game present before our honeymooners arrive for their romantic picnic.

John-heading-to-the OOA kopje

By 13h00 I’m ready for lunch, and enjoy a short break in the canteen with my colleagues. This middle part of the day is also a good time to catch up on personal matters, or even sneak in a nap.

Even though Forest BBQ starts at 19h00, I’m on my way to the site mid afternoon to begin a sweep and make sure there are no unwelcome visitors around. Elephants pass through here this time of year, as they make their way from the Mara Triangle up to the Siria Plateau to feed at night (and escape the hordes of pesky wildebeest). Just after dusk, with the lanterns a-glow in the forest, the first guests arrive. I hang around to keep an eye on things – especially on our resident hyena that often comes sniffing around the perimeter. Some guests enjoy a last glass of wine, while others decide to head back to camp to wind down their evening with some dessert bitings and aperitifs by the fire. I stay at the BBQ until the last guest leaves, then walk back to camp, stopping at the maintenance yard to make sure all the vehicles are there before locking up.

I remain on standby until the last guest goes to bed in case my team needs me. Then I hand over to the night askaris and finally get myself to bed . . . for a few hours, anyway. Such are the demands of Head of Security.

John-and-his-team

FILED UNDER: Inside Angama
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AUTHOR: John Wayongo

With nearly 30 decorated years in the armed services and private security, plus chiseled features and a stare that could turn anyone to stone, you probably wouldn’t want to cross John Wayongo. Of course, he’s also got one of the biggest smiles in Kenya, and is actually a great big teddy bear underneath it all. Coupled with the fact that he takes his job so seriously, you can understand why we love him. But he should probably get more sleep.

COMMENTS (13)
Regina
August 29, 2017

Wow! So very glad John Wayongo is there for our protection! Thanks for telling us about this amazing man.

REPLY
    Nicky Fitzgerald
    September 3, 2017

    You are 100% correct, Regina – John and his team keep us all safe

    REPLY
Bunny
August 29, 2017

Dear John. What a busy day you have and lovely to know how safe you keep everyone. We are looking forward to coming back next march. Mila and Bella still talk about the wonderful African stories Mercy told them. Please send her their love
Bunny and peter

REPLY
    Nicky Fitzgerald
    September 3, 2017

    Hi dear Bunny
    Please tell Milas and Bella that Mercy says ‘Jambo’

    REPLY
Alison Belknap
August 29, 2017

Loved reading about the security at Angama Mara! I can’t imagine more dedicated employees, and Mr. Wayongo certainly exemplifies these wonderful qualities. Very impressive attention to detail.

REPLY
    Nicky Fitzgerald
    September 3, 2017

    Thank you for this lovely comment, Alison – we love to hear from the readers of our little blog

    REPLY
Francis C Bagbey
August 30, 2017

An admiral work ethic, Mr. Waynogo!

REPLY
    Francis C Bagbey
    August 30, 2017

    Apologies. I, of course, meant Mr. Wayongo!!

    REPLY
Annette Nagni
August 31, 2017

Well done John; quite a responsibility done with so much care & dedication!

REPLY
Nicky Fitzgerald
September 3, 2017

Thank you Francis – the team at the lodge so appreciates your support

REPLY
Charlotte
July 4, 2018

What a dedicated and incredible man you have in John, guests are so lucky that he keeps everyone safe as I know he did on our recent visit. We are often unaware of all the “behind the scenes”work which makes everyones stay so incredible.

REPLY
John wayongo
July 4, 2018

Thank you for your nice comments Charlotte, we look forward to keeping you safe again, very soon.

REPLY
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