Who Is Mwitu?
“Mwitu” — Swahili for “wild” — bold branding, untamed, and now discovered.
While I often say “we,” at the heart of it, it’s just me—Melissa Shepherd, an independent marketing consultant specialising in safari properties across Kenya and East Africa. Having grown up in Kenya, I’ve been fortunate to explore some of its most breathtaking places, and I’ve always found joy in seeing this country through the eyes of a first-time visitor.
My passion lies in helping lodges, conservancies, and camps tell their stories in a way that excites, inspires, and connects with the right audience. There’s nothing more rewarding than making someone fall in love with a safari property before they’ve even set foot in it—and ensuring their experience is just as unforgettable when they do.
I work with a select portfolio of small, distinctive properties that offer truly exclusive, meaningful experiences—places that guests return to, again and again, because there simply is nothing else like them in Kenya or East Africa. I pride myself on building strong, long-term relationships that lead to lasting impact for my clients.
Whether you're interested in exploring the properties I represent or would like to discuss a potential collaboration, I’d love to hear from you.
Why Work With Me? A Rare Combination of Marketing Insight & Financial Expertise
Most financial modellers will give you numbers.
Most marketers will help you attract guests.
But very few people understand how these two worlds work together in safari lodges, camps, and conservancies.
As a Chartered Financial Modelling Professional and a specialist in luxury travel marketing, I help properties like yours:
Build realistic financial models that reflect your market, your seasons, and your guest profiles.
Develop rates that make sense — balancing profitability with market competitiveness.
Understand which marketing decisions drive financial success and which ones don’t.
Plan for expansion, financing, or new investments with clear numbers that investors and lenders trust.
I speak the language of safari operators and financial institutions, helping you bridge the gap between your vision for your property and the financial road map to get there.