“My youngest daughter said to me, ‘Mum, go and travel.’
“And I said, ‘You must be joking, I’m not going out in the world on my own.’”
Nevertheless, she plucked up the courage to book a two-month package trip to Europe, including Scandinavia.
“I got home from that and thought, ‘I survived; I can go anywhere.’
“I’m going to Africa, that had always been my thing since I was a kid.
“I went to the travel agent in Dargaville, she gave me some brochures … I joined the nomad company and went overlanding through 10 countries.”
Preston went on her first safari in 2009. Since then, she has added another couple of African countries to her list and completed two conservation courses, in South Africa and Kenya.
She has returned year after year, expanding her travels across the continent.
The award-winning photographer shared her wildlife photos on social media, and people soon began asking if she offered hosted safari tours.
The first trip she led was in 2014, when she took a friend of her brother’s to Kenya.
“I said, ‘You can be my guinea pig to see if I know what I’m doing.’
“We did 34 days around Kenya, and he still says today that’s the best trip he’s ever done.”
A year later, Preston established her own business, REP Kenya Safaris, specialising in customised tours of a country known for its wildlife, diverse landscapes and capital city, Nairobi.
She prefers taking small groups so the tours can be carefully curated into once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Robyn Preston has won numerous awards for her stunning wildlife photos. Photo / Robyn Preston
She has a particular affinity for the world-renowned Maasai Mara region, home to “the big five” – lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffalo and rhinos.
The region has become her second home.
She bases herself there for several months each year, working closely with local partners, including a driver and booking company, to deliver safari packages.
“It wasn’t planned. If you told me 20 years ago I would have been doing this, I would have laughed at you.
“It was obviously meant to be.”
Robyn was particularly excited to see a black leopard while on safari. Photo / Robyn Preston
Over her 12 years of leading tours, there have been many highlights, including spotting the elusive black leopard and connecting with local people.
Her photography has been recognised internationally, with features in overseas publications and finalist placements in global photography competitions, along with appearances in New Zealand media.
“When I’m not hosting guests, you’ll find me out in the field with my camera.
“Wildlife photography remains a core part of what I do in Kenya, capturing Africa at its most raw and beautiful.”
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.