Meet the team...
Alex Rostocil – Head Guide / Managing Director
Born and bred in Kenya, Alex (KPSGA - Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association) has been specializing in safaris for over ten years. An expert marksman and tracker, he is one of the most highly qualified individuals in the field today. He has traveled to the most remote areas of Kenya and over the years, gained extreme knowledge and understanding of Kenya and its biodiversity. An amateur photographer, his work has appeared in numerous African periodicals over the years. He has been involved in the making of the American TV Show “Survivor”, as well as fashion and travel shoots for companies such as Conde Nast for Vogue Magazine and Australian Back Pack TV.
Alex was brought up on a ranch in Laikipia and learnt his skills from the local Samburu/Turkana trackers, thus giving him encyclopedic knowledge of all African flora and fauna. As a young
child, he was always keen to “disappear” in to the bush, where he found peace, tranquility and freedom. As a young man, he has worked on several private game ranches and has even spent some years
working in secluded areas, such as Lake Turkana, bordering Sudan and the Chalbi Desert. His love and passion for this magnificent land has made him believe that there is truly nowhere else in the
world where dreams become reality.
He speaks fluent English, Maasai, Turkana, Kiswahili, Croatian and Slovenian.
Zlatko “Victor” Rostocil – Director
Victor arrived to Kenya in 1969 to manage the construction of the pharmaceutical factory DAWA in Nairobi, Kenya. After only two years living in this part of the world, he fell in love with it and
decided that he wanted to spend the rest of his life in this extraordinary country. His passion for safaris began way back then and was always keen to explore the unexplored. His travels took him
to the most “unreal” places and has had several encounters that have filled his life greatly with awe and inspiration.
As a member of the Lions Club Gigiri, he has frequently traveled to remote areas in Kenya, where medical assistance was required most (i.e. hospitals, schools and clinics). Often, he would take
young Alex with him on his expeditions and teach him the ways of life in Kenya. Even though his professional field of work is within the pharmaceutical industry, he would never think twice about
going on safari.
He has assisted Beach2Bush greatly and yet to this day is involved in the creation of exquisite safaris and adventurous trips around Kenya.
He speaks fluent English, Czech, Croatian, Slovenian and German.
Nina Rostocil – Sales and Marketing Manager
Nina was born and raised in Kenya. Ever since she was a young child, she has admired the love and passion both her brother and father had for Kenya and always wanted to be “part” of their
expeditions and explorations. Listening to stories over a campfire and seeing what Kenya has to offer in terms of beauty, variety and breathtaking moments…she decided that this was the place she
wanted to be always.
Education took her away from Kenya temporarily, where she spent 8 years in school in Slovenia and 4 years in University in Switzerland. She received the Bachelors (BA) honors degree in
Hospitality Management and Tourism and with that, she has traveled and worked in the south of Spain, The Canary Islands, Switzerland and Kenya.
She strongly believes that her love for Kenya has never changed and all those years spent abroad have helped her understand that her place was here…in the wild, far away from the hustle and
bustle of civilization.
She speaks fluent English, Croatian, Slovenian, Spanish, German and Swahili.
Festus Shiveka – Head of Crew
Festus was born in Kakamega, East of Lake Victoria and has been a part of Beach2Bush since its conception. He has assisted greatly with his knowledge and skills in all aspects of the
preparation and organization of vehicles, safari equipment and camping “budget” safaris. Before joining Beach2Bush, he had worked with SOS (Save our Souls) a German non-governmental organization,
which focuses on the help and development of orphaned children in Mt.Elgon areas.
He has achieved a diploma in bio-intensive agriculture and fluently speaks Kiswahili, Maasai, English and his mother tongue Luhya
Joff Minns – Associate Guide
Joff is second generation Kenyan, born and raised on the family ranch in the scenic Lloldaiga Hills, Northern Kenya. He has managed various properties and camps around Kenya for the past eleven years. His guiding skills are exemplary and he is a fully qualified professional KPSGA guide. Having completed a national diploma in photography, he now organizes photographic safaris for companies such as National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.
Recently, he has been involved in the BBC TV Show “Safari Chef”, which has given him culinary insight to the ways of chic cuisine in the bush.
His mother tongue is English and he speaks fluent Swahili.
Mike and Steve Capone – Professional Filmmakers
Steve and Mike Capone both studied television production at university and hold B.S. degrees in Electronic Media Production and since graduating in 1994 have enjoyed a rich collection of working
experiences in a variety of capacities.
Steve Capone - Director of Photography and Operations, has a variety of experience ranging from working as a
camera/sound/producer for a PBS news magazine program, technical director for Wilmington City Government channel, production specialist for ITV San Diego and freelance work including industrial
training films, documentaries, sporting events, live television, studio camera/sound booth, lighting & dolly grip, script supervisor and location manager.
Mike Capone - Director of Editing and Content, has a wide range of experience in the video/film industry including serving as director of media for Wake County School System, news, sports,
live events, feature films and advertising. Over the years he has been involved in all areas of production including; set design, director for live programming, producer, editor, studio
lighting/camera/audio. Who wouldn’t want to have a video to show all their friends what an incredible journey they’ve just experienced?
Echedey Lopez Cruz – Trainee Guide
Echedey was born and raised in the Canary Islands. Since he was a child, he had a great interest in Africa and its wilderness. Always eager to learn and experience new ways of
life, he decided to work in South Africa, which was then followed by Kenya.
He studied in Switzerland, where he achieved his Bachelors (BA) Degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism. Before coming to Kenya, he worked in various prestigious hotels and resorts in
Switzerland, the Canary Islands and Spain, including the world famous chain, Hyatt International. From his previous experiences, he has gained excellent knowledge and skills, which have assisted
him greatly in all aspects and areas of the hospitality and tourism industry.
He is now training to become a professional guide and currently, his is the translator for our Spanish-speaking clients, whom he joins on safari with the supervision of any of our professional
guides.
He speaks fluent English, German, Spanish and basic knowledge of Portuguese and Italian.
The Crew
Edward Simiyu, Martin Nyongesa, Jacob Lesharkole, Hassan Mwachidzogolo, Ramadan Sowa, Haron Keguro and Suleiman Abdallah Mnyetto.
Thanks guys, without whom Beach2Bush would not be possible!
“I loved Africa so that I was happy as you are after you have been with a woman that you really love”
Ernest Hemingway, the Green Hills of Africa, 1998