Machiel Valkenburg is the driving force behind Rubythroat Safari Expeditions. Originally hailing from the Netherlands, his adventurous spirit led him on a global journey, eventually landing him in Central Asia, where he resided for over a decade. From there, his travels took him to East Africa, where he developed a deep passion for birding and wildlife observation in Kenya. This love and expertise eventually inspired him to establish his own birding company, with a special focus on sharing the wonders of Kenya.

Machiel is not only the mastermind behind the daily operations of Rubythroat Safaris but also occasionally leads tours. In addition to his work with RBT, he is a prominent tour leader for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, a renowned bird tour company that takes him to various destinations in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Machiel possesses an exceptional talent for identifying bird sounds and a sharp eye for spotting elusive species. Over time, he has expanded his expertise to include butterflies and the broader realm of African wildlife. His passion for photography is truly remarkable, as he spends countless hours in the field striving to capture the perfect image using Sony and Olympus systems.

In his personal life, Machiel is a family man, happily married with two beautiful children. They reside in the captivating city of Valencia, Spain. His approach to guiding is characterized by a calm demeanor, respect for nature, creating a pleasant atmosphere, and sharing a good laugh while delivering exceptional birding experiences.