I have known Samuel Chihana for several years now, and I regard him as one of the most outstanding wildlife guides in Malawi, particularly with respect to birds and terrestrial orchids. What is truly remarkable about Samuel is his enthusiasm and dedication. An example of this is his having joined Wildlife and Environmental Society outings to Zomba Plateau (for terrestrial orchids), Luwawa in Mzimba (for birds), and even gone to Namizimu Forest Retreat above Mangochi, entirely at his own expense, and in his own time, to increase his knowledge. Also at his own expense, he has acquired a number of excellent reference books for Orchids, etc. This, to me, puts him in a class of his own. His efforts to secure whatever the client wishes are always exceptional, and almost too much! He also takes the trouble to report any interesting sightings he has made in the course of his work; again, this is unique. He took a particular interest in the hybrid Blacksmith X Spurwing Plover cross in Liwonde National Park, documenting this with his camera. Samuel also has another very favourable asset – he is lucky! It was through his luck that I saw a Greater Frigate Bird one evening flying up the Shire River in Liwonde National Park! An amazing experience. It is only the fourth time in 100 years that this has happened in Southern Africa. He also saw (and photographed) a Southern Lapwing at Dam 3 in the Nyika National Park. Again, an unprecedented sighting of this South American species. Through Samuel I was made aware of a leucistic Emerald-Spotted Wood Dove in the Rhino Sanctuary at Mvuu, again a unique record. Needless to say, he is always a most pleasant companion! I hope I have said enough to thoroughly recommend him. Yours sincerely, Dr John GM Wilson Former National Chairman of the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi

When visiting the Nyika I was surprised to be completely impressed by Samuel. Not only did he know the usual material about the larger vertebrates, and where to find them on Nyika, he also displayed a comprehensive knowledge of the plant species complete with Latin names. Upon questioning he explained that he was largely self-taught with the help of some books given by visitors and conversations with them. He also had a genuine enthusiasm and charm. I now follow some posts he puts on the internet about his observations at Liwonde which are pretty acute. I recommend him to any visitor and suggest that he is allowed to continue with his self-development in any way he wants. I would not want to see him trained into being a standard wildlife guide and out of his rare talents as guide and naturalist.