I was born and raised Maasai in Mto wa Mbu, a lively village in northern Tanzania, not far from Lake Manyara and Tarangire. Growing up here meant that wildlife, different cultures and the African bush were simply part of everyday life.
My interest in tourism came naturally. I have always enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the world and showing them the Tanzania I know and love. The elephant, or Tembo in Swahili, has always been particularly special to me. I admire the way elephants live together, look after one another and move through the land with strength and calmness. This became part of the idea behind Rafiki Tembo.
After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management in 2020, I started Rafiki Tembo Tours & Safaris. I wanted to build a safari company that felt personal and genuinely local, where guests could experience East Africa with people who were born here and know the places, wildlife and communities first-hand.
The name itself says a lot about us. Rafiki means “friend” in Swahili, while Tembo means “elephant”. For me, those two words represent the kind of company I wanted to create friendly, dependable and closely connected to the land we call home.
Today, I work alongside a dedicated local team arranging private and tailor-made safaris throughout Tanzania and Kenya. We take time to understand what each guest is looking for rather than simply offering the same itinerary to everyone. Some people come for their first safari, others for photography, a honeymoon, a family holiday or simply to spend time in the African bush.
Whatever brings you here, we want you to feel looked after from the moment you contact us until the day we say goodbye.
This is our home, and it is a privilege to share it with you.
Karibu sana come as a guest, travel with friends, and leave with memories that will stay with you long after your journey home.
