Wilson grew up close to Mount Kilimanjaro where he developed his interest in tourism. As a young man, he worked in a tourist lodge and was part of 10% of students selected to go on an exchange program to Norway. These experiences led to his decision to complete a course in Hospitality and Tourism in Kenya. Following this, Wilson pursued his professional dream and has now worked in hospitality for 12 years: in Tsavo West National Park, the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and the plains of the Serengeti. He has also dedicated his time to volunteering in Tanzania, involving himself in blood donation drives and First Aid training for Kilimanjaro guides. He is delighted to continue his career at Selous Safari Company and looks forward to welcoming you.

Born and raised in Ilula village, just outside the historic town of Iringa, Theo sought tourism as a career from the outset. In 2005, after his schooling, Theo joined the team at Jongomero as a barman and for the next three years took great delight in talking and interacting with the guests. But he also found his passion for the African bush, taking great delight in spotting and identifying birds around the camp’s mess. Seeing Theo’s potential, Selous Safari Company invited him to train as a guide and he jumped at the opportunity to learn a new skill and relished the chance to be with the baobabs, birds and animals he loved so much. Theo’s excitement is infectious as he comes across amazing sightings on game drives - he remembers his favourite morning drive “it was early morning and passing through Nyakapembe, an open grassland, we caught sight of a leopard hunting a family of warthog – the little piglets were too tempting for the leopard! Not long afterward we came across a cheetah who was also on the hunt – it was such a thrill to see two of Africa’s greatest cats stalking their prey – and I was in heaven!” Due to his amazing vivacity he was promoted to Head Guide in 2016.

In June 2004 Giovanni worked in an administrative role for a camp in Ruaha National Park. This was the first time he set foot in the park... and it was life-changing. Working in an office surrounded by nature, Giovanni felt nature calling to him. He heard about guide training and persuaded the trainer to allow him to join the class. This training paved his passion to become a nature guide. Giovanni gained extensive experience while living and working in the premier wildlife areas of Ruaha National Park. In order to maximize his experience and knowledge of nature guiding he then joined College for further study. He joined SSC as a guide in early 2018, and relishes introducing our guests to the wonders of the wilderness, wildlife and local culture.

Lambert started working at Selous Safari Company in 2010 as an askari (security guard) this means spending a considerable time outdoors ensuring the safety of our guests in the camp. While performing this highly important task he began to discover that while on duty his observations of the bush became greater than looking out for night time visitors in camp. He started birding in his spare time and before he knew it was answering questions for our guests about the incredible birdlife in the camp. With this new found passion he then decided to self study and learn as much as he could about all the fauna and flora Ruaha has to offer. Once the managers heard Lambert had become a dedicated student of the bush we quickly inducted him into the role of trainee guide in 2016 where he spent a year assisting in the guiding of our guests. He is now a full time guide for Jongomero in 2017. Lambert’s favourite animal is the African Elephant because he feels there is still so much more to learn about them than we know. He loves Jongomero for its offering of solitude and remoteness in a vast wilderness. He particularly enjoys our marsh areas where he has seen some rarer species like Eland. His most memorable sighting so far has been of a Leopard which killed an Impala in front of the vehicle and then showing its immense strength climbed a tree where guests and Leopard alike could enjoy the sighting in peace.

Joseph has been a Safari Guide for over 15 years in many parts of Tanzania including the Serengeti, Manyara & Tarangire National Parks and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Having worked in the Selous Game Reserve from 2011 to 2018, Joseph joined the Jongomero team in June 2019 and is excited to share the beauty and wilderness of Tanzania’s largest National Park, the Ruaha, on a walking safari or even an adventurous fly-camping safari. His enthusiasm and vast wildlife knowledge will ensure you have a memorable safari experience. Born in the Rukwa region in the western Tanzania, Joseph moved to Kilimanjaro region as a teenager and has lived most of his life there. He obtained a Certificate in Tourism from Ethics Tourism College in Arusha in 1992. One of Joseph’s most memorable sightings was an amazing interaction between a lion and a crocodile in the Selous Game Reserve. While on a game drive, Joseph and his guests came across a lioness hunting a waterbuck as it came down to the lake to drink. A crocodile also saw waterbuck and was first to strike as it caught the waterbuck on the snout. The lioness attacked from the rear and was pulling the waterbuck away from the water by the back leg. A tug-of-war ensued for a while but eventually the lioness won and dragged the carcass off to feed at leisure. “Two of my favourite animals are buffalo and leopard, as I have spent many hours studying their behaviour and find them very interesting to observe in their natural environment.”

Apollo was born close to the Ruaha National Park in Mufindi, Iringa area in 1977. He completed his Advanced Level Schooling at Kidugala Lutheran Seminary in May 2002. In 2003, Apollo started as a learner Guide in the Ruaha National Park where his passion for conservation grew. In 2004 Apollo moved away and worked in Kalaki Naional Park until 2011, though he returned often to Ruaha where his heart lay. In 2014 he complemented his practical skills and training with a course in Accounting at Tanzania Institute of Accounting, Mbeya Campus. After gaining more business perspective, he turned back to his passion – conservation – and joined Selous Safari Company in the Ruaha National Park as a Guide. He returned to the place where he first fell in love with the bush. Welcome home Apol

David grew up in Korogwe District in Tanga Region. After completing his secondary school studies he wanted to become a chef just like his father. After working on a casual basis for Tanzania National Parks Authority in the Ruaha National Park for two years, David was employed permanently by Selous Safari Company in 2004. He started out as a Kitchen Steward, but after years of determination, hard work and after completing various training opportunities presented by Selous Safari Company, he has managed to work his way up to become Head Chef at Jongomero. When staying at Jongomero your taste buds will be in for a real treat. As you enjoy the delicacies of Ruaha in a relaxed atmosphere we remind you that this is made possible by Head Chef David Charles Lukoka.

Chef Mashaka was born and raised in Tungamalenga village in the Iringa Region, which is located just outside the Ruaha National Park. He began his career as a scullery at Jongomero camp in 2004. Mashaka attended various culinary in-house trainings whilst working at Jongomero. His hard work, dedication and sacrifice lead to his promotion as Chef. For the past 16 years Mashaka has continued to refine his skills in the kitchen. His work is central to every meal he produces. Mashaka’s passion for cooking gives everything that extra ounce of deliciousness.