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.

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.

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.