Our Team
What you want in a guide is someone who is a good driver, has excellent knowledge on local plants and animals, and is skilled at locating and spotting wildlife. With more than 80 years’ combined experience, our guides check all the boxes. On walking safaris, your guide will often be a young local Masaai. They have received guide training and know all the interesting aspects of the area, as well as the possible hazards. We are pleased to introduce our guides!
Gabriel
Gabriel Sanguyan is a passionate safari guide whose deep dedication shines through in every tour he leads. Inspired by his uncle, who worked as a guide during Gabriel’s childhood, he began sharing the magic of the wild with guests from a young age.
For Gabriel, the bush is more than just a workplace—it’s a refuge from the pace of city life and a place of constant wonder. He thrives on introducing guests to the natural world, especially the region’s incredible birdlife and wildlife.
Sayanga
Sayanga, from the Maasai tribe, is one of our walking safari guides. He has extensive knowledge in animal behaviour and identification, as well as a deep understanding of Maasai culture. On bush walks, Sayanga is quick to notice subtle changes that signal wildlife movements, and where a certain animal can be spotted. Sayanga, having co-authored a book on herbal anthropology, will introduce you to the fascinating world of medicinal plants.
Sembeta
Sembeta is a young Maasai warrior and guide in West Kilimanjaro. He has a charming personality and moves and talks with ease. He possesses in-depth knowledge of the ecology of the area, and walks with him are thoroughly enjoyable. Learning about medicinal plants and how the Maasai use them is also very fascinating. He may need some encouragement, but we hope you get to hear him singing Maasai songs around the fire at night.
Jay
Jay grew up in Tanzania but later moved to Canada. He has followed his passion to come back home. He has worked for the Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF) where he formed an alliance of tour operators that evaluated and improved their environmental and social impact standards. Jay's vision for Tarakwai is to build travel opportunities around authentic experiences while supporting local community advocacy and development.
