Maikano Phale

Safari Guide

Maikano is a passionate Safari Guide who enjoys spending time with his guests in the bush; on safari, every day is different, and you never know what exactly nature has in store for you – this excitement and need to adapt to the circumstances make guiding a dream job for Maikano. He is from the Francistown area, the second largest city in the country, but has always had a desire to spend time in nature. His guests appreciate his sense of service and hospitality as well as his eagle eyes spotting wildlife on game drives. Maikano’s great passion is birding, and he will happily share the ins and outs of Botswana’s birdlife with you while on tour.

Eligard Mbise

Safari Guide

Going on safari with Eligard, no two days will ever be the same. He makes it his priority to take different routes, focus on different animals and share the incredible diversity of wildlife and nature with his guests. Eligard grew up close to Mt Meru, taking long walks in the forest after school. His love for nature only grew and after completing his studies at the Mweka College of African Wildlife Management he joined the Tanzania-Experience team in 2011. Over the years he gained vast experience and knows the national parks like the back of his hand. During his free-time, he still enjoys embarking on forest walks and playing basketball.

Lazaro Pallangyo

Safari Guide

Lazaro’s career in guiding began in 2007 and he joined our team in 2012. He is our group whisperer, turning strangers into friends on our scheduled group safaris. To him the secret for great group dynamics lies in finding out about everyone’s personal expectations and wishes on what to experience on safari; then making sure everyone in the group has the safari they always wanted. Lazaro enjoys the long conversations at the dinner table, learning about different cultures and lifestyles and sharing his love for his country Tanzania with you. On game drives, he not only looks for his favourite animal, the rhino, as part of the Big Five, but also the members of the Little Five. And these, he wants you to know, are in fact more difficult to spot than their big and well-known counterparts. Lazaro speaks English, German, and Swahili.

John Urio

Safari Guide

John has been part of the Tanzania-Experience team since 2008 and is valued by colleagues and guests for his many years of experience and kind character.

He fell in love with the idea of being a safari guide on a school trip to Lake Manyara many years ago. Starting as a mechanic, he soon added safari guiding to his skill set and embarked on his dream career.

John shares a fascination and love for big cats with many of his guests, always scouting for lions when on safari. Hiking in the Usambara Mountains is another of his favourite activities while out and about with his guests.

A family man and nature lover that he is, he makes sure his three children grow up appreciating Tanzania’s wildlife and natural heritage.

Daniel Kimbory

Safari Guide

Growing up near the foothills of Kilimanjaro, Daniel’s first job led him to the Roof of Africa – as a porter and later as a mountain guide, he climbed the highest mountain in Africa more than 200 times. His heart, however, had always been in the bush and on safari.

Following his dream, Daniel completed his tourism and German language studies and became a safari guide in 2010.

While guiding at luxury camps in Tarangire and Serengeti National Park for several months, he discovered his favourite animal: the Giant Verreaux Eagle Owl. This smart predator is only active at night, but Daniel will show you their resting spots during your game drive together.

In his free time, Daniel enjoys reading a good book and is a successful cat fish breeder.

Jackson Onesmo Akyoo

Safari Guide

Jackson became a certified guide in 2017 and joined our team in 2019. He loves guiding because it allows him to show people from around the world his country and share his knowledge of nature. At the same time, he enjoys learning about other cultures from his guests.

He doesn’t have a favourite time of year because he enjoys the diversity of each passing season.

Jackson doesn’t have a favourite park but loves Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, especially the Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti National Park. He can show guests the Big Five and more at these incredible ecosystems.

Jackson’s enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, especially when he sees his favourite animals and birds, the giraffe and vulture.

Nelson Akyoo

Safari Guide

Nelson qualified as a guide in 2020 and joined our team in 2024.

Becoming a guide was his childhood dream. Today, he journeys into the heart of nature with people from around the globe to share his passion. Here, he shares unforgettable moments with his guests that he will remember forever.

He enjoys taking guests on safari during Tanzania’s dry season, from June to October. The arid landscapes and sparse vegetation draw wildlife closer to permanent water sources, creating optimal wildlife viewing conditions and enhancing the chances of spotting the Big Five.

The Serengeti National Park, famous for the wildebeest migration, is Nelson’s favourite park. It is also an outstanding location for watching two of his favourite species: the ground hornbill and lions, both of which are apex predators.

Nelson speaks English and German.

Praygod Zakayo Nkya

Safari Guide

Praygod became a guide in 2020 and joined our team in 2024.

He relishes his job, stating, ‘I love nature and interacting with different people from around the world.’ This sentiment is evident on safari, where his passion for the natural world shines through during every wildlife encounter.

Like many guides, he favours the Serengeti National Park, particularly in the dry season when wildlife spotting is at its best. There, he enjoys observing two of his favourite species: lions and eagles.

A yearly highlight for Praygod is the wildebeest calving season from January to February. During this time, he loves watching newborn calves rise quickly to their feet and run alongside their mothers just a few hours after birth – a miraculous sight that he never tires of.

Praygod is fluent in English and Swahili.

Albert Mungure

Safari Guide

Albert, a guide since 2006, joined our team in 2024.

Guiding brings him great satisfaction as he proudly showcases his country’s landscapes and wildlife while meeting people from around the world. He particularly enjoys guiding families and older travellers.

His favourite seasons coincide with two stages of the wildebeest migration: June to August for river crossings and January to February for the calving season.

Serengeti National Park, the home of the migration, is his favourite place because it is an excellent location to see the Big Five and more, especially two of his favourite species: the giraffe and the oxpecker.

Albert, passionate about wildlife, shared a remarkable experience with Swiss guests when they encountered a nocturnal pangolin. He exclaims, ‘It was amazing since pangolins are rarely seen. We were lucky to spot one. ‘

Albert speaks English and Italian.

Zablon Peter Pallangyo

Safari Guide

Zablon became a qualified guide in 2018 and joined our team in 2023. He enjoys guiding couples and seniors for a personalised experience and considers himself a versatile guide, passionate about all living things.

His favourite months are August to November, during the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National Park, his preferred park. He notes, ‘The Serengeti is also one of the best places in Tanzania to view the Big Five, which is why I love it.’

He loves his job because it allows him to meet diverse people and showcase Tanzania’s beauty, wildlife, and many ethic groups.

Zablon reminisces about one of his favourite days as a guide, spending Christmas with his guests deep in the Serengeti. He believes such moments are truly unforgettable, which is why he enjoys his job so much.

Zablon speaks English and Swahili.

Batchi Donati

Mountain Guide / Head Guide

Batchi is one of our most experienced mountain guides and has been part of our team since day one in 2007. As Head Guide, he leads big groups to the top of Kilimanjaro, making sure that not only all climbers are safe and enjoying their experience, but also coordinating the many crew members it takes to lead a bigger group to the Roof of Africa. He is a professional and responsible role model for other guides, always giving his very best. Studying Tourism at the Bridge Institute of Business Studies in Arusha has equipped him with important expert knowledge. When the climbing gets tough, Batchi reminds you that conquering Kilimanjaro is not a competition. It is just you and the mountain. Take it slowly, one step at a time.

Batchi has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro more than 200 times.

Brighton Mwigubali

Mountain Guide / Head Guide

Brighton is a proud ambassador of Kilimanjaro and his home country Tanzania. On the long hikes climbing Kili, he will happily share his expert knowledge and entertaining anecdotes to lighten your stride. Starting out as porter, Brighton knew right away he wanted to climb the career ladder and become a guide. He went to study at the Udzungwa Mountains College in Moshi and joined Tanzania-Experience as guide in 2011. He remembers how strenuous and challenging he experienced his first climb up Kili many years ago. Today, he is an excellent mountaineer, but hasn’t forgotten the challenges a mountain-novice may encounter. You can expect empathy and encouragement from a man who knows what it feels like to conquer the highest mountain in Africa.

Brighton has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro more than 100 times.

Simon Kinyanjui

Safari Guide

Simon has shared his love for his home country Kenya with guests from around the world for almost two decades. Whether as resident safari guide or assistant camp manager at exclusive tented camps in the Masai Mara region or on the road in his Toyota Land Cruiser. His wealth of knowledge about wildlife, landscapes, and cultures of Kenya make every safari an enriching experience. Despite his many years’ experience, Simon has not lost his fascination for the bush. He sees magic in every bird, antelope and predator he encounters.

Emmanuel Mramba

Safari Guide
Emmanuel grew up in the coastal city of Mombasa. He started his guiding career on city tours around his history-rich home town. Today, you will find him taking his guests all across Kenya, sharing with you his knowledge about wildlife and landscapes of his home country. His polite and calm character make him a joy to be around. Having lived in neighbouring Tanzania, his favourite national park is Amboseli, where you can see the mighty Kilimanjaro as backdrop to large elephant herds. Besides Kiswahili and English, Emmanuel speaks German and will accompany you on our German-speaking safaris.

Mindu S. Wang’ang’a

Safari Guide

Mindu, born and raised in Kenya, has a passion for nature, wildlife, and conservation. This led him to complete diplomas in Wildlife Management and Tour Guiding. In 2018, he became a certified guide and joined our team in 2023.

Mindu is passionate about ornithology and has deep knowledge of flora and fauna. He enjoys safaris from July to October when the wildlife is most abundant, particularly in the Masai Mara, known for its diverse ecosystems. His favourite species include the endangered African Wild Dog and Sharpe’s Longclaw.

He enjoys hiking, rock climbing and camping.

Mindu loves guiding, saying, “I strongly believe in wildlife conservation. We live in a period when rare species are on the brink of extinction. Being a guide has allowed me to spread the important message of saving all wild animals.”

Mindu speaks Swahili and English.

Juergen Schatz

Tour Guide

Juergen has many stories to tell: He grew up on a farm, trained and worked as a mechanic for many years and helped set up a foundation to promote community development east of Etosha. Since 2010 he has been a tour guide and enjoys spending good times on the road with his guests. Juergen is not only a fun person to be around, but an expert in geography and history of Namibia. He hopes his guests will appreciate the diversity and different cultures of his home country just like he does. His favourite regions are Etosha National Park and the Damaraland.

Friedrich Diemer

Tour Guide

Friedrich has been touring Namibia with his guests from around the world for more than three decades. Born on a farm near Otjiwarongo, two hours from Etosha National Park, he trained as a mechanic before embarking on his first safari as a tour guide in 1990. Thanks to his many years of experience, Friedrich not only knows the country like the back of his hand, he also has many anecdotes to share during the long hours on the road. His attention to detail and hospitality, make him a favourite with our guests. Friedrich is also an expert ornithologist. His favourite areas in Namibia are the Zambezi Region and Sossusvlei.

Simon Ntinda

Tour Guide

Being on the road, spending time in nature and letting his guests see the beauty of Namibia as he sees it – Simon made his life’s dream come true when he became a tour guide in 2011. Starting out as a gardener at a lodge in 2005, he knew he wanted to change career tracks and worked long and hard to accomplish his goal of becoming a certified tour guide. Simon grew up in Namibia’s remote north, close to the Angolan border, and went to school in the small town of Karasburg in the south. Today, he is one of the most passionate tour guides you can find, as he will share his love for his beautiful home country with you. Simon is an expert in Namibian history. His favourite places are Swakopmund, Etosha National Park and the Erongo Region. In his free-time, Simon enjoys playing soccer.

Wilfried Dedig

Tour Guide

Wilfried has been in the tourism industry since the late 1990s. After growing up on a farm near Otjiwarongo and completing his studies of hospitality and tourism management, he went on to work in lodge management. However, tour guiding and showing visitors the beauty of his home country is his true passion. Wilfried completed all required guiding courses in his free time and became a guide in 2015. He enjoys sharing interesting information about the history, culture, and wildlife of Namibia with his guests.

Sam Kadonzvo

Tour Guide

Sam, a qualified guide since 1992, joined our team in 2022. Guiding people of all ages brings him deep satisfaction by allowing him to showcase Namibia’s diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and remarkable flora and fauna.

Two of his preferred parks are Etosha National Park and Mudumu National Park. In both, he enjoys seeking out a wide variety of wildlife and appreciates the contrasting environments; the former is arid, while the latter boasts a plethora of birds and lush vegetation typical of the Zambezi region.

Despite the numerous tours he has led, he remains excited about every tour, particularly when encountering his favourite animal, the Eland, and his preferred bird, the Lilac-breasted Roller.

Considering himself an instrument of nature, he loves guiding people through Namibia’s varied landscapes. To Sam, there is no better job in the world.

Sam speaks English.

Obadias (Obi) Mupurua

Tour Guide

Born in Namibia, Obi grew up on a farm and developed a profound passion for nature, which inspired him to become a guide in 1998.

Obi beautifully encapsulates his love for Namibia’s geology, flora, and fauna, stating, “Flora and fauna are like enjoying jam on bread.” He loves nurturing his passions in two of his favourite parks: Namib-Naukluft National Park for its geology, and Bwabwata National Park for its rich wildlife.

He reveres all creatures and finds beauty in species that others might overlook. Naturally, two of his favourite species are the jackal, for its cleverness, and the feathered finch, a charming bird.

Obi genuinely appreciates both people and nature, deriving immense satisfaction from taking guests on tours, saying, ‘I’ll never forget the moments when guests and I experienced nature together.’

Obi speaks English.

Gottfried Ekandjo

Tour Guide

Gottfried, a qualified guide since 1996, joined our team in 2023, bringing with him years of experience and a passion for Namibia.

He enjoys guiding small groups, families, and couples, as smaller groups enable him to connect with and learn from people of diverse cultures.

He takes pride in showcasing his country’s diversity, from scenic mountains and deserts to vast landscapes, including his favourite place, Etosha National Park, renowned for its incredible wildlife and birdlife.

If you have the opportunity to travel with Gottfried, you will quickly sense his infectious passion for Namibia. Witnessing his guests smile and relish their experiences brings him immense satisfaction. He says, “The happiness, satisfaction, and warmth I feel in my heart after every tour is truly fulfilling. I love guiding.”

Gottfried speaks English, Afrikaans, and three Namibian languages and is currently learning German.

Aron Mathys

Tour Guide

Aron has been a qualified guide since 2007 and joined our team in 2022. Like all guides, he is passionate about Namibia’s flora and fauna, but he also has particular interests in history and astronomy.

Thanks to Namibia’s rich heritage and incredibly dark skies, he can pursue his passions across the country and observe his favourite constellation, the Southern Cross.

Etosha National Park is his favourite place to take guests. After spending considerable time there, he has obtained a deep knowledge of the plants and animals, which he loves sharing with visitors from all over the globe. It is also the perfect place to observe his favourite animals, elephants and birds, the Lilac-breasted Roller.

Aron loves his job, stating, ‘I love nature and people, so guiding allows me to enjoy both.’

Aron speaks English, German, Afrikaans, and Khoi Khoi.

Mathias Hass

Tour Guide

Mathias was born in Namibia and raised in Windhoek. Nevertheless, he spent a significant part of his childhood on a family-run farm, which ignited his passion for nature and deepened his understanding of Namibia’s wildlife.

In 2023, Mathias qualified as a guide. He has a keen eye and is excellent at spotting wildlife from a distance in the bush.

One of his favourite parks, Bwabwata National Park, is located in the Zambezi Region of northeastern Namibia. It features a large oxbow lake known as the Horseshoe, where he particularly enjoys searching for honey badgers and falcons, two of his favourite species.

Mathias loves meeting new people and guiding them through Namibia, as it allows him to share his enthusiasm for the country’s wildlife, people, and landscapes.

He speaks English, German, and Afrikaans.

Lesley Mootseng

Safari Guide

Lesley never planned on becoming a guide. After finishing school in Namibia, he lived in Germany for ten years where he trained and worked as a male nurse. When he returned to Southern Africa, he fell in love with guiding and says he “still loves it like the first day”. He loves everything about his job, from spending time with his guests to solving problems while on tour. He is also a passionate driver. Lesley proudly says of himself that he “always gives 100%”, and he is especially good with families. He hopes that his guests understand nature better after being on tour with him, so that they can fact-check what Discovery channel says about Botswana.

Lesley speaks German, English, Afrikaans.

Roy Brundyn

Tour Guide

Experience South Africa through the eyes of a passionate local. With Roy Brundyn as your guide, you’ll gain an authentic insight into the country’s diverse nature, history, and culture — seeing it as locals do.

Although Roy has travelled widely, Port Elizabeth remains closest to his heart, which he describes as South Africa’s most beautiful city. He also treasures Kruger National Park, where every game drive brings the thrill of new wildlife encounters.

A keen photographer, Roy enjoys helping travellers perfect their shots, sharing tips for capturing Africa’s incredible landscapes and wildlife.

Whether exploring Golden Gate Highlands National Park or iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Roy’s calm professionalism and deep knowledge ensure a memorable and seamless adventure.

With Roy, every journey becomes more than a holiday — it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Roy speaks English and German

Steve Brown

Tour Guide

A born-and-bred Capetonian, Steve’s life has been shaped by his love of nature.

His career began in conservation, but his desire to share this passion with others led him into guiding, which commenced in Namibia in the 1980s.

With decades of experience leading travellers across Southern Africa, Steve still feels most at home in the great outdoors.

Whether cycling up mountains, diving beneath the ocean, paragliding across landscapes, or sailing along Africa’s coast, he has done it all. Yet, his passion still burns brightly!

During small-group tours, Steve’s enthusiasm shines as he rediscovers his homeland with guests—sharing stories, meeting locals, and revealing Mzansi through the eyes of a true local.

When not guiding, you’ll find him in the Karoo, Cederberg, or Drakensberg Mountains, where he leaves the rest of the world behind.

Steve speaks German and English.

Ulrich (Uli) Glatz

Tour Guide

Originally from Germany, Uli moved to South Africa to pursue a career in civil engineering. This career took him across the country and deep into the rural heart of the Eastern and Western Cape.

Along the way, he fell in love with the country’s landscapes, people, and wildlife, eventually discovering his second calling – guiding.

An enthusiastic birder and camper, Uli’s favourite places include Karoo and Bontebok National Parks. In Mossel Bay, he also leads a local birdwatching group and delights in sightings of his favourite bird, the African Oystercatcher.

Since joining Africa-Experience, Uli has shared South Africa’s wild beauty and culture with guests, often guiding in German.

He relishes small-group tours for their personal touch and the farewell braai, when stories and laughter reflect the magic of another unforgettable journey.

Juan Proll

Tour Guide

For Juan, travelling has always been a passion. His journeys have taken him across Latin America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe and North Africa.

Before moving to South Africa in 2011, he worked in adult education and led a competence centre for migrant affairs. South Africa offered something special—the chance to pursue his love of nature.

Juan trained as a qualified nature guide and is a proud member of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa. Since then, he has led tours throughout Southern Africa and shared his expertise as a travel consultant.

On tour, Juan combines deep knowledge with an infectious curiosity. Enthralled by all creatures—from elephants to ant lions—he inspires guests to see South Africa’s natural wonders through curious eyes.

Multilingual Juan also enjoys speaking German, English, and Spanish while on tour.

Mike Brown

Tour Guide

With a lifelong passion for travel, history, and wildlife, Mike brings a world of experience to every tour.

After exploring all seven continents – including the icy wilderness of Antarctica – he discovered a deep joy in sharing Africa’s beauty and stories with guests from across the globe.

A qualified guide, Mike leads journeys full of discovery, enjoying the personal touch that small-group tours offer.

He prefers late winter and spring for their gentle light and blooming landscapes, when exploring South Africa’s wilderness areas is especially rewarding.

Among the country’s many parks, he treasures wildlife encounters in Mala Mala Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, particularly when spotting his favourite bird, the martial eagle, or finding himself surrounded by elephants, his favourite animal.

Guided by Mike, you’ll experience South Africa with curiosity, warmth, and a deep respect for the natural world.

Pierre Poolman

Tour Guide

Pierre has long aspired to share his passion for South Africa’s history, nature, and culture with travellers from across the globe as a guide.

In 2018, he achieved this dream by becoming a certified guide, and in 2024, he joined the South Africa-Experience team.

He enjoys guiding small groups and private tours, where he can connect more personally with guests and help them discover the beauty and diversity of his country.

Summer is his favourite season, especially when exploring Table Mountain National Park with its scenic drives and breathtaking views.

In wilder parks, Pierre’s excitement never fades—especially when spotting elephants or the colourful Knysna Lourie. Yet his most rewarding moments come when guests turn to him and say, “I never expected this! It’s so beautiful!”

Gabriela Biljohn

Tour Guide

Gabriela is a tour guide with a passion for South Africa, particularly its people, cultures, and wildlife.

She has been a guide since 2017. Gabriela loves sharing the country’s rich multicultural tapestry and stories of its diverse ethnic groups, offering guests insights that go far beyond the landscapes they travel through.

She particularly enjoys small-group and private tours, especially with solo travellers and couples, as these experiences allow meaningful connections and shared discoveries to unfold naturally.

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal Province is her favourite park, and she is drawn to its lush landscape and intimate feel. Here, she also relishes the chance to spot the Big Five, and two of her favourite animals — the charismatic warthog and the vibrant lilac-breasted roller.

Guided by Gabriela, each journey is engaging, insightful, and full of passion.