About African Traits
Passionate team dedicated to unforgettable experiences and exceptional service.
Local Tanzanian Safari Expertise
We are a team of adventure enthusiasts who love everything about Safari. Our team of accredited, professional Guides are made up of bronze (4 years), silver (7 years), and gold (10 years) levels of experience. This level of knowledge and expertise means you’ll see the best places and get the best experiences.
With many years of experience in the tourism industry, African Traits truly understands the value of exceptional customer care. We personalize our services to ensure our clients have the most enjoyable experience as they discover the wonders of Africa with us.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
We’re committed to improving the world by preserving the environment, giving back to our communities, promoting volunteerism, and donating to orphanages that care for Tanzania’s most vulnerable people – its abandoned, orphaned, and at-risk children.
African Traits practices sustainable and responsible tourism. We care about our environment, our staff, and the local people and we constantly strive to improve our services and operations through self-evaluation, innovation, and creativity.
Meet Our Team
Meet our diverse team, driven by passion, expertise, and dedication to crafting unforgettable travel experiences tailored just for you.
Godfrey Willy
Since 2016 when African Traits opened its doors, Godfrey Willy has been showing travelers from every corner of the world the majesty of Africa. Under Godfrey’s leadership, African Traits has become a leader in the Tanzanian tourism industry by consistently exhibiting the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
Godfrey is a devoted, kind, and caring Managing Director who leads his teams by example. His passion for excellence and his enthusiasm for introducing travelers to the many wonders of Tanzania are contagious. And, it shows in the way the African Traits staff strive to give their clients the very best experience possible. Godfrey completed his diploma in Tourism Management at the Tanzania Institute of Wildlife Research in 2015. He went on to receive a Banking and Finance degree from the Institute of Accountancy in Arusha.
Zahra Sarkar Waliji
Born and raised in Tanzania, Zahra developed a deep connection to nature from a young age, growing up camping and glamping in some of the most iconic national parks and wilderness areas.
With an eye for adventure and a heart for conservation, Zahra strives to create unforgettable, sustainable safari experiences that allow guests to witness Africa’s untamed beauty while protecting it for future generations.
Nyemo Muhila
As the Operations Manager, Nyemo is an important part of the African Traits management team. She handles a variety of administrative tasks that keep the office running smoothly and efficiently. A graduate of the Institute of Accountancy in Arusha, Nyemo is trained to handle a variety of operational details which she does in a professional and friendly manner. She very capably handles the bookkeeping, correspondence, reservations, and transportation needs for all of our clients. Nyemo has been with African Traits since 2018.
Kanti Kessy
Our Transportation Manager handles the logistics for the entire fleet of African Traits vehicles. Because the safety and comfort of our clients is our highest priority, African Traits uses only the highest quality vehicles. Our transportation Manager personally oversees the routine maintenance of our vehicles to ensure they are operating within the highest safety standards. Attention to the maintenance details of our vehicles is one of the many things which differentiates us from other local tour operators. Our vehicles are ready to take you where you want to go: airport or hotel pickup or drop-off, safari, Kilimanjaro climb, sightseeing, cultural tour, shopping around town, or even just out for dinner or coffee.
Benjamin Mbatta (Ben)
Born and raised in Arusha, Benjamin has spent over a decade guiding safaris through Tanzania’s most famous national parks. His deep understanding of the local ecosystems, from flora to fauna, distinguishes him in the field. Ben’s dedication to providing excellent customer service ensures that every guest feels welcomed and engaged throughout their journey. With Ben as your guide, you’ll leave Tanzania with more than just unforgettable memories, but also a wealth of wildlife knowledge. Join him for an insider’s look at Tanzania’s natural wonders, an experience you won’t want to miss.
Bernad Erasto (Ben)
Ben, our most experienced safari guide, is passionate about introducing our clients to the many wonders of Tanzania. With a friendly and outgoing personality, he enjoys meeting new people from around the globe. Ben has extensive knowledge of wildlife and is often complimented on his astonishing ability to spot animals in unexpected and concealed locations. You will not miss any opportunity for wildlife viewing with Ben as your guide. In addition, Ben enjoys answering questions about our local culture, the customs and traditions of various tribes, as well as the arts and crafts of the region. Ben speaks English and Swahili.
Said Kibola
Said is an experienced guide with over 10 years in the field. Before becoming a safari guide, he was a National Park ranger in the Serengeti. Said is passionate about introducing our clients to the many wonders of Tanzania and he works very hard to ensure our clients see as much as possible while on safari. He enjoys teaching our clients about the local wildlife, vegetation, and culture. With Said’s keen eye for spotting wildlife, you’re sure to have a successful safari with him as your guide. He speaks both English and Swahili.
Anderson Mbise
Anderson was born and raised at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Over the years, he has traveled extensively throughout all the countries surrounding Tanzania. He has a great knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro after climbing it countless times. He is passionate about guiding and builds a great rapport with clients of all ages. He loves photography and will be the best mountain guide to capture your all-important summit photo! He is charming, hard-working, and encouraging. His ten years of experience makes him a very unique and special mountain guide who we are proud to have as part of our team.
John Kiwori (Teacher)
John, who is known by his friends and colleagues as “teacher,” is our most knowledgeable and experienced mountain guide with over eighty successful summits on record. He is a calm, strong leader who has earned respect from the porters and guides alike. Starting as a porter, he has worked his way to the top and, therefore, he knows what is needed to ensure a strong, healthy team of customers and porters. John is extremely caring and supportive. He has received his First Aid Certificate from the Tanzania Red Cross recognizing his understanding that safety is our highest priority. John attends regular training and update sessions to be the very best mountain guide he can be and we believe he is the best.
Our Vehicles
Explore in comfort and style with our fleet of meticulously maintained vehicles, ensuring safety and luxury throughout your journey.
Spare Tires & Heavy-Duty Jack
We carry two spare tires and a heavy-duty jack. Having two spares is better than having one due to poor roads in some areas, and the presence of acacia thorns.
Cooler Box
All our vehicles have a small fridge to keep beverages cold. This is not to be taken for granted especially after a long day out in the savannah.
Power Inverters
All our vehicles have 110v and 220v power adapters to make it possible to charge camera batteries.
Larger Windows
We made all the windows in the vehicle as large as possible so guests could have a better viewing experience.
Pop Up Roof
The roof can be removed so that you can stand-up and have a better vantage for viewing wildlife.
First Aid Kit
Every safari vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit. Our guides are trained to use this in case of emergencies.
From the founder
I was only 11 years old when my passion for tourism started. It was on a safari with my school, and the memories I gained on that trip will remain imprinted in my mind forever.
Of course, back then, I didn’t recognise it as a passion for tourism. I just knew that I had fallen in love. Fallen in love with wildlife. With nature. With cultural diversity. With my home country.
I was only 11, but I knew two things. The first was that I have to strive to preserve this environment so that people would experience the beauty of our world for generations to come. The second was that I would spend my life sharing the magic of Africa with others.
After visiting more National Parks and embarking on mountain climbing experiences, I decided to study wildlife. During that time, I was working as a Swahili teacher for local volunteers and I was striving to support a family near my home by helping to pay for the youngest girl to enroll in school. As more and more people asked me to help them plan their excursions, I knew I needed to find a way to follow my passion while at the same time supporting my local people.
This was the beginning of my professional career in tourism.
After completing my diploma in Tourism Management at the Tanzania Institute of Wildlife Research, I decided to start African Traits. My opportunity to give back to my country by sharing the incredible beauty of Africa with as many people as possible from all around the globe.
When I started, it was a solo operation.. Just me taking care of all of the operations and guiding.
Through delivering top quality service, African Traits has now grown to more than 20 staff, delivering tours all year round.
While we were forced to shut down in 2020 while the world faced the global pandemic, we are so happy to now welcome people back to Tanzania.
Where you can experience the true magic of Africa… however you like.
Karibu Tanzania,
Godfrey Willy