Andrew Kimati's Biography

Andrew Kimati was hired in May, 2006. Andrew specializes in camping and hiking trips, but also guides for some lodge safaris. As Andrew guides for all safari types, he averages three to four safaris per month during high season. Andrew has visited parks in both Tanzania and Kenya, and guides for Duma's camping safaris that visit Kenya.

Andrew began working in the safari industry in 1998; he worked full-time for two companies in Arusha before starting at Duma- Eurotan Tours and Peacock Tours and Safaris. Andrew finished both his secondary school education and mechanical college training in 1997. In 1997, Andrew completed eight months of wildlife training at Mount Meru Tour Guides. He also completed two wildlife field trainings, a fourteen day training in Serengeti National Park and a ten day training in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Client Praise for Andrew

"Andrew was knowledgable, unflappable, and so friendly. Best of all, he fit right in with our little group -- it wasn't long before we all started thinking of him as just another travel companion. But Andrew never forgot that we were his responsibility, and he bent over backwards to make sure we had the most fun, interesting, and safe trip imaginable."

"Our guide, Andrew, went out of his way to make the trip memorable for us. He has an astounding ability to spot wildlife, and his kindness, flexibility, and sense of humor added much to our remarkable safari experience. We always felt confident we were in great hands. Thank you Duma!"

Andrew has visited all parks in Northern Tanzania and Ruaha, Selous, Mikumi, Udzungwa and Saadani in other parts of Tanzania. He has also climbed Kilimanjaro three times with safari clients. In Kenya, Andrew's experience includes Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru. He is also familiar with Nairobi and Mombassa.

Andrew's favorite park is the Serengeti because it is a very large park that has many game drive roads. He feels that you can stay in the Serengeti for three months and not get bored.

His favorite wildlife to watch is the wildebeest migration because of the different movement patterns among the wildebeest and zebra. He also likes the leopard because it is difficult to find.

Andrew's favorite birds are birds of prey, especially vultures. He likes to follow circling vultures as sometimes they lead to a kill.

Most interesting wildlife sightings on safari: Wild dogs in Ndutu in 2003. This has been Andrew's only sighting of wild dogs. Another interesting wildlife experience occurred in 2004: a leopard climbed on the hood of Andrew's vehicle.

Andrew was born in 1978 in Arusha. He lives in Arusha town with his wife, Beatrice. Andrew and Beatrice are expecting their first child in 2006.

Andrew's father also worked in the safari industry; he owned a small safari company from 1993 until 1997. His father has traveled in Europe in Spain the United Kingdom, and Germany.

If Andrew had to advise clients on when to visit Tanzania, he would tell them to schedule a safari in late December through the end of March in order to see the wildebeest migration.

When he is not working, he likes to visit with friends and watch professional wrestling and movies.

Andrew likes working for Duma because it takes care of its employees and fixes problems quickly should they arise on safari.