Ayubu Mafie's Biography

Ayubu began working in the safari industry in 2000. His first job as a tourism driver was with AndersonTours. After working for Anderson Tours, he worked with Safari Makers from 2003 until 2007.

Ayubu's background is in mechanics. He studied for two years at Tanga Driving Mechanics College before moving to Arusha. He was then employed by the Sopa Lodge as a driver and mechanic from 1990 until 1994. He left the Sopa Lodge in 1994 to join Wildlife Explorer. He worked at Wildlife Explorer until 2000, performing many duties including supplying camps in the national parks, waiting tables and setting up mobile camps. Ayubu received excellent recommendations from both the Sopa Lodge and Wildlife Explorer when he left.

Praise for Ayubu

"Ayubu our guide was excellent. His knowledge on things was great and he always had answers for any questions we had. He always got us the best possible locations with the jeep so we could get the perfect photograph. His sense of humor was great. He was a team player and it was obvious that other Duma staff like working with him."

"Ayubu and Remy are a great team. Ayubu always kept our vehicle clean inside and out. He was always clean and well dressed and also very professional and knowledgeable. While the safari was wonderful, the great relationship we developed with Ayubu and Remy was equally as memorable. They became our friends. Their sense of humor was great and their dedication to the job was most important to them."

"In the end it's the safari experience itself that's crucial and that depends more than anything on theguide. This is the person you're with all day every day. In our eyes the relationship with one's guide is almost as critical as the animals themselves. We were incredibly fortunate to have as our guide Ayubu Mafie. Ayubu was not simply a sure and steady hand with a wide ranging knowledge about the animals, he knew the landscape and the history. He quickly became a valued friend as well."

"In part, of course, what animals you encounter is dependent on sheer luck and accident. But a great guide can make the most of those encounters. Pehaps the most telling example of Ayubu's knowledge and skillcame when we encountered two pair of lions on the last day of the trip. As often happens with the bigger game, there were several jeeps of people that had stopped to observe them. In time, the other jeeps left, but Ayubu encouraged us to stay. They're mating, he explained and they'll be doing it every twenty minutes. We stayed and caught a glimpse of what the others had missed. It was a highlight of our experience.

"Clearly I'm partial to Ayubu because he is now a friend, so forgive me if I tell everyone that Ayubu's the man to get."

More about Ayubu

Ayubu has visited all parks in Northern Tanzania and Ruaha, Selous, Mikumi, Udzungwa, Amani, Lushoto and Mkomazi in other parts of Tanzania. He has never climbed Kilimanjaro but has climbed Oldonyo Lengai.

Ayubu's favorite park is Tarangire because of the beautiful scenery, diverse ecosystems, and thousands of baobab trees.

His favorite animal to watch is the leopard because it is solitary, a clean animal, and very mysterious.

Ayubu's favorite birds are kingfishers because of their beautiful colors. His favorite kingfishers are the Pygmy and Grey-headed Kingfishers.

Most interesting wildlife sightings on safari:
Serengeti National Park in 2004: Ayubu saw 16 lions hunt two zebras at the same time.
Serengeti National Park in 2006: Ayubu saw a cheetah climb on top of a car in the Gol area of the Serengeti.

Ayubu enjoys hiking safaris that start in Ngorongoro and end in Lake Natron. He also likes accompanying clients during bush walks in Arusha National Park and other areas where walking is permitted. Ayubu enjoys traveling with active clients who enjoy getting to know Duma staff. He likes answering questions not only about wildlife but also about the customs and culture of Tanzania.

Ayubu was born in 1969 on the slopes of Mount Meru. He is a member of the Meru tribe and is married with two children. His twins who were born in 1998.

When Ayubu is not on safari, he enjoys spending time with his family. During the low season, he likes to take refresher courses on wildlife. Ayubu also likes watching football.