Benjamin Urassa's Biography

Note: Benjamin Urassa is Duma's 2006 Employee of the Year!

Duma hired Benjamin Urassa in January, 2006. Benjamin guides for both camping and lodge safaris and averages approximately two safaris a month. Benjamin is Duma's friendliest guide and he has received excellent evaluations from every safari client with whom he has traveled.

Before beginning his career as a safari guide, Benjamin was workshop manager at the primary car garage Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The garage was operated by State Travel Service, a government owned company. Benjamin worked in Ngorongoro from 1967 until 1999. He is an excellent mechanic and is an expert in Land Cruiser and Land Rover maintenance. While working in Ngorongoro, Benjamin lived with his wife and four children. He changed careers and returned to his hometown of Arusha in 1999.

In 1999, Benjamin joined Leopard Tours as a contract safari guide. Benjamin worked at Leopard Tours for six years before joining Duma Explorer. Benjamin gained most of his wildlife knowledge during his long tenure with State Travel Service in Ngorongoro. Benjamin especially enjoys watching birds.

Client praise for Benjamin

"Benjamin was a fantastic guide, with detailed knowledge of the parks and the wildlife, considerable experience, and a very good rapport with other guides and park staff, helping us to spot some incredible wildlife."

"Benjamin was a great guide- very knowledgeable, a nice person & easy to talk to."

Ben was an outstanding guide. He was always accommodating in requests and an enthusiastic guide to birds. He spotted so many animals that we were unaware of and always had a smile and an answer for our many questions."

"Ben seemed to have an inherent knowledge of where to look for animals and birds. He got us as close as possible to the animals without leaving the road. He ensured our safety at all times. He was an excellent driver as he was able to maneuver around the hundreds of potholes. He was very kind and considerate of our requests. He always fulfilled our requests to the best of his ability."

Benjamin's favorite park is Ngorongoro Crater because one can see all of the Big Five there.

His favorite animal is the giraffe because it is very polite and his favorite bird is the Crowned Crane.

Benjamin has nicknamed his Duma Land Cruiser "The Big Machine" because it is very powerful and does not break down.

Benjamin's son is currently completing his degree at Mweka Wildlife College, the premier wildlife management college in East Africa. His son hopes to guide for specialized wildlife safaris when he is finished.