Hezron Mbise's Biography

photo of Hezron Mbise "I've climbed Kilimanjaro more than one hundred times... it's more than enough."

Hezron Mbise has been working in the East African tourism industry for fifteen years. He started his career like many others in the tourism industry do, as a mountain porter. Hezron advanced quickly through the safari ranks, working as a cook, camp manager, and eventually as a driver/guide. In the mid-90s, Hezron spent two years in Kenya's national park system working as a camp manager and driver before returning to his native Tanzania.

Hezron and Stacy co-founded Duma Explorer in 2001. Hezron manages all aspects of Duma Explorer Tanzania, including safari and trek preparation, equipment and vehicle maintenance, accounting and financial management, and staffing. Hezron enjoys the operations and logistics of safaris and treks, and enjoys interacting with clients from all over the world.

Hezron was born on the slopes of Mount Meru, about thirty minutes from Arusha Town. He is a member of the Meru tribe and is the chief of his age group in Ndatu Village. He still lives two miles from the hospital where he was born, and is active in the community. As part of his leadership duties, Hezron resolves disputes among village members and organizes community talks about issues such as HIV/AIDS, education and local traditions. He is fluent in Kiswahili and Kimeru and knows a bit of Maasai and Kichagga.

In 2004, Hezron toured around Europe for five weeks. He visited Barcelona, Paris, London, Wales, Rome and Berlin. Hezron's favorite destination was the Vatican Museum in Rome. His favorite cultural experience was the Spanish siesta. Hezron hiked in Montserrat, Spain, and in North Wales. In Wales, Hezron climbed Mount Snowdon with Duma's UK partner Outlook Expeditions. In 2002, Hezron spent three months in the United States promoting Duma Explorer and visiting clients and friends. He visited New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Houston and San Antonio.

Hezron's favorite park in Tanzania is Serengeti National Park. Hezron loves watching carnivores and the Serengeti offers the most opportunities to spot cheetahs, lions and leopards. His favorite coastal destination is Bagamoyo and his favorite town is Arusha.