Jonathan Mbise's Biography

photo of Jonathan Mbise "Welcome to Tanzania! If you would like to visit Tanzania, come with Duma Explorer; their service is excellent and you will enjoy your safari or Kilimanjaro climb immensely."

Jonathan Mbise is Hezron Mbise's (Duma's Tanzania owner) younger brother, and is also from Ndatu Village. Jonathan grew up in Ndatu, moved to Dar es Salaam to work as an auto mechanic, and returned to Northern Tanzania to work in the tourism industry in 1994. Like many others, Jonathan began his career as a Kilimanjaro porter. He worked as a porter for over three years and during this time learned how to cook. After working as a mountain cook for one year, Jonathan started cooking for safaris. Jonathan worked for safari companies in Moshi from 1994 until 2002.

After joining Duma in 2002, Jonathan enrolled in language and guide classes. He has completed three months each of intensive English and wildlife courses. Jonathan got his general driver's license in 1998 and his tourist, Class C driver's license in 2003. In the future, Jonathan would like to also learn Spanish.

Client Praises for Jonathan

·We had a great time on the safari. Jonathon did a great job and we always felt safe and well looked after.
·I also wanted to let you know just how good Jonathon, our guide, was. He was friendly and chatty from the start, waiting for us at the airport. Her was ready to collect us on time every morning, (we were the ones who were late!). He arranged our days carefully and with thought to how we were feeling - if we were up very early one day, it would be a later start the next. He planned things so we got to a nice area for lunch every day, he never got lost in the parks, knew all the good places to go for animals. He managed the roads, which are pretty difficult, with expertise. He could spot animals, birds, plants from miles away and tell us what they were. He was very knowledgable - he could tell us many facts about everything we saw, I learnt so much. And he never tired of telling us. He was overall a brilliant, knowldegable and friendly guide who I would happily go on safari with again, and would gladly recommend to my friends.
·Jonathan was brilliant. We spoke about his skills even on the course of the tour. He had great driving skills. His speeding and distances are perfect for the situation. He is a bible of birds. He gave us the exact name of every single bird that we spotted and within a flash would show its picture in the guide book he had. Hats-off. Jonathan was also very, very punctual in time which was extremely important given that we went on early morning game drives almost every day.
·Jonathan was wonderful. He answered all questions and made the whole experience very satisfying. I was very happy to receive him as our guide.
·Jonathan was courteous, knowledgeable, and went out of their way for us. No request was too big. Can't emphasize this enough, excellent service. I would not only recommend Duma, but recommend our guide by name.
·Jonathan knowledge and enthusiasm or wildlife greatly improved our overall experience.
·Our guide, Jonathan, was awesome and truly made the safari even more memorable. He was knowledge and willingness to look for up different birds added much to the experience. The concern for the environment was refreshing.

More about Jonathan

Jonathan enjoys working for Duma Explorer because it pays better than most other companies in Arusha. Duma Explorer has helped Jonathan finish building his house, and has helped him work towards his goal of becoming a full-time safari guide by paying for guiding and language classes.

Jonathan enjoys working in the tourism industry because it allows him to exchange ideas with people from other countries. Over the last ten years, Jonathan has gone on safari with visitors from the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, the USA, Canada, Spain and Japan. Jonathan has learned a great deal from travelers, and feels that the tourism industry helps create a good relationship between Tanzania and other cultures. Jonathan also likes working in the tourism industry because it protects the natural resources of Tanzania.

Favorite Park: Serengeti National Park because of the density of wildlife.
Favorite Animals: Cheetah and leopard.

In addition to the Serengeti, Jonathan recommends that visitors to Tanzania spend time in Arusha National Park, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Advice for tourists:
Tell Duma what you are interested in seeing so that they can plan an appropriate safari for you.
Bring proper equipment if you plan on going on day hikes or climbing Kilimanjaro.
Bring your own first-aid kit.
Follow the suggested packing list if possible.