Niru was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. His family operates a farm and a factory there. They also provide engineering services to the region. His love for his native homeland is expressed in his desire to share its natural beauty, friendly inhabitants and magnificent wildlife. East and Southern Africa have long been considered premium destinations for holidays. Niru and the Safari Ventures team work with the finest service providers and guides to them to North Americans.
Senior Safari Consultant and Guest CoordinatorRobin Neal
With more than 15 years as a Safari Consultant for Safari Ventures, Robin has the knowledge and experience to assist you in planning an unforgettable African tour. We rarely meet anyone who has not dreamt of an African safari, but many don’t know where to begin. Robin will work with you personally to select the itinerary that exceeds all of your expectations. Whether you are traveling with your family, a group, or an organization, we will take excellent care of you from your first inquiry to your return from Africa.
Marketing and CommunicationsRose Garretson
Rose Garretson has built a distinguished career in marketing and communications. She has focused primarily in applications, tools and web-based solutions for both consumers and businesses. Rose has demonstrated experience in sales, service, project and account management. Rose has been a member of the Safari Ventures team since its inception. Rose serves Safari Ventures in its web, advertising and communications. Rose enjoys aiding the communications for Mr. Niru Patel and is a big fan of the entire Safari Ventures company.
Director, East AfricaParesh Patel
Parash is a true son of Africa. His long associations with Tanzania’s southern and northern Parks grants him a privileged status upon arrival at all Park gates. Paresh has experience and knowledge that are unequaled. He is supremely qualified to escort Safari Ventures’ guests on foot through the wilderness. As a bonus, Paresh is a gifted storyteller and host.
Director of Development, Western USAShishir Patel
Mr. Patel was selected for this executive responsibility as a result of his knowledge and love for the African continent, experience in leading individual and corporate group excursions throughout the world, and his interest in building awareness for Safari Ventures among the most discerning travelers. Both Shishir and his wife, Joshana were born in Africa, making frequent trips to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tarangire and other national wildlife sanctuaries.
ENJOY TRAVELS WITH BEST GUIDESOur Tour Guides
RangerGeofrey Charles
Geofrey has been a guide for 16 years. He strives to make every day on safari a new and exciting adventure for our guests. He enjoys traveling and has an extensive knowledge of animals, his favorites being the giraffe and the African Hoopoe bird
GuideHassaniely Mgonja
Has been awarded Best Safari Guide of the year in the Tanzania Tour Guide awards.
Mgonja joined Safari Ventures Group in 2008 after completing his Mweka Qualification in Wildlife Management and gaining some valuable experience as a Tour guide. He has a depth of knowledge, friendly personality and passion for Wildlife. Mgonja continues to receive positive guest feedback and has worked diligently to continue to grow his Guiding techniques. His thirst for knowledge and willingness to learn along with his openness to continue to absorb more and more information has helped him to excel and selected as lead guide for several Groups. He has carried on his learning experience by taking several courses related to customer care training. This has helped him go beyond is in becoming a tour leader for various specialist safaris.
GuideHassan Bagaja
Hassan Bagaja is a member of the select group of Silver level members of the Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association. He is certified in First Aid by the Red Cross. Hassan very much enjoys taking clients on nature walks and aims to exceed your expectations.
GuideRalph McDonald
As a young man, Ralph had an uncle working with Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) which he used to accompany him during his visit to national parks. Ralph developed a keen interest to learn about wildlife and ecology. He graduated from Molac Tourism College to as a professional guide. His extensive knowledge on African flora, fauna, culture and history, and his experience leading tours in Tanzania, makes Ralph as one of our top guides. Ralph enjoys making your trip an unforgettable African experience.
GuideSamuel Chege
Samuel Chege is our resident expert on elephants and related species. Holding a certificate in elephant research, he is a Bronze level member of the Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association and is certified in First Aid and 4X4 off-roading safety. You will find him to be friendly and knowledgeable.
RangerJanuary Kayombo
January has been a guide and wildlife expert for 14 years in Tanzania. Fluent in both Swahili and English, his favorite part of a safari is interacting with guests and sharing his knowledge of animals, , flora, and fauna. The Didric Cuckoo is his favorite bird and the big cats such as cheetah, lion, and leopard are his favorite mammals.
GuideJohnson Mule
Johnson Mule is an exuberant lover of nature and takes a keen interest in sustainable tourism. He recently completed a continuing education course on Ornithology. He is also a member of the elite Silver level of the Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association, and holds a certificate in Customer Service Excellence as well as First Aid. Johnson enjoys the excitement of a safari!
RangerBakari Mustapha
Bakari has nearly 10 years of experience as one of our guides, and he is a wildlife expert. He is fluent in both English and Swahili, is an avid reader, and has a passion for animals. The giraffe is his favorite mammal and the King Fisher his favorite bird. His goal is to ensure that you have “the best time” on your safari. Back to Team
GuideFiroz Rafiki
Firoz Rafiki was born and raised on lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. As a young boy he used to listen interesting stories about wildlife from his father, motivated him to pursue his career in guiding. Firoz has a passion for learning about birds and mammals. He attended Mount Meru Wildlife College to pursue his career in guiding and is well versed in digital photography. Firoz is a superb ambassador for Africa and its ecology. His knowledge of wildlife and native culture combine to create unforgettable safari experience
RangerJulius Wenga
Julius has enjoyed his work as a safari guide for 18 years. He knows that many people dream of visiting Africa and it is his honor to make it a very special experience. His favorite mammals are the big cats and favorite bird is the Lilac Breasted Roller. He has a great way with children and loves when they are part of a family safari
Great Team
Over 40 years of experience
Frequent Tours
African adventure tours with fully guided itinerary
See World Wonders
Your personal concierge to the greatest show on earth
Award winning
Excellent customer service during every step of your travel adventure