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Meet andBeyond’s first female guide in East Africa

andBeyond’s first female guide in East Africa, Aziza Mbwana, explains how she conquered a male-dominated industry and why Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is the best place for safari.

andBeyond’s first female guide in East Africa, Aziza Mbwana, explains how she conquered a male-dominated industry and why Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is the best place for safari.

Twenty years ago, Aziza Mbwana became the first female guide employed by andBeyond in East Africa and the second female guide in Tanzania.

Now Assistant Head Ranger at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, she is the first to admit it hasn’t been an easy road in what is typically a male-dominated industry.

 “It wasn’t easy starting out in a man’s world. On top of all the oral and written exams, there were mentally and physically challenging activities. We had to walk for seven hours with 10 kilograms on our backs, we had to push broken-down vehicles for three hours, and we had to practice carrying the heaviest trainee on a stretcher for two kilometres.”

“I had to go the extra mile all the time because I am a woman. There were only three women at the lodge and there was a lot of animosity when I first arrived. I was often told, ‘This is not your home.’

“The men used to place bets that I would get lost in the bush with my guests and they’d often ask me what I’d do if I got a flat tyre. I just told them I would change it, as any other guide would.”

Two decades on and she’s more than proved her worth.

Affectionately referred to as ‘Mama Tembo’ (tembo being the Swahili word for elephant), for her knowledge of the gentle giants, and as one of the most respected matriarchs among andBeyond’s expert guides, she has gone on to guide thousands of people, including world-famous A-listers including Leonardo DiCaprio.

andBeyond on safari at Ngorongoro Crater
On safari with andBeyond at Ngorongoro Crater

Following your dreams

Mbwana says she has wanted to be a ranger since childhood, but it took some persistence to get there.

“My parents used to take me to one of the zoos in Arusha at the Tanzanite Hotel. They used to have different varieties of animals. That is where my interest came from, so I would tell myself that, when I grew up, I would like to work as game ranger or a tour guide so that I could see these animals every day.

“My father didn’t understand me. He was a medical doctor by profession and my mother was an accountant, so my parents were expecting me to be a doctor or an accountant, not to do what I am doing today.

“I am grateful to my mother, who really supported me. She told me if that was what I wanted, to go for it.”

Eventually, through perseverance, both of her parents agreed to send her to a tour guiding school.

“My advice to other women who want to be in a position like me is that you need to believe in yourself and your capabilities. Invest time in educating yourself and get the relevant skills that will help you in guiding.

“Don’t be afraid to face challenges and persist through setbacks. Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need any assistance and remember to maintain a balance between your personal life and professional life. Your wellbeing is crucial in maintaining long-term success.”

andBeyond takes guests to Ngorongoro Crater
The picturesque landscape you can expect on safari with andBeyond at Ngorongoro Crater

A world of wildlife

Mbwana continues to be grateful to do what she loves and is at her happiest when guiding at Ngorongoro Crater.

“It is one of the very few places where Maasai pastoralists live alongside wildlife, preserving their culture and allowing for sustainable cohabitation. The nearby UNESCO World Heritage-listed Olduvai Gorge is a key factor in understanding human evolution, with fossils that contributed towards our knowledge of the earliest humans. It’s an incredible place to work.”

She says travellers should put the region on their bucket list because it’s so unique.

“The landscape is breathtaking, and you can see the Big Five, as well as do walking safaris, and experience Maasai culture.”

And she says while most travellers come for the wildlife, “most of the visitors who return say that they do so because of the local people and their hospitality”.

andBeyond guide Aziza Mbwana
andBeyond guide Aziza Mbwana

Changing times

Mbwana says there have undoubtedly been some big changes in her 20 years as a guide, but by far the biggest has been technology.

“When I started, there were no smartphones and no social media. These days the majority of guests access most of the information through their smartphones. They can book their travel on the internet and online reviews have influenced most of their travel planning.”

And she says there’s also greater awareness about environmental issues among travellers and most are looking for eco-friendly travel.

“Tourists are increasingly looking for experiences that minimise their environmental footprint. Most tour operators have now adopted sustainable tourism. They also involve communities in eco-tourism, creating economic opportunities for local residents to ensure they benefit from tourism activities.

“As environmental concerns grow, there will be increasing emphasis on eco-tourism practices. Tour guides might focus more on eco-friendly tours, promote local conservation efforts and educate tourists about environmental impact.

“They will also be forced to offer more authentic experiences that go beyond the normal tourist attractions, which means involving local communities and exploring isolated attractions.”

As for how she feels about paving the way for women wanting to be guides in Africa?

“There are now many female guides. It’s an honour to pave the way in my career and I am so excited about the positive impact I have been able to make in my field so far.”

For more information, visit andBeyond.