Currently guiding at Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp but with experience across all Elewana’s Tanzania properties, Angela tells us about her journey into guiding.

Tell us a little about your pathway to becoming a guide with the Elewana Collection

I would say that it is not conventional, as I grew up in the west side of northern Tanzania where tourism is almost non-existent. It was only when I started travelling after education that I realised this was an industry I really wanted to work within. My first jobs were more office based so I could raise the money to train to become a mountain guide. I was really lucky to earn a place on the Elewana apprenticeship programme and that was what finally led me to my role of driver guide today.

How challenging was it to break into guiding as a female

It was hard but the opportunities are there if you have the ambition and drive to take them. I climbed Kilimanjaro over 15 times as a mountain guide. I remember one time in 2017 realising that I was the only non-tourist female on the entire mountain. This is now changing, and you are seeing more females as porters and guides.

What would your advice be to aspiring female guides

Be patient. The doors are there to be opened but it is a journey that might take time. Always be part of the team and take help where it is offered. The male guides that I work with are hugely supportive and we all depend on each other. They are always there to help and that is a source of strength to me.

Has there been an influential personality that has inspired you

There is a female guide called Viktoria who has worked in the guiding business in Tanzania for over 20 years. She started out with some of the most well-established safari operators and now runs her own business.

What does your average day look like

It starts really early at around 6am as some of the best sightings take place at dawn. I give guests the choice of a full day’s game drive where we will pack a picnic lunch and return to camp at around 4 to 5 pm or alternatively guests can have lunch back at the camp and a rest and enjoy a sundowner game drive later in the afternoon.

What do you enjoy most about your job

I really enjoy meeting new people and I simply love wildlife. I am privileged to be able to educate guests on the surrounding environment and every day is a new day. There is just so much to discover.