Early Beginnings
As a small child I would sit glued to the television whenever African documentaries were shown
fascinated by the magnitude and wildness of Africa's great game.
In later life as I led expeditions across the entire face of the African continent experiencing my childhood
dreams, one country shone amongst the rest - Tanzania
With her vast endless plains, volcanoes and mountains, migratory herds of millions and gentle spirited people
I had finally found the place to make my home.
Gary Strand
Founder and Managing Director, Wildlife Explorer
Wildlife Explorer
In 1984 the Strand family founded Wildlife Explorer and in doing so set about re-creating the Traditional Luxury Tented Safari. Based on the style of a bygone era, tents and vehicles were redesigned to reflect modern expectations whilst the mood and charm of the original Safari experience was maintained, mingled with more than a little fun!
Today Gary & Jo Strand, together with French born Marianne Zelleke, own and manage Wildlife Explorer, overseeing each and every part of the small and exclusive family run company.
The original philosophy of getting away from it all still holds true-the only change is an increased efficiency on which to base the main safari ingredients.
A Tented Safari with Wildlife Explorer has no boundaries, no time frame, no need to conform to set itineraries. The freedom to experience the unspoilt vastness of Tanzania is completely in your hands. Tell us what you are interested in, how long you wish to safari for and we will do the rest.
Who are we?
Gary & Jo Strand and Marianne Zelleke are mentioned above, however, behind the scenes, Wildlife Explorer has one of the most loyal and long serving teams in the business some of whom joined the company as long ago as 1985!!
Office Managers, Mechanics and of course highly trained Camp-Crew including Chefs, Waiters and Tent Stewards all endeavour to make a Safari with Wildlife Explorer the adventure of a lifetime.
The Guides
The person that accompanies our guests for the duration of a Safari is of paramount importance to the success of the
journey; not only must he be familiar with all aspects of game viewing i.e. spotting, animal behaviour and anticipation
of where the best game will be, but he also must have a broad based knowledge of African History, Palaeontology and
Cultures, as well as being a fun person to spend time on safari with!
We have taken special care to ensure that our highly trained Guides are the most knowledgeable and personable in Tanzania.
We take particular pride in the knowledge that each and every one of them has years of experience and has the ability to be a wonderful host whilst on safari.
All of our safaris are lead by a Professional European or Tanzanian Wildlife Explorer Guide.
Gary Strand.
Founder
and Managing Director of Wildlife Explorer, Gary started the company by individually guiding every safari!
As a keen Naturalist and with his great in-depth knowledge of the areas in which Wildlife Explorer safaris, Gary's enthusiasm for the bush is quickly contagious!
Trained as a professional photographer, his eye for a great photograph has seen numerous publications and exhibitions including the front cover of Geographic magazine.
Many of Gary's guests return time and time again to experience unspoilt Africa, choosing invariably to accompany him in areas that permit the freedom to walk and use less than orthodox methods to get that shot!
Sebastian Chuwa.Sebastian is considered to be Tanzania's leading Botanist, has a species of plant named after him that he discovered in the Ngorongoro Highlands, and has been nominated for the prestigious Rolex Award for his work propagating indigenous tree species on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. If that wasn't enough, in February 2002 the Olympic Committee honoured his conservation efforts by presenting him with the Spirit of the Land Award in person in Salt Lake City, USA. Since the early 1980's Sebastian has been an integral part of Wildlife Explorer guiding safaris throughout Tanzania building up his reputation as one of the finest naturalists in the country. Sebastian's interests not only lie with his botanical studies, Seba has a wide and in depth knowledge of his countries natural history and ethnic culture accompanied with a charming personality. |
Godfrey Mbise.Godfrey's sense of humour, personality and extensive experience has earned him the accolade of being one of
the most respected Professional Guides in northern Tanzania. When special interest safaris require in depth ornithological
abilities Godfrey's name is top of the list. Alongside Gary from the very beginning, Godfrey has been at the sharp end of Wildlife Explorer's involvement with Community Conservation bringing a sensitive approach to understanding the needs of the communities that he works alongside. Godfrey's abilities extend across the full range of Safari expertises, which coupled with his humour make him a wonderful host on safari. |
||
|
Kasti Mushi.A Legendary Game Spotter, Kasti has rightly become the rule by which others are governed! Chaga by birth from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kasti has moved throughout Tanzania's rich game lands guiding clients from all over the World. His passion for being on foot with his infinite eyesight makes him a great person to be with. Experienced in all aspects of safari etiquette his want for increased knowledge has pushed Kasti to the top of the Guides list with many of his guests returning time and time again to experience the great African bush alongside him. |
||
Naiman Mungure.Naiman has been guiding with Wildlife Explorer since 1994. He has attended courses for Wildlife Management and has graduated from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Naiman's quiet yet extremely knowledgeable personality and background make him one of our most likeable guides. |
Mzee Justice.In spite of his name, which means 'revered elder' in Kiswahili, Mzee is far from being in the dotage of his
years! Wildlife Explorer has been privileged to have Mzee as a guide since 1994, and to many repeat guests a safari
without the humour of Mzee's involvement is a safari not worth having. |
||
Phillip Ashby.
Phillip was born in South Africa and spent his childhood roaming the varied lands ministered by his Father.
Held in high regard by many of South Africa's leaders, Phillips family still work and live there. Encouraged by Tanzania's commitment to the conservation of its natural resources Phillip moved to Tanzania and quickly moved into conservation work with the Friedkin Conservation Fund as Field Manager in the Maswa Game Reserve and Kizigo Game Reserve principally responsible for Community Conservation and Anti-Poaching. Undoubtedly one of Tanzania's finest walking guides, Phillip relishes being in the wilderness on foot. His incredible knowledge of the bush and sensitivity towards Tanzania's people and its wildlife make him a wonderful Professional Guide. |
Dave Armon.
Dave was born in England, however his family brought him to Tanzania as a small child where he spent the rest of his childhood years interacting with local Tanzanians throughout this varied country. Extensive travels followed across the African Continent, and in depth experiences with minority communities quickly mapped the course of Dave's future. Working throughout the Masai Steppe in Tanzania with small communities of Masai on conservation projects and leading student cultural expeditions, encouraged Dave to gain a more formalised knowledge of Bush activities in addition to his extensive cultural knowledge. Game Ranger and Ecotraining at Sabi Sands in South Africa and the Serengeti in Tanzania enhance Dave's qualifications to guide safaris on foot. With a wealth of knowledge and experience at his fingertips, experience gained far into the bush Dave's Professional Guiding ability is second to none. |
Wilderness Camps.
With
a seasonal presence in The Ngaroi and Osunyai, our private concession areas on the periphery of the Serengeti and Tarangire
National Parks we have been able to expand the services and accommodations at camp.
The nucleus of the camp is similar in style to the Traditional Tented Camp detailed above. However additional facilities such as an informal Lounge/Library Tent in which to relax with comfortable couches and Kalim rugs plus a fine selection of coffee table top Natural History books to refer to whilst resting during the heat of the day compliment the style and ambiance of the camp.
The accommodation tents have been up-graded to reflect the requirements of guests wishing to stay longer in the wilderness areas and include extra space and increased lighting.
NB. See details of the added services at the Wilderness Camps on The Ngaroi and Osunyai pages.
'Gary clearly has a feel for the theatrical and the "al fresco" champagne welcome to the camp - complete with Masai ranged along the rock backdrop to the camp and specialist walking guide with shouldered rifle - as well as the repeat performance on a rocky outcrop towards the end of the last evening drive, all added to round off an exceptional experience which we will never forget.'
Vehicles and Safety.
The
most important requirement of a safari vehicle is that it is comfortable, professionally maintained and has the
ability to safari wherever it is required.
All of our vehicles are purchased new from the factories of Toyota and Land Rover and are modified and serviced in our own workshops.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is used on all of our safaris with Land Rovers used at our wilderness camps.
The Land Cruisers are all modified to allow game viewing through large hatches above each seat including that of the front passenger and driver guide and are fitted with additional spare wheels and a comprehensive spares kit.
The Land Rovers are modified to be completely open for 360 degree uninterrupted open-air game viewing.
As a safety precaution Wildlife Explorer maintains a dedicated HF Radio network, which allows communication between all of our vehicles, camps and the Arusha Base.
Standard Wildlife Explorer Equipment in each vehicle:
- Fridge/Freezers for ice cold drinks.
- Guide Books.
- Maps.
- Photographic Beanie Bags.
- Medical Kit.
- Cool Canvas Seat Covers
with Pockets for Cameras and Binoculars. - VHF Radio. (Inter vehicle communication)
- HF Radio. (Long Range Communication to Arusha Office)
- Spade.
- Hi-Lift Jack.
- Sand Mats.
- Long Range Fuel Tanks.
