Meet the Team
Steven and Kierstin | Owners
Steven, a Tanzanian native and Meru Tribe descendent met Kierstin, an American, through her grandparents who for over 20 years, have been a big part in the development and support of the people in the village Steven grew up in. Kierstin's grandparents, Gene and Lorraine's efforts reach from building a primary school to running a US based sponsorship program for primary and secondary school students.
A Grandparents invitation to visit their second home was what lead to love at first sight for Steven and Kierstin! That, along with their love for God and passion for helping children and people in need brought them together. Ultimately that passion, paired with Kierstin's love for animals and nature, is what fueled the vision for Afrika Roots Safari Company... a way to get people connect to their roots and the nature and the culture in AFRIKA, the birthplace of humanity, all while helping the local economy and those in need.
Steven and Kierstin have happily made their home in Arusha, Tanzania where Steven has been the Director of Christ Hope Orphanage for over 10 years.
Godfrey | Operations Manager
Godfrey has been driving professionally for over 5 years and holds a certificate in Tour Guiding from Tropical Centre Institute. His interest and passion for nature and adventure from a young age is what drove him to study tourism. One of his favorite things about his job is the freedom to be creative in meeting each guest's wishes. Godfrey's favorite destinations in Tanzania are Tarangire National Park (Home of Giants), Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation area and Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor because they are all protected and highly diverse in terms of wildlife.
Godfrey would like you to know these 5 things about Tanzania:
- Thirty-three percent of Tanzania is protected so there are many natural attractions for you to visit!
- Tanzania has over 120 tribes.
- Although Tanzania has many tribes, the national language is Swahili.
- Tanzania is a peaceful country.
- Tanzanian's love people of all colors and backgrounds. Foreigners are always welcome!
Robert | Safari Guide
Robert has been a safari guide since 2001 and holds a certificate in Wildlife Management from Mt Meru College. He has a remarkable admiration for wildlife and has a desire to aide in conservation and share that knowledge with locals and tourists. Robert loves meeting new people, exchanging ideas and learning about other cultures. His favorite destinations in Tanzania are Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ruaha Park and Selous Game Reserve as well as the beaches of Tanga, Mafia and Zanzibar.
Robert would like you to know these 3 things about Tanzania:
- The best way to aide in African wildlife conservation is going on safari which helps fund conservation programs.
- Tanzania is not only rich in wildlife but is also rich in culture with much beauty to be seen in landscapes, lakes and beaches.
- Tanzania is home of the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and it's the only place with permanent snow in Africa.
George | Mt Kilimanjaro Guide
George has been a mountain guide for over 13 years and holds certification in Mountain Guiding, Leadership, Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and a Kilimanjaro Guide License. His passion for hiking and love of helping people achieve their life dreams is what led him to this line of work. George loves to meet new people, learn about other countries, cultures and making new friends! His favorite desitnations in Tanzania are Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Mt. Meru and Zanzibar.
George would like you to know 4 things about Tanzania:
- Tanzania is one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
- Tanzanian's are very kind and love welcoming foreigners.
- Tanzania is a peaceful country.
- Tanzania is full of tourist attractions!
Abbas | Zanzibar Guide
Abbas has been professionally driving for 10 years. He is passionate about his home on the island of Zanzibar and proudly wants to show it off to the world! Abbas will pick you up from the airport or ferry terminal with a smile on his face and get you to your hotel as well as making sure you get to all the excursions you have planned. He is there to answer any questions from dining to the best beaches to relax on!
Abbas would like you to know 3 things about Zanzibar:
- We are all about the HAKUNA MATATA lifestyle!
- Zanzibar is rich in culture and history, has amazing food and spices, and has some of the best beaches in the world!
- Zanzibar and Tanganyika (current day Tanzania mainland) used to be two separate countries. In 1964, after Tanganyika's independence from the UK, they became one and combined names which is now Tanzania.