Meet Lenganasa, a guide at Oliver's who loves the smaller sightings on safari

By Asilia Africa | 12 October 2020

Meet Lenganasa, a fantastic guide who has been part of the Asilia family for five years. Lenganasa is currently training to be a walking safari guide and has discovered a love for all the small creatures of the bush. A keen photographer, Lenganasa enjoys trying to capture the detail of the wildlife he encounters in the bush.

What is your favourite animal?

I have always loved leopards because they’re so elusive; when you finally find one, it’s the best feeling in the world. Since becoming a guide five years ago, I have also found myself becoming more and more interested in all creatures, even the smallest ones like ants and termites!

 

What is your favourite wildlife encounter?

I have been so lucky to see some amazing things as a guide, but I think my favourite encounter was during a walking safari. I am currently a trainee walking guide and was accompanying a group of guests in Selous Game Reserve. I was at the back of the group and we were walking past a small pool of water (a safe distance away). Suddenly, a hippopotamus emerged from the water and started walking toward us. On walking safaris, there is always a ranger who carries a rifle, but luckily, we didn’t need it. The hippopotamus stopped about 10 metres away from us and then walked off in search of food. My heart was racing – they are giants!

 

Have you always wanted to be a guide?

Yes, I knew I wanted to be a guide, even when I was a young boy at school. Asilia helped me to make my dream a reality and I have been guiding for five years. As you know, I’m training to become a walking guide and should be taking my final assessment soon. When I’ve completed my training, I want to continue to learn and better myself. Maybe one day, far in the future, I could become Asilia’s head guide.

 

What is your biggest achievement?

I am very proud that I am doing my walking safari guide training. I love learning about the small things that you can easily miss in a car; for example, the trails that wood termites leave as they cross the road, or the small signs that dik-diks use to communicate to others. I like having the opportunity to explore these small details and explain them to guests.

 

I am also proud of my family. I have a wife and 3-year old called Mark. He also loves animals so I wonder if one day he will also be a guide. I do find it difficult being away from home, but I am used to it now and I know that I am doing the best for my family by working hard to support them.

 

What’s one thing that the other staff members don’t know about you?

I don’t think many people know that I am really into photography. I’ve always loved taking pictures and I used to be the school photographer when I was younger. I like capturing the detail of what I see in the field and then comparing the image to the one I see with my own eyes. It also helps me to do my job because I know how to position the car in the best way for guests to capture a good image.


close
Maa Beadwork Newsletter Signup
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Join our monthly newsletter. Stay in touch and travel when ready.
2023 Logo1 Most Prominent Tourism Company Tanzania Asilia Africa[59]
Travellers' Choice 2023