Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa

Meet Killow: Travel Expert at Tanzania Specialist

Get to Know the Faces Behind Tanzania Specialist

In the Hot Seat: Killow

This month in our Get to Know the Faces Behind Tanzania Specialist series, we’re proud to introduce Killow, a travel consultant whose passion for tourism began on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Growing up just minutes from the park gate in Moshi, he watched adventurers pass by his childhood home with wonder in their eyes — and knew one day, he wanted to help create that magic.

Today, as a Travel Consultant, Assistant Head of Business Support, and Sustainability Coordinator, Killow brings a lifetime of local knowledge, heart, and hospitality to every journey he plans. From the drama of the Serengeti to the cultural treasures of Tanzania, he’s here to make your safari unforgettable.

5 Questions With… Killow

1. What’s your name, where are you from, and what’s your role at Tanzania Specialist?

My name is Killow, and my journey into tourism started way before I ever had a job title. In fact, you could say I caught the travel bug as a kid, long before I knew it would become my career.

I was born in the Tanga Region but grew up in Moshi, right on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where my father worked as a secondary school teacher in Marangu. Our home was just minutes away from the Kilimanjaro National Park entry gate.

As a child, I watched tourists from all over the world pass by close to our house, full of excitement on their way to the mountain entry gate or glowing with pride as they returned. That daily view sparked something in me.

Many of my father’s close friends worked in tourism as travel advisors, guides, porters, and park rangers, and their stories captivated me. I was lucky enough to occasionally tag along with them on short trips. Listening to their stories and witnessing the happiness they brought to visitors made me dream of a future in the same world. I didn’t just want to hear about adventures — I also wanted to help create them.

After finishing school, my father supported my dream and took me to enroll at the African College of Wildlife Management and Tourism, Mweka, which is located on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. There, everything started to take shape. During field trainings in Tanzanian national parks like Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Saadani, and Mikumi, my passion grew deeper. I realized how powerful it was to connect people with nature and show them the best of Tanzania.

Today, I’m proud to be a Travel Consultant at Tanzania Specialist, the leading tour company in the country. I also serve as the Assistant Head of Business Support and Sustainability Coordinator. Every day, I get to live the dream that began in my childhood — to help travellers experience the magic of Tanzania and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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2. What’s your favorite destination in Tanzania and why?

Oh, that’s always a tough question for me because Tanzania is full of wonders, and every destination feels like stepping into a different world. From lush green forests to vast open plains, every corner of this country tells its own story. But if I had to choose one place that completely captivates me, it would be Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Picture an endless sea of golden grass stretching out to the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and bustling with wildlife. It’s often called “the land that never sleeps” because, at any moment, something incredible is happening — lions stalking through the grass, elephants marching in the distance, or cheetahs sprinting after their prey.

One of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve had in the Serengeti was watching the Great Migration, as thousands upon thousands of wildebeest and zebras made their way across the Mara River. The sheer power, instinct, and danger of that moment — especially as they cross the river, risking crocodile attacks — is unforgettable. It’s nature in its rawest, most spectacular form.

And then there are the little moments that steal your heart — the golden sunrise that gently kisses the landscape awake, the fiery sunsets that paint the sky in every shade of red and orange. On a clear night in the Serengeti, especially during the dry season, the sky becomes a sparkling canvas. You can lie back, listen to the distant calls of hyenas or lions, and feel completely connected to the rhythm of nature.

The Serengeti isn’t just a safari destination; it’s a place that stirs your soul. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned adventurer, it has a way of leaving a mark on your heart. It reminds you that wild beauty still exists in the world — and that you’re lucky to witness it.

Killow’s Favourite Activities

From soaring over the Serengeti at sunrise to night safaris, horseback rides, and spice tours — these are the adventures Killow says you simply can’t miss.

3. Which safari experience would you recommend to someone visiting for the first time?

For first-time visitors, I’d recommend starting with a Northern Circuit safari, which takes you through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti. These iconic destinations offer the perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife encounters, and unforgettable moments. Imagine watching a pride of lions lounging under an acacia tree, or catching your first glimpse of a leopard perched on a branch at sunset. The Ngorongoro Crater alone is like a wildlife Eden, where all of the Big Five can be seen in one day, surrounded by towering crater walls and misty forests.

Zebras Ngorongoro crater

If you’re up for a challenge, Mount Kilimanjaro awaits. Standing atop the “Roof of Africa” is more than a physical accomplishment. Watching the sunrise from Uhuru Peak, with the clouds below you, is something you’ll carry with you forever.

And then there’s the coastal magic of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island, with their pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and Swahili charm. These islands are ideal for winding down after a safari — enjoying fresh seafood, diving with whale sharks in Mafia, or exploring historical towns like Stone Town.

For culture lovers, Tanzania is a living museum. Spend some time with the Maasai, learning their traditions and way of life. Visit the Hadzabe, one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes on Earth, and the Datoga, skilled blacksmiths with centuries-old traditions.

Are you a flower lover? Kitulo National Park — often called the “Garden of God” — is a floral paradise in the Southern Highlands, blooming with wild orchids and alpine flowers.

Prefer primates? Head west to Gombe or Mahale Mountains National Park, where you can trek through tropical forests to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat — a humbling and emotional experience.

And for something truly magical, why not drift in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti or Tarangire at sunrise? Floating silently above elephants and giraffes as the morning mist rises is an experience you’ll never forget.

Whatever your dream adventure looks like, Tanzania delivers it — with authenticity, wonder, and a warm welcome every step of the way.

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4. What’s the most unforgettable wildlife moment you’ve had?

One of the most unforgettable wildlife moments I’ve ever witnessed happened during a Serengeti safari trip with some friends. We had stopped by the Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti to admire the scenery when something truly remarkable — and intense — unfolded before our eyes.

A small herd of elephants had come down to the water to drink, including a baby elephant that wandered just a little too close to the edge. Out of nowhere, a crocodile lunged and managed to grab the baby’s trunk. For a brief, heart-stopping moment, everything froze.

Then came the mother’s reaction — an explosion of power, fury, and instinct. She charged into the water without hesitation, trumpeting loudly, splashing through the river, and attacking the crocodile with incredible force. With a few powerful movements, she managed to free her baby and send the crocodile tumbling back into the water.

One adult, one juvenile and one young elephant in the green grass in Tanzania

We all stood in stunned silence. It was emotional, intense, and deeply moving. That moment wasn’t just about the drama — it was about the bond between mother and child, and the raw, protective strength of nature. I’ll never forget it. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can still hear the sound of the water splashing and the mother’s powerful trumpet as she defended her young.

Killow’s Favourite Tours

Want to travel like a local expert? These are Killow’s personal favorite itineraries — blending epic safaris, the Great Migration, beach bliss, and bucket-list climbs.

5. Is there a destination in Tanzania you haven’t been to yet but would love to explore one day?

Yes! Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains are high on my bucket list. These remote parks on Lake Tanganyika are famous for their chimpanzees. I’ve always wanted to see chimps in the wild, hear their calls echo through the forest, and experience that untouched beauty. It’s a bit off the beaten path — but that’s exactly why it’s so appealing to me.

Bonus: What’s one tip you always share with guests before they travel to Tanzania?

Plan your trip around what you truly love. Whether it’s wildlife, beaches, or culture, tailor your adventure to fit you. And with Tanzania Specialist, you’ll get expert advice and a personalized experience that’s crafted just right. Just bring your curiosity — we’ll handle the rest.

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Killow’s Favourite Lodges

Luxury in the heart of the wild. Killow’s top lodge picks combine stunning views, authentic design, and unforgettable moments — from crater rims to Zanzibar beaches.

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