BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Wilbard Chambulo: Chairman

Save for the Forbes’ (French version for outstanding community service) recognition, Mr Willbard Chambulo is, indeed, an unsung tourism hero of our time. The man behind the thriving Tanganyika Wilderness Camps Ltd (TWC) and Kibo Guides Company (T) Ltd is credited as straightforward and pragmatic visionary leader in the business community. He is well known for his steadfast stance on conservation and community support.

Willy Chambulo, as he is simply referred to, is one of such rare strong-willed individuals who have moved mountains to overcome challenges up the ladder both for his companies and the tourism industry at large. He has always been believer in collective bargaining power. He joined TATO Board from 1990s ‘on and offs’ basis.

Today he is Chairman who is recognized for having taken TATO to this new height in collaboration with other board members in few years at the association’s helm.

Mr. Henry John Kimambo: Vice Chairman

Finished Umbwe High School in 1995. Graduated in 1999 with Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Institute of Development Management Mzumbe.

Worked as Operations Manager at Kirurumu Luxury Tented Lodge from 1999 until 2001. Graduated in 2002 from Mzumbe University with Masters in Business Administration and majored in Finance & Banking.

2003 joined Asilia Management Company as Project Manager for Kigongoni Lodge until 2006 when he was shifted to Sokwe – Asilia as Transport Manager. Joined A & K end of 2007 as Reservation & Sales Manager for Sanctuary Camps.

End of 2007 joined Grumeti Expeditions as Country General Manager until end of 2008 when he started his own company Dhana Investment Company Limited which runs and operates the following trading names; Osupuko Lodges & Camps, 40-40 Lounger and Dhana Safaris.

Also one of the Founder Directors of Kamitei Foundation.

Mr. Raju Modha: Treasurer

Mr Raju Modha has an extensive experience in the Tanzanian Tourism Industry of more than 30 years. 
He is the CEO of Krisha African Safaris founded in 2009. 
Before starting his own company, Mr. Modha worked for an American Company – Abercrombie and Kent as their Financial Controller for 18 years.
Before Abercrombie and Kent, Mr. Modha worked for Shah Tours in Moshi.

Mrs. Vesna Glamocanin Tibaijuka: Board Member

Mrs. Vesna Glamocanin Tibaijuka of Pure Afro Travels Tanzania, is an auditor by profession, with past experiences including, among others, working for a Commercial Television station as a news producer, and the European Commission as an evaluator, before coming to Tanzania in 2003. Since then she is actively involved in the travel and tourism sector. She co-founded and runs a boutique family-owned travel agency, Pure Afro Travels Tanzania.

Her management skills and solution-oriented mindset, combined with creativity and strong passion for conservation and community, resulted in co-founding, developing, leading, and managing several flagship projects in TATO during her tenure as a TATO Board Member – most notably: the Arusha Elephant March against poaching in 2013 and 2014; the biggest travel show in Tanzania in 2014, the Karibu Travel Market Tanzania (Karibu TMT); since 2016 the ongoing Serengeti De-snaring Program in collaboration with the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS); and during Covid-19 initiated TATO Tourism Reboot program with Familiarization FAM trips for the travel trade.

Mrs. Rahma Ally Adam: Board Member

Ms. Rahma Ally Adam is a highly experienced Tourism and Hospitality expert with more than 20 years of experience in the industry both in Tanzania and abroad.

Rahma started her career in Hospitality industry in Canada before shifting to Tanzania from 1999 at which she served in different positions; currently she is a Managing Director of Springlands Hotel LTD and General Manager of Zara International Travel Agency LTD.

Rahma is a conservationist who has participated and lead several concervation campaigns including Mt. Kilimanjaro cleaning, tree planting and nature protection campaigns, ocean (beach) clean up at Pangani – Tanga, Anti-Poaching, etc.

Rahma has been so much concerned with social and economic welfare of the community; hence was driven to co-found the Zara Tanzania Charity; the Tanzanian based NGO which deals with several development projects in the local communities in Moshi, Karatu and Ngorongoro.

Mrs. Fransisca Masika: Board Member

Fransisca Masika is the founder and Managing director of Nature Responsible Safari Co. Ltd. The company was founded in 2012. Fransisca has a bachelor’s degree in community development, a diploma in journalism, a diploma in business management and administration, and a diploma in tourism and travel. in 2015 she became one of the young entrepreneurs who went to the United States of America under the program of former US President Barack Obama known as the Mandela Washington Fellowship for young African leaders.  Before started Nature Responsible Safari Company she worked with Ranger Safaris, Kibo Guides, Thomson Safaris, and Tanganyika filming and Safari outfitters. Fransisca believes that the people involved in the tourism sector are not competitors but have the common goal of promoting the country for the benefit of the majority and cooperation is key.

Mr. Nicolas König: Board Member

Mr. Nicolas König has an extensive career spanning over 30 years as a seasoned “Dreams Dealer” in the hospitality industry. His global influence is reflected in his substantial projects management background across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, and Africa.

Having dedicated close to 15 years to Tanzania, particularly in Zanzibar, and over 5 years on the mainland, He led the opening and management of Grand Melia Arusha, alongside the responsibilities for Melia Zanzibar. Beyond his professional achievements, Nicolas actively contributes to the tourism industry as a member of the TATO Board and as a founding Vice Chairman of the innovative Hotel Association Zanzibar (HAZ), established in 2021.

Undoubtedly, Nicolas fervent dedication to the continual enhancement of the industry remains the driving force behind his unwavering pursuit of excellence in every undertaking.

Mr. Vinay Sapra: Board Member

Vinay Sapra, the visionary behind Lifestyle Safaris & Holidays, brings with him a wealth of expertise, boasting over 30 years of combined local and global sales and marketing experience. Prior to embarking on his journey with Lifestyle Safaris & Holidays, Vinay held senior director-level positions in renowned establishments like Essque Zalu Zanzibar and The Elewana Collection, honing his skills and insights in the dynamic world of tourism.

Born and bred locally, Vinay Sapra seamlessly blends his deep roots in Tanzania with a global perspective gained through extensive exposure and relationships . His illustrious career, marked by directorial roles, reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for the intricacies of the travel industry.

Driven by a profound passion for safaris, Vinay founded Lifestyle Safaris & Holidays as a testament to his dedication to providing extraordinary travel experiences. His extensive background, both on a local and global scale, uniquely positions him to steer the company towards excellence, offering tailored safari adventures that reflect his deep understanding of the industry. His contributions extend beyond business, demonstrating a commitment to the advancement of Tanzania’s tourism sector and the fostering of sustainable practices within the industry. Vinay Sapra’s local roots and global experience make him a respected leader in the vibrant tapestry of Tanzanian tourism.

Mr. Patrick Salum: Board Member

Mr. Allan Mollel: Board Member

Allan Mollel is a Tanzanian born with Maasai roots. Born in Monduli Juu raised in Longido where his parents still resides. Went to primary School at Longido and Secondary School at Monduli District . After his O-level Secondary School education he enrolled in Tour Guiding School at Professional Tour Guide School Arusha (PROTS) from 2000 to 2001. He had worked as a Nature Walk Guide at Kigongoni Lodge from 2002 to 2003 and thereafter he went for an Environmental Conservation Study in the US from 2004 and 2005.  He joined Naipenda Safari as a safari guide from May 2006 to Sept 2008. Went to Mweka College of Wildlife Management for 6 months then joined Safari Legacy as a Safari Guide/ Tour Leader. In 2016, he went on his own creating a boutique safari company Maape Tanzania Safaris where he still guide/lead tours and manage the operations. He established this company with the intention of preserving and celebrating the unique flora and fauna and cultural heritage of East Africa and his own people the Maasai Tribe. 

Mr. Sirili Akko: CEO

Mr. Akko joined TATO in 2010 from World Vision Tanzania where he was working as a project accountant. He holds solid training in Private Sector Development, Finance, and Business Management.

Being the CEO he is charged with the role of being head of TATO Secretariat which is an executive arm of the association and is responsible to among other things, develop and crafting advocacy strategies, spearhead negotiations, and representing the association in various platforms. More importantly, his key role is to support The Board to discharge its role to serve the members and industry at large.

He is the proud Rotarian and is serving on Boards of community non-governmental organizations and Tourism sustainability organizations both within the Country and abroad.