Sophie Kwaslema – Founder & Lead Guide, Lady Tusk Safaris
Lady Tusk Safaris began with one woman, one dream, and the wild heart of Tanzania.
Sophie Kwaslema is a trailblazing female safari guide and entrepreneur who is changing the face of adventure tourism in Tanzania. Her journey started in 2010, when she moved to Moshi beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and discovered a deep calling to nature, people, and storytelling through travel.
Guided by passion and courage, Sophie trained at Mweka Wildlife College, the leading wildlife training institution in Tanzania, where she studied wildlife ecology and professional guiding. She became one of the few certified female safari and mountain guides in the country, stepping into a space where women were rarely seen.
As an Iraqw woman, wife, mother, and conservation leader, Sophie brings knowledge, culture, and heart into every journey. Her safaris are not just trips—they are experiences of connection: to wildlife in the Serengeti, to culture in rural villages, to adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro, and to people who make Tanzania what it is.
Over the past eight years, Sophie has built Lady Tusk Safaris into a trusted women-led safari company in Tanzania, offering ethical safaris, Kilimanjaro treks, cultural immersion tours, and Zanzibar escapes. The company is known for off-the-beaten-path routes, community partnerships, and responsible tourism that gives back.
But Lady Tusk Safaris is more than tourism—it is transformation. Sophie trains and mentors young women to become professional guides, drivers, and leaders in the tourism industry. She believes that when women are visible in leadership, entire communities change.
Her mission is clear:
Protect wildlife.
Honor culture.
Empower women.
In a world that often tells women to wait, stay small, or step back—Sophie stepped forward.
Lady Tusk Safaris exists to show what happens when women lead the wild.
Meet Our Team
Meet our vibrant team at Lady Tusk Safaris, where passion meets expertise. Led by our female guides, our team embodies professionalism, charm, and unparalleled knowledge of Tanzania's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Join us and embark on a journey of discovery and adventure.
Born among the coffee farms on Kilimanjaro's slopes, Stella carries the mountain spirit of the Chagga people in every adventure she leads. Her journey from wildlife studies at CAWM to advanced EcoTraining certification reflects her deep commitment to conservation and authentic experiences. Whether guiding summit attempts on Africa's highest peak or tracking wildlife across the Serengeti, Stella weaves together Tanzania's stunning landscapes with rich cultural stories, creating transformative journeys that honor both nature and heritage for every traveler she guides.
GUIDE
Stella Mushi
Ritha Cosmas
Ritha is a proud mother who transforms every trek into a cultural bridge, sharing Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes with international adventurers while celebrating her heritage. Barranco Camp holds special meaning as her favorite sanctuary, where she connects with clients through stories of resilience and wonder. Ritha's passion extends beyond guiding—she's an ambassador for Tanzania's natural treasures, ensuring each journey deepens appreciation for her homeland's extraordinary beauty.
GUIDE
Jackline
From Dar es Salaam's bustling streets to Tanzania's wildest frontiers, Jackline's guiding journey began in 2022 with determination that refused to accept limitations. Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry required unwavering courage, supportive relationships, and an unshakeable passion for adventure. Each challenge became fuel for growth, each obstacle a stepping stone toward success. Jackline's story inspires others to pursue their dreams fearlessly, knowing that passion combined with perseverance can overcome any barrier.
GUIDE
For six years, Agnes has carried dreams up Kilimanjaro's slopes as a porter, every step building toward her vision of becoming a guide. This Chagga mother of two finds magic at Barranco Camp, where the summit feels within reach and possibilities endless. Her transition from porter to guide represents more than career growth—it's about opening doors for women in mountain tourism. Agnes believes that supporting her family and empowering other women aren't separate goals, but interconnected paths toward lasting change in Tanzania's adventure industry.
PORTER
Agnes Ndakidemi
What Makes us Exceptional?
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Our team members have intimate knowledge about your trips and help you choose the one that is the best fit for you from a range of activity levels. This will enable you to move confidently through your adventure or to use an adventure to train and challenge yourself.
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Our adventures connect you with captivating local women. You’ll have the chance to dive into intimate women-to-women cultural exchanges, offering a personal glimpse into their world. Explore new artistic mediums with female artisans, savor Swahili culinary delights, and join the age-old rhythms of Maasai traditional dances. Despite our differences, these experiences reveal shared hearts and aspirations. Join us for a journey of discovery unlike any other.
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Our team is dedicated to supporting you at every step of your journey. From choosing a destination, booking your trip to traveling to Tanzania, we are always in touch with you. Our ground operations are committed in ensuring that you enjoy your adventures to the fullest.
