Our team

OUR TEAM

GET TO KNOW YOUR GUIDES

VICTOR MKONGEWA
(Guide and company Director)

Victor Mkongewa, born and raised near Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara Mountains, ignited his passion for nature and birds early on. He is a leading local ornithologist specializing in the Eastern Arc Mountains, renowned for his exceptional achievements in bird conservation and research.
From his beginnings as a tour guide during secondary school, Victor has advanced through roles as a research assistant and project manager with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania and Nature Tanzania. His pivotal role in these organizations, combined with his expertise, culminated in the founding of Amani Friends of Nature (AFoN) in 2019.
Under Victor’s leadership, AFoN has made significant strides in bird research, conservation, and community involvement. His work includes monitoring critically endangered species like the Long-billed Forest Warbler, engaging local communities in conservation efforts, and facilitating bird tour guide training at Amani Nature Reserve. AFoN also focuses on restoring ecological connectivity by planting native trees in deforested areas.
Victor’s extensive birding experience spans numerous locations, including the Lark Plains in Arusha, Mkomazi, Pemba Island, and across the Eastern Arc Mountains. His deep connection with forest birds and local communities ensures a remarkable birding experience for all. As the Director of Eastern Arc Birding, Victor’s visionary leadership and published scientific work solidify his status as a prominent and respected ornithologist in the field.


JOYETH MBOGO
(CONSERVATION MANAGER & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT)

Joyneth Mbogo hails from the Udzungwa Mountains which are part of the southern section of the famous Eastern Arc Mountains of Africa.  She has over 12 years of experience in working with local communities, including integrating gender issues into conservation.  Joynet has recently worked with the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG) under the project “Integrated Approaches for Climate Change Adaptation” and prior to that, for the NAFAKA Project – a USAID Feed the Future initiative.  She is committed to nature conservation, engaging local communities in conservation, and is more generally, an all-round leader and organiser.  We are grateful to have her on our leadership team.  Like the rest of us, her heart is deep in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania.

ELIA MULUNGU
(Senior Guide)

FueElia, known by his nickname “Bushman,” lives in Iringa in the southern part of the Eastern Arc Mountains and Southern Highlands, an area he knows intimately. Growing up in southwestern Tanzania and later settling in Iringa, Elia has dedicated his life to conservation and birding.
He has worked on numerous conservation projects, surveyed birds and wildlife in some of Tanzania’s most remote forests, and traveled to other parts of Africa, including Ghana. Elia has also published extensively on birds and has played a key role in discovering new populations of endemic species such as the Udzungwa Partridge, Usambara Eagle Owl, Tanzania Mountain Weaver, and Iringa Akalat.
With a profound knowledge of birding and a reputation as Tanzania’s top birder, Elia has led countless birding tours for both local and international clients. His expertise ensures an exceptional birding experience, making him a standout guide in the field.


​​​​MFAUME RAJABU

(GUIDE IN TRAINING)

Mfaume Rajabu, certified as a tour guide in 2018, began his career at Amani Nature Reserve. Over time, he has excelled as a tour guide and recently taken on the role of organizing bird training workshops for local youth. Driven by his deep passion for birds, Mfaume sought an apprenticeship to learn from experienced tour operators and leaders.
Due to his immense potential and excellent guiding skills, Mfaume has been integrated into our team as a Guide in Training. He will join tours with client permission until he becomes a fully qualified birding guide. We are thrilled about the contributions and future of this promising young Tanzanian birder.