Lema Peter (Company Co-Founder) is an experienced Mt. Kilimanjaro guide and a native Tanzanian of the Meru Tribe. He brings the unique combination of being raised in Africa and living part-time in America to his skills as an educated and experienced guide.  He has summited Mount Kilimanjaro over 100 times, safely guiding over 4,000 travelers and crew on the mountain over more than ten years. Climbers of varying ages (from 10 to 81 years of age) and fitness level have successfully made it to the top of Mt. Kili on Lema’s tours – his client climb success rate is close to 100%! 

Lema’s experience and training are outstanding.  In addition to guiding climbs on Kilimanjaro, Lema has also led groups on Mt. Kenya and Ruwenzori mountains in Uganda. Through his work with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), he has guided canoe trips on the boundary waters of Minnesota and backpacking trips in the mountains of Wyoming, Montana, and California.

Lema is also a well-seasoned safari guide, having taken hundreds of trips across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, and many other eastern African Wildlife preserves. He is trained in animal and bird recognition, behavior and migration patterns. On Lema’s safaris, travelers are taken on a fascinating adventure inside the world of African animals and the culture of the African people---- accomplished with a western understanding of the needs and preferences of American clients. An extraordinary blend of cultures not typically found with other tour companies.

Safety is always Lema’s number one concern. His ongoing professional training includes NOLS Wilderness First Responder course in the USA, two NOLS month-long wilderness training and survival course in Kenya, and Guide School in Tanzania.  He is the member of APTA (Association for the Promotion of Travel to Africa).  When not in Tanzania, Lema is on the West Coast of the United States.  Read an interview with Lema at http://goafrica.about.com/od/tanzania/a/peterlema.htm

Erika Bloom (Company Co-Founder) is an American who has always loved to travel, explore and hike.  She has led groups to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro four times in partnership with Lema and other experienced local Kilimanjaro guides, and has taken groups on safari many times as well.  Erika's function as a trip leader is always to supplement (never replace) the experienced Tanzanian Kilimanjaro and safari guides and crew you will have.  Erika’s mission is to ensure that clients experience a memorable, safe and successful Kilimanjaro climb or safari. One of her specialties is sharing knowledge and information to help clients prepare for their trip.  Erika has many years of experience as a trip leader for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and has led hiking groups to Tanzania, Glacier National Park, and the Canadian Rockies.  Her experience as a Physician Assistant motivates her to ensure that all trips are as safe as possible so that clients truly have the trip of a lifetime.  Erika is Advanced Wilderness First Aid Certified by SOLO and is a member of APTA (Association for the Promotion of Travel to Africa).  When not in Tanzania, Erika lives in Massachusetts.   Photo credit:  Monika Jaeger.

Victor Kinyonga will delight you with his smile and laughter as he gently guides you towards the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.  He's quite familiar with the way, since he's been there over 140 times!  Victor has guided many clients and groups over the years, including charity fundraising climbs for non-profit organizations.  Besides Mount Kilimanjaro, Victor enjoys guiding on nearby Mount Meru.  His professional training includes University studies in tourism and Educational Psychology, NOLS courses and Wilderness First Aid, wildlife guiding, etc.   Photo credit:  Monika Jaeger.

Bertha Peter Maturo is a Tanzanian and Lema Peter's sister.  She lives in Usa River, Tanzania near the headquarters of Serengeti Pride Safaris.  Bertha handles our Tanzania home office accounting, banking, and administrative duties.