Victoria Duncan Simbeye
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From an early age, my deep connection with nature and my desire to meet people from all corners of the world sparked a profound affection for wildlife and humanity within me. This profound love propelled me towards my dream of becoming a safari guide. I still recall a pivotal moment during my secondary school days when Land Rovers filled with captivating white travelers passed by. I yearned to be one of those leading safari guides. However, the path was not easy, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. It seemed as though there was no space for female guides, and the safari guide career remained an unfamiliar choice in my community.
After three years of studying Engineering, Boiling, and Mechanical subjects in college, I made the courageous decision to leave behind the job of fixing pipes and pursue my true passion. Equipped with a driving license and unwavering determination, I embraced the challenges that came my way. Despite facing skepticism and unconventional questions from companies, I persevered in my quest for opportunities to become a tour guide. Finally, the doors of opportunity opened when I was accepted at Green Footprint Company.
This marked the beginning of my guiding career, where I immersed myself in comprehensive training encompassing activities such as biking, nature walks, night game drives, canoeing, and animal tracking. The exposure was invaluable, and I had the privilege of meeting numerous male guides who encouraged me to push my limits. Their guidance led me to apply for a position with "AndBeyond," and I spent eight remarkable years as a resident guide at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Out of all the places I have traversed, this lodge holds a special place in my heart.
One of the most unforgettable moments of my first safari in the Ngorongoro Crater was the heart-pounding "Elephant Encounter on the ascending road." In a split second, a majestic male elephant emerged from the bushes and charged towards my jeep. Fear enveloped the vehicle, and my six guests fell silent without uttering a word. We found ourselves directly in the elephant's path with no escape route. Thinking swiftly, I made the decision to turn off the engine. Trumpeting echoes reverberated against the towering wall of the ascending road as the elephant's trunk maneuvered through my window, exploring the steering wheel for what felt like an eternity. Time stood still, and it seemed as though none of us existed in that moment. Eventually, by reversing the vehicle slightly, I managed to create a pathway for the elephant to pass by, allowing us to depart unscathed. We had survived!
Despite the harrowing encounter, my love and fascination for the bush remain unwavering. The serene sounds of the wilderness during early mornings and evenings fill me with a deep sense of tranquility. I constantly remind myself of the profound reasons why my guests have chosen to embark on a journey to Tanzania. It is here, amidst the breathtaking wilderness, that I forged partnerships with like-minded individuals who share my endless passion for this remarkable country. Together, we have established this venture to share our boundless enthusiasm for Tanzania with the world.
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