In the heart of Tanzania’s vast and untamed Ruaha National Park sits Asanja Ndembo, a luxury safari lodge where wildlife meets warm, personalised hospitality. Leading the team is Kelvin Mosha, a natural host whose journey from sales and marketing to safari lodge management has been driven by one key strength—his ability to connect with people.
With roots in both Tanzania and Kenya, Kelvin brings a rich, cross-cultural perspective to his role. Educated in Kenya and the UK, he began his career in sales before realising that his true calling lay in hospitality. Now, with a diploma in Tourism Management and a philosophy grounded in observation, adaptability, and heart, he’s dedicated to shaping guest experiences that are unforgettable, authentic, and above all, human.
We caught up with Kelvin to learn more about his leadership style, what keeps him ahead of changing guest preferences, and his goals for putting Asanja Ndembo on the map as one of East Africa’s premier safari destinations.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
I’ve always been a people person. Hospitality is the perfect space for that—it’s where warmth, empathy, and connection matter most. The ability to brighten someone’s day and make them feel at home is something I value deeply, and it’s why I love what I do.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
I stay proactive by doing regular research, observing market trends, and—most importantly—listening to our guests. Feedback is gold. I share insights with our management team and encourage open dialogue across departments.
I also believe in self-improvement. To give the best guest experience, I have to stay sharp, aware, and curious. The industry is always moving, and I’m committed to moving with it—while staying true to our camp’s authenticity.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
If I’m honest, I wish I had entered the hospitality industry earlier. I spent a good amount of time in sales and marketing, which helped build my communication skills, but had I started in tourism sooner, who knows—I might have launched my own lodge by now!
What defines your management style?
My style is very much hands-on. I believe in MBWA—Management By Walking Around. It keeps me connected to every department, from housekeeping to kitchen, guides to guest services.
It helps me understand challenges in real-time and ensures everyone knows they’re supported and heard. Teamwork, motivation, and presence—that’s how I lead.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the camp, and how does that align with the group’s wider aims?
My vision is to position Asanja Ndembo as the leading luxury camp in Ruaha and a standout in the region. That means consistent excellence in guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
We’re aligned with Asanja Africa’s broader mission: delivering personalised, culturally rooted safari experiences that stay with guests long after they leave. Everything we do is aimed at creating impact—through service, conservation, and team growth.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Take the bull by the horns. Be open to learning, stay humble, and welcome criticism—it’s how we grow.
Hospitality is rewarding, but it’s also demanding. The more resilient and open-minded you are, the faster you’ll rise. And never underestimate the power of human connection—it’s at the heart of everything we do.