Nestled in the wild heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Asanja Moru Camp offers more than just an unforgettable safari experience—it is home to a team that embodies the warmth, precision, and creativity of Tanzanian hospitality.
At its helm is Elbarik “Bariki” Johannes, a passionate hotelier whose journey from a Maasai village in Arusha to Camp Manager of one of Tanzania’s most respected boutique camps is nothing short of inspiring.
With formal training from leading hospitality institutes in Nairobi and Arusha, Bariki began his career with hands-on roles at Serena Hotels and later at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge. He joined Asanja Africa in 2012 as a waiter and steadily rose through the ranks, thanks to his dedication, attention to detail, and natural leadership.
We sat down with Bariki to learn about his career, his team-driven approach, and his vision for keeping Asanja Moru at the forefront of Tanzanian safari hospitality.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
As a child, I watched my father work in hospitality and was fascinated by the professionalism, teamwork, and care he showed guests. Those visits to his workplace left a lasting impression on me.
From then on, I knew I wanted to be part of an industry where people from around the world come together to experience our culture, landscapes, and warm welcome. Today, I feel I’m living that dream—leading a team, creating memorable guest moments, and making a difference every day.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
Guest satisfaction is our highest priority at Asanja Moru. We listen closely to our guests, tour operators, and online reviews to understand their needs.
We focus especially on personalised service—like tailored menus for dietary preferences and impeccable presentation. While we’re open to innovation, it’s always guided by what will genuinely enhance the guest experience while staying true to our camp’s identity and local values.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
If I could turn back time, I might have explored the wildlife guiding or conservation side of tourism earlier. I love nature and animals, and combining that with hospitality would have been fulfilling too.
But I have no regrets—my journey has taught me everything I needed to grow. Every experience, every challenge shaped me into the manager I am today.
What defines your management style?
My leadership style is centred around teamwork, motivation, and mutual respect.
I believe in empowering every team member, supporting their development, and celebrating their progress. I encourage open communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving. When we work together with shared goals, we deliver excellence—and that’s what builds a great guest experience.
We are not just a team, we are one family working under one roof.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the camp, and how does that integrate into the group’s aims?
My vision is to maintain Asanja Moru as the number one choice for guests seeking personalised, high-end safari experiences.
Strategically, I focus on guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, sustainability, and staff development—all aligned with Asanja Africa’s commitment to authentic, responsible tourism.
Every day, we work to ensure that each guest leaves with unforgettable memories, while nurturing our environment and team for future growth.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Never give up. Be patient, face challenges with courage, and always stay focused on your goals.
Hospitality is a career that rewards resilience, passion, and dedication. Learn every role, support your colleagues, and take every opportunity to grow. Your culture and background are your strength—use them to tell your story and welcome the world.