Meet Our Director
Phares Gasto Rowland was born into the proud Chaga heritage of the Kilimanjaro Region—a land rich with culture, resilience, and deep-rooted traditions. Though his roots trace back to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, it was in Arusha—Tanzania’s safari capital—that his journey truly took shape.
Before stepping into the world of tourism, Rowland’s first professional path was in Mechanical Engineering. This training sharpened his analytical thinking, discipline, and problem-solving mindset—skills that would later define his approach to delivering seamless and well-crafted safari experiences.
Growing up in Arusha, Rowland developed an early connection with nature. The vast plains, the distant roar of lions, and the rhythm of the wild became part of his everyday life. What began as curiosity soon turned into a calling.
With determination and passion, he trained as a professional tour guide, mastering not only the landscapes and wildlife of Tanzania but also the art of storytelling. Over more than five years, he built a strong reputation—guiding travelers from around the world and leaving them with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for Africa’s beauty.
But for Rowland, guiding was never just a job. It was a vision.
Driven by the desire to create something greater, he founded Rowland Safaris—a company built on authenticity, excellence, and purpose. His mission was simple yet powerful: to take people beyond the ordinary and into the heart of real African experiences.
Today, every journey crafted under his leadership carries his signature—passion, precision, and a personal touch. From the plains of the Serengeti to the hidden cultural gems of Tanzania, Phares continues to turn safaris into life-defining stories.
And for him, this is only the beginning.
