At the very heart of Grumeti’s operations are the procurement and logistics teams, based on site in the Serengeti, and with a support office in Arusha.
Responsible for the sourcing and purchasing of a hugely diverse range of goods and products – from fresh produce to premium beverages, lodge equipment, maintenance materials, office supplies, vehicle parts, uniforms and more – this team coordinates with a well-established network of trusted suppliers, committed to purchasing locally wherever possible. Thousands of well-travelled international guests visit the Grumeti lodges every year, and the procurement team ensures that the kitchens and lodges are appropriately stocked and able to deliver the world-class offering for which Grumeti has become recognised. Equally important are the hundreds of staff that call Grumeti home, and who are able to enjoy healthy, fresh meals at the staff restaurants every day, thanks to the efforts of this team. Grumeti’s remote location presents extra logistical challenges, but the procurement team are committed to ensuring that everything the business needs is delivered on time and in good condition.
Irene Msami’s story
Spreading her wings for Grumeti Reserves
Irene Msami is the driving force ensuring a seamless travel experience for guests and efficient logistics for staff and cargo. Based in the Arusha office, Irene’s role as Grumeti’s Travel Desk Manager is multifaceted and crucial to the success and smooth running of daily operations.
Born in Arusha, Irene has been with the company for seven years. She began her career as a Travel Desk Consultant, quickly proving her mettle through her dedication and exceptional organisational skills. Today, as the Travel Desk Manager, Irene is responsible for coordinating travel logistics for guests visiting the lodges – she believes a guest’s journey begins long before they reach the beautiful plains of the Serengeti and her dedication to making each safari an extraordinary memory is evident in her meticulous planning and attention to detail.
Irene’s role extends beyond guest travel. Together with her team, she coordinates logistics for staff movements to and from the reserve, organizing transportation for employees, ensuring they arrive and depart safely and on time. Irene also oversees the dispatch of cargo to the property several times per week, ensuring that essential and perishable supplies reach their destination without a hitch.
The support of her colleagues makes her workday a positive and collaborative experience, and one of the aspects of her job that Irene most appreciates is the ability to put a smile on the faces of guests and fellow staff members – her efforts often result in written thanks from guests and colleagues alike. Irene’s role is not without its challenges, but she embraces these all as learning opportunities, working with her team to create the best travel service in Tanzania.
Tobias Ngomuo’s story
A 21-Year Journey with Grumeti Reserves
For over two decades, Tobias Ngomuo has been a foundational pillar of Grumeti Reserves. Born and raised in Kilimanjaro and Arusha, Tobias joined Grumeti 21 years ago, starting as the first Storekeeper in the Arusha office. His journey is not just a personal story of growth but a narrative that mirrors the evolution of the company itself.
When Tobias first joined, Grumeti Reserves was in its infancy. He was the sole storekeeper in Arusha, a time before even Sabora Tented Camp was constructed. In those early days, the company did not have the infrastructure it enjoys today. There were no aircraft, and the Sasakwa Airstrip had yet to be built. Tobias and the Arusha team relied on commercial flights to ferry perishable items from Arusha to Fort Ikoma or Seronera, ensuring that the essentials reached their destination despite the logistical challenges.
Today, the transformation is astounding. Grumeti Reserves has grown exponentially, now operating several aircraft and an airstrip dedicated to guests, staff and cargo. Tobias has witnessed and contributed to this incredible growth, his role evolving alongside the company’s expansion.
As the Stores Supervisor, Tobias is instrumental in managing the lifeblood of the reserve’s operations. His meticulous approach and unwavering commitment have always ensured that the procurement and storage processes run seamlessly. He attributes much of his job satisfaction to the incredible team with whom he works. Together, they have cultivated a collaborative and efficient work environment that continues to drive the company forward.
Tobias’ dream for the company is ambitious yet heartfelt – to see Grumeti Reserves become the best company in the world. From the early days as the first storekeeper to his current role as Stores Supervisor supporting a significantly larger operations, his commitment reflects the remarkable evolution of Grumeti Reserves.
“What inspires me to be part of this successful company is its strong partnership with government and its dedication to community development, which lays a foundation for a lasting impact not only in the Mara region but also the country at large."
Martha Baare
Grumeti’s procurement team tries to buy locally wherever possible, conducting trade with over 200 Tanzanian businesses.
Much of the fresh produce for the guest and staff kitchens is purchased from local farmers and through the GHOMACCOS cooperative, and local speciality dishes are showcased in the lodge menus. The Grumeti design teams collaborate with Tanzanian artisans, to incorporate local design elements in the lodges and the boutiques.
