Grumeti Reserves is committed to a working environment that champions skills development.
Significant funding is provided for training every year, focusing on building capacity within each department, developing skills and growing confidence. Employees are encouraged to map out career paths within the company, to build their skill sets and grow into more senior positions.
Betty Magesa’s story
The Inspiring Journey of Betty Magesa
Betty Magesa’s story is one of dedication, growth, and profound transformation. Coming from a humble background, Betty embarked on her career with Singita Grumeti Reserves over 16 years ago as a young housekeeper. Her journey through various roles within the organisation showcases her unwavering commitment to excellence and her relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Betty’s initial role as a housekeeper was just the beginning. Her passion for wellness and fitness soon guided her towards a new path in the Spa, and she rose to the position of Head of Wellness and Fitness at Singita Grumeti Reserves. In this role, Betty not only excelled in her responsibilities but also found a deep sense of fulfilment in promoting health and well-being among guests and staff.
However, Betty’s aspirations didn’t stop there. She always had a desire to interact more closely with guests, to be at the forefront of their experiences. Driven by this passion, she began dedicating her free time to working in the Front of House in the lodges and camps. Her hard work and dedication paid off, and she now proudly serves as a Lodge Anchor, performing her duties with exceptional skill and enthusiasm. Betty’s journey from housekeeping to a pivotal guest-facing role is a testament to her remarkable determination and versatility.
Adding another layer to her inspiring story is the involvement of Betty’s mother, a key member of the horticultural cooperative, GHOMACCOS. This co-op works closely with over 70 farmers to supply the guest and staff kitchens at Grumeti Reserves with fresh produce. Betty’s mother plays a crucial role in this initiative, helping to ensure that the reserve’s kitchens are always stocked with high-quality, locally grown and sourced fresh produce.
The myriad opportunities provided by Grumeti Reserves have impacted Betty’s life beyond her own career, with the ripple effect of positive change fostered by concepts such as GHOMACCOS positively impacting the lives of her family too.
Betty’s story is a shining example of how dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of one’s passions can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Her journey from a young housekeeper to a respected member of the lodge leadership team is a source of inspiration for many. The synergy between her professional success and her mother’s entrepreneurial achievements with the cooperative underscores the profound impact that Grumeti Reserves has on the lives of its employees and their families.
Leading the Way
Female Leadership at Grumeti Reserves
In the heart of the Serengeti, a group of remarkable women are redefining leadership at Grumeti Reserves. Joyce Moikangoe, Irene Diu, Esther Masawe, Ruth Mandesho, and Clementina Ngabo are not just names on an organisational chart; they are trailblazers, role models, and champions for female empowerment in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Their stories are ones of resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of female leadership in remote, challenging environments.
Joyce Moikangoe, Assistant General Manager at Grumeti Reserves, exemplifies strength and vision. Leading a team in one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife regions, Joyce’s leadership is characterized by her unwavering commitment to service excellence and people development. She inspires young Tanzanian girls to dream big and aim high, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, they too can break barriers and lead with confidence.
Irene Diu, Assistant Lodge Manager at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, balances the demands of luxury hospitality with the unique challenges of operating in the bush. Her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate management style ensure that guests experience unparalleled service while also fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for her staff. Irene’s leadership is a testament to the importance of empathy and care in effective management.
Esther Masawe, Assistant Lodge Manager at Singita Serengeti House, embodies resilience and dedication. Operating in the vast and remote Serengeti, Esther’s role requires her to be adaptable and resourceful. She has become a beacon of strength for her team, showing that even in isolation and working with a small team, the power of community and support can overcome any challenge.
Ruth Mandesho, Assistant Lodge Manager at Singita Faru Faru, brings a unique blend of charm and operational excellence to her role. Ruth’s journey with Singita Grumeti started with leaving her family and the city life behind for a new and somewhat daunting adventure. But her success is a powerful reminder that success is not just about overcoming obstacles but also about constantly evolving and improving.
Clementina Ngabo, Assistant Manager at Singita Mara River Tented Camp, personifies perseverance and passion. Her commitment to sustainability and unique outlook on her remote working environment is matched by her dedication to mentoring and uplifting her team. Clementina’s leadership underscores the importance of nurturing talent and building strong, cohesive teams as the foundation to achieving long-term success.
The impact of these women extends far beyond their immediate roles. They are setting powerful examples for young Tanzanian girls, showing them that leadership is not confined by gender. By excelling in their respective positions, Joyce, Irene, Esther, Ruth, and Clementina are proving that women are not just capable leaders but are also essential to the success and sustainability of the hospitality and tourism industry.
Their stories highlight the unique strengths that female leaders bring to the table—empathy, care, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit. These qualities are not exclusive to women, but they can come more naturally to women, making these managers particularly effective in creating inclusive and supportive work environments.
Working in a remote location like the Serengeti comes with its own set of challenges. The sense of isolation can be daunting, and the pressure to prove oneself can sometimes seem immense. However, the bond these women share and the support they offer each other are crucial to overcoming these difficulties. Their unity demonstrates the importance of building each other up rather than breaking each other down, reinforcing the idea that together, they are stronger – tuka pamoja!
The future of tourism in Tanzania is bright, and women will play a pivotal role in shaping it. Through their support of their teams and one another, this remarkable group of women is paving the way for others to step into leadership roles, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic future for Tanzanian tourism.
From 53 permanent jobs in 2004 to
over 700
permanent jobs in 2024
Mentorship Programme
Grumeti’s conservation and community partner – the Grumeti Fund
The Grumeti Fund has run a very successful scholarship programme for many years. A key part of this is the mentorship component, where scholarship recipients are paired with mentors, many of whom are middle and senior managers at Grumeti Reserves, from the Tourism, HR, Finance, IT and Procurement divisions, depending on the scholarship candidates’ focus areas. The relationship between mentor and mentee is at the heart of the scholarship programme, providing support, building confidence and providing insights into real life job prospects. These partnerships ensure that the scholarship candidates have the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive, and in turn, the Grumeti Reserves mentors benefit from this opportunity to share skills, offer advice and inspire growth.
