By: Roxy Ekberg
Republican Staff
Wakefield native, Brenda Kimaro, hosts virtual safaris while on summer vacation.
Brenda and husband, Kakasii Kimaro, began conducting virtual safaris in April 2020 due to COVID-19. The pandemic halted tourism worldwide, including Arusha, Tanzania, the Kimaro’s home.
Maxine Meier, Brenda’s mother, suggested they bring the safari to the Wakefield Senior Center. On July 22nd, the Kimaros hosted the virtual experience for 43 attendees at the Senior Center. Connie Roberts, Brenda’s sister, asked for a presentation at the Wakefield Health Care Center. On Monday, residents got their own taste of life on the Serengeti.
Brenda Kimaro was a 1988 graduate of Wakefield Community Schools. Ten years ago, she moved to Tanzania to live with her husband. The couple met while Brenda was on a trip to a Tanzanian partner church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
“I went on the trip on a whim,” said Brenda.
The visit included a safari, for which Kakasii was the guide. After the trip, Brenda continued to visit Tanzania and fell in love with the country and Kakasii. Married in 2010, the Kimaros now run their own company, Tanzania Choice Safari. Brenda handles the office and Kakasii leads and oversees safaris.
“It’s a great combination because most of our clients are Americans, they appreciate talking to another American. It makes communication easier,” explained Brenda.
When the pandemic closed Tanzania’s borders, the Kimaros took their safaris to the virtual world. Typically held over zoom, the experience includes photos and videos of animals on safari with commentary by a guide, simulating the real adventure. Attendees are still able to ask questions and engage with their guides.
“Kakasii has been a safari guide for more than 20 years. We try to recreate the experience as if they were in the safari vehicle in the Serengeti with him,” said Brenda.
The Kimaros and their 11-year-old twins try to return to Wakefield every summer. The twins enjoy spending their school breaks in the community. This year, they helped their parents put on virtual safaris.
“They have a lot of experience being out on safari as a family,” said Brenda.
When they’re not assisting on tours, the kids appreciate the freedoms of summer in a small town. They bike around, alternating days spent at the park or the pool. In their hometown of Arusha, a larger population creates restricted activities.
“We love the small, tight community,” said Brenda. “We know each other. People know each other by name. If you go out to lunch at Sidelines or go get gas at Cubby’s, you bump into people you know.”
The family plans to return next year for another summer in Wakefield. If there is interest, they look forward to hosting more virtual safaris for residents. “We really want people to experience Tanzania, even if they can’t go,” said Brenda. “We still want to share our beautiful Tanzania, even if it’s just through photos and videos.”