Two seasoned Maasai mountain guides. One shared vision. Decades of expertise leading climbers safely to the roof of Africa.
Two Maasai guides with a combined 40+ years on Kilimanjaro, united by a passion for Tanzania's natural wonders and the people who call it home.
Co-Founder & Lead Mountain Guide
Born into a Maasai family in Arusha, Justin began climbing Kilimanjaro in 2000 as a porter. With over two decades of experience, he has built a legendary 99% summit success rate.
Co-Founder & Director
Raised in the Maasai community of Ngorongoro, Edward began his journey in 1999. He has guided over 500 climbers and founded the Maasai Joy Children's Centre in 2005.
Justin Julius Kisota was born into a Maasai family in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, where he completed his formal education. Fluent in Maasai, Swahili, and English, Justin possesses a unique ability to bridge cultural gaps – connecting effortlessly with international travelers while remaining deeply rooted in his heritage[cite: 18].
His trilingual background and deep cultural knowledge make every expedition with Justin more than a climb – it is an immersive experience into the heart of East Africa[cite: 19].
Years of Experience
Fluent in Maasai, Swahili, and English
Official Kilimanjaro National Park certified guide
Specialized in mountain tourism, wildlife tracking & safari logistics
Born into a Maasai family in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, Justin grew up fluent in Maasai, Swahili, and English – a trilingual foundation that would define his ability to connect across cultures.
Justin's uncle, a seasoned mountain guide, returned from expeditions with backpacks, boots, and stories that ignited an unstoppable dream: to conquer the roof of Africa.
Justin stepped onto the slopes of Kilimanjaro for the first time as a porter. The breathtaking scenery and raw challenge of the mountain confirmed his calling.
After rigorous training directly from the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) authority, Justin passed all comprehensive examinations and earned his official, licensed guide status.
As lead guide for African Environment, Kilimanjaro Warriors, Geographic Expeditions, and Kibo Expeditions, Justin maintained an elite 99% summit success rate over 24 years.
Drawing on more than two decades of boots-on-the-ground experience, Justin founded Taraji Africa Safaris Limited – putting safety, porter welfare, and guest satisfaction at the heart of every expedition.
Years Experience
Edward Ernest Kutingala was born and raised in the Ngorongoro area of northern Tanzania within the Maasai community — a society renowned for its rich pastoral traditions and deep connection with nature. He grew up guided by strong principles of respect, discipline, and integrity.
Fluent in Maasai, Swahili, English, and additional local languages, Edward's multicultural background became the foundation of an exceptional career in tourism, guiding, and community development.
Fluent in Maasai, Swahili, English & additional local languages
Certified guide for Kilimanjaro & Tanzania's national parks since 2001
Founder of Maasai Joy Children's Centre (est. 2005), supporting local education
Born into the Maasai community in Ngorongoro, Edward was raised with strong values of respect, discipline, and integrity — principles that define his guiding philosophy.
Edward joined his first Kilimanjaro expedition as a porter with African Environment, sparking a lifelong commitment to mountain guiding, wildlife, and conservation.
Edward completed professional training with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, earning certification to guide on Kilimanjaro and Tanzania's national parks.
Worked professionally with African Environment, Abercrombie & Kent, Thomson Safaris, and Kibo Expeditions — leading 500+ climbers to Uhuru Peak.
Edward founded Maasai Joy Children's Centre, a school providing quality primary education for children in his community — which continues to serve local children today.
Edward co-founded Taraji Africa Safaris alongside Justin, bringing over two decades of guiding excellence and deep community roots to the company's vision.
Together, Justin and Edward combine over 44 years of guiding experience, deep Maasai cultural heritage, and an unwavering commitment to bringing every climber safely to Uhuru Peak — the roof of Africa.
Co-Founder & Lead Guide
Co-Founder & Lead Guide
Combined Years
Summit Success
Climbers to Peak
Languages Spoken
In 2005, co-founder Edward Ernest Kutingala established the Maasai Joy Children's Centre — a primary school providing quality education for children in the Ngorongoro Maasai community. This commitment to empowerment and education reflects the values that Taraji Africa Safaris was built on.
Founded in 2023, Taraji Africa Safaris operates with the highest standards of safety, porter welfare, and guest satisfaction — led personally by Justin.
