Meet Bakari

This week I decided to hand my microphone to a dear friend of mine, Bakari Waziri Yusuph. Those of you who have read The Luckiest or followed me on socials for a while will remember that I got to know Bakari during my visits to Arusha, Tanzania. In fact, some of you may have even donated to support Bakari’s initiatives and businesses through various fundraisers I’ve posted for him. Well, now you get to hear from the man himself. It is my absolute honor to introduce you to one of the hardest working, deeply caring people I’ve gotten to know in my life.

Tell us a little bit about your family and where you grew up.

I was born and raised in Kiteto District, Tanzania, and I am the second-born in a family of five children. Growing up in a rural community taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and serving others. These values have shaped my journey as an entrepreneur and community leader.

Where did you go to school?

I completed my primary education in Kiteto District before attending Bishop Dany Secondary School and Makumira High School. After that, I studied for three years at Nangwa VETA (Vocational Training Centre), where I developed practical skills that have supported my entrepreneurial journey.

Before Kadogoo Safari Tanzania, you founded Kadogoo Hostel and Progress for Africa. Tell us about these projects.

In 2014, I founded Kadogoo Hostel and Progress for Africa in Arusha with a vision of creating a place where international volunteers, travelers, and local communities could connect, learn, and grow together. Kadogoo Hostel provides affordable and welcoming accommodation for volunteers, backpackers, students, interns, and travelers visiting Arusha. More than just a hostel, it is a place where people from different cultures meet, exchange ideas, and build lifelong friendships.

At the same time, I established Progress for Africa, a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education and creating opportunities for children and young people. One of our main projects supports children from the ages of 3 to 18 by providing daycare services, academic support, tuition classes, and two meals a day for young learners. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Working with volunteers through Kadogoo Hostel and Progress for Africa has given me valuable experience in hospitality, project management, cultural exchange, and international partnerships.

Later, you founded Kadogoo Safari Tanzania. Tell us about the safari business, where you take travelers, and what they can expect to see while on safari.

The relationships and experience I gained through Kadogoo Hostel and Progress for Africa inspired me to establish Kadogoo Safari Tanzania, a registered tour company based in mainland Tanzania. We specialize in unforgettable wildlife safaris and adventure experiences across Tanzania. Our guests visit world-famous destinations such as Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro. We also organize cultural tours, walking safaris, and customized travel experiences.

While on safari, travelers can experience Tanzania’s incredible wildlife, including the Big Five, breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and unforgettable sunsets. Our mission is to create authentic experiences while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.

What are the future goals of Progress for Africa?

Our long-term vision is to expand educational opportunities for young people by improving our learning facilities and introducing modern skills training. We want to prepare students not only for today’s world but also for the future through technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical life skills.

We believe education has the power to transform communities, and we are committed to helping young people build brighter futures.

You are just now starting Bakari Digital Academy. What is this new project?

Bakari Digital Academy is the next step in that vision. It is a modern education initiative that will provide practical training in computer skills, blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, financial markets, trading systems, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and other digital technologies.

Our goal is to equip young people with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the digital economy, create employment opportunities, and inspire innovation throughout Tanzania and across Africa.

How can people support our mission?

While financial donations are always appreciated, the greatest support we need right now is opportunity.

If you are a tour operator, travel agency, travel advisor, or someone working in the tourism industry, we would be grateful if you could partner with Kadogoo Safari Tanzania by referring travelers, creating business partnerships, or making advance safari bookings. These partnerships create sustainable income that helps us grow our tourism business while supporting our education and community projects. By booking a safari with Kadogoo Safari Tanzania or introducing us to travel agents and partners around the world, you are helping create lasting opportunities for children, young people, and local communities in Tanzania.

Finally, where can people learn more about your work?

We would love to connect with travelers, volunteers, tour operators, travel agencies, partners, and anyone who shares our vision.

Kadogoo Safari Tanzania

• Website: www.kadogoo.com

• Instagram: @kadogoo_tanzania

• WhatsApp: +255 786 921 202

Progress for Africa

• Instagram: @progress_school_center

Bakari Waziri Yusuph

• Instagram: @bakari_wy

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our journey. We look forward to welcoming you to Tanzania and working together to make a positive difference through tourism, education, and innovation.

ID: Bakari with his arm around Kelly. They are both smiling for the camera. 2011.