Africa Trip Leader
Goodluck Kilesi Urassa, known as Urassa, is a member of the Meru tribe from the southern slopes of Mount Meru, near Arusha. He knew from an early age that he wanted to become a safari guide, and after attending Mount Meru Tour Guiding College, he entered the profession, rising through the positions of camp crew, support vehicle driver, assistant guide, and now safari guide. His interests include mammal behavior, a particular favorite, and ornithology, a close second. Urassa gives back to his community by doing environmental work in his home area, for example, planting indigenous trees with school children on the slopes of Mount Meru, and educating them about environmental issues. Urassa has a keen spotter's eye, a love of the bush, and a wit and gentle manner that make him a great safari companion. He lives near his home village with his wife Stella and his three children.
Our Team"This man is a gem! He is an intelligent, gentle, friendly man, interested in each guest and attentive to the needs and interests of all. He is an excellent wildlife guide and persistent ‘spotter’—his presence and leadership made the trip for us."
Alice L.
Hillsborough, NC
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"Urassa is a wonderful and kind man. He was a pleasure to be around, so helpful and giving."
Barbara B.
Mountain View, CA
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"Urassa was amazing. Great sense of humor, smart, passionate about everything Tanzania!"
Diana S.
Carlsbad, CA
Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari
"Urassa is approachable, gentle and caring as a guide, and shares information freely about the environment so the listener gains a deeper understanding about the life cycles, habits of wildlife and insects, and their interdependence."
Diane K.
Berkeley, CA
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"Urassa was outstanding. Sweet, kind, knowledgeable, and determined to make each day special and eventful."
Diane K.
Birmingham, MI
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"Urassa was outstanding in every way. We could not have had a more professional, nicer guide. He put all efforts in making sure we had the best experience possible and we did."
Iris B.
Calabasas, CA
Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari
"Urassa is a gentle soul with extensive knowledge of the African wildlife and a natural curiosity for new things."
Jane A.
Cockeysville, MD
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"We found Urasse very engaging. He is smart, kind, a great animal finder. I won't soon forget this man."
Jill W.
Gaston, OR
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"Urassa was wonderful—great personality, interesting to talk to, great sense of humor, easy manner with people, knowledgeable."
John and Debbi W.
Chapel Hill, NC
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"What a great guide! Smart, thoughtful. knowledgeable...I felt totally safe and well taken care of."
Katherine H.
Berkeley, CA
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"I can't say enough good things about Goodluck. He represents his homeland with such passion and dedication, and is so knowledgeable, personable, and competent. It is obvious from his interactions with the staff, drivers, park officials, etc. that he is well respected."
Linda V.
Cinnaminson, NJ
"Urassa is simply superb, outstanding, excellent etc., etc. HIs knowledge base is excellent, he desires to seek out various species of wildlife to enhance our experience, and he is attentive to the wishes of each participant on the trip."
Pamela S.
Culver City, CA
"This man is a diamond, one of the truly nicest people we have ever met in all of our 10 WT trips. He was gentle, smart, helpful, and clearly talented. His people skills are superior, and his knowledge of the animals and birds was extensive and easily shared."
Sid L.
Hillsborough, NC
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"Urassa was a kind and gentle soul, with deep care for the environment and an eagle eye for spotting animals (especially cats in trees). We learned a lot about the culture of Tanzania from him, and appreciated the time spent together."
Steve D.
Danville, CA
Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari
"I cannot speak highly enough of Urassa. He is a born leader. His knowledge, love of his country, quiet manner, and sense of humor helped make our trip the incredible experience that it was."
Susie M.
Raleigh, NC
Serengeti Wildlife Safari
"A fantastic human in all aspects! Urassa is kind, thoughtful, and a master of his trade. His knowledge of the Tanzania bush and all it offers is truly astounding. Great sense of humor and his energy is contagious! I would travel with him again and anywhere!"
Tara H.
Soldotna, AK
"Urassa's warmth and caring personality and deep appreciation and knowledge of the wildlife as well as his great subtle sense of humor made our trip unforgettable. He showed genuine interest in our entire family and was a pleasure to be with."
Trudi F.
Boulder, CO
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!