The Mirabilis Kilimanjaro is a partnership company between Erick Kimario and Francisca Mrosso. The duo are intending to use their educational and experience to responsibly manage the company with focus on cultural, socioeconomic and environmental considerations.
Their story
Both Erick and Francisca were born and raised on the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. They pursued their elementary, secondary and college/university education in Tanzania. Erick is a holder of both a Diploma and Bachelors of Science in Wildlfe Management from College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka and Sokoine University of Agriculture respectively. Francisca is a Diploma holder in Community Development from the Community Development Training Institute (CDTI) Monduli, Arusha and currently practicing entrepreneurial activities. On the other hand, Erick is a Commonwealth Scholar pursuing an MSc. Responsible Tourism Management through distance learning at Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom.
How they come to start this venture
Growing of the responsible tourism knowledge among tourists created a need for responsible tourism products. A majority of tourists recognise the need for cultural and heritage packages in their visited destinations. This need prompted the decision to establish the company that responds to tourists needs. Apart from wildlife tourism which is the main tourist product in Tanzania, cultural and heritage packages will also be incorporated in our packages. Further, part of the proceeds realised from the cultural and heritage tours will remain in the communities for their development.
Influences
Most of the influences in establishing the company was based on the tourism for the people emphasising on Responsible Tourism principles. Responsible Tourism is defined as “responsible travel to areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people. It is travel to destinations where the natural areas and cultural heritage are the primary attractions (Alsamawi, 2017, p. 39).” This is in conformity with the 2002 Cape Town Declaration that characterizes responsible tourism in terms of: “(i) minimizing impacts; (ii) generating economic benefits for host communities; (iii) involving local people in decision making; (iv) conserving natural and cultural heritage; (v) providing meaningful connections between tourists and local people; and (vi) being accessible and culturally sensitive (Caruana et al., 2014, p. 116)”.
Passion
Credibility –years of expertise
An extensive working experience of about twenty years within Tanzania National Parks system coupled with aspirations from my previous college and University studies and currently post graduate studies (MSc Responsible Tourism Management) triggered the passion to establish a tour company i.e. The Mirabilis Kilimanjaro. Further, my spouse’s entrepreneurial capabilities and community engagement influences our decision to engage in the business.
Name Origins
Mirabilis is a Latin word meaning “amazing, wondrous, or remarkable”. On the other hand, Mirabilis is a species name for long lived plant species (Welwitschia mirabilis) found in the Namib Desert in Namibia and Southern Angola. The plant is described as a ‘fossil plant’ as it evolved through many years to date. Moreover, Mount Kilimanjaro is an iconic land feature reflecting Tanzania’s and Africa wealth of attractions. Hence Mirabilis Kilimanjaro is a name coined based on these two features with the aim of forging a business venture that will last longer emulating Tanzania’s and Africa’s tourism potentials.
Tourism services in Tanzania have been provided based on experience rather than professionalism. Mirabilis Kilimanjaro strives to intervene this situation through provision of quality services with focus on professionalism and responsibility to both the clients and the environment in which the business depends.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy and actions of Mirabilis Kilimanjaro are rooted in the principles of responsible tourism. We strive to meet and exceed customer satisfaction based on these values, whilst being respectful of the local communities. As a customer focussed organisation, we are committed to professionalism, and being ethically and socially responsible in all our operations. Our professional personnel have been carefully recruited to match the values of the venture. Based on the Mirabilis Kilimanjaro philosophy, the following are central to its core values:
Mirabilis Kilimanjaro, based in Tanzania, operates within the highest standards to provide unique, responsible, visitor experiences. A favourite route involves the famous Northern Tourism Circuit comprising of The Kilimanjaro Ngorongoro Crater; Serengeti; Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. As well exploring this significant wildlife region, Mirabilis Kilimanjaro also aims to extend the benefits of tourism to local communities living adjacent to these outstanding attractions by offering opportunities for cultural enthusiasts to visit communities such as
Mirabilis Kilimanjaro has future plans to expand into Eastern and Central Africa.