Mr. Bean's Biography

photo of Mr. Bean "I like working for Duma Explorer because the management is much different than that of other companies. Management of Duma is easy to approach and they listen to our thoughts."

Mr. Bean was born in Moshi, in Kilimanjaro Region. He started primary school in Moshi, then moved to Tanga Region to finish primary and secondary school. After secondary school, Mr. Bean moved back to Arusha with his family. Mr. Bean’s father is a secondary school headmaster and has acted as headmaster for several schools in Northern Tanzania.

Mr. Bean’s real name is Tumuhubiri Natai. When Tumuhubiri was young, he liked to watch Mr. Bean, the British comedy. His mother started calling him Mr. Bean, and he has been called that ever since.

In 1999, Bean began his career in tourism when he completed an eight month guide training course at the Mount Meru Guide School. He studied wildlife, birds, trees, and ecology. In 2001, Bean became a mountain porter. After six months as a porter, Bean began cooking on the mountain and accompanying clients to Uhuru as an assistant guide. He worked on Kilimanjaro for a total of one year before switching to the safari circuit.

Before working in the tourism industry, Bean completed a car mechanic apprenticeship at a local garage in Arusha. Bean then worked for Shidolya Tours for one year fixing their Land Rover petrol engines.

Bean began working for Duma Explorer in 2004. He cooks for approximately two trips per month in groups ranging from two to sixteen people. You can read some of our clients’ praise below.

“Mr. Bean was wonderful. He answered all our questions and made the whole experience very satisfying. I was happy to receive him as our cook.”
“Food was above expectations- Absolutely delicious. We loved Bean!”
“Courteous and knowledgeable. Went out of his for us. Excellent service! Would recommend Bean by name to others traveling to Tanzania.”
“Great cook!”

More about Mr. Bean

Parks and areas visited: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Arusha, Tarangire, Kilimanjaro, Lake Natron, Lake Victoria, Selous, Ruaha, Udzungwa, Mikumi, and Amani.

Mountains climbed: Kilimanjaro, Meru, Oldonyo Lengai

Favorite park: Serengeti National Park because it is very large. There are many places to visit.
Park Bean would most like to visit: Gombe Stream to see the chimpanzees. He would also like to visit the national parks in Kenya and Uganda.
Favorite animal: Hyena because it cleans the park.
Favorite bird: Secretary Bird
Favorite tree: All types of acacia trees
Favorite meal to prepare while on safari:
Starter: Fresh vegetable soup
Main Course: Vegetable quiche
Dessert: Banana Frita

Future plans: Bean would like to go back to school to learn more about Tanzania’s wildlife so that he can become a guide. He would specifically like to learn more about trees and birds. He would also like to take classes in Spanish.