My name is David Mollel, the founder of Nature In Spirit. I was born in a Maasai village near Arusha, Tanzania, into a family of nomadic Maasai. My parents were herders, overseeing large herds of cattle, goats, sheep, and donkeys. I am the seventh child in a family of nine siblings.
Growing up, our livestock grazed across three different locations in Arusha, with Ngorongoro being the largest and most vital hub. It was here, amidst vast open landscapes and abundant wildlife, that I began herding cattle at just six years old. For years, I lived in harmony with nature, guiding livestock through the same lands where wildlife roamed freely.
These animals—some gentle, others extremely dangerous—shared the land with us. They kept their distance as we moved about, but their presence was constant, a daily reminder of the unique bond between humans and nature in this extraordinary place.
As a young boy, I often noticed safari vehicles stopping along the dusty roads. Tourists inside would take pictures of the wildlife, the livestock, and sometimes even of us, the Maasai herders. Occasionally, they would step out of their vehicles to get a closer look at the animals, plants, and scenery.
One day, curiosity got the better of me, and I approached a guide. “What are these strangers doing here?” I asked in broken Swahili, as my first language was Maa, the Maasai language. The guide explained that these visitors had traveled from faraway countries to see the beauty of our land—our wildlife, our landscapes, our plants, and even us, the Maasai people.
“Don’t they have these things in their countries?” I asked. The guide smiled and said, “No, we are blessed. That’s why they come here.”
This conversation sparked a deep passion in me. The next day, while herding cattle, I began contemplating the differences between domestic and wild animals. Though it was a simple thought, it planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong connection with nature.
When I finally got the chance to attend school, I was determined to learn everything I could about the natural world. My studies led me to become a naturalist guide, where I had the privilege of sharing the wonders of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes with visitors from around the world.
As I gained experience, I dreamed of starting my own tour company. I wanted a name that truly reflected my journey, my roots, and my passion. The answer was clear—my spirit had always been intertwined with nature. And so, Nature In Spirit was born, a name that embodies my heritage, my belief in the beauty of our land, and my desire to share it with others.
