Babu Tryphone
Mkombe's House, Serengeti, Northern Tanzania
Tryphone, lovingly known as 'Babu' (meaning grandfather in Swahili) has been the host of Mkombe's House since it opened its doors in 2015. An absolute favourite with guests, entertaining them with games and beautiful singing, he loves children and adds the 'home' feel to the house. Babu comes from the Morogoro area of central Tanzania, but moved to Arusha where he worked for many years as a hotel waiter before joining Nomad. Nearly a decade later, having impressed Nomad with his endearing character and hard work, he was first in line to host Mkombe's House, and has now made it his home.
In his retirement (in the not-too-distant future), he says he'll enjoy living at home, farming his rice and maize, and running a small business making soap.