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Dennis Lyamuya
Tanzania Partner Visits USA

Tanazanian Chagga Tribal Elder, Mweke Wildlife College Student President, Advocate for EcoTourism Methods, and Trusted Advisor for Asante Africa Foundation

Asante Africa Foundation is proud to host one of our trusted advisors and Tanzanian partners, Dennis Lyamuya in the USA as he travels through 4 cities in 5 weeks. We are creating an opportunity for schools, communities, service organizations, and corporations to spend interactive time with him on topics of education, ecotravel and tourism, leadership values, life in Tanzania and many more. Dennis's amazing story telling abilities are spell binding. Hear him tell tales of chasing cheetahs, watching storms on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and out-running elephants. Dennis Lyamuya works to create connections by examining our shared values through the tales he tells. Prepare to be enchanted by this marvelous story teller who reminds us of our common desires to work positively within a global community. Time will pass unnoticed as you are enlightened and informed by the wisdom of his narratives.

Who is Dennis Lyamuya?

Dennis Lyamua was born the oldest of nine children on the slopes of the highest volcanic mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. His traditional Chagga tribal name is Mřio, which means "someone who will support the family." He was given this name because according to tribal custom, the first boy is responsible for taking care of the family. Dennis completed the equivalent of US High School in Tanzania. His family could not afford to send him to school beyond the basics, so he set off looking for work that could help fund his education. Eventually, he landed work as a porter and cook on Mount Kilimanjaro eventually ascending the mountain over 220 times. Dennis was promoted to Mountain Guide and the company he worked for sent him to the College of Wildlife Management, allowing him to fulfill his dream of attending university. This eventually led to his role as Chief Safari Guide with the National Parks of Tanzania.

When he entered the College of African Wildlife Management- Mweka, he was able to very quickly expand his knowledge of environmental and natural resources protection methods, wildlife management, and the impact of humans on the natural environment. This led to his focus on teaching others about the importance of human beings and nature co-existing. In 2009-2010, he was elected by his peers to be the President of the Student Council. In this role he has represented 29 nationalities within the student population. He has recently traveled extensively within Tanzania representing the college to the Tanzanian president- Honorable Jakata Mrisho Kikwete, as well as other Ministry dignitaries, Tourism leaders, and international political leaders. Dennis has much to share about how village values and the gift of education has molded him to become the global leader that he is today.

Dennis is also husband, father of two amazing young girls, and a friend to many travelers who pass through Tanzania.

Today he is the founder and owner of Kwetu Tanzania, Eco-Tourism and Safaris.

Dennis Lyamuya will be traveling through 5 cities accepting opportunities to educate, engage and entertain audiences and work groups

He will share his expertise and insights on:

  • How everyone of us, regardless of our home location, plays a part in human-nature-wildlife co-existence
  • How education makes all of us a more globally connected community with skills and abilities to share
  • What roles of technology, and partnership play in assisting Africa countries to be self sustainable
  • How leading an organization of 29 nationalities and cultures has it's challenges, and triumphs
  • How youth of all ages play a critical role in bridging cultures and boundaries- what can you do today?
  • Specialized session now added: Global warming - real or not? Mount Kilimanjaro's perspective

We are happy to explore dates when Dennis could visit you, your school, your executive team, or your community group. If you prefer a more intimate time with Dennis, we are happy to accommodate if his calendar permits.

All proceeds from Dennis's travels go directly to the programs that Asante Africa is supporting in Tanzania and Kenya.

Venues for Meeting and Engaging with Tanzanian Guest, Advisor and Partner Dennis Lyamuya

As venues are confirmed they will be added to the calendar and listing . Please check back frequently. If you have questions or would like to host an event, please contact Erna Grasz at 925-367-5586 or egrasz@asanteafrica.org

Bay Area Flyer (146k pdf)San Francisco,CA - Bay Area

OPEN VENUES - Adults and Children Welcome

FEBRUARY 5TH, Saturday - 4:00 to 6:00pm
Location: San Mateo, CA
The Dove and Olive Works, 178 South Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402 - (650) 325-4663

FEBRUARY 10TH, Thursday - 6:00 to 8:30pm
Hosted by: Collaboration for Africa, South Bay, Networking Group
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara University, Arts and Sciences Building (tentative location- will be confirmed)

FEBRUARY 12TH, Saturday - 4:00 to 7:00pm
Location: Dublin , CA
Dublin Library, Large Community Room, 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568

FEBRUARY 26TH, Saturday - 4:30 to 7:00pm   LAST CHANCE EVENT
Hosted by: Asante Africa
Location: Livermore, CA
Big White House Winery and John Evan Cellars
6800 Greenville Rd., Livermore, CA 94550
RSVP requested to manage logisitics: egrasz@asanteafrica.org

MARCH 1st, Tuesday - 7pm
Hosted by: American Association of University Women
Location: Pleasanton, CA
Methodist Church, 4444 Black Avenue

AAUW L/P/D Branch will be hosting an International meeting 7pm March 1st at the Methodist Church on Black Avenue, Pleasanton. The presentation in featuring Erna Grasz, Director of Asante Africa Foundation and Dennis Lyamuya, advisor to the Tanazanian Chagga tribal community. Dennis is also the Tanzanian student president of the World renowned Mweka Wildlife College and spokesperson for Eco Tourism. A video will be shown featuring cultures of several East African communities as well as classroom experiences of African children in schools built and supported by the Asante Foundation. There will be time following the presentation for questions and dialogue with the attendees. This meeting is open to the public, so be sure to invite your friends and family to attend with you. Children are especially welcome.

Dallas Flyer (pdf 158kb)Dallas, TX

OPEN VENUES - Adults and Children Welcome

FEBRUARY 19th, Saturday - 4:00 to 7:00pm Program starts at 5:00
Hosted by: Freda Vaughn and Alma and Ken Robb
Location: Garland, TX 75040
Holiday Inn Garland North-west of Firewheel Mall
  (between Brand Road and N. Garland Rd. off the G. Bush Fwy)
5110 North President George Bush Hwy
RSVP requested: egrasz@asanteafrica.org or 925-292-0245

DC Flyer (162kb pdf)Washington DC

OPEN VENUES - Adults and Children Welcome

FEBRUARY 20TH, Sunday - 6:00 to 9:00pm
Hosted by: Heather Newlin ( Asante Africa Board of Director ) and Chuck Thompson
Location: Reston, VA
RSVP requested: heather_newlin@yahoo.com

ANOTHER VENUE IN WORKS - stay tuned

Seattle Flyer (162kb pdf)Seattle, WA

OPEN VENUES - Adults and Children Welcome - Plenty of free parking

MARCH 4TH, Friday - 6:30 to 8:30pm
Hosted by: Jody and Doug Payne
Location: Mercer Island, WA
Community Center at Mercer View - Meeting Room 104
8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Map and driving directions
RSVP requested: extrmpayne@aol.com or (206) 275-7609