How a Volkswagen Bus Led Me to Africa
Photo credit: Stefan Maria Rother
I’m Conrad. I’m 45, German by birth, Californian by upbringing, and African by heart. My wife Leonie and I have been married for 18 years, and we have a 7-year-old daughter, Anna, who’s convinced she’s Tanzanian. She may be right.
I grew up in a Volkswagen T2 Bus, roaming the Western United States, and my love for adventure and the outdoors stuck with me. When the opportunity came early in my career to work in Africa, I jumped at it. Inspired by that first experience, I built a company in Ghana that brought solar power to off-grid communities. It taught me the beauty of authentic encounters—sitting by Lake Volta with fishermen, and farmers, I fell in love with their simple way of life, their honesty, hospitality, and the tranquility of it all. There’s a boundless freedom out there on the lake and in the savannah. Since then, Africa has been a constant in my life—no matter how far I’ve wandered, I always find myself returning.
Early on, my family and I realized we shared a deep passion for Sub-Saharan Africa. Tanzania became our second home. We learned Swahili to dive deeper into the culture, and every spare minute was spent exploring the country’s wild places. My Land Rover is always packed and ready for the next adventure. Recently, my daughter Anna and I embarked on a 4-week road trip around Lake Victoria—just the two of us. We documented it for a vlog on my YouTube channel, @ShaukuAfrika. The episodes are still in the works, but I’ll be sharing updates in my newsletter as soon as they’re ready—stay tuned!
For a time, I connected German and Tanzanian businesses as the country rep for the German Chamber of Industry & Commerce in Tanzania. But I found my true calling in sharing Africa’s magic with others. Leonie and I are also avid photographers—all the pictures you see on this site, unless otherwise noted, were shot by us. If you like what you see, feel free to check out our fine art prints in the “Photography” section.
So, here I am, chasing my passion, never done exploring, and ready to share Tanzania’s beauty with you.
Professional Experience & Local Expertise
I graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Civil Engineering and later earned an MBA in Germany. My career path has taken me from working in a large strategy consultancy to leading a family office, so I understand the high expectations that come with handling complex needs and delivering exceptional service.
Along the way, I’ve organized everything from trade delegations between Germany and Tanzania to high-profile events at the World Economic Forum in Davos while working for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. I’m used to taking care of the details, whether it’s making sure a conference runs smoothly or ensuring a panelist’s needs are met. In 2019, I was honored with the Stanford Associates Award of Merit for my work with the European Stanford alumni.
Tanzania isn’t just a place I know—it’s a place I’m deeply connected to. I served on the board of Tanzania’s largest Rotary Club and have worked with some of the most inspiring people in conservation and business here. My family and I have formed friendships with rangers in many of the national parks. We stay in regular contact through WhatsApp, learning a lot about their daily work, which all too often involves the rescue of animals caught in poachers’ wire snares. Together with our Tanzanian friends, Leonie and I are building our own conservation project, protecting a precious coastal rainforest corridor between Saadani National Park and the Wami River.
Speaking Swahili allows me to connect on a deeper level with the people here—whether I’m in a remote village or guiding a private safari. And with my extensive local network, from lodge staff to park rangers, you can trust that you’re in the best hands for an unforgettable adventure.
When you book with me, I plan your trip personally—every detail tailored to you. If you wish, I’ll even accompany you on your safari myself. And for the seasoned adventurers, there’s regularly a chance to join me on a co-exploration of terra incognita. Those opportunities are limited and announced in my newsletter—so sign up and stay tuned for your next adventure.
