Roots & Peaks – Transformative Adventure Travel in Africa and the Amazon - Roots and Peaks

About Us

Mission:

At Roots & Peaks, our mission is to create transformative travel experiences that connect adventurers with Africa’s iconic landscapes and vibrant cultures. Through responsible tourism, we empower local communities, support environmental stewardship, and reinvest in grassroots initiatives—ensuring every journey leaves a lasting, positive impact.

Vision:

At Roots & Peaks, we envision a world where travel uplifts communities, preserves culture, and protects the planet. Through immersive, responsible journeys across Tanzania and beyond, we aim to inspire conscious explorers and ensure every adventure leaves a lasting, positive impact.

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Roots and

Peaks

Roots

of Resilience Community Programs

Roots and Peaks

Meet the Team

Founders

  • Ruwaichi Richard Mtui
    Ruwaichi Richard Mtui
    Founder
  • David Hernandez
    David Hernandez
    Founder
  • Alexander Hessinger
    Alexander Hessinger
    Founder

Operations

  • Aggrey Mgalla
    Aggrey Mgalla
    Operator

Guides

  • James Laizer
    James Laizer
    Head guide
  • Innocent Willington Mmary
    Innocent Willington Mmary
    Kilimanjaro Guide
  • Justin Thomas
    Justin Thomas
    Guide
    • Leonard Solomon Mollel
      Leonard Solomon Mollel
      Guide
    • Stephen Kennedy Kisanga
      Stephen Kennedy Kisanga
      Guide
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    5%

    Of Revenue

    Roots

    of Resilience Community Programs

    Roots and Peaks

    About Roots & Peaks Expeditions: Transforming Travel with Purpose

    At Roots & Peaks Expeditions, we believe in redefining the travel experience by merging sustainability, cultural respect, and transformative adventures. Our journey began in the Ecuadorian Amazon and has grown into a global initiative that not only connects travelers to the world’s most iconic destinations but also fosters local economic growth and conservation.

    • Our Social Purpose and Community Impact

      We are committed to making a positive difference in the communities we visit. Here’s how we’re contributing:

      • We donate 5% of all our sales to support Roots of Resilience.
      • Paying above-market wages to porters, guides, and community workers.
      • Leading reforestation projects and empowering women’s cooperatives.

      What Our Communities Say About Us

      “The Roots & Peaks partnership has helped us fund education initiatives and protect local wildlife habitats.”

      When you travel with us, you’re not just an explorer—you’re part of a movement that empowers people and preserves the planet for future generations.

    Roots of Resilience logo
    Go & Discover

    Community Impact and Sustainability

    We donate 5% of all our sales to support Roots of Resilience . Paying above-market wages to porters, guides, and community workers. Leading reforestation projects and empowering women’s cooperatives.

    Roots & Peaks – Roots and Peaks / Transformative Adventure Travel in Africa and the Amazon
    Ruwaichi Richard Mtui
    Founder

    I was born in Marangu village on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where the first route to the summit was established. I began my career as a porter, working for five years before attending Mweka Wildlife College, where I became a certified mountain guide. Over the following 10 years, I successfully led climbers to the summit of Kilimanjaro.In 2019, after sustaining a leg injury that prevented me from continuing to climb, I was inspired to form my own team of professional guides, cooks, and porters to lead clients on Kilimanjaro expeditions and safaris. With the experience I’ve gained, I’m committed to changing the industry by promoting fair practices, conserving the environment, advocating for sustainable tourism, and contributing to community empowerment and development.As a tour operator, my goal is to ensure fair treatment for all staff—porters, guides, and cooks—while providing high-quality service to our clients.  As I had enough experience, I decided to be a game changer by enforcing fare practice to my team, conserve environment, sustainable tourism and participating in social community empowerment & developments. My goals as tour operator is to practice fair treatment to porters, guides and cook while providing quality service to our customers.

    David Hernandez
    Founder

    I am David Hernandez, born in Los Angeles, California. With Central American heritage, I’ve always been drawn to exploring my roots and a passion for travel. Over the past decade, I’ve traveled throughout Latin America, enriching my understanding of diverse cultures. As a second-generation immigrant and the first in my family to attend college, I studied nursing.

    However, my journey led me to a career in sales and marketing, where I’ve had the privilege of interacting with people from all walks of life. These experiences have profoundly shaped my path, reaffirming my desire to make a positive impact on others

    Alexander Hessinger
    Founder

    Hello there! I am Alexander Hessinger, a passionate advocate for sustainability with deep roots in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest, where my journey toward environmental stewardship began. Growing up in a hotel, I was immersed in the world of hospitality from an early age, which later led me to work for Disney, attend culinary school, and even run a coffee farm in Hawaii. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on tourism, food, and community development. Over the past decade, I’ve worked across diverse communities worldwide, leading initiatives in sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and technology. As Co-Founder of Tribuquent, I’ve helped secure over $56 million for community-driven projects that enhance economic development and environmental justice. In my role as Vice-President of TerraDAC Technologies, we have been funded by the Department of Energy to advance cutting-edge technologies that combat climate change. Now, as the Founder of Roots & Peaks Expeditions, I aim to merge my expertise in sustainability with a deep love for travel, creating transformative experiences that empower local communities while preserving the natural and cultural treasures of Tanzania and the Amazon Rainforest.

    Aggrey Mgalla
    Operator

    Aggrey Mgalla, the firstborn in his family, hails from the Pare community in Kilimanjaro and was raised in the village of Mbuguni, famously known for its Tanzanite mines. Growing up in this vibrant environment, Aggrey gained early exposure to the diverse cultural and natural riches of Tanzania. His passion for exploration, meeting people from different places, and giving back to the community shaped the course of his career.Aggrey pursued his high school education at Lyamyngo High School in Kilimanjaro before advancing to the Institute of Social Work in Dar es Salaam, where he was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources.

    Alongside his academic pursuits, Aggrey cultivated a deep interest in wildlife and tourism, a passion that emerged from his love of nature and desire to meet and connect with people from around the world.With over 12 years of experience in organizing unforgettable trips across Tanzania, Aggrey’s expertise in tourism is vast. He has successfully curated journeys that showcase Tanzania’s natural wonders, ensuring travelers leave with cherished lifelong memories.

    His dedication to delivering high-quality and professional services has earned him recognition in the field. Now working with Roots & Peaks, Aggrey continues to use his extensive experience to offer exceptional tourism experiences while directly contributing to the welfare of local communities. Having faced challenges growing up, he remains committed to helping others and giving back, ensuring his work in tourism extends beyond adventure, fostering meaningful connections and supporting the communities he serves.

    James Laizer
    Head guide

    My name is James Laizer aged 43 years..my current position and prowess is Kilimanjaro Mountain Chief guide all routes which I have served for almost 18 years with the beginning 2 years as porter..Ive also attended W.F.R trainings 5 times..My hobbies are outdoors adventures, watching movies,travelling and playing Soccer

    Innocent Willington Mmary
    Kilimanjaro Guide

    My Name is INNOCENT WILLINGTON MMARY a Tanzanian Age of 36years. Am Mountain Guide and Safari as a Chief Guide. I have served as Guide in 13years experience where I did as a porter for one year. To my Professional I have  also been  awarded the certificate in Wildlife First Responder (WFR) training since 2014 where I always to the Recertification after each two years. I have Archieved hiking in different mountains in USA. i.e  PCT back- Parking, Granites Mountain hiking, Noth West Cascades Mountain hiking  and so many outdoor adventures. Am currently holds a Valid WFR card to serve my clients in the Wilderness. 

    My Hobbies.  

    Bird’s Watching,  watching Movies., Watching World News , traveling doing Outdoor activities.

    Justin Thomas
    Guide

     I was born in the northern region of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenya border, and I am currently residing in Moshi, Tanzania. I am 45 years old and the proud father of four children.

    With over 20 years of experience as both a mountain and safari guide, I have had the privilege of guiding countless travelers through the stunning landscapes of Tanzania. My deep knowledge of the local terrain, wildlife, and culture has allowed me to provide exceptional and memorable experiences for my guests.

    In addition to my guiding experience, I am a certified First Aid Trainer, further enhancing the safety and well-being of those I guide in remote and challenging environments.

    In 2016, I was honored to be awarded Tour Leader of the Year, a recognition that underscores my dedication to excellence in the field of tourism and guiding.

    Leonard Solomon Mollel
    Guide

    In Memory of Leonard Solomon Mollel

    At Roots & Peaks, our journeys are shaped by the incredible people who lead them. We honor the life of Leonard, a cherished member of our guiding team, whose passion, warmth, and dedication left an unforgettable impact on our travelers and community

    Though Leonard has passed—for reasons unrelated to the mountain—his spirit lives on in the stories he shared and the hearts he touched. We continue our work in his honor, committed to the care, connection, and purpose he brought to every journey.

    Stephen Kennedy Kisanga
    Guide

    I am a highly experienced safari guide with over 30 years of expertise in guiding wildlife safaris across Tanzania. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of introducing travelers from all over the world to the incredible wildlife and landscapes that Tanzania has to offer.

    I began my journey at a young age, immediately after completing my studies at the College of Wildlife Tourism. Now, at the age of 52, I am proud to have built a rich career, sharing my deep knowledge and passion for Tanzania’s natural wonders.