Pietro was born in 1975 in Milan, Italy, where he later trained as a civil engineer. His passion for Africa inspired him to first experience the continent as a volunteer in the Tarangire Lion Project, a research project on the lion population in Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania. He studied to become a professional guide in South Africa's Kruger National Park, where he received qualifications for ARH (Advanced Rifle Handling) and, later, Level 3 certification from the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), the most important accrediting association for safari guides in Africa. He also received the Trails Guide qualification from FGASA for walking safaris in areas with potentially dangerous game, obtained at Beho Beho, Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania.

Pietro has worked as a guide and camp manager in southern Tanzania in two of the wildest and most untouched areas on the African continent—Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve. He has gained invaluable experience over the years while becoming intimately acquainted with these regions by working at three different camps. Pietro has also been a walking guide in Klaserie and Timbavati game reserves in South Africa. An avid and accomplished photographer, he has had many of his photographs published in East Africa guidebooks. Pietro currently works as a consultant, guide and trainer in various locations throughout Africa. He speaks Italian, English and Kiswahili.

Upcoming Adventures with Pietro:
Secluded Tanzania Safari

Praise from Nat Hab Travelers:

R. Loiselle
"I have been on about 20 trips and Pietro has been the absolutely best guide I have ever experienced by far. His knowledge base of geology, birds, mammals, native cultures, local languages, habitats, etc. is incredible. You can tell that he knows what he is talking about in such minute detail it is astonishing. I can not praise Pietro enough. He spends time with each guest making them know that he cares about them and their concerns. I would really enjoy another trip with Pietro."

S. Nelson
“Pietro's focus on getting us to the best places to find the animals we wanted to see was superb. He found a melanistic serval, as well as birthing wildebeests and zebras. He helped us learn about creatures that we were unfamiliar with (i.e. dung beetles). His kindness, attentiveness and ability to find the animals we were most interested in (29 cat sightings in 6 days!) was amazing.”
 
P. Henderson
"We have had some wonderful guides with Nat Hab, but I believe Pietro tops the list. He was so very knowledgeable about the animals and habitat. He was very considerate to us (and our physical limitations, especially). We just had a wonderful trip and he was the key."

G. Gibson
"Pietro was amazing. He is knowledgeable, clearly passionate and very caring. Most importantly, he made the adventure a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Maasai village we visited was genuine, not a tourist trap. The route he took through the Serengeti made us feel like we were the only people sharing the world with the beautiful animals and scenery. I cannot say enough good things about Pietro."

B. Ebenstein
"Pietro was the best guide I've ever had bar none. He was personable, knowledgeable and helpful to the nth degree."

S. Conrad
"Pietro was an excellent Expedition Leader. His knowledge of the animals, plant life and people of Africa seemed endless. He shared so much information with us. His love of the area is genuine and is visible in the way he leads a group. He has an excellent ability to manage a variety of personalities to maintain a group that is not only cohesive but fun! We felt completely safe and comfortable at all times and thoroughly enjoyed this trip. He will be a tough act to follow for our next Nat Hab trip."

L. Schumacher
"Pietro was an amazing Expedition Leader. He was fantastic with us and our teenage daughter. I was ill one day on the safari and he was extremely helpful. With Pietro as the guide, this trip way exceeded our expectations."

M. Bate
"Pietro was an outstanding Expedition Leader and met all expectations. He had his hands full with the group members but was able to get to know everyone and was able to meet the varied needs of the group. I would recommend that others request Pietro if visiting an area or trip that he guides."

P. Harmon
"Pietro was the whole package—a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, great fun to be with and helped everyone to get fabulous photos. We couldn't have asked for a better guide."

K. Hager
"Pietro was incredibly professional, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I can't imagine anyone being any better than he was. He also was able to make each person feel heard and special. This was a wonderful trip made even more wonderful by his presence. I would jump at the chance to go on another adventure with Pietro as the Expedition Leader."

E. Wetten
"Pietro's in-depth and precise knowledge of the wildlife and culture of Tanzania was indeed remarkable. His personal relationship with the Maasai people in the Ngorongoro Crater allowed us to have a close-up visit to learn about their culture and customs. His tracking skills enabled us to see a variety of animals time and again. He dealt very professionally with the wide range of interests in the group, including my granddaughter for whom he made the trip not only eye-opening but fun as well."

K. Barich
"Pietro was amazing! He is extremely knowledgeable about all the animals and taught us so much. He flexed the schedule when special opportunities for animal viewing were available. As a very experienced photographer, he made sure we got the best angles for our photos. We had a lot of fun on this trip and had experiences that we will never forget. It seemed like everyday something new and special happened that made it better than the day before! Pietro has many contacts in the area due to his experience and he was able to provide opportunities that might not have been available with another guide. By the end of our trip, he had become more than just our Expedition Leader—he was a friend."

C. Suchors
"Pietro was extraordinary. He had the ability to make everyone feel noted and special. He had an in depth knowledge of the animals, people and history and answered my questions thoroughly and wisely. He was generous with his time helping people with their cameras or any particular need or interest even if it means taking time away from his rest. He was a gifted leader and unfailingly enthusiastic about the animals and people of Tanzania. His charisma and sense of humor enlivened the trip wonderfully. We literally trusted him with our lives, and willingly so, because we knew he had our upmost safety in mind while figuring out ways for us to get the most from our experiences. I also really appreciated how he gave us choices about when and where to do things and respected our opinions. All in all, he was the best Expedition Leader I've ever had."

C. Suchors-Field
"Pietro was a superb Expedition Leader. His comprehensive knowledge of and love for the animals, plants and landscapes we saw was very evident and truly enriched our trip. I also think he did a great job of balancing the different ages, energy levels and personalities in our group. In speaking with others at the end of the trip, every single one of us had an excellent trip, and all were very glad we had been paired with Pietro and with each other."