Remembering Joyce Manda Maleo

The entire Thomson Safaris team is saddened to hear about the recent death, on September 29, 2013, of longtime Thomson chef Joyce Manda Maleo.

Joyce first started working for Thomson Safaris back in 2004, after years working in various restaurants and kitchens. Her talent in the kitchen was undeniable, and the countless meals she prepared were always made with love. Joyce always seemed to have a broad, warm smile on her face, whether she was laboring over a hot stove or relaxing with her many friends and colleagues.

She also touched the lives of many Thomson travelers, who remember Joyce for her joy, and for her excellent cooking!

Joyce was always an incredibly hard worker, and it showed. As a single mother, she managed to build a home for herself and her son (now 19), and give him an excellent education. Thanks to Joyce’s dedication and love, he’ll soon be heading to university.

She was also a trailblazer. In a society that is still highly patriarchal, Joyce managed to rise to the position of chef, one that even in the Western world is still often male-dominated. She was the only woman in our camp crews, but that didn’t slow her down; she earned the love and respect of the people she worked with because of her talent, hard work, and constant kindness.

Joyce left this world with dignity and at peace, surrounded by her family and close friends in Moshi. She left behind such a positive mark on the world, and she will be missed very, very much.