Moiz and Khuzaima Ngerengerewala are Tanzanian entrepreneurs who turned their love for natural honey into a purposeful beekeeping venture. Inspired by the stunning landscapes of Tanzania, they combined carpentry expertise with sustainable practices to produce pure honey and other byproducts—working in harmony with nature and empowering local beekeepers along the way. We spoke with Moiz about the initiative and how both the brothers have together grown as beekeepers.
What inspired you to start a bee farm?
It all began with a simple inkling. Just as a tourist might bring back chocolates when visiting Switzerland, I used to bring home honey after exploring the Tanzanian wilderness. I never imagined that this indulgence would one day evolve into a full-fledged business.
Over time, I was inspired by our community leader, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who often spoke about the virtues and health benefits of honey. Eventually, the idea took root. My family supported me wholeheartedly—and just like that, we became beekeepers.
How did your carpentry skills contribute to building the farm?
I’m deeply grateful to the experienced beekeepers who first introduced me to traditional techniques. Once I had a grasp of the basics, I envisioned a more sustainable and cost-effective setup.
My carpentry background allowed me to design and construct eco-friendly beehives using timber waste from a commercial wood company that grows trees specifically for harvesting. This approach helped minimise deforestation while reducing material costs which aligned perfectly with our goal of being forest-friendly.
What were the early days like?
They were filled with a lot of learning. We pulled together a team of beekeeping experts, and launched our journey in the Miombo woodlands of the Tabora region, starting with a thousand beehives.
Everyday was a new challenge where we pushed ourselves to take it up a notch. This included constructing quality hives, hauling them into the trees, and navigating the dense wilderness. We got lost so many times in the forest that I can’t put a number on that! It was tough, but incredibly rewarding.
What surprised you most as a new bee farm owner?
The biggest surprise was realising that beekeeping isn’t just a business—it’s a relationship with nature. Unlike machine tools, bees are thriving creatures, both intuitive and sensitive to countless environmental factors.
Success in beekeeping isn’t about controlling outcomes; it’s about learning, observing, and surrendering to natural rhythms. Even seasoned beekeepers can’t always explain certain bee behaviors. Sometimes, entire swarms leave for reasons we may never fully understand. That unpredictability taught us humility and a deep respect for the course of nature.
What does a typical day on your bee farm look like?
It’s safe to say that every day is a little sweeter than the last—sometimes quite literally!
Our day usually starts with assessing how many hives are ready for harvest, patrolling the area to ensure hive health, compensating our local beekeepers, and harvesting honey. Afterward, we perform quality checks before storing and packaging the honey for distribution. It’s a hands-on process that requires care and consistency.
Do you follow any sustainable or organic practices?
Absolutely. It was the guiding beacon from the very start. Our beehives are made from timber waste, rather than fresh-cut logs, which helps combat deforestation. We also ensure that all our honey is harvested naturally and remains free from additives or artificial ingredients. The purity of the product matters just as much as the process that produces it.
Have you had any memorable encounters with the bees?
Bees are extraordinary creatures. Their organization, communication, and work ethic are nothing short of inspiring. But they also demand respect, especially when provoked.
In the early days, while harvesting honey at a smaller farm in Dar es Salaam, my cousin and I were suddenly chased by an aggressive swarm. I wasn’t wearing my protective gear at the time, and we had nowhere to run—except straight into my car. We ended up trapped inside for two hours, waiting until sunset to safely suit up and leave.
It was a nerve-wracking experience, but also a powerful reminder: beekeeping requires respect for the bees and the natural world they thrive in.