Meet Masimba, man who captures and relocates bees with nothing but bare hands

Mr  Masimba's skill, while seemingly straightforward, is anything but ordinary. When a swarm of bees ventures into human spaces, he emerges as the town's hero.

With a calm demeanour and unparalleled dexterity, he gently gathers the bees and transports them back to their forest home, all without harming them or causing alarm among local residents.

From afar, his work might appear to be a routine act of bravery, but a closer look reveals the complexity and courage involved.

Handling bees—creatures that can be perilous under normal circumstances—requires not only a deft touch but also a deep understanding of their behaviour.

Mr Masimba's ability to manage this delicate task is a testament to his unique blend of skill and bravery.

Mr Masimba’s journey began in the modest setting of his childhood home in Muheza.

As the eldest of nine siblings, his secondary education was cut short, but his drive to find a livelihood outside conventional schooling remained unshaken.

He honed his talent through the traditional techniques passed down by relatives who were seasoned honey hunters.

His initial encounters with bees were more than just learning experiences; they were formative moments that shaped his unique approach.

“My fascination with bees began at home,” Mr Masimba reflects. “I observed how my relatives would gather honey and noted the intricate reasons behind the placement of hives and the behaviour of bees.

This curiosity led me to experiment with attracting and calming bees.”

A pivotal moment in Mr Masimba’s journey occurred when he used a honeycomb to attract a swarm of bees, which subsequently entered a box.

The bees’ migration to a nearby tree for two days revealed to Mr Masimba the potential of calming and directing bees—a realisation that set the foundation for his future expertise.

Furthering his knowledge, Mr Masimba encountered Mzee Mzirai and Kwaselema, employees of the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) in Tanga.

Although his mentors did not share his hand-on approach, their guidance was instrumental in refining his skills.

“Mzirai and Kwaselema provided invaluable support,” Mr Masimba acknowledges.

“Their insights helped me enhance my technique, despite our different methods.”

Unlike traditional beekeepers who rely on protective clothing, Mr Masimba works without special attire.

His only tools are a simple ‘smoker,’ which produces a calming smoke for the bees, and occasionally a cloth he wears on his head.

The cloth serves a dual purpose: it keeps his mind calm and helps him maintain focus during the complex task of handling large swarms.

Mr Masimba's dedication has earned him employment with TFS, a role that aligns with his deep-seated respect for bees and their natural habitat.

His ability to safely relocate swarms has made him a local legend and a symbol of harmony between humans and nature.

In Muheza and beyond, Mr Masimba’s name is synonymous with bravery, skill, and an unparalleled bond with the natural world.

His story is a reminder that extraordinary talents can emerge from the most humble beginnings, driven by passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to one’s roots.

At the age of 30, he has garnered admiration for his unique ability to capture and relocate swarms of bees using nothing but his bare hands.

Newspaper article

Mr Masimba’s journey into this niche of beekeeping began on Saturday, May 4, 2019, inspired by an article in Mwananchi newspaper titled "How to keep bees modernly."

The piece ignited his passion and led him to officially embark on his journey with bees.

“Reading that article was a turning point for me,” Mr Masimba recalls.

“It inspired me to become a friend of bees, despite the initial challenges and multiple stings I endured.

Perseverance was key, and I firmly believe that when you're determined, opportunities present themselves.”

His early experiences were fraught with difficulties. Mr Masimba faced repeated stings and potential hazards, yet his resolve never wavered.

He gradually mastered the delicate art of handling bees, gaining confidence and skill through sheer determination.

“The article highlighted the risks of mismanaging bees and the potential threat of their disappearance, which motivated me to refine my techniques,” Mr Masimba explains.

Mr Masimba employs a meticulous approach to bee relocation. Upon encountering a swarm, he assesses the environment, sets up safety barriers, and uses a smoker—a device that produces calming smoke—to prepare the bees for transfer.

“My goal is to ensure a safe environment for both the bees and people.

By using the smoker, I can transfer the bees to my hands and take them back to their natural habitat, allowing local activities to proceed undisturbed,” he says.

Despite the inherent risks, Mr Masimba has developed an exceptional rapport with the bees.

“In a swarm of over 1,000 bees, stings are rare. Bees can sense a person’s intentions.

When they feel safe, they are less likely to sting,” Mr Masimba notes.

This sensitivity is crucial in his work, which often involves transporting bees using motorcycle taxis to the forest, ensuring that neither the bees nor the taxi drivers are harmed.

Not a witchcraft matter

Mr Masimba’s method is not without its critics. Some locals associate his skill with witchcraft, a notion he firmly rejects.

“I rely on traditional knowledge and the talent I was born with,” Mr Masimba asserts.

“My approach is rooted in respect and understanding, not mysticism.”

His unique approach includes handling the bees without protective gear, a practice that sets him apart from traditional beekeepers who use specialized clothing and equipment.

By focusing on the queen bee—who leads the swarm— Mr Masimba efficiently directs the entire group.

“Handling the queen means the rest of the bees follow her, making the transfer process smoother,” he explains.

Mr Masimba’s work extends beyond mere bee relocation.

He educates communities on the significance of bees, emphasizing their role in producing honey, wax, and propolis.

His future plans include establishing a dedicated beekeeping area to offer community training on managing bees and understanding their benefits.

“I aspire to further my knowledge and gain more expertise in bee products,” Mr Masimba says.

“Support from the government and organizations would be invaluable in achieving this goal.”

Community members have been deeply impressed by Mr Masimba’s talent. Egnasio Benjamin, the Geita District Beekeeper Officer, recognizes the uniqueness of Masimba’s methods.

“Masimba’s approach, while unconventional, demonstrates exceptional bravery.

Handling bees without protective gear requires not just skill but also a deep understanding of their behavior,” Benjamin explains.

The Acting Forest Conservator for Geita District Sandusi Ngunyale, praises Masimba’s contributions.

“Despite lacking formal education in beekeeping, Mr Masimba’s skill in handling bees has been a valuable asset.

His ability to move bees without harm has made him an important part of our team,” Mr Ngunyale says.

Residents of Geita, like Mr Elias Basi and Mr Sagar Mganga, are equally impressed.

Mr Basi notes that Mr Masimba’s work not only benefits the community but also provides him with a livelihood.

Mr Mganga finds Mr Masimba’s skill almost miraculous, given the rarity of someone handling bees with such ease.

Ms Eliza Salenga from Katundu reflects on the transformative impact of Mr Masimba’s work.

“I used to think removing bees meant burning them, but Mr Masimba has shown me that there’s a skilful way to relocate them safely.

His courage and expertise are truly remarkable.”

Mr Masimba’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep respect for nature.

His ability to handle bees with his hands not only challenges conventional practices but also offers a profound lesson in harmony between humans and the environment.