Originally from Philadelphia, PA Yahya “YAQ” Abdul-Qaadir established Adventure Recreation International LLC in 2001. Yahya is a long time recreation professional that has been leading groups on outdoor trips since 1994. Since his first winter backpacking trip in 1993 he has climbed and backpacked in some of the countries most spectacular locations and discovered how physically and mentally rejuvenated he felt when he returned. Since that time he has wanted to share the benefits gained from outdoor pursuits with others.

Yahya has been professionally involved in just about every facet of the recreation industry ranging from Therapeutic Recreation to climbing instruction. Some of his credentials include instructing rock climbing and backpacking courses at Temple University, assistant instructor for Outward Bound, Youth Director, Park Ranger, climbing guide, Rock Gym employee where he constructed and developed ropes courses and last but not least Youth Sports Director for military communities.

He is a course graduate from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. He is currently pursuing a M.A. in Outdoor Pursuits from George Williams College of Aurora University's school of Experiential Education and holds a B. A. in Sports and Recreation Mgt.

After living in Japan for 5 years with his wife and 3 children he has returned and is working to expand program offerings for Adventure Recreation International. When he is not participating in adventure sports he is dreaming about and planning trips to far away mountains and cliffs. He is in active pursuit to spend time in peaceful places on the planet and is dedicated to enriching others lives through adventure.

Shah “Oatmeal” Jamal grew up in Northern Virginia and brings a wealth of outdoor knowledge and strength to Adventure Recreation International. He is a trained EMT and has worked for some of the countries best wilderness adventure programs.

Shah is responsible for coordinating ARI's eastern United States programming and his passion for globe trotting is fueled by leading various trips abroad. He has spent 9 years in the military service which provided him with extensive travel experience. Shah has climbed, hiked, backpacked and spent extensive time exploring adventures in Japan, New Zealand, the Canadian Rockies, Florida, Washington, California, New York, New England, and West Virginia not to mention the 14 states passed through while hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Evans Mwangi was born and raised in a village on the slopes of Mt. Kenya and began working as a Mt. Kenya Porter in 1989 after joining the Kenya Guides and Porters Club. The following year, after taking an Outward Bound course he became a fully certified guide.

He continued working as a guide until 1995 when he took a leadership course with NOLS. After which time he began guiding privately and is recognized as one of the 10 best guides in be the Mount Kenya Guides and Porters Club. He also speaks fluent English, Kisahhili, Spanish and of course his native tongue of Kikuyu.

Evans resides in Kenya with his wife Trisa and daughter Michelle and ARI is honored to work with such a distinguished and professional guide.