Born in Arusha · Designed in Tanzania

Local roots. Journeys with meaning.

Africano Paraiso is an Arusha-based safari company creating private wildlife journeys, Kilimanjaro climbs and Zanzibar escapes with local insight, thoughtful pacing and genuine care.

Plan my Tanzania journey Speak with our Arusha team
Arusha basedKnowledge from the ground
Personally plannedEvery route shaped around you
Locally supportedHelp before and during travel
Connected across Tanzania

A local travel ecosystem

Our work is strengthened by guides, community initiatives, camps, lodges and specialist travel partners across Tanzania.

JMMCADECTEagle OverlandTATO MatembeziAcacia CampsPlanet LodgesEmbalakai Camps
Gideon Leonard Mawenya, founder of Africano Paraiso in Arusha, Tanzania
Gideon Leonard Mawenya Founder & CEO · Arusha, Tanzania
Our story

A safari company shaped by community work

Africano Paraiso began with a belief that exploring Tanzania should create lasting value for travellers and local communities alike.

Born in Arusha, founder Gideon Leonard Mawenya first built his experience through grassroots community work. While managing Amani Children’s Home and contributing to the early development of the Amani Initiative, he supported child protection and family reunification for vulnerable children.

That work shaped the company we are today: thoughtful hospitality, cultural respect and responsible travel belong in the same journey. We design private safaris that reveal Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes while keeping local knowledge at the heart of every decision.

“Every safari is a story waiting to be told.” Gideon M. · Founder & CEO
Explore Tanzania safaris See our community impact
Why travel with us

Personal by design.
Dependable by nature.

Luxury is not excess. It is the confidence that the route, rhythm and details have been considered by people who know Tanzania firsthand.

01

Local knowledge, applied thoughtfully

Seasons, roads, park rhythms and realistic travel time shape every recommendation we make.

02

Handpicked stays and balanced pacing

Lodges are chosen for location, comfort and atmosphere—then arranged around a route that leaves room to experience Tanzania.

03

Clear planning from the beginning

Itinerary, inclusions and the basis of your rate are set out clearly, with useful advice rather than pressure.

04

Support that stays close

Our Arusha team remains available throughout your journey, coordinating the details behind the scenes.

05

Travel with respect and purpose

Community priorities, cultural dignity and care for Tanzania’s landscapes inform how we work.

From first message to first game drive

How your journey comes together

A clear, collaborative planning process keeps the experience personal and the logistics effortless.

  1. 01

    Share your vision

    Tell us your dates, interests, pace and preferred way to travel.

  2. 02

    Shape the route

    We combine the right parks, stays and experiences into a considered proposal.

  3. 03

    Refine and confirm

    We adjust the details together, then coordinate bookings and preparation.

  4. 04

    Travel with local support

    Your private guide and Arusha team help the journey unfold smoothly.

Travel beyond the itinerary

A wider purpose for every journey

Our connection to Tanzania extends beyond the parks. We support locally led conservation and responsible community initiatives while protecting dignity, consent and sensitive places.

Explore community & impact
Locally ledCommunity voices guide priorities.
Safeguarding firstConsent and protection come before publicity.
Respect for placeWildlife, habitat and culture are treated with care.
Meet the people behind the journey

Your team in Tanzania

Local planners, guides and operations specialists working together from first enquiry to final farewell.

CEO 01

Gideon Leonard Mawenya

Founder & CEO

Staff 02

Japhet Kiwelu

Chief Guide

Management Team 03

Baraka Leonard Mawenya

Operations Manager

Travellers’ words

Stories carried home

“Traveling with Africano Paraiso was one of those trips where everything just works, and that makes all the difference. From the start, Gideon was incredibly easy to deal with. He really listens to what you’re looking for and builds a tailor-made itinerary around your needs, instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all package. You can tell he cares about getting …”
“Son muy atentos y todo lo que se nos informó en el itinerario se cumplió, muy amables Nos ha encantado el viaje al completo, los guías muy especiales y siempre atentos, cuidan mucho a sus clientes, fenomenal”
“This is going to be long, so buckle up! But, I can promise you this is worth the read (or at least a skim...) African Paraiso came highly recommended by a friend of a friend. I immediately reached out to learn more and was put in touch with Gidion, the owner of this amazing tour company. I will …”
“Kilimanjaro Machame 6 days We did Kilimanjaro Machame 6 days trip and we were amazed by our team. Our team, especially our guides (Omary and Abdi) are very professional and helped us to reach the summit. The conditions and food were amazing. Would definitely recommend to climb Kilimanjaro with this company.”
“The trip was better than expected thanks to them! Thanks to all the team that joined us! They were very attentive and kind! especially Gideon, he is the best! discovering a bit of tanzania with them was the best of this life!!!”
“Amazing experience with Africano Paraiso. The best value for money, we spent 5 days Safari and felt so comfortable from beggining to the end. Also we had so much fun with Guideon and Simba. We made such a good team together. We would repeat experience with them and so we will recomend them 100%.”