African Environments was founded in Tanzania in 1983, born from a shared passion for adventure, exploration, and responsible travel.
American adventurer and outdoor education instructor Wesley Krause joined forces with Maasai Tanzanian Isaac Leserwa and Chagga Tanzanian Francis Kishingo to create a company offering safe, reliable Kilimanjaro climbs, bush walks, and safaris – at a time when Tanzania remained largely the preserve of only the most seasoned and resilient travellers.
Together, they helped pioneer adventure tourism in Tanzania, creating extraordinary journeys while prioritising safety, professionalism, and respect for the landscapes they explored.
Built on Low-Impact Tourism from the Beginning
Long before terms like “eco-tourism” or “sustainable travel” became industry standards, African Environments was already focused on minimising the impact of its operations.
The company was founded on the belief that Tanzania’s wild spaces should be explored thoughtfully and protected carefully.
As our name reflects, African Environments has always remained committed to:
- Low-impact tourism
- Responsible wilderness travel
- Ethical safari operations
- Conservation-minded adventure
This philosophy continues to guide us today.
Growth, Experience & Expansion
Following the retirement of Isaac and Francis, Janice and Richard Beatty joined African Environments in 1998, bringing new energy, operational expertise, and global expedition experience.
Richard, like Wesley, built his career training and leading expeditions across:
- Africa
- Asia
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
Together, Janice and Richard also expanded African Environments into film production support, developing what has become Tanzania’s leading film outfitting operation.
Their leadership helped grow African Environments beyond Kilimanjaro and safaris into a diverse adventure company specialising in:
- Private safaris
- Walking safaris
- Luxury tented camps
- Kilimanjaro expeditions
- Film crew logistics
- Professional training and development
African Environments Today
Now based on a three-acre property on the edge of Arusha, Tanzania, African Environments remains proudly family-run.
With:
- Permanent staff of over 35
- Seasonal and contract teams of more than 400
- Eliza Krause, daughter of Wes and Melly & Lucy Hills, daughter of Richard and Janice have now joined African Environments
- Extensive training facilities
- Operational infrastructure supporting camps, safaris, climbs, and productions
…we continue to combine large-scale capability with personalised attention to detail.
More Than a Safari Company
African Environments is not simply an operator.
We are a respected organisation committed to:
Professional development
Ethical employment
Tanzanian career growth
Wilderness training
Community partnerships
Over the decades, we have helped train and support countless Tanzanians through guiding, hospitality, logistics, outdoor education, and professional development opportunities.
Our legacy is not only in the journeys we create – but also in the people we invest in.
What Makes Us Different?
âś” Founded in Tanzania in 1983
âś” Family-run and locally based in Arusha
âś” Kilimanjaro pioneers
âś” Low-impact tourism leaders
âś” Private safari specialists
âś” Serengeti walking experts
✔ Tanzania’s dedicated film outfitter
âś” Strong focus on training and staff development
Our Mission
To create exceptional, ethical, and deeply meaningful adventures in Tanzania while protecting the land, empowering people, and setting the standard for responsible tourism.
Looking Forward
More than four decades after our founding, African Environments continues to evolve – while staying true to the values that started it all: