Office Team | Tanzania Safari | Safari in Tanzania

Lion King was founded by James Mlanga. James is a very experienced Safari Guide, with 15 years’ guiding under his belt. He was born and raised on the Southern Slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which nurtured his passion for nature.

Our Team

Lion King is a team of friendly and dedicated professionals. We are committed to delivering a once in a lifetime experience. We are incredibly proud of our country and everything it has to offer. We love nothing better than sharing it with people from all over the world. The team at Lion King understands that the decision to come to Africa is often a big one and we will do everything we can to make your dream come true. We listen to what our clients want and do our very best to create your perfect trip. We understand the importance of excellent customer service, including prompt, reliable communication.

Our team also includes native English speakers. As well as their first language being English, they also provide valuable support understanding client expectations and the associated anxieties of travelling to an African wilderness.

Founder/ Safari Guide
James Fanuel Mlanga

French Representative & Co-founder of Mister Safari
Romain Coulomb

Second Accountant in Command
Lina Albert Godlisten

Founder/ Safari Guide

James Fanuel Mlanga

Lion King Adventures was founded by Mr James Fanuel Mlanga, a guide with over a decades experience in leading expeditions across East Africa under his belt. James also has the natural advantage of being born and raised on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, an upbringing which nurtured his passion for nature. James’ lifetime engagement with the natural world informs his extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of Tanzania. James is also deeply knowledgable of the culture and traditions of his country. With the combination of James’ great personality, gentle nature, and acute mind, driven as it is to excellence, you find yourself in the company of one of the finest Tanzanian guides one could possibly hope to venture with.

I T/Web Designer

Olais Godwin Mollel

He is one of the kindest and politest people you could find. His skill in web and graphic designing is just remarkable.

With Degree in Information Technology, Olais is one of the best website and graphic designers in the region. His area of specialization includes SEO/PPC/SMO, real time web analytic, web designing, web hosting, email marketing, cooperate training and business consulting. He has joined Lion King team as the person in charge of our website maintenance and we could be more happier.

General Manager

Gordon Fischer

Gordon joined Lion King Adventures in January 2024 and immediately felt at home in the safari industry. Born in Maine, USA, Gordon developed a love for the outdoors early in life through countless hiking and canoeing trips with friends and family. At eight years old, he even called a moose out of the woods while paddling an Old Town canoe with his dad! Although he lived in New York City for years, Gordon is at peace in the natural world, surrounded by bird calls and a night sky full of stars. With a background in social justice and a passion for conservation, Gordon believes that businesses have a duty to uplift local communities and protect the environment, and is determined to help Lion King Adventures become a leader in eco-tourism and corporate social responsibility.

A 2013 graduate from Colby College with a degree in Art and Social Justice, Gordon spent a decade teaching and coaching basketball at schools of all levels in the US, Uganda and Tanzania. He has also been an avid documentary filmmaker since college. His growing curiosity about sustainable business drove him to launch Metisha Movement, a streetwear brand that emphasizes upcycling and supporting local artisans. With nearly five years of real-world experience as an entrepreneur, he brings to LKA hands-on expertise in brand-building, business development, and creating engaging content. A passionate team player, Gordon has already implemented leadership and team-building trainings to strengthen collaboration and ensure group success for everyone at LKA.

Gordon is fluent in Swahili and committed to lifelong learning, holding certificates in Higher Education from Harvard University and Creative Writing from NYU. Through years of coaching, managing teams and long-term projects, he has honed his leadership skills and developed digital storytelling abilities through photography and videography. At his core, Gordon is driven by a desire to innovate and positively impact the world around him. Some of his goals at Lion King include developing software solutions to streamline daily operations, creating authentic eco-tourism experiences, and building an internship program for Colby students to help our digital marketing and data analysis efforts. He’s incredibly grateful to James and the entire team for welcoming and providing him a place to thrive by contributing to the growth of Lion King Adventures.

Tour Consultant

Upendo Daniel Simon

Upendo has just started working with Lion King and is delighted to have joined such a warm and friendly team. Upendo is Arushan, born and bred, one of three daughters born to Daniel and Martha, the eldest with her sisters whom she loves dearly being Janet and Jovitha. Upendo has, in 2018, completed her B.A. in Accountancy at the University of Dodoma, a three year degree from which she qualified with distinction. Despite offers of work with several prestigious firms, Upendo was hesitant about moving directly into the corporate world and decided to try something that involved more direct contact with people. With an abiding interest in the natural world and her love of the flora and fauna of the parks of Northern Tanzania, Upenda had an inkling that she would like to continue to develop and expand her knowledge and connection to the Rift Valley’s beauties, and so, found herself looking in alternative directions for employment. Having found a connection with James, and being invited to come on board and see how she liked working in the Lion King environment, Upendo found that she felt more comfortable working with a tight knit team, communicating with clients from around the world and, designing ad realising once in a lifetime adventures for them. Upendo is a fan of the movies and enjoys walking in the environs of Arusha, the beautiful town at the foot of Mount Meru that she calls home. Although unmarried, Upendo would one day like to start a family of her own with a wish for three children, two boys and a girl if given the choice! If asked what makes Tanzania special Upendo would point to the magnificent flora and fauna to be found in the National Parks and Reserves, the excellent climate conditions, and the people, their special character, friendliness, and inherent welcoming nature. When asked to share one sage piece of advice Upendo without hesitation proffers: ‘Do your best and G-d will do the rest’. Upendo is happy to be here to help you realise your dream trip with the minimum of fuss!

French Representative & Co-founder of Mister Safari

Romain Coulomb

With a passion for the great outdoors and adventure, Romain Coulomb spent over 10 years working in international trade, a career that took him to the four corners of the world. It was while visiting Africa that he fell in love with the wilderness, the continent’s exceptional biodiversity and the African people.

The real turning point came when he had an unforgettable encounter with a majestic leopard, perched on a tree, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. This magical moment, confronted with what seemed to him to be the most beautiful animal he had ever seen, marked the beginning of his desire to help other enthusiasts discover Africa.

Building on this passion, Romain co-founded Mister Safari, a company dedicated to photo safaris in Tanzania. In partnership with Lion King Adventures, Mister Safari offers unique experiences that not only capture the beauty of Africa’s wildlife, but also allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local cultures.

What sets Mister Safari apart is the quality of the guides we work with. True professionals with a passion for nature, they know the national parks like the back of their hand. Thanks to their expertise and their love of biodiversity, each safari becomes an authentic and unforgettable adventure, respectful of the environment and local communities.

Accountant

Rose Bonifas

Rosemary grew up in a humble home in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, inspired to be a financial analyst by her father.
In 2018 she completed her Bachelor Degree of Commerce in Finance at the University of Dodoma and later joined the National Board of Accountants and Auditors to continue paving her way to her dream of being a professional Accountant. No challenge was too great for Rose to take on, while focusing on her vision.

A quiet person, with a great passion for reading and watching movies. During the time she has been with Lion King, she is entwined with the organization’s culture of being a nature lover. In addition, her desire to travel around the world has grown enormously.
Her main focus now is to become a successful person. She never stops dreaming but also encourages others to dream. The dreams you have will always be a motivation towards achieving whatever you want in life.

Tour Consultant

Caroline Ngowi

Travelling and adventure have always been Caroline’s passion. Born and raised in Arusha and Kilimanjaro, Caroline has grown up immersed in the adventure and cultural diversity of the Northern safari circuit.
Caroline holds a diploma in Business Administration from St John’s University and Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources from the University of Dodoma. During her career, Caroline has gained a wide range of experience in both marketing and sales.

In addition to her passion for travelling, Caroline loves sports and exercise. Her favourite sport is running Marathons. Caroline enjoys travelling to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature and also for sporting tours. To date, she has completed eight marathons!

Caroline joined Lion King Adventures in 2021 and has already proved herself to be an excellent addition to the team.

Tour Consultant

EsuvatMaria Letara

Tour Consultant

Jovitha Daniel

Tour Consultant

Florida Dawson

Tour Consultant

Elia Maira

Elia is a skilled and passionate sales consultant at Lion King Adventures, a leading tour operator in Arusha, Tanzania. Born in the Geita region, Elia’s early connection to Tanzania’s rich natural heritage inspired his pursuit of a Bachelor degree in Tourism Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. With this academic foundation, he combines a deep knowledge of conservation and sustainable tourism with an expert understanding of Tanzania’s premier safari destinations.

Elia specializes in crafting personalized, unforgettable safari experiences for travelers, ensuring seamless journeys to world-renowned locations in the Tanzania Northern Circuit. His extensive regional knowledge and commitment to excellent customer service allow him to provide clients with tailor-made itineraries that suit their unique interests and expectations.

Now based in Arusha, Elia plays a key role at Lion King Adventures, connecting travelers with the heart of Tanzania’s wild landscapes, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking natural wonders. His dedication to promoting sustainable tourism ensures that every trip benefits both the environment and the local communities.

Tour Consultant

Peter Laizer

Peter Laizer is a dedicated Maasai young man from the stunning Tanga region of Taznania, situated at the foothills of the Usambar`a Mountains. His passion for nature and tourism blossomed during his secondary school years, where he first recognized the beauty of our planet while grazing cattle.

In 2020, Peter pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, where he demonstrated exceptional commitment to his studies, graduating in 2023 with a 4.2 GPA and earning an Upper Second-Class degree.

Traveling and engaging with nature are not merely hobbies for Peter; they are fundamental aspects of his identity. He believes that each journey unfolds a unique narrative, which he is eager to share with others. Since joining Lion King Adventures as a tour consultant, Peter has further honed his skills and embraced numerous opportunities to explore the wonders of nature and the vast potential within the tourism industry.

Lead Accountant

Uledi Athumani Avanda

Uledi Athumani Avanda is a seasoned accountant who has been a vital part of Lion King Adventures since 2022. Raised in Dodoma, Uledi’s journey in accounting began with inspiration from the Controller and Auditor General (CAG). He graduated from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha and soon found his calling in the tourism industry, where his financial acumen has made a significant impact at Lion King Adventures.

With a talent for revenue management, cost control, and budgeting, Uledi plays a key role in optimizing financial processes and saving the company money. His ability to analyze data and offer strategic advice on taxation and financial planning has positioned him as a trusted leader of our Accounting Department. At the same time, Uledi has built strong relationships with key stakeholders, including tourism boards, hotels and safari agents.

Beyond his professional contributions, Uledi is passionate about Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and vibrant wildlife. His most memorable moments with the company so far include hiking Kilimanjaro’s foothills and a hot-air balloon ride in Tarangire National Park. These experiences deepen his connection to the tourism industry and remind him of the beauty his work supports.

When he’s not crunching numbers, Uledi enjoys swimming, cooking, and exploring new destinations. Dedicated to making a difference, he actively supports local charities, believing in the power of community and giving back. Looking ahead, Uledi envisions championing conservation efforts, and inspiring others to protect the natural wonders of our planet.

Second Accountant in Command

Lina Albert Godlisten

A native of Arusha, Lina Albert Godlisten brought over five years of experience in accountancy to Lion King Adventures when she joined in 2022. Her journey began at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, where she developed a passion for financial strategy and precision and eventually became a Certified Public Accountant.

Lina excels in tourism-specific accounting, with expertise in revenue forecasting, cost management, and budgeting. She has played a critical role in ensuring Lion King Adventures’ financial success, offering sound advice on tax compliance and financial planning. Known for her professionalism and integrity, she brings a positive attitude to the office every day, spreading joy by making stories and laughing with others. At Lion King, she has embraced the opportunity to explore Tanzania, from canoeing in Arusha National Park to spotting wildlife in the Serengeti. Her experiences with colleagues in Tanzania’s iconic national parks have been the highlights of her career so far.

Outside of her role, Lina enjoys cooking, hanging with her family, exploring new cuisines, and watching movies. She also has a deep commitment to community, dedicating her time to charitable initiatives that make a meaningful impact. Lina’s ambitions are as dynamic as her career. She dreams of exploring different countries, learning new languages, and forming connections across cultures, all while contributing to meaningful causes. With her blend of expertise, passion, and fun, Lina continues to leave a lasting mark on both her community and the tourism industry.

Lead Mechanic

Mosha Antelim

Born and raised in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Mosha Antelim is the lead mechanic in our garage. Mosha has had a passion for cars and understanding how they work since he was in primary school. In 2014, he decided to turn this passion into a career, choosing to study mechanics at the College of Mechanics in Moshi. His passion, curiosity and dedication to learning have driven him to become a skilled mechanic specializing in safari vehicles.

Since joining Lion King Adventures in 2020, Mosha has played a key role in ensuring safari jeeps are in top condition before and after trips into the bush. His meticulous inspection process includes checking tires, oil levels, propellers, springs, kingpins, wiring systems, and more—each checkup taking around an hour. Mosha values the company’s commitment to his personal and professional growth, and he takes pride knowing he did his best to ensure every safari runs smoothly.

Second Mechanic in Command

Paul Sitta

As the second mechanic in command at Lion King Adventures, Paul Sitta brings expertise and a rich cultural heritage to the team. Born in Mwanza Region, Paul is a proud member of the Sukuma tribe and speaks Sukuma, Swahili, and English fluently. His fascination with mechanics began at a young age, inspired by a desire to understand how cars worked. This led him to pursue a degree at Jeriada Training Center for Mechanics in Mwanza.

In 2020, Paul moved to Arusha, where his skills caught the attention of Lion King Adventures’ founder, James. Joining the Lion King garage was a natural fit, allowing him to work on state-of-the-art safari vehicles while enjoying life in vibrant Arusha. For Paul, working at Lion King Adventures means more than just a job—it provides stability and the opportunity to grow in a supportive environment.

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