Overview

Ikigai Safaris is a safari and travel operator based in Tanzania, with offices in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. The name “Ikigai” comes from the Japanese concept of “a reason for being,” reflecting their focus on purposeful and meaningful travel. They market themselves as a boutique operator offering curated, luxury, and bespoke safari experiences across Tanzania and East Africa.

Leadership & Team

The company is led by Theresia Mrema, its CEO and Co-Founder. The team is relatively small, with fewer than 10 employees, allowing them to provide personalized service and custom itineraries.

Safari Experiences in Tanzania

Ikigai Safaris covers all the major circuits and national parks in Tanzania, including:

Serengeti National Park – famous for the Great Migration.

Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO World Heritage site with dense wildlife.

Tarangire National Park – known for large elephant herds and baobabs.

Lake Manyara – popular for birdlife and tree-climbing lions.

Types of Tours

Classic safaris: Traditional itineraries across northern Tanzania.

Luxury and bespoke safaris: Private, tailor-made experiences with high-end lodges and camps.

Photography safaris: Focused on wildlife photography with private vehicles and guides.

Specialty trips: Honeymoon packages, beach extensions in Zanzibar, and primate trekking extensions in Uganda or Rwanda.

Tours can often start on flexible dates and are customizable based on traveler preferences.

Approach & Values

Personalized service: As a smaller operator, they design itineraries closely around client needs.

Sustainability: They emphasize responsible tourism, including support for local communities and eco-friendly practices.

Flexibility: Options range from mid-range to high-end, with a mix of private and group travel.

Pricing & Scale

Their safaris range from budget-friendly to luxury, depending on the itinerary and lodge selection. Pricing typically includes accommodations, meals, park fees, and transport within Tanzania, though international flights are excluded.

Things to Consider

Since Ikigai Safaris is a newer and relatively small company, travelers should:

Confirm their operating licenses and permits in Tanzania.

Ask for clear details on what is included in packages.

Request references or testimonials from past clients.

Review their cancellation and refund policies.

Verify the quality of guides, vehicles, and partner lodges.