If you’re ever on the hunt for a truly unique safari and travel experience, look no further than our family-owned and operated tour company, Laitolya Tours and Safaris. Based in Arusha, Tanzania, and specializing in customized vacation packages around Tanzania‘s Northern Safari Circuit—the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Kilimanjaro—as well as Zanzibar in the Tanzanian Coastal Circuit—the Laitolya team is truly committed to taking you off the beaten path in a way that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape and culture of the region you’re in. Don’t just see it; feel it!
When it comes to Tanzania’s natural wonders, many people think of the “Big Five” animals (namely, the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). But there are so many other, lesser-known attractions in the region that deserve recognition too, and Laitolya is eager to show you these wonders.
“Maisha ni safari” (life is a journey)
Since its founding by the late Joackim Victor Minde, Laitolya has been a first choice for travelers from all over the world seeking a culturally unique and once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in Tanzania. Up-close encounters with lion prides, spectacular vistas of the African night sky, and visits to memorable locations like the Maasai “Bomas” (homesteads in Swahili) are just some of these encounters.
As a pioneer in Tanzania‘s tourism industry, Mr. Minde left an unforgettable mark on the lives of his daughters, Laura and Lucy. As a child growing up in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, he was constantly exposed to nature and felt compelled to share its beauty with others. Stories of his personal exploits became his forte.
“Tanzania is my country. I love it most, I was born and brought up here. In 1979 I had a dream to share this beautiful and peaceful country with all folks of the world. Thus, I set out to establish Laitolya Tours and Safaris as I felt it was my family and I’s noble duty to enable people of all walks of life to see what mother nature has endowed Tanzania with.” ~ The late Joackim Victor Minde
After he passed away in 2020, his daughters have made it their life’s purpose to impart the knowledge their father instilled in them to everyone they encounter.
Laura and Lucy use their father’s love for the country, his desire to share the beauty he saw with the world, and the long-lasting connections he made along the way to create unique travel plans for visitors of all stripes. The Minde Sisters hope that people from all over the world will be able to say that they’ve seen Tanzania, felt the true heartbeat of the land, and tasted its soul. And they are committed to making that dream come true for every traveler they meet.
Our approach
From the heartfelt greetings to the scrumptious and flavorful “chakula” (food in Swahili) you‘ll enjoy in the company of new friends, every moment will be full of rich opportunities to learn, grow, and take delight in life’s simple pleasures. And while Laitolya loves nothing more than to help people make the most of their safari and travel experiences, the real joy comes from being able to help others see Tanzania in a new and exciting way—from showing them where local favorites are hidden to sharing stories about the places and people they visit along the way. It is Laitolya’s greatest desire that you’ll leave Tanzania with not only an amazing story to tell but also a sense of gratitude for the memories you’ve made and the new connections you’ve formed along the way.
“Karibu kwetu” (welcome to our home).
Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you get one step closer to the ultimate Tanzanian adventure.