Ilmaasai Expedition
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- TTB, TALA, KPA & TANAPA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $160 to $750 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Lifetime experience
We found ilmaasai at the last minute, and agreed on a custom tour starting the day after. They were flexible, kind, and agreed on a price within our budget. The tour was above my expectations and will remember it forever. Thanks again!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Safari
It was a fantastic safari! We visited the Hadzabe bushman tribe and other national safari destinations; our travel guides and destination-specific guides were knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend Ilmaasai and Loth to my friends, no problem.
With Ilmaasai you make your safaritrip a very personal experience
I spent 4 months volunteering in Arusha (dec13/march14) and did several trips with the little company of the two brothers Loth and Philip. It was my aim to find a good and trustworthy company to organize trips for a lot of volunteers. At first they all went to the big companies. I didn't want that: I wanted the spent money to be supporting local people and local economy. With the Ilmaasai's I was on the right spot. A personal touch, a friendly conversation, always karibu sana when you drop by at the cosy office in the park. Just good folks, that you can rely on.
If you go for the brandnew jeep or the flashy add-on's, go to a big company; if you want the real thing, with an excellent guide and a superb cook (Godson & Saimon were our hero's!), go with Ilmaasai and go to the campsites and not the expensive ridgelodges.
And say hi to Philip and Loth from me!
IT
Email Giovanni | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
PERFECT
I used this company many times and every year it was perfect and better.
The owner know very well wildlife and the best places for to find game.
He loves nature.
All is the best for a nice wildlife safari trip!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Loth and Ephata were very helpful, knowledgeable, and took very good care of us.
The safari was better than we could have possibly imagined. Our accommodations were first class and Loth and Ephata could not have done enough for us, in other words, their service to us was superb. They always knew where to find the animals we wanted to see. We would definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to go on safari in Tanzania.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent safari!
I loved the company! Did the 4-day Serengeti, Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater. At Manyara, a herd of elephants literally passed right in front of our vehicle - we could have touched them! Ngorongoro had a beautiful landscape. Serengeti was the best! We saw just about everything and ended up in the middle of a pride of sleeping lions on one occasion. We saw just about everything on this 4-day: zebras, giraffes, lions, elephants, hippos, and even a cheetah. Our guides were very nice and put up well with all of our questions and would tell us information about the animals. They would also accommodate our specific requests - I wanted to see a lilac breasted roller bird and a sunrise... and he got us there for both! The cook that came with us was super nice and made us absolutely delicious dinners at camp each night. He'd chat with us and tell us stories. The company brings all the camp gear, food, cooking equipment, etc. All you need are clothes and toiletries!
A word about the person who owns the business, Loth. He became a good friend and helped us out twice free of charge on a moment's notice when (1) we had a medical emergency at our home and needed to transport one of our volunteers to the hospital ASAP and didn't have any other phone numbers of people with cars, and (2) when we ended up on the wrong bus back from Dar es Salaam to Arusha and ended up at a scary bus stop at 1am he came straight to the rescue and delivered us safely home. He used his personal vehicle and refused payment. Not only was the safari great, but the owner of this company cares about people and I trust him. I whole-heartedly recommend this expedition. I'll go again if I ever make it back to Tanzania!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A great vacation
Three craters in three days-- and each has something different to offer. It was a great way to relax after working in the city for a while, very quiet, peaceful, relaxing-- while also being an invigorating environment to explore.
First day's crater is large, open savannah, where Maasai live and graze cattle. Second day's has a large wooded area to walk down to a huge, lake where flamingoes migrate through during parts of the year. And the third day is the large area for a safari drive to see a huge number of animals in their habitat.
In between, the camping was nice-- the guides/hosts were pleasant, meeting some Maasai from around was interesting, and the food was really excellent (even got a chance to try my hand at making ugali). It was a large-style vacation in just a few days. Highly recommended.
CZ
Email Martin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Good choice
It was a great experience a good selection of tour operator. Driver was very funny, he knew a lot (he is Masaai). We visited 3 NP - a lot of varirous species of animals - lion, zebras, elephants, etc.
Food was OK, accomodation too.
I can highly recommend this Il maasai company.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
If you like sleeping in tents, it's perfectly fine.
If the company is the same as it was back in 2012, it was a perfectly fine experience. I was not disappointed in the least with the safari. We had good food, we slept in tents, and we were able to see animals out on the Serengeti. It was also a great price. We felt the company was honest in their dealings with us. Looking at companies that charge a lot more, the only thing they can truly offer is housing better than tents, because you will get the same experience driving around looking for wild life. So, I was satisfied.
DE
Email Markus | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
After being welcomed hearty we always felt comfortable and secure travelling around with ilmaasai.
Our tour was organized by my sister in law. As a local she recommended ilmaasai as relaibel, relaxed and sensible. Our driver was competent in answering questions concerning all kind of wilflife and the environment, etc. He brought us savley to and through all the beautiful tanzanian parks. Nice companion to travel with! Like our cook too! We enjoyed in his cuisine and more than once we were surprised about his performance late at night after a long day out in nature. Al lot of non-replaceble moments we finished our safari impressed deeply. Thanks a lot!