Mr. Ibrahim Mruma, Managing Director
Luitours and Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2018)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $150 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Jayesh Patel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent!
Ibrahim, together with our safari tour guide Godlisten, are both very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I cannot recommend them both enough.
Ibrahim was patient with me whilst I asked a *lot* of questions and gave me advice throughout together with the help of Godlisten. Ibrahim arranged stays at impressive and comfortable lodges for reasonable rates, possibly on the higher end of midrange and what we planned to pay but it was an unforgettable experience. I booked a 5 day midrange safari for two people, which we ended up extending with an extra day. All accommodation and the jeep were accessible to my mum who has some slight mobility issues from her arthritis and knee issues.
Day 0: we arrived two days before our safari was meant to start but Ibrahim was able to arrange a transfer to Arusha by our guide, Godlisten.
Day 1: we left Arusha and visited Tarangire and stayed at Farm of Dreams Lodge. The lodge was beautiful and had great amenities, albeit we didn't get to use them much with just an overnight stay. Tarangire was a great taster for what we could expect to see on safari.
Day 2-3: we stayed at Serengeti Safari Lodge for two nights which was a very impressive and pretty luxurious lodge, including a private shower outside in the Serengeti attached to the room. The Serengeti itself is incredible, and in hindsight I wish we stayed a day or two longer. We managed to witness a lot of wildebeest migration but due to timing not too much 'action' from carnivores. I now understand why people can go on Safari for several weeks as there's really near infinite possibilities of what you might witness in wildlife. On Day 3 we did a balloon safari which Ibrahim was able to arrange at a slightly discounted rate versus what we would have paid at the booths.
Day 4: we stayed at Rhino Lodge which was in the cold/wet side of Ngorongoro, great amenities again. Ngorongoro is beautiful and will leave you speechless when you first enter. We had managed to see four of the big five in Tarangire and Serengeti but thankfully with Godlisten's eyesight we were able to see a Black Rhino in the middle of Ngorongoro from quite a distance. We had a really close experience with a lion and two lionesses taking a nap right next to our jeep.
Day 5: we sadly headed away from Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara. Ibrahim and Godlisten had suggested to me when booking that it might be worth skipping and spending more time in the Serengeti but I wanted to visit Lake Manyara as my mum had previously visited there with her school from Arusha. Sadly due to flooding and climate change it seems Lake Manyara isn't really worth visiting but nevertheless it was interesting albeit saddening to see. Midway through our time in Lake Manyara we decided we'd like to extend our safari by one day as we felt Manyara wasn't really worth it and we hoped to end our tour with slightly better memories/experiences. Unfortunately it would have been too expensive to return to the Serengeti so if you're thinking of extending try and discuss before leaving Ngorongoro! We decided to visit Tarangire again and Ibrahim arranged for another night at a lodge in Mto wa Mbu at Ngare Lodge. Before this we visited some souvenir shops, a tanzanite experience and some local art. We also visited a maasai village. We also stopped over in Karatu to visit a shop my uncle once worked at over 50 years ago which is now demolished. We then stayed overnight at Ngare Lodge, which is great!
Day 6: we visited Tarangire for a second time. Our main objective was hopefully to see Cheetahs but we knew it would probably be unlikely in the long grass. Cheetahs were the only animal we hadn't seen at all unfortunately and sadly we didn't see any - but it's a reminder of how 'random' wildlife can be. Godlisten tried everywhere and tried to discuss with other tour guides if they had seen any but sadly we didn't get to see any. But we did get to see some really unforgettable moments with elephant groups and families greeting each other and rolling around in mud. After a while we decided to call time and headed back to Arusha. Really was quite sad it ended on the journey back.
All the staff at the lodges were incredibly welcoming and food was really enjoyable at each venue and had great vegetarian options.
I would also like to give a huge thanks to our guide, Godlisten Williams. His jeep was very comfortable for two people and he was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He was able to spot animals from a distance and give us some information and history throughout the journey. He also made sure we had water and a packed lunch for every day and kept us entertained throughout.
The only thing I would've changed is spending more time in Serengeti and not visiting Lake Manyara - but it was nevertheless a flawless well-organised tour and one of my favourite experiences. If I were to do a safari again in the future I would also try and wake up earlier so there's more time for game drives as you might encounter more animals or situations that way.
US
Email Polly | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They provided us with and outstanding experience!
We initially booked a 12 day southern circuit (Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha) safari through Luitour and then modified the trip to include an extra 4 days of the northern circuit (Tarangire, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater). We modified it again to add a balloon ride in the Serengeti. Ibrahim was on top of everything and we could not have been happier with our guide, Khalifa, the hotels/camps, the safaris, and the additional activities. We chose the southern circuit for a chance to see the wild dogs (we didn’t) and to get away from the hundreds of vehicles that crowd the northern parks. It felt a lot more authentic and the experience was fantastic. Each park has their specialty and I have a hard time deciding which one I liked the best, but I’m already thinking about returning (again!). We really enjoyed the visit to the Masai village outside of Mikumi and I don’t think I would have said the same thing if we had done it in the north. The pilars of Isimila were outstanding and I highly encourage a visit to the rock art north of Dodoma if you have a chance. This is a UNESCO experience.
The northern circuit was added because two of the three of us had never been to the Serengeti and the Crater, so we decided to brave the crowds and the dust and add that to our trip. And yes, it’s definitely worth it. Because there are so many vehicles, some of the more difficult animals to see are more easily spotted and that information is shared. But it also means you can have 20+ vehicles jockeying for position to see the desired animal. The Crater is special and one of few places to see the black rhino (we saw a mother and baby at the last moment before we left).
We wore our lucky underwear and saw over 74 lions, 9 cheetahs, 2 leopards, 1 serval, 2 black rhinos, hyenas, and everything else (but wild dogs, not complaining). We had lions on a kill, cubs, and a little bit of unsuccessful hunting. We saw a cheetah with 5 young cubs. Khalifa made sure that we all got quality time with whatever interested us as individuals or as a group. As a result, we had some amazing experiences. The vehicle is roomy and comfortable with optimal viewing for everyone. It is also maintained regularly, but also be aware the roads are bumpy and things can happen. We had flat tire, but it took 12 minutes to change. Khalifa was an excellent spotter, driver, and a joy to be around. The lodging was also very comfortable. If you haven’t done a tent lodge, it is like very nice glamping. The tents have real and comfortable beds, bathrooms attached with running water, and a chance to hear the lions in the camp at night. The food was very good, a mix of Western and African food. Most places have wifi, but it usually only works near the reception and restaurant, but you are on vacation, so put your phones and tablets away. Find some lucky underwear and book!
Email Philip | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service from start to finish
Having booked a 2 week stay in Zanzibar, I started looking at options for a day safari experience in mainland Tanzania and came across Luitours online. After some extensive research looking at reviews I emailed Ibrahim and started some dialogue. Ibrahim was incredibly patient with me as I asked loads of questions via email before I went ahead an booked a private tour for myself and my wife in Nyerere National Park. This was a day trip from Zanzibar which included hotel transfers, flights, safari as well as breakfast and lunch. It wasn't cheap at 540USD per person but it was so worth it. After paying a 30% deposit on line, I paid the balance on pick-up from my hotel in cash.
This trip does come with an early start, we were picked up from our hotel at 0330 for the nearly 2 hour trip to the airport. After a bit of hanging around we passed through domestic departures before boarding the plane for the 30 mins journey to the park where you land on a bush landing strip. At the strip there are toilets (clean) and also somewhere you could get a drink and souvenirs.
On arrival we were met by Erick our guide for the day, and after a 15 min wait we were ready to start our safari. It was worth paying a little extra for a private tour as we had an open-sided Toyota 4x4 to ourselves and Erick was happy to stop wherever we asked if we wanted to take photos of any animals or birds we had seen.
Im not sure about the other vehicles that were in the park, but we didn't follow everyone around in a convoy, Erick basically just went off road to take us to areas he thought we would see animals. It was absolutely fantastic and we managed to see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, zebra, antelope, wildebeest, warthogs, giraffes, baboons, black faced monkeys as well as a ton of birds.
We stopped for breakfast of doughnuts, tea and coffee next to a lake, where again there was so many birds and animals to view. Lunch was in an area with baobab trees (also toilets) where again there were loads of birds to watch while you ate a delicious offering of vegetable stew, chicken and rice.
We spent a total of about nearly 9 hours in the park and it was amazing. This is an absolute must do from Zanzibar if you are able.
Ibrahim was great all the way before, during and after the booking process and would absolutely have no hesitation in recommending Luitours.
DE
Email F und M | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing All in Safari Experience!
The tour was amazing!!
We saw all the animals that we want to see (including the Big 5). Our guide was so kind and patient to get the best experience for us. Also the Organisation (flights, taxi drives, Food, Water) was so great. And they stayed always in contact with us (WhatsApp, Mail).
We are more than happy that we booked LuiTours for our Safari!
CA
Email Jim | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience
The 4 day/ 3 night Safari was amazing. Luitours were very easy to deal with and always available to answer questions. I would highly recommend using them. Our guide was great. We enjoyed his company during the days and even at supper in the evenings.
You will not be disappointed with the Safari or this company.
DE
Email Jean | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Safari Experience!
It was easy booking the tour with this company, Ibrahim was very supportive and arranged everything to our plan. We booked 6 days safari to the Northern part of Tanzania and it was the best choice ever!
We thank our driver Mr. Okuli who shared his knowledge with us and gave us all the information we needed during our stay in Tanzania. The accommodation was good except the one in Ngorongoro which was simple and old
I will recommend Luitours and Safaris for anyone looking for safari in Tanzania
NL
Email Rens | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an awesome and very well organised with LuiTours, who really know what they are doing
We went on a wonderful private Safari with LuiTours for 2 days, to Tarangire & Ngorongoro crater, departing from our holiday on Zanzibar and returning to Zanzibar afterwards. Everything was very well arranged, and we had a very kind and knowledgeable driver/guide with us.
We had good contact via email beforehand, they booked our domestic flights, our driver was waiting for us at the airport in Arusha at our time of arrival. After the day in Tarangire we spent the night at a small lodge (Ngare Lodge) between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, which was very much up to modern standards & with a good meal +breakfast included. The lunches during the safari days were okay, nothing special but prepared beforehand. After visiting Ngorongoro from the moring until the afternoon (~4 pm) we returned to the airport and took our flight back to Zanzibar.
All in all we had a wonderful safari, where we saw almost every type of animal we could have seen (except cheetahs and leopards); thank you LuiTours!
CH
Email Susan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
This tour operator was very efficient and responsive from the outset.
We organized our seven-day safari to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti by email with Ibrahim. Communication was perfect and after very few exchanges, the itinerary was confirmed. Our driver, Ocul was absolutely charming throughout the whole trip, very punctual at our early-morning meeting points and taking care of us extremely diligently. He is a real power house of knowledge, and we learned so much from him about the animals, the landscape, the culture. He went out of his way on sometimes quite difficult roads to show us, for example, the savannah. We saw cheetahs, leopards, lions and their cubs, hippos, elephants, giraffe, rhinos, and so much more. Ocul was always careful to position our jeep in such a way as to allow us to get the best photos. and videos. We have quite a collection. A truly wonderful and life-changing experience! All of our lodges were clean, comfortable, provided excellent food at breakfast, dinner and for our lunchtime picnics in the bush, and their staff were lovely. We considered it good value for money. Thank you so very much.
HK
Email con | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
excellent
We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional guidance and support you provided during our recent trip to the northern part of Tanzania. As visitors from Hong Kong, traveling with our elderly parents, we were fortunate to have you as our guide.
Your extensive knowledge of the region, coupled with your warm and friendly demeanor, made our experience truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, you ensured our safety and comfort, going above and beyond to accommodate our needs. Your attention to detail and meticulous planning allowed us to make the most of our eight-day adventure.
Your expertise in showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Tanzania was truly remarkable. Your passion for the country's rich history and diverse wildlife was infectious, and we found ourselves captivated by every story and fact you shared.
Moreover, your patience and understanding towards our elderly parents were commendable. You took the time to ensure their comfort and made sure they were able to fully enjoy the trip. Your kindness and compassion will forever be cherished.
Okuli, you are not just a guide but a true ambassador for Tanzania. Your professionalism, knowledge, and genuine care for your guests have left an indelible mark on our hearts. We are immensely grateful for the memories you helped create and the experiences you shared with us.
Thank you once again for being an exceptional guide. We wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone planning a trip to Tanzania, as they would be fortunate to have you by their side.
RS
Email Max Teena | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything was great!
We were Tarangire/ Ngorongoro crater/ Manayara, we also visited Masai village with our kind guide Oculi.