New travel company Ikigai Safaris launched in Dar es Salaam
Ikigai Safaris Company Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Theresia Mrema (R), speaks during the official launch, looking on is Tanzania Tourism Board Marketing Manager, Vivian Temi
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s tourism landscape has welcomed a new player with the official launch of Ikigai Safaris, a premium travel company aiming to redefine adventure and wellness tourism across Africa and beyond.
The launch, held in Dar es Salaam on Friday, April 18, 2025, marked the entry of a proudly Tanzanian brand into the high-end travel sector. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai — which translates to “reason for being” — the company seeks to offer more than just vacations, promising transformative travel experiences that nurture the mind, body, and soul.
“At Ikigai, we believe travel should offer more than just relaxation,” said Theresia Mrema, Co-Founder and CEO of Ikigai Safaris. “Our mission is to craft meaningful journeys that feed the soul, challenge the body, and renew the spirit.”
Positioning itself as a specialist in personalized travel, Ikigai Safaris offers a wide variety of curated experiences — from luxury retreats and cultural immersions to wellness-focused getaways and adventure-packed sports tours. The company is also tapping into the growing demand for wellness tourism, with packages that include medical tourism, yoga retreats, spa vacations, and nature-based therapies.
As part of its core values, Ikigai Safaris emphasizes ethical and sustainable tourism. The company is committed to ensuring its operations positively impact local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and protect the environment.
“We are committed to showcasing Tanzania’s rich traditions and landscapes while delivering five-star service globally,” Mrema said. “Our clients come from East Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas — and we intend to deliver an unmatched blend of luxury and African hospitality.”
The launch event was officiated by Vivian Temi, Marketing Manager at the Tanzania Tourism Board, who praised the company’s initiative as a vital contribution to Tanzania’s growing tourism sector.
“I commend the founders of Ikigai Safaris for establishing a fully Tanzanian-owned company that highlights the country’s breathtaking beauty,” Temi said.
“Beyond showcasing iconic sites, Ikigai Safaris will help uncover hidden gems, boost arrivals, and create job opportunities. This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to grow our tourism revenue and economy.”
With the tourism sector being one of Tanzania’s top foreign currency earners, initiatives like Ikigai Safaris are expected to bolster efforts to diversify the country’s tourism offerings and attract a broader range of global travelers.
